WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en-US 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.500 00:00:04.640 --> 00:00:07.660 “You know I can feel that, right?” 00:00:07.660 --> 00:00:12.180 Gallus paused in his writing and slowly turned around to his remaining study buddy 00:00:12.180 --> 00:00:16.180 who was looking at him with her big blue insect eyes. 00:00:16.680 --> 00:00:21.240 Everyone else had left and it was just the two of them finishing their homework. 00:00:21.280 --> 00:00:25.720 One by one their friends all left until it was just the two of them. Ocellus' curved smile made Gallus slowly raise his eyebrow as he tilted his head. 00:00:25.720 --> 00:00:28.040 “Feel what? A draft?” 00:00:28.040 --> 00:00:32.860 Looking around the library he tried to spot an open window, but a cheery giggle made him pause. 00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:38.300 “I mean I felt what you were feeling when you were looking at Silverstream earlier,” 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:40.980 Ocellus said with a knowing smile 00:00:40.980 --> 00:00:43.360 that made Gallus blink for a bit. 00:00:43.360 --> 00:00:46.600 Then it suddenly hit him to what she was referring on and he quickly turned around 00:00:46.600 --> 00:00:48.700 to hide the small blushing tint on his cheeks. 00:00:48.740 --> 00:00:50.920 “Um, I don’t know what you are talking about,” 00:00:50.940 --> 00:00:52.520 Gallus replied, coughing into his mouth. 00:00:52.760 --> 00:00:55.080 “I was only noticing that Silverstream had a new mane style.” 00:00:55.220 --> 00:01:00.440 “Yeah, Yona’s been trying to teach us how to braid our manes like Yaks do, 00:01:00.600 --> 00:01:04.680 but… um, it didn’t go well with mine.” 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:08.440 Ocellus slowly reached her head and wince as if she was in pain. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:13.360 Gallus could only imagine that her clear through misty mane didn’t react well to powerful yak hooves. 00:01:13.680 --> 00:01:16.700 “And since Smolder doesn’t have any hair on her body she was out 00:01:16.700 --> 00:01:19.700 so that left Sandbar and Silverstream.” 00:01:20.180 --> 00:01:24.560 Gallus’ eyes widened before a large scheming smirk spread across his jaw. 00:01:24.660 --> 00:01:29.600 “Wait, you mean Sandbar actually got his mane braided. Tell me you got pictures.” 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:34.580 “Nope, and we swore to never laugh again about it. Even though it’s kind hard not to.” 00:01:34.580 --> 00:01:38.060 Ocellus chuckled a bit before clearing her throat. 00:01:38.840 --> 00:01:40.160 “But enough side tracking. 00:01:40.160 --> 00:01:43.380 I know how you feel about Silverstream, Gallus.” 00:01:43.380 --> 00:01:47.300 “Feel what? I just see her as a close friend,” 00:01:47.300 --> 00:01:50.600 Gallus said, picking up his book and getting ready to pack up. 00:01:50.620 --> 00:01:54.540 “You’re just imagining things. I’m gonna head over to bed. “ 00:01:54.540 --> 00:01:57.140 He was about to leave when Ocellus said, 00:01:57.140 --> 00:01:59.920 “You know I’m a changeling, right?” 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:01.280 “Yeah?” 00:02:01.420 --> 00:02:03.820 “And we feed on love, right?” 00:02:03.820 --> 00:02:07.180 “I think everycreature knows that by now, Ocellus.” 00:02:07.240 --> 00:02:11.140 “What makes you think we can’t feel it from others as well?” 00:02:11.140 --> 00:02:15.320 There was a long silence between the two as Gallus just stared at the smirking changeling whose face 00:02:15.320 --> 00:02:20.980 he wanted to wipe away right now as he desperately tried to find an excuse in his head. 00:02:20.980 --> 00:02:25.680 Yet the knowing look in Ocellus’ eyes all but quickly put any thoughts of denial away 00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:29.420 as he sighed before sitting down, head resting on his open palm. 00:02:29.640 --> 00:02:33.400 “Fine. I feel… different with her.” 00:02:33.400 --> 00:02:35.400 “You’re in love, silly,” 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:39.920 Ocellus giggled, but soon stopped upon seeing Gallus glare at her. 00:02:39.920 --> 00:02:42.260 “Why is that such a big deal?” 00:02:42.320 --> 00:02:47.060 “Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because I have no chance at all with her?” 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:50.440 he replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 00:02:50.440 --> 00:02:56.820 “Seriously? Silverstream’s a nice girl and you two have been pretty close since that cave incident.” 00:02:56.820 --> 00:03:01.060 Gallus bit his tongue as he thought back to that day when he and his friends got trapped 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:04.260 while trying to see if friendship was in their nature. 00:03:04.260 --> 00:03:07.460 Silverstream had been nothing but ecstatic to find him 00:03:07.500 --> 00:03:10.280 and, deep down, he was glad he found her too. 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:17.500 Helping her fight her fears of the Storm King and her appreciation afterwards made him feel something he hadn’t felt before. 00:03:17.500 --> 00:03:22.540 Like a sense of accomplishment of doing something right for once in his life. 00:03:22.680 --> 00:03:27.260 His life before coming to the school had been nothing but one bad experience after the next, 00:03:27.260 --> 00:03:30.900 not helped at all by his own actions. 00:03:30.900 --> 00:03:34.980 Helping Silverstream was the first time he felt like a true friend 00:03:34.980 --> 00:03:39.620 because he had assumed that he was both unable, and unworthy, to really form such a close bond with his friends. 00:03:39.720 --> 00:03:45.900 He was glad he proved not just to the trials, but to himself, that he was indeed capable of being a real friend. 00:03:45.900 --> 00:03:49.680 Not to mention that hug… felt really good… 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:51.540 he thought with a soft smile. 00:03:51.540 --> 00:03:53.220 “Felt it again.” 00:03:53.220 --> 00:03:56.060 “Darn it, quit scanning me like some kind of radar thing,” 00:03:56.060 --> 00:03:57.120 Gallus growled. 00:03:57.160 --> 00:03:59.300 “I don’t deny we’ve grown closer. 00:03:59.360 --> 00:04:05.400 Seeing her take on the Storm King, even if it was an illusion, took guts. 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:08.700 She’s got a stronger side to her that most don’t often see.” 00:04:08.700 --> 00:04:12.320 “And I’ve seen you two flying and swimming on the weekends,” 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:16.620 “Okay, now I see why other creatures see changelings as stalkers. 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:18.280 Yes, we are. 00:04:18.280 --> 00:04:22.700 I’m teaching her how to fly better while she’s teaching me how to swim better. 00:04:22.700 --> 00:04:26.940 I mean she and her people have been living in the sea for years until recently. 00:04:26.940 --> 00:04:29.320 They are a bit behind on their wing power.” 00:04:29.320 --> 00:04:32.020 “So why do you want to learn how to swim better?” 00:04:32.080 --> 00:04:33.560 Ocellus asked. 00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:38.180 “You’re actually a pretty good swimmer. Much better then Yona at least.” 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:40.460 Blushing, Gallus rubbed the back of his neck. 00:04:40.460 --> 00:04:46.160 “W-w-well, she said she wanted to pay me back for helping her. I told her she didn’t have to but she insisted. 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:50.420 I-I was just thinking it would help us grow closer as friends.” 00:04:50.420 --> 00:04:51.780 “Right,” 00:04:51.780 --> 00:04:54.220 Ocellus teased before continuing, 00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:58.380 “So, you both grew closer, you both are helping each other, 00:04:58.380 --> 00:05:01.120 and you both deeply care for each other, right? 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:03.620 “Uh, duh? She’s my friend,” 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:09.620 Gallus whispered, leaning back against the chair. He closed his eyes and wished he was anywhere but here right now. 00:05:09.620 --> 00:05:14.260 “Look, if you want me to be mushy about it. Fine. 00:05:14.260 --> 00:05:15.860 I care about all of you. 00:05:15.900 --> 00:05:18.820 You’re the first friends I’ve ever had and 00:05:18.820 --> 00:05:23.540 even when I screw things up during Hearths Warming Eve you guys are there for me. 00:05:23.560 --> 00:05:29.320 Sandbar’s always willing to chill with me and invites me over to his family’s house for dinner at least every weekend or so. 00:05:29.320 --> 00:05:33.120 I think he’s trying to get me to feel like I’m part of his family. 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:36.720 Smolder’s fun to hang around and do hardcore stuff with. 00:05:36.720 --> 00:05:40.940 Plus, she makes a good rival in pranking and sports. 00:05:40.940 --> 00:05:45.100 Yona, as much as she is annoying, is just too kind to not like 00:05:45.100 --> 00:05:48.540 and I can’t deny she’s fun to play with. 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:53.660 You’re someone I can talk to like this about because you’re more empathetic with others. 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:56.200 And you’re always willing to help me with my homework.” 00:05:56.200 --> 00:05:59.880 “That’s because you almost never finish it on time,” 00:06:00.080 --> 00:06:01.840 Ocellus dryly pointed out. 00:06:01.880 --> 00:06:04.320 “Details. Details.” 00:06:04.400 --> 00:06:08.820 Gallus waved his claw before sighing and looking downward. 00:06:08.820 --> 00:06:11.100 “With Silverstream? 00:06:11.100 --> 00:06:15.860 Honestly, she’s just so happy and positive all the time that… 00:06:15.940 --> 00:06:17.280 it rubs off on ya. 00:06:17.280 --> 00:06:21.060 She’s always hugging people, smiling, and never just down about anything. 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:24.480 Growing up in Griffinstone was always depressing and just plain sucked 00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:26.940 because of how everyone acted. 00:06:26.940 --> 00:06:31.300 Seeing her in the total opposite of what I was exposed to made her annoying at first, 00:06:31.320 --> 00:06:33.340 but when I really got to know her… 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:39.080 I guess I found myself wanting to feel what she feels everyday because it’s just so…” 00:06:39.080 --> 00:06:41.360 Gallus tried to find the right word to describe it. 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:48.220 This strange feeling he felt every time Silverstream sent him a warm bubbly smile that was brighter than the sun. 00:06:48.240 --> 00:06:56.080 The warm glow he felt pulsing in his body as she stood near him with a wave of her ocean like mane. 00:06:56.080 --> 00:07:02.100 How her cries of laughter echoed in him like a symphony of emotions he never felt nor understood. 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:04.220 “I don’t know to describe it, but 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:07.080 I like it… and I want more of it.” 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:09.240 Gallus looked at Ocellus 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:12.380 “I can’t say it’s love, but I do feel something. 00:07:12.380 --> 00:07:17.180 Yet, even if I did like her that way it wouldn’t work out.” 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.440 “Why not? 00:07:18.520 --> 00:07:21.840 I think Silverstream would be more than happy to try it out,” 00:07:22.180 --> 00:07:24.220 Ocellus said, tilting her head. 00:07:24.320 --> 00:07:28.740 “Gee, I don’t know maybe because she’s from the Royal Family of the Hippogriffs 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:33.380 while I am an orphaned griffin with no family history and can barely afford to live alone?” 00:07:33.380 --> 00:07:35.500 Gallus growled, folding his arms. 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:38.260 He glared at the table with his teeth gritting. 00:07:38.340 --> 00:07:45.860 “I asked her once, and Silverstream said she was third in line to take the throne should something happen to her aunt, cousin, or her mother. 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:48.260 Meaning she’s all but given the title of princess.” 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:52.300 “Let’s say the two of us do start dating and something happens because of it? 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:55.580 Do you think her family would approve of her dating a nobird like me? 00:07:55.640 --> 00:07:57.300 A guy who doesn’t have a family, 00:07:57.360 --> 00:07:58.980 let alone any noble blood? 00:07:58.980 --> 00:08:02.300 Not to mention the nobles of her kingdom might not approve of it, 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:06.880 Chances are she’ll be required to date somepony of her status 00:08:06.880 --> 00:08:09.800 or have it even be arranged like her parents were. 00:08:09.820 --> 00:08:13.020 They’re just lucky they fell for each other over time. 00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:18.000 Even if I wanted something to happen… I don’t think it can be allowed, Ocellus.” 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:18.980 “… I see,” 00:08:19.020 --> 00:08:21.800 Ocellus whispered, her smile having faded. 00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:25.640 “I guess there is some sense in what you’re saying. 00:08:25.780 --> 00:08:30.800 Nobles tend to only date among their own for prestige purposes.” 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:37.060 “Yeah, what chance do I have? I’m not a hero or noble or even special. Just… Gallus.” 00:08:37.060 --> 00:08:40.780 “… Yet I think that’s all Silverstream will need,” 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:43.780 Ocellus said, smiling again. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:50.740 “Does Silverstream seem like the kind of creature who would just let such a thing as nobility or prestige get in the way of who she befriends? 00:08:50.740 --> 00:08:55.580 The rest of us aren’t special or nobles either. 00:08:55.600 --> 00:08:59.980 Sure, we’re not orphans, but we’re not exactly coming from high class families ourselves.” 00:09:00.060 --> 00:09:04.160 She got off her chair and walked over to her friend, placing a hoof on his shoulder. 00:09:04.260 --> 00:09:08.240 “Silverstream may be the richest and highest class of us, 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:13.480 but she’s never been anything but a kind hippogriff who wants to learn and make friends. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:16.560 The fact that she’s spending so much time for you, 00:09:16.560 --> 00:09:19.900 while showing you nothing but her open heart, 00:09:19.900 --> 00:09:24.500 shows that if you were to try and make your relationship more, 00:09:24.540 --> 00:09:28.160 I think she would be completely open to the idea.” 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.720 “But what about her family?” 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:31.840 Gallus asked, scratching the back of his head. 00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:36.920 “She was willing to run away with us when we thought we were going to be separated, right? 00:09:37.020 --> 00:09:42.800 I think she would be willing to challenge them just as fiercely to be with you. 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:46.140 Either as a friend or maybe a boyfriend.” 00:09:46.160 --> 00:09:47.460 Ocellus then gave him a wink. 00:09:47.520 --> 00:09:50.080 “Call it a girl’s intuition.” 00:09:50.160 --> 00:09:54.580 While a part of Gallus was still in doubt, he didn’t deny what Ocellus was saying had some truth. 00:09:54.640 --> 00:09:58.220 He found himself smiling and thinking about him and Silverstream. 00:09:58.280 --> 00:10:02.600 Just the two of them having a meal together… holding claws… watching the sunset. 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:05.380 “Alright, maybe one day I’ll say something,” 00:10:05.420 --> 00:10:08.000 Gallus said, slowly moving out of his chair. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:11.980 “But when I’m ready. I’m fine with how things are for now.” 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:14.300 “So someday?” 00:10:14.380 --> 00:10:16.340 Ocellus asked as she began to pack up her books. 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:17.800 “Yeah, someday.” 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:22.300 The two friends began to make their way for the exit of the library when Gallus asked, 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:25.880 The two friends began to make their way for the exit of the library when Gallus asked, 00:10:25.900 --> 00:10:29.500 Is anycreature in our circle of friends also sharing such feelings?” 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:34.800 “Oh, Sandbar’s been pretty active lately in his feelings department alright.” 00:10:34.800 --> 00:10:36.900 Ocellus gave a sly smirk. 00:10:36.900 --> 00:10:40.060 “Really? Space cadet has got a crush? On who?” 00:10:40.060 --> 00:10:47.160 “Well, let’s just say he’s not inviting you to meet his family for the reasons you were mentioning earlier…” 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:50.320 “… Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”