Starlight took a long sip out of her mug. “Calm down, Ocellus. Just tell me what’s on your mind.” Ocellus kept trembling as she sat on the couch. “It’s still the same issue as before.” She looked down, sheepishly pressing her hooves together. “E-Except I actually did just a little bit to push them closer…” Starlight nodded. “Mmhm. And how did you feel after you did that?” “It felt great!” Ocellus said, the memory finally getting her to smile. “It made me happy to see them get closer, even if it was just for a few moments. But...then I felt guilty and...” The changeling let out a heavy sigh. “...Is it wrong for me to meddle in the personal lives of two others that...you know...really care for each other?” Starlight tapped her hooves against the desk, trying to think of what would be the right thing to say. “I know I shouldn’t try to interfere with their lives, but I’d also feel bad knowing there’s something I could’ve done instead that would make both of them happy!” “Well, it’d probably be easier for me to figure out a specific solution if I knew just which two students you were talking about..,” Starlight said, almost muttering it under her breath. “I-I’m sorry, but I still don’t think I should say who...” Ocellus said, knowing that Starlight probably wouldn’t believe her even if she did name names. Starlight sighed. “I figured as much. Probably for the best, though. Wouldn’t want a bunch of rumors to get out of control in the school.” Starlight looked back at Ocellus. “Is there something else about this that’s troubling you?” Ocellus slowly nodded. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just being selfish. Like I’m only doing it because I sensed a little bit of love between them at first and just want more...” “But you’re not doing it so you can feed off their love, right? You’re doing it because you genuinely want to see them happy, aren’t you?” “Y-yeah…?” “Well then, it’s not so selfish after all, is it?” Starlight said with a wink. Ocellus let out a small giggle of relief. “I’m sorry, I know that I’ve been having a lot of these meetings with you lately... ” “You don’t need to apologize, Ocellus. If getting it out is what helps you deal with this problem, then I’m here to listen.” “Well, I do feel better when I talk about it with you, but I still don’t know what I should do…” Starlight let out a gasp of revelation. “Wait, have you tried asking one of them how they feel about the other?” Ocellus nearly choked on air. “A-Are you kidding!? How could I possibly do that?” “Well, if you’re so torn about wanting to help them out, maybe the best solution is to ask one of them directly. Who knows? It might be easier that way!” “I...huh…” Meanwhile, in Applejack’s classroom, Gallus sat in his usual seat, waiting around in awkward silence for yet another round of detention. The entire time, Gallus was restless, always moving around in his chair and looking around the room, trying to avoid looking at Applejack. Seeing Gallus squirm in his seat was admittedly a little amusing for Applejack, who kept watching with a smirk on her face. Gallus took a deep breath to try and calm himself. As he was trying to collect his thoughts, he made eye contact with Applejack. For a brief moment, he was taken back to the Amity Ball, where he had one arm wrapped around Applejack, moving in synchronization in the center of the dance floor. Once he returned to reality, he clutched his head with his talons. “Ya know, you don’t have to cause trouble all the time,” Applejack said, finally breaking the silence. “Huh?” “Ah’ve seen how you’ve been behaving lately, ya know. You’re not the best at being subtle. Ah know you’ve been making a little scene every once in a while and getting caught on purpose.” “I...don’t know what you’re talking about…” Gallus muttered, turning his head to the side. “C’mon, you’re not gonna tell me you’ve been landing detention with me just to build up that gryphon endurance. Though admittedly, your stamina has been improving,“ she mused to herself. Gallus grumbled to himself, his body tensing up at the thought of more will-breaking sex. “If ya really wanna spend time with me, you can just ask,” Applejack leaned on Gallus’s desk, removing her hat. “We could do something a lot more fun than me riding ya ‘till ya pass out...” she joked, giving Gallus a playful poke to the ribs. “H-hey!” Gallus protested with a heavy blush on his cheeks. “Just a thought, sugarcube.” Applejack chuckled. “Anyway, Ah don’t see a reason to keep you here any longer. Plus, Apple Bloom needed to show me something back at the farm. So you’re free to go.” “Wait, really?” “Yup. Go on, get.” It took a bit for Gallus to realize Applejack was serious, but soon he was out of his seat. Before he was out the door, he stopped and turned around. “Uh, Professor Applejack?” “Yes?” Gallus opened his beak, but after a moment