In what seemed like in forever, a huge weight had been lifted off of Imago and Mako’s shoulders. After confessing their darkest secrets to one another and accepting each other for who they are, it seemed that the two had grown even closer than before. For the first time in what seemed like forever, they both felt safe.

    After a night intimacy and an puzzling discovery the next morning, Mako returned home to his shop and Imago resumed her disguise as Bubble Lee. Without that added stress in the back of her mind, the last few weeks of her college career whizzed by. Her finals came and went and much to her joy, she successfully passed all the classes necessary to receive her degree with a Bachelors in Nursing. As students on campus happily started to prepare Winter Break, there was something still lingering on Bubble’s mind. Taking a break from packing, the mare put on her winter coat and left the university grounds to give her closest friend, Lady, a visit. Drying off her hooves on the welcome mat, Bubble cheerfully knocked on the front door.

Lady: Coming! *the sound of small hooves tapping inside before she opens the door, wearing pajamas with a well rounded out belly* Oh, hello Bubble! So good to see you, come inside. *steps aside*

Bubble: *walks inside* Hello! I hope I’m not disturbing, I just wanted to share the good news~

Lady: Oh? What’s the news? *waddles over to the couch to sit down*

Bubble: *sits on the couch next to her* Well, I just got news back that I passed all my classes this semester which means I have my degree! I am officially a college graduate!

Lady: *smiles wide* Oh congratulations dear! *hugs her* I’m so happy for you! Bet it feels good to finally be free from all that work, huh? Hehe!

Bubble: *returns the hug* Absolutely! Now that I’m all finished with that… comes the hard part. *rubs the back of her head* Heh.. Finding a job.

Lady: *ears perk* Oh dear.. Heheh, I’m sure you’ll find one no problem though. Hospitals are always looking for more help after all, right? Besides, shouldn’t the first concern be your living arrangements..?

Bubble: *ears fold back* Heheh, that is.. one of the reasons why I’m here. I know a few months back you had mentioned I could stay with you after I graduated, right?

Lady: Mmhm. And the offer is still open if you like. *smiles*

Bubble: And I am very grateful! But.. um.. *looks to the side* the thing is, one of the places I really wanted to apply for is the hospital back in Capricorn Reef. If I get multiple interviews, traveling back and forth might be.. uh.. out of the way..

Lady: *stares at her* Uh-huuuh… *smiles* Sure, dear. And this wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain someone?~

Bubble: *cheeks turn bright pink* ………………………… M-maybe…kind of… yeah.

Lady: *chuckles* That’s perfectly fine. Just know you’re always welcome to come visit anytime. And expect us to drop by too. *grins*

Bubble: *giggles* Of course! And I’ll be back for the baby shower and wedding!

Lady: *rubs her round belly* Should be anytime now. I’m a little concerned about having the wedding before the baby’s due date… But Xhisrc is just too excited, heheh~

Bubble: *cringes* Yeaah, I know I certainly would have waited til after but…. I’m sure everything with work out fine. Just try not to stress yourself too much.. *looking concerned*

Lady: Oh don’t worry about me, worry about Xhisrc. *snickers* He’s been running around crazy setting up a nursery, getting what’s needed, and he won’t let me lift a finger!

Bubble: *lets out a sigh of relief* That’s good… If either of you ever need any help, I will be more than happy to help. I’ll just be at my parent’s house until I find a job..

Lady: *ears perk* What about Mako? He’s back now, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to have you stay with him.

Bubble: *blushes, plumage around her neck floofs out a little* W-well, um… He never asked for me to move in with him, and I feel like it would be awkward if I did…

Lady: Oh come on, it can’t hurt to try. Look, maybe we can call him right now and ask! *picks up the phone*

Bubble: Ah! No, wait! *reaches over and snatches the phone out of Lady’s hand* That would be weird! And… *ears fold back* … what if I get a job somewhere else? I’d have to move right back out and move again…

Lady: Then… you just stay there until then..? The job hunt is going to take a while, sweetie..

