//------------------------------//
// Talking 
// Story: Doing Loving Things 
// by HeideKnight 
//------------------------------//

You stand behind an earth pony, another link in the chain waiting outside Starlight’s office. You stroke the wooden box in your pocket. Your palms are slick. You’d will them dry, but it’s difficult to focus. You’ve been like this all morning. 

The line moves forward a pace. That’s good, at least it’s moving. You move forward, too, then check your watch. It will be noon soon. You look behind you. There are another six creatures behind you. Strike that, another stallion walks into line. Seven. Starlight will miss lunch at this rate. It’s no wonder she’s always hungry when she gets home. 

“Do you even go here?” the gryphon behind you says. You look at him. Starlight told you her students’ names. This one was… Gallus? You shake your head. “Pfft, figures,” he says and rolls his eyes. “Well, can you step out of line? The councilors’ office is for students only.”

You squeeze the box. Gryphons are confrontational and unconcerned with size or age. But you’ve waited long enough. You need to do this before you lose your nerve. You tell him you have business with Starlight. 

“Look, buddy, these are school hours,” Gallus says. “Don’t make me get the headmare involved.”

Heat radiates from your collar. This little parakeet is pushing it. You raise your hand, about to give him a good lecture, when you hear a click. You look. Starlight is standing halfway out the door, her eyes on a clipboard. 

“Wild Berry is next?” She says and looks to the filly at the line’s head. Then her eyes snap to you. She looks worried. She laughs nervously. She’s cute when she does that. Then her eyes soften. “What are you doing here?” Her words are light, and her tone says “I’m glad to see you”. She looks across the line and frowns. “Just a sec,” she says, then pops away in a flash. The students mutter to each other. 

“Oh great, now we’ve got to wait even longer,” Gallus says. “Hey, everycreature’s really busy here. You’re messing up our flow.”

You’re about to tell him to shove off, but hear murmurings of assent from the rest of the line. You look around. All eyes are on you. 

“That’s it, I’m getting the headmare,” Gallus says. You’re about to acquiesce, but you hear a crack. The line’s attention turns forward. Starlight is standing, looking apologetic. Beside her stands Fluttershy, one eye hidden behind her voluminous mane.      

“I have to step away for a bit,” Starlight says, “so professor Fluttershy will be your substitute guidance councilor until I get back!”

Fluttershy looks up and flashes a smile. The students mumble, but none object. Starlight looks at you and motions to join her. You look around, then to her and nod. You leave the line and follow her down the hall.

You hear a huff behind you. You turn and wave at Gallus. He grimaces.