of silence, he shook his head. “...Nevermind, I forgot what I was gonna ask,” he said as he rushed out of the classroom. “Right…” Applejack shrugged in resignation, shaking her head to herself as she left. The next day, Starlight sat down in her office, contemplating the idea of taking a quick early nap on her desk to catch up on some lost sleep. Before she could close her eyes, there was a knock on the door. “C-Come in!” she said, trying to wake herself up. The door cracked open, and Applejack stuck her head through. “Hey Starlight, are ya busy?” “Uh, not yet. I’ve still got an hour before my next scheduled appointment, why?” Applejack let herself into the office, closing the door behind her. “You mind if I ask for your advice on something?” “Uh...sure! Go for it!” Starlight said, trying to figure out how to do counseling for one of the teachers. Applejack sat down on the couch. “Is it...wrong if Ah started taking a liking to one of the students?” Starlight tilted her head. “I...don’t think so? I mean, I guess it’s normal for teachers to have favorite students, but-” “No no no, Ah’m not talking ‘bout having favorites. Ah mean like...” Applejack looked to the side for a moment, hesitating in her word choice. “...romantically.” Starlight tried to subdue her reaction, but her eyes already widened and a gasp left her mouth before she could control herself. “Well, guess I should’ve expected that…” Applejack nervously rubbed the back of her head. “Sorry, I just...WOW.” After a moment to collect herself, Starlight continued the conversation. “Alright, this isn’t some sort of hypothetical situation? You really feel this way about one of the students?” Applejack nodded, a small blush showing on her cheeks. “Is it like a one-sided crush thing, or...do they know?” Applejack let out a light chuckle. “That’s the thing. It all started cause I think they’re sweet on me. But I can’t tell for sure how serious it is.” Starlight tapped her hooves on her desk. “And just to be clear, they’re not trying to butter you up so that they get better grades in class or anything, right?” There was a loud laugh from Applejack at her suggestion. “Definitely not the case.” “Sooo...mind telling me who this mystery student iiiis?” Starlight leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Heh, that’s probably best kept a secret for now. Wouldn’t want things to get awkward for you if they ever came to visit.” “Ugh, fine…” Starlight groaned in annoyance. “...But is that the main issue for you? Not knowing if they really like you back?” Applejack pondered the question for a bit. “Well, one of the other things that’s buggin’ me is just...even if we got together, what would the rest of the school think of it?” “Yeah, the other students would definitely think something was up if they saw one of the teachers dating a student…” Starlight nodded in agreement. “And that’s not even going into what Twilight would say.” “Guess Ah can’t really control what others would think, huh?” “Well, I could, but…” Starlight trailed off as Applejack gave her a concerned and somewhat disturbed look. “A-Anyway, I don’t know what the right choice for you to make is. Even in the best case scenario, there’s still consequences to deal with. But I do know that whatever choice you do make, it should probably be soon. Don’t wanna let the opportunity pass you by, after all.” “I suppose you’re right. Might take a while, but I think I can figure things out.” Applejack looked over at the clock. “Well, better get going so I can start class. Thanks for listening to me, Starlight.” “That's why I’m here.” After Applejack left, Starlight idly spun around in her chair. “...It’s probably not Yona... Sandbar, maybe?” Once classes were done for the day, Gallus went straight to his room. Once he locked the door behind him, he faceplanted onto his bed, screaming frustration into his pillow. Ever since the night of the dance, he couldn’t stop thinking about Applejack. Whether he was studying, working out, or hanging out with his friends, Applejack kept invading his thoughts. He’s had sex with her multiple times, why did thinking about her get him worked up now? Gallus turned over, staring at the bunk above him. Maybe a nap would fix things. At least he remembered to lock the door. Last time he forgot, Applejack broke in, tied him up, and started riding him. All he could do was watch her do it, even though she was in total control, she still had a blush that reached her freckles and- A scream of anguish filled the room as Gallus covered his face with his talons. He needed to figure out what the hell was wrong with him. He considered going to his friends for advice, but that idea was quickly shot down on the basis that Smolder and Silverstream would make fun of him forever. Counselor Starlight was an option, but that would require telling one staff member about