Bubble: …… Maybe. I already told my parents I was going to move back in with them…

Lady: *siiiiighs* Well, I guess if you’ve already told them..

Bubble: …. After I move back, I’ll.. talk to Mako about maybe moving in together.. *blushes lightly at the thought*

Lady: *grins* Okay.. but remember, you always have a home here…

-KABOOM-

    The house shook and trembled a little as the basement door had smoke coming from the cracks.

Annie: *in the basement* I’m okay!!!

Lady: *facepalms* Oye…..

Bubble: *sweats a little* Heh… T-thanks.. I’ll keep that in mind….

    After saying her goodbyes to Lady, her family, and the roommates back at her dorm, Bubble said goodbye to the university and Ponyville as she headed back home to the tropical island, Capricorn Reef. It took a few days of begrudgingly moving back into her parent’s house before Bubble prepared her resume and applied for an open nursing position at the local hospital under a specialist of hybrids, Dr Fern Evergreen.

    On the day of the interview, Bubble put on her best skirt suit and patiently waited outside before she was called into the office. Sitting behind the desk sat a short, minty green mare with ash white hair and permanently disapproving scowl across her face. Bubble swallowed and nervously smiled.

Bubble: *extends her hand to shake* Dr Evergreen, thank you so much for having me come in today.

Evergreen: *gestures to the seat at her desk* Have a seat, Miss. Lee..

Bubble: *pulls back her hand* Heh, of course. *taking a seat before handing Evergreen a copy of her resume*

Evergreen: *takes the resume from her and gives it a quick look over* So good you could make it. And you are applying for the nurse’s position, correct?

Bubble: *nods* Yes I am. I recently graduated from the University of Ponyville with a bachelors in Nursing, so I may not have very much experience yet, I feel I am still very qualified for the position.

Evergreen: Well, you’ll get plenty if you get this job. *looks her in the eyes* Now, let’s get started, shall we..? *eyes tense*

Bubble: *swallows and sits up straight* Y-yes ma’am.

    After what seemed like hours dragged before Bubble re-emerged from the office. It wasn’t until Bubble left the hospital until she let out a loud sigh and slouched over-dramatically, letting out the breath she was holding in. Mako stood waiting for her outside for when her interview was finished. Seeing her in the outfit she was wearing, he couldn’t help but blush, picturing how adorable Imago would look in it, with the cute bow around the collar. He shook his head, telling himself to focus as he walked up to reach her.

Mako: How’d it go? You feelin’ okay?

Bubble: *leans forward and rests her head on Mako’s shoulder with a plop* …… I survived.. I think.

Mako: *ears fold back and twitch, giving a gentle hug* Hey, come one now. I bet you’ll be hired the next day! They’d be crazy not to hire you. Who did you talk to?

Bubble: Dr Evergreen, the hybrid specialist… *lets out a sigh* ….. I don’t think she liked me very much…

Mako: *cringes* She doesn’t like anybody…. Not even me, and I’m her patient…

Bubble: *in a dry, sarcastic tone* Wonderful…

Mako: Heheh, it’s not my fault I keep gettin’ fish hooks caught in my ears! …. And eyebrows…

Bubble: ….. It really is your fault tho.. You keep going back to fishing areas to look for sunken treasures. *waves her hand* that’s besides the point.

Mako: Details. *puts a arm around her* Come on, let’s head back to my place so you can relax for a bit. You look like you’re ready to faint from talkin’ to her.

Bubble: *lets down her hair* Yeah.. All I can do now is wait.. I’ll follow up after a couple of days. *leans against Mako*

Before the two can leave, there was a sound that sent chills up the disguised changeling’s spine.

???: *from behind them* Ooooooh Bubble LeeeEEEEee~~

Bubble: *freezes in spot with an ungodly cringe on her face* ……….. Hi mom.. *before putting on her best smile and turning to face the fluffy freckled pegasus*

Kiwi: Hello sweetheart! I was just in town picking up a few things--

Bubble: *thinks internally “Bullshit...”* ….

