Sazh and Maud were out on a date, eating at a diner not far from the hive. It had been over two months since they, along with Char and Fleetfoot, met in an episode of The Pairing Game. Through some trials and tribulations... and some mental breakdowns, the two couples ended up hitting it off and were now enjoying their relationships.
"How are you enjoying the food?" Sazh asked. "If it's not that great, I'm sorry. I don't usually eat pony food, so I'm not sure what's considered good catering or not."
"It's delicious." Maud said in her signature deadpan voice. "Some of the best food I've ever had... even if there isn't any rocks in it."
"Yeah, sorry about that." Sazh shrugged, "I didn't think the place would be accepting of rocks."
"That's okay." Maud continued speaking in her monotone voice, but a small smile had appeared on her face. "As long as I'm with you, nothing else matters." She leaned her head against Sazh's shoulder.
"Aw, thank." Sazh blushed. "I feel the same way about you. I know we haven't be able to get together often. I've been swamped at work. Would you believe me that Sleight had me organise his entire collection of vintage playing card sets? The things I do for a friend..."
"Well, I think you're very sweet." Maud wrapped her hooves around him. "...In fact, I wanted to ask you something."
"Ask away." Sazh urged.
"Well, I'm going to be visiting my family this weekend. And after that dating show, they've been wondering when they would meet the guy I dated." Maud explained.
'What, they didn't have cable?" Sazh joked.
"My parents think television is the work of demons from Tartarus." Maud gave a small smirk. "But I was wondering if you would like to come with me to meet them."
"So you really want me to meet your family?" Sazh asked. "I know we haven't been dating long..."
"Of course." Maud nodded. "I want them to know what a great guy I'm dating."
"And you think they won't mind...?" Sazh indicated himself.
"Don't worry about that." Maud declared. "They can be quite open-minded if you give them a chance."
"I dunno..." Sazh mused.
"Please?" Maud urged, a slight lilt emerging in her voice. "I just them to meet the wonderful 'love of my life'."
"...Well, I guess a little visit wouldn't hurt." Sazh shrugged. "Besides, any family that could produce a mare as wonderful as you has got to be something special."
"Thanks, Sazh." Maud kissed him on the cheek. "You have no idea how happy you've made me."
"Oh, I think I do." Sazh chuckled.
Meanwhile, Char and Fleetfoot were enjoying a picnic out on a field, in a clearing within the midst of the swamplands, which Fleetfoot had surprised Char with. While their relationship got off to a much rockier start than Sazh and Maud's, it had a rather miraculous turnaround, and the two found that they had much more in common then they realized.
"Ah, thizzz izzz nice." Char smiled. "Azzz a General, I don't get much time to relax. Even then, I never really know what to do with the time I get. I'm juzzz glad I get to zzzpend that time with you."
"The feeling is mutual, you big ol' cuddlebug." Fleetfoot grinned.
Char blushed, as he always did when Fleetfoot called him that. It was a rather ironic nickname given his 'distaste' for cutesy things, but he was willing to endure for his marefriend.
"Well, I have to say, thizzz picnic was a good idea. I'm glad you talked me into doing thizzz." Char declared.
"Hey, you're the one who found this awesome picnic spot." Fleetfoot smiled, as she glanced around the clearing. "You know, I really hadn't given this land a fair shake. This place is gorgeous."
"Well, zzzame here." Char shrugged, "I wazzz kinda againzzzt the thought of having a hive out in the open, but then, it beatzzz having topiary warzzz with Diamond Dogzzz in the cavezzz. I hate those muttzzz."
"Let me guess, you were afraid the sun would bleach your precious shell?" Fleetfoot teased.
"Very funny." Char snorted. "Maybe you zzzhould try going into a cave zzzometime. Better then having your head in the cloudzzz."
"Hilarious." Fleetfoot rolled her eyes. "You're a regular comedian."
"I juzzzt work with what you give me." Char smirked. "And you've given me a lot." He placed his hoof on hers.
"Ooh." Fleetfoot grinned. "You're not getting mushy on me, are you?"
"I don't do muzzzh." Char declared.
"Me neither." Fleetfoot lunged at Char, the two enjoying a playful wrestling match.
"You are a tough one." Char snickered. "And there'zzz nothing I admire more than zzztrength."
"You ain't seen nothing yet." Fleetfoot grinned.
They tussled for a few moments, before breaking apart, laughing.
"You have no idea how much I really needed this." Fleetfoot stretched, "Things have been pretty busy with the Wonderbolts lately. It's been practice, practice, practice all day, every day."
"Zzzoundzzz like they're puzzzhing you too much." Char frowned, "I at leazzzt give my boyzzz a five-minute break every now and then."
"Nah." Fleetfoot shook her head. "The Wonderbolts are Equestria's premiere flying team and aerial militant force. We have to push ourselves. Besides, I like testing my limits, and my teammates are a great bunch."
"Zzzo you zzzay..." Char shrugged, not convinced.
"Hey, there's an idea." Fleetfoot smiled. "Why don't you come with me to Cloudsdale this weekend, and meet them yourself?"
"Errr... that may not be zzzuch a good idea." Char said uneasily. "Our two racezzz may have a peace treaty, but not every pony izzz accuzzztomed to having a Changeling in their midzzzt. Remember how you felt when we were firzzzt paired up?"
"I'll admit, it took a while for me to warm up to you." Fleetfoot reflected. "But I saw the good in you soon enough, didn't I? They will, too. Especially if I vouch for you."
"I dunno." Char grimaced, "I'm not really one for fitting in with the poniezzz. There have been... incidentzzz. Differencezzz of opinion, culture clazzzhezzz..."
"I'm sure you'll get none of that from my teammates." Fleetfoot declared. "They're professionals. And besides, you're dating a pony now, remember? You're gonna to learn to be more sociable sooner or later, and there's no better way than field experience."
"Well..." Char mulled it over.
"Please?" Fleetfoot pleaded, putting on the best puppy dog eyes she could muster. "I'd be ever so grateful, cuddlebug."
"...Okay, I'll go." Char gave in, finding such a tactic so foreign and disarming. "But pleazzze don't call me that in front of your teammatezzz, okay? I have a rep to keep."
"Deal." Fleetfoot kissed him. "Trust me, it'll be a ton of fun."
"I'm zzzure it will." Char nodded. "Now, let'zzz finizzzh off thizzz lovely picnic, zzzhall we?"
"Way ahead of you." Fleetfoot helped herself to some grapes, as she then gave a sultry grin. "And maybe we can move on to... other things."
"That may not be zzzuch a good idea." Char said awkwardly. "There could be poniezzz watching..."
"So?" Fleetfoot shrugged.
"And alzzzo..." Char turned to the nearby bushes. "Hey! Come out, you guyzzz!"
A number of Changeling scouts and guards suddenly emerged from the bushes.
"Oh, hey Char..." One of the scouts said sheepishly.
"What the heck are they all doing here?" Fleetfoot frowned.
"Just hoping to see some action." One of the Guards shrugged.
"Well, there'zzz not going to be any." Char scowled. "Now get back to the hive!"
The Changelings scuttled out of the field.
"Okay, I see your point." Fleetfoot said, a little weirded out. "Guess we'll just have to wait until we're indoors for that kind of fun."
"Yezzz." Char nodded. "Azzz long azzz we don't have to wait too long..."
As the two Changelings returned to the hive, they were both excited, yet apprehensive, over what was to come. So lost in thought were they, that they bumped into each other while entering the tower.
"Sorry." Sazh cringed, rubbing his head. "Didn't mean to... just a little preoccupied."
"Azzz am I." Char replied, a little less fazed by the collision due to his tougher shell.
"What about?" Sazh asked.
"Fleetfoot wantzzz me to meet her teammatezzz over in Cloudzzzdale." Char revealed.
"Really?" Sazh mused. "Maud wants me to meet her family. I wasn't so sure, but she poured on the charm, and I just couldn't say no. For a mare with little expression, she really knows how to get me."
"Zzzame here." Char sighed. "Thozzze curzzzed feminine wilezzz... they could teach uzzz a thing or two about enthralling otherzzz..."
"Still, I guess it won't be so bad." Sazh shrugged. "Maud tells me her family is really nice, and that they shouldn't have too much of a problem with her dating a Changeling..."
"Ever the optimizzzt, eh, old friend?" Char sighed. "Fleetfoot tellzzz me her fellow Wonderboltzzz are profezzzzzzionals, zzzo they zzzhouldn't kick up too big a zzztink about me... though I have my doubtzzz."
"Maybe it wouldn't hurt to be part of our girls' lives." Sazh admitted. "If it makes them happy, why not?"
"I cannot fault that logic." Char declared. "No matter how much I may want to."
Before long, the weekend arrived, and Char and Sazh headed out to meet with their marefriends, who were both waiting outside the gates.
"Good luck with things, Char." Sazh said encouragingly.
"You too, Zzzazh." Char returned the sentiment.
"Hey, honey." Sazh told Maud. "Ready to go?"
"I'm so excited I can barely contain myself." Maud declared.
"Well then, lead the way." Sazh smiled.
As the pair made off, Char approached Fleetfoot.
"Hope those wings of yours aren't just for show." Fleetfoot joked.
"In your dreamzzz." Char smirked.
"Just try and keep up." Fleetfoot smirked.
The two spread their wings and took off into the sky, making a direct line to Cloudsdale.
Some time later, Maud and Sazh reached the Pie family rock farm.
"So this is where you grew up?" Sazh looked around. "Very... rocky."
"Yes, isn't it great?" Maud asked.
"Sure is." Sazh said supportively. "So, how many family members are going to be here?"
"Just the immediate family." Maud answered. "My parents, my sisters, and my niece, Purple."
"A small, intimate gathering." Sazh noted. "Sounds good to me."
They reached the Pie homestead, shadows of other ponies seen through the windows.
"Looks like everypony else is here." Maud surmised. "I'll go in first. Then I'll introduce you, okay?"
"Okay." Sazh nodded, before lighting up. "Oh, should I come in as somepony else, or just myself?"
"I want my family to meet the real you." Maud declared. "No tricks, no disguises."
"Okay, if that's the way you want it." Sazh frowned, not totally convinced that was the best idea.
Maud walked up and knocked on the door. Her older sister, Limestone, opened it. She had a few lines on her face, and her mane was a little longer, but she mostly looked the same, right down to the fierce expression on her face.
"Oh, finally." She rolled her eyes. "We've been waiting for you forever!"
"Sorry." Maud apologised. "I had to... pick up something special."
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Limestone growled. "Come in already!"
As Maud entered the house, she turned and glanced at Sazh, urging him to come stand by the door, ready to be introduced. Sazh nodded, and readily complied.
The rest of Maud's family were in the living room. Igneous and Cloudy Quartz, though nearing eighty, were remarkably well-preserved, the only real signs of age being more wrinkles, grayer manes, and in the case of Cloudy, a walking frame.
"Good to see you again, daughter." Igneous declared.
"We do wish you'd come by more often." Cloudy added.
"Maud!" Pinkie squealed, as she gave her sister a hug. "So glad you could make it!"
"Hi, Pinkie." Maud smiled.
"Hey, auntie Maud!" Pinkie's daughter, Purple Punch, joined in the hug.
"Hello, Purple." Maud turned to her niece. "So nice to see you."
"We were worried you weren't going to come!" Pinkie proclaimed. "Right, Marble?"
"Mm-hmm." Marble nodded. She too had some extra lines on her face, and a new manestyle, one that didn't hide one of her eyes. "But we're glad you did."
"Thanks, Marble." Maud declared. "Hey, where's Gravel?"
Gravel Quarry was Marble's husband. He had visited the rock farm once as part of a geological research job. He fell for Marble at first sight, but her shyness made it hard for her to reciprocate. However, Gravel just kept trying until she found the courage to return his feelings. They eventually married, and were living happily in Gravel's cottage on the outskirts of Trottingham.
"Oh, he couldn't make it." Marble sighed. "He was called in to consult over at a dig site."
"That's too bad." Maud said quietly. "I quite like him."
"Speaking of romance, haven't you found a special somepony yet, Limestone?" Pinkie asked.
"I don't have time for that nonsense." Limestone snorted. "I've got a rock farm to run, remember?"
"Oh, auntie Lime." Purple sighed. "It's all work, work, work with you, isn't it?"
"What about you, Maud?" Pinkie asked. "How did that show go?"
"I heard auntie Maud actually found herself a stallion!" Purple grinned.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful." Marble smiled.
"I hope he is a fine suitor." Igneous declared.
"Ah, the joy of knowing another of our daughters has found love..." Cloudy smiled.
"Yeah, right." Limestone snorted. "Considering the fact that Maud came here by herself, I'd say things didn't go that great."
"Actually, things went pretty well." Maud replied. "In fact, we've been dating for about two months."
"Shut up!" Purple gasped. "Seriously?!"
"Of course. Can't you tell by my serious face?" Maud asked.
"Who is it? Who is it?" Pinkie hopped up and down in excitement. "Oh, I can't wait to meet him!"
"You don't have to wait." Maud declared. "I brought him with me. He's right outside."
"A surprise?" Purple grinned. "Auntie Maud, you sly mare..."
"Okay, so let's see this guy." Limestone growled.
"Okay, here we go." Maud opened the front door, revealing Sazh standing behind it.
"Hehe... hi..." Sazh waved a hoof.
"Everypony, this is Sazh." Maud announced. "We're dating."
The rest of the family were definitely surprised.
"Oh dear lord..." Igneous murmured.
"Is my eyesight finally failing me?" Cloudy gaped.
"No, I see it too." Marble said, nonplussed.
"Well, I sure didn't see that coming." Pinkie admitted.
"I like his, uh... eyes." Purple declared.
"A Changeling?!" Limestone growled. "Seriously? Have you lost it, Maud?"
"Ouch... a little harsh, don't you think?" Sazh frowned.
"But not entirely unfounded." Igneous glared. "We honestly never expected this, and from Maud no less."
"We would not object if you brought home a Unicorn, or Pegasus, but this is an entirely different species!" Quartz added.
"Please don't be so dramatic, mom." Maud countered.
"I think it's sweet!" Pinkie smiled. "You know what they say: love is blind!"
"Come on, I don't look that bad, do I?" Sazh pouted.
"That doesn't excuse the other four senses!" Limestone snorted. "Don't forget all the trouble those overgrown bedbugs have caused over the years!"
"You're not being fair, auntie Lime." Purple frowned.
"Fair?!" Limestone growled. "How do we know Maud's not just under that thing's spell?"
"Um, sorry, but I really never figured out how to do that." Sazh added meekly. "Everytime I tried, the pony would get hit by a train... it gets weirder when we're nowhere near a track."
"Don't mind Limestone." Pinkie declared. "She's just a grump sometimes. The rest of us are happy to have you!"
"That's stretching it a little." Marble frowned, a little unnerved by Sazh's presence.
"So, you don't have a problem with me?" Sazh asked.
"Nope!" Pinkie shook her head.
"But... didn't you fight my hive at Canterlot?" Sazh asked.
"Oh, yeah." Pinkie nodded. "But that was years ago. I know you guys aren't such big meanies any more. And even if you weren't, Maud likes you, so that's good enough for me!"
"Me too." Purple added. "Besides, I think you're cool!"
"Oh, uh... thanks." Sazh smiled, not sure how to understand Pinkie's way of mannerism.
"Well, I don't." Limestone scowled.
"Come on, sis." Maud stepped in. "I assure you, I'm not under any enchantment. I met Sazh at that dating show, and we really hit it off. I even brought him so he could get to know you all. His species doesn't matter to me, and it shouldn't to you. Can't you at least give him a chance?"
"Ugh, fine." Limestone snarled. "One chance."
"I suppose we must be gracious hosts." Igneous admitted. "This Sazh fellow is our guest, after all."
"That's the spirit, dad!" Pinkie smiled.
"Grandma?" Purple urged Cloudy.
"A little hospitality may not hurt." Cloudy sighed.
"Thanks, grandma." Purple grinned.
"Thank you all." Maud added. "This really means a lot to you."
"Let us away to the dining room for lunch." Igneous declared.
"Luckily, we have some extra food." Cloudy declared. "May as well put it to good use... Mr Sazh does eat as we do, correct?"
"On occasion, yes." Sazh nodded.
"Great!" Pinkie smiled.
"Time for a Pie family meal!" Purple added.
"Mm-hmm." Marble nodded. "Come on, Maud."
"We'll be right with you." Maud declared.
As the rest of the family filed into the dining room, Limestone glared at Sazh, giving him the "I'm watching you" gesture, then slamming her hooves together.
"This really isn't looking like a good first impression." Sazh whispered. "Maybe I should go..."
"Things aren't so bad." Maud whispered back. "Besides, you're not the only one who needs to be given a chance."
"Okay, good point." Sazh sighed. "I'll stay."
"Thanks." Maud kissed him on the cheek.
Before long, they were all sat around the dinner table, bowls of rock soup before them, with pebble stew alongside them.
"Mmm, yummy!" Purple smiled.
"Hope Changelings enjoy rocks." Limestone sneered.
"Not really my favorite." Sazh admitted. "But I am a guest in your house, so I will eat it."
"Isn't he sweet?" Maud asked.
"He sure is!" Pinkie grinned.
Sazh gingerly spooned his soup. Looking around, he saw all the Pie family digging in.
'Strong teeth must run in their family...' He mused.
"So, Mr. Sazh, do you have a profession?" Cloudy asked. "If indeed, Changelings have such things..."
"Yes, I'm an advisor to King Sleight." Sazh answered.
"That nut who married Chrysalis?" Limestone snorted. "He needs all the help he can get..."
"I heard he's actually quite wise." Marble piped up. "He helped solve a crime in Canterlot last week..."
"And did you 'advise' him on that?" Limestone asked Sazh.
"Actually, no." Sazh admitted, "I was busy with Wizel and Char trying to get a few Changelings who got stuck."
"Stuck where?" Igneous asked.
"...I rather not say." Sazh cringed, "But if anypony asks how many ponies can fit into a butthole of a cragadile... the answer is seven."
"Not much good at your job, are you?" Limestone smirked.
"Oh, but I am." Sazh insisted, "I help make sure Sleight have the support he needs when the Queen can't give him what he needs."
"Does that include personal needs?" Limestone jeered. "The way I hear it, that guy really loves you bugs..."
"Come on, auntie Lime." Purple frowned. "Don't be mean."
"I'm just looking out for my little sister." Limestone retorted. "Don't want her ending up with some loser in a dead-end job."
"Oh, that's nice." Sazh groaned.
"What are your intentions regarding our daughter?" Igneous inquired. "Would you be willing to someday make an honest mare of her?"
"Or do your kind not believe in such customs?" Cloudy asked.
"Well, uh..." Sazh blushed. "It's kind of early to be thinking about that..."
"I'll say." Limestone growled. "I'm still eating..."
"Do Changelings even have weddings?" Marble asked.
"I saw a Changeling at a pony wedding once." Pinkie declared. "Does that count?"
"Actually, Queen Chrysalis married Sleight a while back." Sazh revealed. "It was a proper ceremony, in the way of ponies."
"Awww!" Purple squealed. "It sounds so romantic!"
"Yes, though it does bring further credence to my question." Igneous frowned. "If it came to such a thing, would you be willing to marry my daughter?"
"Dad, here's no need to-" Maud started.
"It's okay, Maud." Sazh declared. "Sir, the truth is that I love your daughter. But we're quite happy where we are right now. We don't want to take things so far in so little time."
"Thank goodness." Limestone scoffed.
"But, if the opportunity presents itself, and she is willing, I would be willing to marry Maud." Sazh smiled, "I can think of no other lady, in any species, I would rather be bonded with. She's the most incredible, most beautiful, most caring girl I've ever met."
"Thanks, Sazh." Maud smiled.
"Oh, that's sweet." Marble smiled.
"So beautiful..." Pinkie wiped away a tear.
"If it does happen, can I be a bridesmaid?" Purple asked.
"Of course you can." Mauud nodded.
"You really feel that way about our Maud?" Cloudy asked.
"All that and more." Sazh smiled. "I'd do anything for her. Anything."
"Mayhaps we judged you too quickly." Igneous smiled. "Though you do not share species, you seem to be a worthy match for our daughter. And, if it ever comes to it, I would not be averse to calling you 'son'."
"Thank you, sir." Sazh beamed.
"I guess we all kind of jumped to conclusions." Marble admitted. "Right, Limestone?"
"...I guess Maud could do worse..." Limestone
"Exactly." Cloudy nodded. "Let us be grateful she has found such a kind-hearted suitor, regardless of race."
"Yeah, congrats, Maud!" Pinkie smiled.
"Wait'll my friends hear I might end up having an uncle for a Changeling." Purple smirked. "Rainbow and Thunder are gonna be so jealous..."
"Thank you all." Maud made another small smile. "I feel like the luckiest mare in the world."
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it." Marble declared.
Marble opened the day to see a dull white Earth Pony stallion with blue eyes (behind spectacles), a brown mane, and a Cutie Mark of five pebbles in a triangle formation.
"Gravel, you're here!" Marble hugged him. "But I thought-"
"The job didn't take as long as I thought." Gravel shrugged. "Figured I'd come by and pick you up."
"Thanks, sweetie." Marble smiled.
"No problem." Gravel chuckled. "I-" At that moment, he caught sight of Sazh. "Holy granite, is that a Changeling?"
"It's a long story." Marble grinned.
Meanwhile, Char and Fleetfoot made their way to Cloudsdale, and the Wonderbolts home base.
"Okay, here we go." Fleetfoot declared. "Nervous?"
"No." Char lied.
"Good." Fleetfoot smiled. "Time for my teammates to meet my soulmate..."
The two of them descended on the course, just as the other Wonderbolts were finishing up a practice flight.
"Hey, guys." Fleetfoot smiled, as her teammates landed.
"Hey, Fleet." Meadow Flower smiled.
"Welcome back." Spitfire declared.
"'Bout time you showed up." Soarin' joked.
"What's up?" Misty Fly grinned.
"I'd like you guys to meet somepony..." Fleetfoot smiled, as she indicated Char..
"Whoa, what's this Changeling doing here?" Sightseer frowned.
"He's who I wanted you to meet." Fleetfoot declared. "Everyone, this is Char. We're... dating."
"Hello." Char said flatly, already aware that things weren't off to a good start. "Nice to meet you..."
"You're dating a Changeling?" Meadow Flower gaped. "I, uh, didn't know you swung that way."
"Neither did I." Fleetfoot chuckled, before frowning "Hold on, didn't any of you guys watch the show?"
The Wonderbolts (save for Spitfire and Soarin') looked shifty.
"I, uh... had to visit my aunt that night..." Blaze claimed.
"I was foalsitting..." Meadow Flower cringed.
"I had a date." Wave Chill shrugged.
"I was getting in some extra practice." Rapidfire declared.
"I was in the tub?" Sightseer shrugged.
"I forgot?" Misty Fly said sheepishly.
"I told you all the exact date and time the show was on!" Fleetfoot said indignantly.
"Zzzome teammatezzz..." Char snorted.
"Anyway, welcome to Cloudsdale, Char." Spitfire grinned.
"Hope you enjoy it up here." Soarin' added.
"Wait, why aren't you as surprised as we are?" Blaze asked.
"Well, because we already knew." Soarin' shrugged.
"You did?" Rapidfire frowned.
"Yeah." Spitfire nodded. "Fleetfoot told me about him at Mist's foal shower."
"And I met the guy at Blue's bachelor party." Soarin' recalled. "How you been, by the way?"
"Quite well, thankzzz." Char nodded politely.
"And you didn't tell us?" Wave Chill said indignantly.
"It's not our place to talk about our teammates' personal lives." Spitfire said sternly. "I couldn't gossip about it behind Fleetfoot's back."
"Besides, it's not like it's that big a deal." Soarin' added. "Sure, I was a little put off at first, but Char's a pretty decent guy once you get to know him."
"You sure about that?" Meadow Breeze frowned.
"Would Fleetfoot even be with me if that weren't the cazzze?" Char pointed out.
"He's got a point." Sightseer admitted.
"At least now we know why Fleet's been slacking off a little lately." Rapidfire smirked at Char. "You've been keeping her busy, haven't you?"
"Well..." Char blushed.
"Is that even possible?" Blaze asked. "Do Changelings have... the equipment?"
"Yes, we do." Char declared hotly. "Better equipment than you, I'd wager..."
"Easy, Char." Fleetfoot put a hoof on his shoulder. "He does have a lot of stamina. And he's so enthusiastic..." She purred.
"I rest my case." Rapidfire grinned.
"Maybe we zzzhouldn't be zzzo open about our perzzzonal buzzzinezzzzzz." Char said, flustered.
"Sorry." Fleetfoot chuckled. "You just look so cute when you're flustered..."
"So, how are you at flying?" Sightseer asked.
"I do okay." Char shrugged.
"How about a little race?" Soarin' asked. "Let's face it, if you're going to date a Wonderbolt, you need to be able to keep up with her."
"I haven't had zzzuch a problem zzzo far." Char declared. "Bezzzidezzz, Changeling wingzzz aren't built for racing. We fly to get from point A to point B."
"Come on, Char." Fleetfoot urged. "You never know, you might end up having fun."
"...Well, I guezzzzzz a quick race wouldn't hurt..." Char sighed.
"That's the spirit, big guy." Soarin' grinned.
"Let's all take part in it." Spitfire declared. "Nothing binds ponies together like a friendly race."
"I'm game." Blaze grinned.
"Me too." Meadow Flower added.
"Just don't expect us to take it easy on you." Wave Chill told Char.
"It never crozzzzzzed my mind." Char retorted.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Fleetfoot grinned. "Let's go!"
The Wonderbolts and Char took their positions on the starting line.
"Okay, just once around the stadium." Spitfire declared. "And... go!"
They all took off into the sky. as Char himself stated, Changelings weren't built for speed in flight, but rather endurance. Their wings could keep flapping for hours at a time. Despite this, Char did have an impressive velocity for a Changeling, not lagging too far behind the others.
"Hey, not bad." Sightseer admitted. "Not quite Wonderbolt standards, but still pretty good."
"Oh, I'm juzzzt getting warmed up." Char declared. "Haven't you heard of pacing yourzzzelf?"
"You tell 'em, stud." Fleetfoot grinned.
As they rounded the first curve, Char found himself turning a little roughly.
"Doesn't exactly turn on a Bit, does he?" Wave Chill noted.
"Hey, lay off." Soarin' told him. "His wings aren't the same as ours. They're built for lift, not agility."
As they continued through the course, Char flew through some cloud rings. Due to the positioning of his wings, he didn't have to tuck him in as he passed by, and as such, didn't lose any momentum.
"Nice one, Char!" Spitfire smiled.
"Thankzzz." Char grinned. "I'm actually zzztarting to enjoy myzzzelf."
"Yeah, there's nothing like a good race to get the adrenaline flowing!" Fleetfoot chuckled. "Just don't expect in come in ahead of me!"
"We'll zzzee about that." Char chuckled.
As they neared the finish, Spitfire and Soarin' came in first, followed by Wave Chill, then Fleetfoot. Char put on a burst of speed that ensured he came in behind his marefriend.
"How wazzz that?" He said, breathlessly.
"Fifth place." Fleetfoot noted. "Not bad for your first race."
"Especially when it was against pros like us." Meadow Flower grinned, as she landed behind Char.
"You've got some decent moves, Char." Sightseer declared. "You can fly with us any time."
"I appreciate the zzzentiment." Char smiled. "But like I zzzaid, racing izzzn't really my thing."
"Hey, if I wanted to date a racer, I'd have chosen one of these guys." Fleetfoot chuckled. "I like you just the way you are, cuddlebug."
"Cuddlebug?!" Wave Chill snorted.
"You zzzaid you wouldn't call me that here!" Char cringed.
"Sorry." Fleetfoot giggled.
"Relax, Char." Soarin' told him. "It's not the worst pet name around."
"Oh, yeah." Spitfire agreed. "When Soarin' and I are alone, I call him-"
Soarin' put a hoof on his wife's mouth.
"Oh no." He declared. "That's not getting out."
"Spoilsport." Spitfire smirked.
The Wonderbolts shared a laugh, with Char following suit.
At the end of the day, both couples returned to the hive's gates.
"Thanks for today, Sazh." Maud declared. "I really appreciated it. and I'm so happy you and my family managed to get along so well."
"As long as you're happy, I'm happy." Sazh smiled.
"You are sweet." Maud kissed him.
"Until next, my sedimentary sweetheart." Sazh beamed.
"I look forward to it, my hard-shelled hunk." Maud gave another small smile.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" Fleetfoot asked Char.
"I'll admit, I had zzzome fun." Char shrugged. "Your teammatezzz are a good bunch... mozzztly."
"I'm just glad they didn't go nuts about us being together." Fleetfoot declared. "For the first time in my life, there's something more important to me than being a Wonderbolt."
"Oh, really?" Char grinned. "And what would that be?"
"You, you big goof." Fleetfoot nudged.
"I know." Char kissed her. "I wazzz juzzzt mezzzzzzing with you."
"See you for another picnic?" Fleetfoot asked.
"You know it." Char nodded.
Shortly after, Sazh and Char bumped into each other as they returned to the hive.
"Zzzo, how did it go?" Char asked.
"Things were a little rough at first." Sazh admitted. "But in the end, it all worked out. Now, Maud's family all think I'm great. How about you?"
"More or lezzzzzz the zzzame." Char shrugged. "Zzzome of thozzze Wonderboltzzz are airheadzzz, but mozzzt of them are cool."
"But even if things hadn't turned out so well, we would have still had our girls." Sazh smiled.
"Zzzo true." Char agreed. "We really are a lucky couple of guys."
"Boy, you said it." Sazh chuckled. "Even luckier then we thought..."