his feelings towards another staff member. Suddenly, Gallus’s eyes widened in epiphany. It was a bit of a long shot, but he may have figured out the two best candidates to help him. He wasted no time rushing to the train station, hoping to catch the next ride to Griffonstone. --- “Alright, this better be important. I could be doing things that aren’t this,” Gilda said, impatiently tapping her paw against the ground. “Wait, why are you asking me and Gilda for help, again?” Gabby asked. “Because you two have the most experience in dealing with ponies,” Gallus explained, before looking down at the dirt. “...That and...you two are the only griffons I know that can tolerate me.” “Aww, that’s so sweet, Gallus!” Gabby cooed, immediately pulling him in for a tight hug. Gilda gave a reluctant shrug. “Well I’d hate to waste your train ticket to get here. What’s the problem?” Gallus felt a little relief, knowing that it was worth the trip to Griffonstone after all. “I’m having trouble in school, because-” “Yeah, all that learning stuff wasn’t exactly my strong suit,” Gilda interrupted. “So unless you want tips on how to cheat and not get caught-“ “No, not like that! It’s...it’s one of the teachers! She’s driving me crazy!” “Ohhh, I see. You want us to go over there and teach her a lesson instead!” Gilda grinned, cracking her knuckles. “NO! I mean, she put me in detention and tested out my endurance and stamina. And ever since then, she just keeps putting me in detention almost every week, wearing me out aby testing my endurance for hours. And I just keep going back there to do it all over again! Then there was this stupid dance thing. Now I can’t even look her in the eyes, AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL’S WRONG WITH ME!” Gallus screamed out. Gilda and Gabby recoiled at the outburst, neither of them having any idea how to respond to his situation. “Just...ugh, I need a moment.” Gallus muttered, before flying off to clear his head. As soon as Gallus left, Gilda chuckled. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen a griffon so hopelessly in love like that.” Gabby blinked in confusion. “Wait, in love!? Really? That’s what that was?” “Trust me, he’s crazy, but he’s crazy for her. You’ll understand what I mean sooner or later.” “What do you mean? I’m plenty old enough!” Gaby protested. “But that thing about testing his endurance…” Gilda mused, ignoring Gabby. “I think I got a good idea what he’s talking about…” “Well, I feel bad for him, but what can we do to help?” “I’m pretty sure I know how his endurance and stamina is being tested. I got a good idea on what to do for him…” “What about me?” “Well, you could go around and ask if they’ve heard anything about Gallus. Might get some info that he’s not telling us. That or you can just spend some alone time with that dragon you always write to.” Gilda smirked, elbowing Gabby with her eyebrows raised. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Gabby asked, genuinely confused. “Eh, forget it...” Gilda sighed. ‘You’re really gonna go over there to help him?” “Well, that and it gives me the chance to tease Dash about becoming a nerd while I’m there.” --- After all three griffons made it to Ponyville, Gilda accompanied Gallus to the School of Friendship the next day as Gabby wandered around on her own. Gallus spotted Applejack walking across the hall and pointed her out. “There. That’s the teacher I was talking about.” Gilda let out a sigh of relief. “Ahh, I see. I’m just glad it wasn’t Dash that was driving you crazy. Or worse, Pinkie. Don’t worry, I’ll help ya out. Especially with your endurance.” “How?” Before Gilda could answer, a familiar voice spoke up. “Gilda? What are you doing here?” Gilda turned around, and once she recognized who was talking, her face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Well, I just wanted to catch up, Professor Egghead!” “Really, G? That’s how you’re gonna greet me?” Dash couldn’t even look annoyed. Seeing Gilda again just put a cocky smirk on her face. “Aw, c’mon Dash, I finally get to see you at your new job and you expect me to not take advantage of it?” “Yeah yeah, at least I make all my lessons awesome.” “Oh yeah? You giving them all lessons on how to take naps properly?” As Gilda and Rainbow Dash walked off to the side of the hallway to continue their conversation, Gallus felt a claw tap his shoulder. “So, you brought your mom with you to school today?” Smolder smirked, crossing her arms. “Wha-No, Gilda’s not my mom, she’s-” “Your girlfriend?” Gallus could feel his cheeks starting to burn. “She’s not that either!” Smolder laughed at how quickly Gallus got flustered. “Relax, I’m kidding! Besides, your girlfriend’s already at this school, isn’t she?” “...Huh?” “Well, probably not your girlfriend yet, but still…” Smolder shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d go for Professor Applejack, but-” Gallus froze in terror. “What!?” A few of the other students started taking interest in Gallus and Smolder’s conversation, slightly turning their heads in their direction and keeping an ear out, or pretending to be preoccupied by something, but staying nearby. The smirk on Smolder’s face grew bigger. “C’mon, I dunno what griffon affection looks like, but you clearly have a thing for her.” Gallus started clenching his fists. “I do not have a thing for her!” Smolder raised an eyebrow. “You whistled at her ass, dude. That sounds pretty clear-cut to me. Or is it accent that’s doing it for ya? Cause-” She gestured towards Gallus, waiting for an explanation. “Gah, shut up!” Gallus yelled, impulsively shoving Smolder in the chest. All the smugness on Smolder’s face quickly faded away as she was sent stumbling onto her rear. Any sort of subtlety from the onlookers was dropped, all eyes were now on Smolder to see what she would do next. With a silent acceptance of the situation, Smolder stood back up, dusted herself off, walked over to Gallus, and shoved him back. The next thing Gallus knew, he and Smolder were trading blows. Gallus could feel when Smolder got a punch in, but there was no pain. Rationality had disappeared, and adrenaline had taken its place. The next few moments were a complete blur for Gallus. There was screaming, punching, kicking, and maybe some biting involved. The action was brought to a complete stop as Applejack and Rainbow Dash forced the two apart. “Woah, woah, guys! The hell’s going on?” As Gallus struggled to catch his breath, the realization of what he’d just done finally caught up to him. “Ah crap…” “Ah dunno what started it, but whatever it was, Ah’m pretty sure there was no reason for you two to start punching each other like that.” “Really guys? I thought you two would know better…” Dash grumbled. “Sorry, G. We’re gonna have to continue our conversation later.” “No worries, I get it. You got a job to do and all,” Gilda nodded. Applejack looked down at Gallus. “...You already know what Ah’m gonna say, right?” “Yeah, yeah, detention…” Gallus winced, the pain of each punch started to sink in as the adrenaline wore off. As Gilda watched Applejack walk away with Gallus, she got a flash of inspiration. “Hey, you mind if I come along with him?” Applejack was taken aback by the request. “Uh...Ah guess you can…” she shrugged. “Don’t know why you’d want to, though.” Soon, Gallus was back in his usual spot. Only this time, he had a guest with him. Every time he looked at Gilda, she looked back at him with a sly smirk. Being supervised by both Applejack and Gilda gave him a sense of embarrassment that he’d never felt before. Applejack watched the two griffons exchange looks, shaking her head in confusion. Why Gilda wanted to be part of this was beyond her understanding. “You know, Gallus here has been telling me he’s been having some trouble in this school,” Gilda said, finally breaking the awkward silence. Applejack raised an eyebrow. “...Yeah? How so?” “Well, it’s not with the classes or the homework like I thought. It’s one of the teachers he’s having an issue with.” “Really now?” Applejack leaned forward, her focus shifting to Gallus. Gallus felt a chill wash over his entire body. He slammed his forehead into his desk and prayed for the sweet release of death. Gilda leaned back in her chair. “Yeah, something about wanting to have the endurance for her or whatever. It’s actually why I decided to come here. Cause he wanted me to help him out.” Applejack’s head tilted to the side. She wasn’t surprised that Gallus had told someone about detention, but asking for help was definitely unexpected. “So, Gal…” Gilda reached over and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “What usually goes on when you land yourself in detention?” Gallus could practically feel his soul trying to escape his body. “Uh, this is usually where she...tests my endurance.” “Yeah?” Gilda cocked her head back with a smirk. “Show me how.” “...Do I have to?” “You wanted me to help, didn’t ya?” With a resigned sigh, Gallus looked over at Applejack. “Professor Applejack? Do you...uh...do you wanna do this?” Applejack tapped her chin with her hoof, pondering her options. She had some reservations with having Gilda being in the same room, but since Gallus went through all the trouble, she decided it was worth a try. “Sure, let’s see how long you last this time,” she said, climbing up onto her desk. Gallus got out of his seat and walked towards Applejack, pushing the fact that Gilda was watching to the back of his mind so that he could focus on getting an erection. His focus was set on watching Applejack prepare. Applejack sat at the edge of the desk, slowly spreading her legs out. With a wink to Gallus, Applejack tipped the brim of her hat over her eyes, then