Kiwi: -- And what a coincidence that I run into you and Mako just as you get you interview! *politely smiling at Mako*

Mako: *ears droop and smiles nervously* Hehehe.. Yeah, coincidence. I was just taking Bubble back to my house so she can unwind.

Kiwi: Oh that’s nice dear.. *ignores Mako and turns to Bubble, tail wagging* Soooo how did the interview go? Fern is such a peach, isn’t she? I knew you two would get along just splendid! I’m sure she absolutely loved you, and how could she not. Look at you! You are just a radiant little fluff ball of sunshine just like you were when you were first born! Oh I remember when--

Bubble: Mom… mom…. MOM! *face slowly turning redder and redder*

Kiwi: Oh.. yes dearest?

Bubble: *lets out a sigh, “patiences, Imago.. You got this…” * …. I think the interview went… well. I did the best as I could do and now I just have to wait to see if I get the job…

Kiwi: *ears perk* Wait? You didn’t get the job?

Bubble: *groans* That’s not how it works, mom… there has to be a time reassess the information. I’m sure there were more then one applicants for the job so I’m going to have to wait a few weeks to see whether I got it…

Mako: The best thing to do is just wait and be patient.. Especially with Evergreen.

Kiwi: *ears fold back* Oh… I see……… Maybe I should just pop in and talk to her! *cheerfully smiles* I’ve known her since we were kids and she has a daughter around Bubble’s age. I’m sure she will understand if I just--

Bubble: *fluffs up* N-no! Mom, y-you don’t need to do that, really!

Kiwi: Oh I know I don’t need too, but I want to! Anything for my baby girl~ *as she turned to walk towards the hospital*

Bubble: *silently screaming before darting and blocking Kiwi’s path* No! Look.. I’m.. I’ll follow up and give her a call in a few days, okay? I got this, you trust me don’t you? *with big round puppy eyes*

Kiwi: *fluffs up and stares* Oh of course I do honey! I just want you to be happy is all..

Bubble: And I will be… if you let me do this on my own… please? *with a sad begging pout like she would do when she was a kid*

Kiwi: *lets out a squeak, her ears folding back* … Okay sweetie. *kisses Bubble’s head* I’m sure you have this under control.. But be sure to follow up after a couple of days, okay?

Bubble: *instantly perks backup and smiles* Oh I will, no worries! Thanks Mom. *hugs Kiwi* I’m going to go hang out with Mako for a bit.

Kiwi: Okay dear. Have fun~

    Bubble would quickly go back to Mako, take his hand start dragging him away, waving her hand at Kiwi.

Bubble: Bye mom! *waits until they are ear’s shot before letting out the loudest groan* ……

Mako: You’re mom scares me sometimes…

Bubble: Yeah.. me too. Why was it a good idea to move back to the Reef again?

Mako: *snickers and pulls her in close* Becaaause, I’m here?

Bubble: *tail starts wagging, purring softly* Mmm~ That sounds like an amazing reason to me! *leaning in and kissing his cheek*

Mako: *purrs at the kiss* Hmm, can’t believe you’re moving back in with your parents though.. Kiwi isn’t going to let up, I can already tell. *turns around to look back, letting out a SQUEAK!* Oh no….

Bubble: *ears perk as she spun around* W-what? What is it?

Mako: *holds her closer and walks faster* Nothing, just keep walking!

Bubble: *squirms and looks over Mako’s shoulder* ……………… *CHIRP* She isn’t?!!

    After Bubble and Mako had left, Kiwi started pulling elaborately wrapped presents and boxes full of delicious smelling baked goods out of her purse. With a cheerful smile, the pegasus gleefully trotted into the hospital and up to Dr Fern Evergreen’s office.

Kiwi: *opens the door a crack and peaks her head in* Oh Fern!! What a pleasant surprise!

Evergreen: *looks up, her ear twitching* Kiwi, this is my office.. What are you doing here?

Kiwi: *walks into the office, carrying a pile of gifts* I just happened to be in the neighborhood, and I thought that I would come by and drop off some Hearth’s Warming gifts. *places the gifts on Evergreen’s desk, covering up her paperwork* I know how busy you must be with work and finding a new assistant and all~

Evergreen: *stares wide eyed at the overwhelming gifts on her work. She looks up at Kiwi before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes* ….. First off, we live in the same town… Second, I appreciate the gifts, but it’s the middle of the day, I’m sure this could have waited… THIRD, I can only guess why you’re REALLY here...

Kiwi: *waves her hands and giggles* Oh you~ There is no time like the present to spread the holiday spirit through joy, and kindness and generosity and please give my daughter the job.

Evergreen: There it is.. *sigh* Kiwi, I can’t just give her the position because of you showering me in gifts, I have to take this into serious consideration here..!

Kiwi: I know you do, and I can’t think of anyone more qualified for this position then my sweet Bubble Lee! She is compassionate and hard working and you know with her grandmother being Willow Breeze, I’m sure she will be great and making hybrids comfortable and happy and healthy! It’s just in her genes!

Evergreen: …… That doesn’t even make any sense..

Kiwi: I.. umm.. Well. *ear twitching* …… Oh please give her the job! I don’t want my baby girl moving away to some… foreign place full of strange ponies she doesn’t know when I just got her back home safe and sound!

Evergreen: *rubbing her temples* She’s an adult now, not a baby.. And again, I will have to think about it.. But if you keep asking me like this, I won’t be able to come to a clear answer. *looks up at her*

Kiwi: *ears droop* Of course.. I understand. I guess I’ll just…. wait for you to decide. Well.. I hope you have a happy holiday, Fern. It was lovely to see you again. *with a pleasant smile*

Evergreen: *sighs* It was good seeing you too… *moves a gift over and wipes cookie crumbs off her papers* …… Your daughter is so far a very good applicant.. I’ll just say that. I’ll… try to get back to her as soon as I can. Alright?

Kiwi: *ears perk, tail wagging* Oh yes! I’m so glad you think so~ I’ll just get out of your hair then.. Which looks lovely today, by the way! I love that new haircut! *waves* Cya later! And good luck, dear~ *as she practically skips out of the office*

Evergreen: *eye twitches* …… Hmph… Been wearing the same damn haircut for five years…. Little kiss-ass…

    Meanwhile, back at Mako’s house:

Bubble: *flops on the couch with a sigh* UUUUGH! I’m done. I can’t do this anymore!! *burying her face in the cushion*

Mako: *shuts the front door* I’m sure she just went in to say “Hi”, heheh. They were friends as kids, right? *nervous smile*

Bubble: *looks up at Mako with a twitchy eye* That’s bullshit and you know it Mako… *rolls over on her back* She always does this, smothering me and constantly telling me what the eat, what to wear and what is best for my life…. She’s not even my real mom! *pulls off the bow around her neck and throws it*

Mako: *ears fold back and sits next to her* It’s just because she loves you, you know that.. Can’t fault her for caring too much.

Bubble: *sighs as she sat up* Yeah.. I know. When I had to be disguised as a child, it was great! You have no idea how hard it is to gather love as a puny kid.. But now that I’m an adult, it isn’t so much about the love anymore… I just want to have more freedom.. *rubbing her temples*

Mako: …. *rubs her back gently* Well… You’re not exactly going to get that freedom if you stay over at their house… *thinks for a second, looking away with slightly pink cheeks* … If you like, you can… move in with me.?

Bubble: *ears perk straight up as she stared at him* You… are inviting me to.. live with you? *blushes brightly*

Mako: Yeah, eheheh! *smiles at her* I mean, why not? You’d have plenty freedom, and if you live here you don’t always have to be in disguise!

Bubble: *let out a little happy chirp* Hehehe, I would like that… very much~

Mako: *tailfin wags happily* Great! It’ll be fun having you here.~ *nuzzles her cheek* …. And if you want you can redecorate too…. Since this couch looks like a… what did you call it again? An ugly avocado?