popped it off in the opposite direction, letting her hat fall on her desk. Seeing Applejack wink directly at him made a different kind of chill shoot down his spine, and it definitely helped in getting himself ready as he approached. Once Applejack eyed Gallus’s growing excitement, she laid back on the desk, lifting her hooves up in the air. Just as Gallus put his claws on Applejack’s legs, ready to start, Gilda grabbed his shoulder. “Woah there, what do you think you’re doing?” Gallus looked back in utter confusion. “Uh...I was gonna...you know, have sex with her?” “Tch, just like that? C’mon, Gal, I thought you knew better than that! You gotta build up to it, make the mood right!” Gilda shook her head, guiding Gallus to the other side of the desk. “Are you...are you coaching me on how to have sex?” Applejack looked up as the griffons walked behind her. “Uh, should Ah stay like this or…?” “Nah, you’re gonna wanna sit back up for this,” Gilda said, nudging Applejack up. “Alright Gallus, put those talons to use!” “...How?” Gilda let out a long, drawn-out sigh as she smacked her forehead. “Alright. Put your hands on her shoulders.” Gallus did as he was told, still not following what Gilda was planning. “Now start massaging.” There was a tense silence before Gallus gave Applejack’s shoulders an awkward squeeze. “Uh...I’ve never given anyone a massage before. Like, ever.” “You are so lucky I’m feeling nice today…” Gilda muttered. She stood behind Gallus and put her own talons on his shoulders. “Ok, Just do what i do.” Gilda started by pressing the tips of her fingers and thumbs into his shoulders, expecting Gallus to match her movements. Gallus attempted to translate what Gilda was doing to him towards Applejack. He slowly squeezed Applejack’s shoulders, trying to move his fingers whenever Gilda did. Applejack let out a little grunt of approval as she felt those talons press into her tense muscles. It was a little awkward, but it was more relaxing than painful. Without releasing her grip, Gilda lifted Gallus’s shoulders upwards, expecting him to do the same. Gallus rolled Applejack’s firm muscles up, still trying to imitate Gilda’s motions. “Am I doing alright, Professor Applejack?” There was a small moan from Applejack’s lips as she nodded. “Heh...not bad...” “Ya see? Now keep going, just like that.” Gilda said, finally taking her hands off Gallus to let him do the work. Now without Gilda’s guidance, Gallus just repeated his previous motions: gentle squeezes and rolling her shoulder muscles up, occasionally moving his hands to knead a different part of her shoulders. Applejack rolled her neck from side to side as Gallus squeezed her shoulders. It certainly wasn’t a spa treatment, but there was something about those talons that made the massage unique. Gilda nodded in approval. “Now get on the other side of the desk and start working on her thighs…” Gallus hesitated, the urge to question why was tempting, but he decided it would be easier to just go with it. Once he got to the other side of the desk, he was face-to-face with Applejack again. A quick look told Gallus that she had an amused smirk on her face, but also a blush that reached her freckles. Following Gilda’s instructions, his focus turned to her thighs. As Gallus grabbed onto Applejack, his fingers pressed into her thighs, already feeling the mass of muscles underneath. Gallus still had no idea what he was doing, but to avoid Gilda demonstrating on his own legs, he decided to improvise. With her powerful legs in hand, he clumsily squeezed and rubbed her haunches, moving his hands up and down her hooves. Applejack resisted the urge to chuckle at Gallus’s attempt. It felt more like she was being felt up than massaged. Though when Gallus did something right, she let out a little moan to let him know. “Get the cutie mark,” Gilda instructed. “It drives them wild when you do that.” As Gallus’s fingers hovered over her flank, he turned his head towards her. “Uh, Gilda? How do you know all this stuff?” “Don’t worry about it.” Gilda said quickly, turning her head away to hide the blush on her cheeks. “What am I even doing…” Gallus said with a heavy sigh. His fingers pressed against her rear, kneading specifically into the apples on her flank. Applejack threw her head back, her body shivering in delight. “Hoooooboy!” After a few minutes of the cutie mark massage, Gilda stopped Gallus once more. “Alright Gal, ya notice how wet she is now?” Gallus directed his gaze inward, finally noticing the slight drippings from Applejack’s vagina. “...Huh.” “And now look how satisfied she is.” Applejack looked down at Gallus with a warm smile instead of a smug smirk, and her blush now extended to the rest of her cheeks. “See?” Gilda nudged Gallus with her elbow. “Now that’s how you get a girl in the mood.” “Great, do we start having sex now?” “Go for it.”