Bubble: *ear twitch* It looks like an ugly avocado had sex with an older, uglier avocado. This couch is nasty….. Like the color of baby puke. *shivers*

Mako: *makes a pouty face* If you didn’t like it, why didn’t you stop me from buying it?

Bubble: I wasn’t living here! I didn’t have to look at it every day.

Mako: Well, except on your visits… when you were face down on it… *smirks*

Bubble: *fluffs up, face and horn bright pink* ……….. That’s besides the point…. And it is a very comfortable couch. Maybe I can just… recover it or something..

Mako: Heheh, you can pick the fabric. Apparently I must be color blind to pick “Baby Puke Green”.

Bubble: *pats Mako’s head* It’s okay, you are just weird. You are the same pony who thinks changelings are “cute” after all~

Mako: *smiles* Because you are!~ The way your wings flutter, and how you chirp like an adorable little cricket, your tiny fangs, your pointy ears! *chuckles*

Bubble: *face turns redder and redder as she puts her hands over Mako’s mouth* S-shush! I get it… *looks to the side and grumbles* … I think you are way cuter anyways…~

Mako: *makes a muffled “aaaw” sound before gently removing her hand* You didn’t let me finish.. *nuzzles her cheek* And your eyes are gorgeous.~

Bubble: *purrs deeply and returns the nuzzles* …. D-does that mean you don’t like this disguise anymore?

Mako: Heheh, I still do. But, I love your real form even more.. Can’t top THAT kind of natural beauty.~

Bubble: *giggles* Well… do you want to go upstairs and… I can get changed into something more comfortable~? *nodding her head at the staircase leading up to the bedroom*

Mako: *purrs turn into playful growls* Sounds good to me.~ *kisses her cheek* …….. But after that… we’re gonna have to deal with your mom again… tell her you’re living here now, heheh. *ears droop* I hope she doesn’t kill me for stealing you away.

Bubble: *face drops and ears droop* ……. Well there goes my libido… Let’s just get this over now… *as she reaches over the edge of the couch rear high to grab her purse*

Mako: … Me and my big mouth…. *ear twitches and he stares at her flank for a minute* …….. *quickly spanks it*

Bubble: CHIRP!!!! *as her tail goes straight up in the air* M-M-Mako!! *looking back at him with a bright red face, horn and ears*

Mako: *looks at her with a blank face before grinning ear to ear with his sharp teeth* Heeee~

Bubble: *eye twitches* ………… *before turning quickly and pouncing on him on the couch.. with no intentions of ever making up stairs*

    This time Mako kept his mouth shut, waiting until the end of the playfulness to bring up the idea to call Kiwi and Silver to tell them Bubble had changed her mind, deciding to move in with Mako. Much to their surprise, Kiwi was perfectly happy with the idea. Silver though… not so much. After some convincing both parents agreed to help their only daughter move in with her coltfriend. That day and into the next, boxes of clothes, trinkets and furniture made their way from one side of the island to the other. It didn’t take long until the last of the boxes were brought over. As Mako started unpacking, Silver Lining walked up to carrying what looked like a dog crate.

Silver: *with a grunt he hands Mako the crate* …… it’s your responsibility now..

Mako: Huh? *takes the crate and lifts it up so he can see inside…. His ears droop and he scrunched his muzzle* Oh… It’s you again… Gonna try and take more of my necklaces, aye?

    The small plastic crate gave a shake as Mako received a loud feral hiss in response. A pair of bright blue eyes with tiny slits stare back at him angrily. Cat, Bubble’s unfortunately named feline pet, had never really gotten along with her fishy smelling coltfriend… or any of Bubble’s stallion friends for that matter. A tiny clawed paw reached out of the wired door and swiped at Mako, a claw catching on the wooden pendant hanging from his neck.

Mako: Oye! *holds the crate out at arms length* Nah-uh! Not again ye little shit, I swear if you tear this charm up I’m gonna-- *hears Bubble coming down the stairs* …. *smiles, twitching his eye* Give ye a nice little treat…. *grumbles so Bubble can’t hear* How about a knuckle sandwich…?

Cat: Mroooooowl--!!

Bubble: *ears perk* Oh you poor thing… Come to mommy, sweetie! *as she took the crate from Mako and pulled the feline out and nuzzled her, speaking in a baby voice* It’s okay. yes I know, you must be so scared... Awww, my poor baby~

Cat: *glaring over Bubble’s shoulder and staring at Mako* ……

Mako: *crosses his arms and glares back at the moody feline, grumbling to himself* “Poor baby”, mah heart-shaped arse….

Silver: *sideway stares at Mako before grunting and shaking his head* ….. Heart-shaped, huh? *as he turns to walk away*

Mako: Ngh! *looks to Silver* Uh- ….. *sighs* Me and my big mouth….

Bubble: *nuzzles and kisses her kitty before setting her down, hearing her phone ring in her pocket* Oh it’s Lady! *answers it and puts it on speaker phone for everyone to hear* Hey there stranger!

Lady: Hello dear! So, how’s the job hunt going? Are you with your parents again?

Bubble: It went pretty good actually, I got my first interview yesterday actually.

Kiwi: *chimes in* I have a pretty good feeling that my Cuddle Bubble is going to get the job~

Mako: *looks at Kiwi, twitching his ears*

Lady: Oh? Who was that, Bubble?

Bubble: That’s my mom, Kiwi Breeze. She and my dad are….. *ears perk, realizing she never told Lady* … Heh~ They are helping me move in with Mako!

Lady: Oh how sweet! I’m so glad you changed your mind! You’re in good hands with my brother there, sweetie.

Kiwi: *ears perk* Brother? Who are you talking too, sweetheart?

Bubble: *ear twitches* … Mako’s sister. She and her family live in Ponyville. They had offered for me to stay with them until I got a job…

Kiwi: *ear twitches but continues to smile* Oh.. well that’s so nice of her! Though I’m glad you changed your mind as well. It’s nice being able to see you more often, especially with Hearth’s Warming Eve just around the corner~

Lady: Oh, that reminds me! I called to ask if you wanted to come over for Hearth’s Warming Eve! Me and the kids thought of having a little party here.

Kiwi: *ear twitches more as she put her hand on Bubble’s shoulder* Oh, what a coincidence! I was going to invite Bubble and Mako to come to my house for Hearth’s Warming Eve since I’ve barely seen her since she went off to college. *looks at Bubble and smiles* But you go have fun with your friends, dear~

Bubble: *fluffs up and doesn’t dare say a word* ….

Mako: *nervously tapping his claws together as he looked between the unsettling smiling Kiwi and the phone, thinking “Oh no, two moms going head to head..”* H-hey, I have an idea! Why not just, have the party here? Heheh… It can be a Housewarming party too, to welcome Bubble to my home. *sweating a little, not wanting the two to get into it*

Bubble: *stares at Mako with wide eyes full of dread, that said “What have you done?!” but before she could respond...*

Kiwi: Oooh! What a lovely idea! I’d just love to get to know more of Mako and his family, especially if he is going to sticking around~ *winking at him*

Mako: Mmm… *smiles back*

Lady: This’ll be great! It’s about time you introduced me to Bubble’s family, Mako, took you long enough! Heheheh! Oh! I’ll tell Daddy too, I know he would like to meet Bubble too!

Mako: *SQUEAK!!! Swiping the phone from Bubble* No no no! Don’t tell dad, Lady--!!!

Lady: Oh, my cookies are done, gotta go Mako, BYE!!! *hangs up*

Mako: ………….. *staring off into space, his hands shaking a little* …….. Ah fook…..

-----------------------------------------------------------

Yay! Bubble is finally done with college and is back in Capricorn Reef! Even if we are still a little late, stick around to see us wrap up this arc during the Hearth's Warming Eve party in 's gallery!

Read from the beginning and catch up on your other favorite ships by checking out !

Also, we have a new Capricorn Reef Discord Server: discord.gg/h7fqJXZ

Previous: