Doctor Fay did not expect to stay in the Royal Orphanage for as long as she had, but, with the recent revelations about Wild, she couldn’t simply leave, even if Wild could, in theory, travel to Canterlot in order to get his therapy sessions with her. She was perfectly aware that every step between a patient and getting help is one more obstacle to overcome, and there were plenty of people who could not find the energy to do so despite how simple those steps might seem. It would, in the end, be for the best if she could accommodate Wild instead.

Doctor Fay, thankfully, had someone she could delegate to, thus leaving her with plenty of time to do appropriate research and planning. Wild’s recent departure to Canterlot due to what she knew as medical emergency allowed her additional precious days to get everything in order. She didn’t feel like she was ready, considering the magnitude of the situation, but she would do her best anyway.

When Wild entered her office, she immediately spotted the physical differences compared to his last visit. Whatever happened had triggered his magical growth, judging by the longer horn, and she could no longer spot the previously-obvious scar on his ear. While the longer horn made him look older, absence of any obvious scars made him look younger in turn, and the overall effect made him appear closer to his physical age. His posture was more confident, and it was clear he was no longer afraid of the sessions. This confidence likely stemmed from his growing trust in her since he had told her about his origins. Doctor Fay, despite how many difficulties his confession introduced, was glad that she was deemed trustworthy enough for him to reveal such hardships. All of this revealed a whole host of possible issues that she would need to address, as well as many more sessions with Wild that she would need to attend. She had a feeling they would have a long way ahead of them, and her stay at the Royal Orphanage would lengthen appropriately.

Wild was invited to sit down, and then Doctor Fay gave him opportunity to speak his mind first. She knew some stubborn patients who would not speak unless she initiated it, but Wild was not one of them.

“I, uh,” he cleared his throat, his eyes darting to hers and then somewhere off to the side, “I have... finished reading the, the sexuality book. I want to be... tested.”

Doctor Fay didn’t allow her surprise to show on her face. Considering what he had told her during the recent sessions, she had expected something heavier. Perhaps she should not have. Whatever the case was, she was perfectly willing to accommodate him. If he didn’t shy away from this topic despite his past, she would not bring attention to it, only mentally noting that sex, as a subject, was no longer off-limits. Of course, it didn't mean she could be careless, but she would not need to avoid the topic entirely, which made things a lot easier.

“Very well. First, I will ask you some simple technical questions,” she said, “Let us start with the topic of safe sex.”

Wild nodded, and she could practically feel his focus sharpening. She proceeded to question him on the available contraception methods, and he proceeded to list them all without as much as a pause. It was clear that he had given it an appropriate measure of thought, which was good to see. It wasn't too uncommon for some ponies to wave the whole topic away, and that, naturally, resulted in issues.

First and the easiest method of contraception was having sex outside of the heat season, known as estrus, which would easily prevent pregnancies, though it would not prevent any other issues. Second was a condom, which offered a decent all-around protection but was not one hundred percent effective against pregnancies. Another was a spell, a different one for each sex, which was a more difficult but extremely reliable method available to all unicorns who can learn the necessary spells. Then was a pill that could prevent estrus when it was taken a week before it started and then during estrus every single day, which, once again, only concerned pregnancies. There were, Doctor Fay knew, more invasive and older methods, no longer used, but she wasn’t questioning Wild on the history of sexuality. However, she did ask about permanent methods, which included vasectomy for males and either obstruction of fallopian tubes or removing them entirely for females, alongside more expensive but just as good magical solutions that were technically not permanent as they could be easily reversed. Abortion for females was also available, though it was certainly not a preventative measure.

There were questions about male on male sex, which Wild provided answers to in a steady, slightly monotonous voice. Doctor Fay was concerned that there was some mental detachment in play, but he seemed lucid and alert aside from the tone of his voice, so she didn't voice her thoughts.

In truth, it was likely that the way he spoke was simply the default for when it came to things of personal relevancy to him. It was a way to disguise discomfort, perhaps, and also hide any other thoughts he might have on the topic of discussion.

Naturally, there were no pregnancy-related questions. Wild seemed to be relieved that there weren’t many questions since male on male sex was not much different compared to male on female, and there was no danger of pregnancy. There was the importance of checking for STDs before initiating intimacy, then getting them removed. Doctor Fay shuddered to imagine the days when this danger was far more prevalent.

Of course, the technical aspects of safe sex wasn’t the only topic they needed to cover.

“Now, I will present you with various situations, and you will explain how you would approach them,” Doctor Fay said, and Wild nodded, “Let’s start with something relatively simple. You really like someone, and you approach them and confess your feelings. They tell you that they are not interested. What do you do?”

“I take no as the answer,” Wild said without skipping a beat, “If they... do not want me, that is... for them to say. To decide. I will not push.”

“Even if, for example, it was their way of telling you to continue pursuing them?”

“I do not play games,” he furrowed his brows, a mildly annoyed expression appearing on his face, “If... they can’t be honest with me and say what they mean, I don’t want that.”

“Very good,” Doctor Fay nodded. Truthfully speaking, sometimes she hated all the ways people could talk around what they actually meant. However, now was not the time for her personal frustrations, and so she continued, “Next situation. Someone you know had become inebriated at a party you are attending as well, and they make sexual advances to you. What do you do?”

“They can’t give consent in that state,” Wild readily said, “I... help them to safety. And... make sure no one... tries anything bad with them.”

“Excellent,” Doctor Fay nodded.

She proceeded to present him with different situations, some less clear than others, yet it appeared Wild would stay cautious regardless, retreating at the first sign of ‘no’ aimed towards him in the hypothetical situations. To Doctor Fay, it was obvious he was very aware of consent and everything that surrounds it, as well as sexual safety alongside and outside of that. He had, without a doubt, taken his time to learn these things by heart. He was also very aware of what differences in power introduced to such situations. In hypothetical situations of him having power, he once again explained that he would keep his distance, which some could characterize as overly cautious, but it was not, strictly speaking, wrong. In situations where he had less power and he was pursued by someone with more power, he would be firm in saying ‘no’. If his wishes were not respected, he would search for ways to get out of the situation as well as notify the authorities about it. Although, on the last point, something flashed behind Wild’s eyes, and Doctor Fay had a suspicion she knew what it was.

“Would you also consider violence an appropriate response?” she asked.

“...Depending,” he said with some hesitation, “If someone does not understand ‘no’ and keeps pushing, I will push them away or hit them if they do not understand that. If they keep at it... I will beat them up.”

It was left unspoken but apparent that he would not hesitate to kill if someone pushed too hard and went into the territory of outright sexual assault. Doctor Fay could not exactly disagree - responding with overwhelming violence, up to and including killing, was perfectly legal when it came to self-defense during sexual assault. Doctor Fay had, thankfully, never in her life come across a single case of sexual assault, and she was very aware Wild had personal experience with it. To condemn his actions would be to reject him and to destroy any semblance of positive relationship between the two of them, so Doctor Fay would not do that even if her thoughts on the topic were different. Whatever the case was, it was no place for her to judge.

“You would be within your right,” she settled on replying to his unspoken answer both knew of, which made him relax a bit, “Sexual crimes receive the harshest punishments, and people in the midst of being subjected to them are allowed much leeway in how they deal with the perpetrator.”

Wild nodded, relaxing further. While she personally did not think she would resort to outright killing someone, she had never been in such a situation and, hopefully, never would be. It would, in truth, do her no good to think about it too much. If it happened, she would do what she had to do, and then she would embrace the consequences.

Thankfully, they soon moved to safer, less unpleasant topics as Doctor Fay asked him general questions about gender and sexuality. Wild recognized that there were very many gender identities, from relatively simple to complex, and that each and every one of them deserved respect, and it was not for him to question someone else’s gender identity.

“I... read about the, um, ‘gender euphoria’,” he said in between questions, “I never felt it. But I never felt dysphoria either. I think I am a stallion, but... I don’t really, um, care much? It’s easy to be a stallion, and I’ve always had that, um, label. But... I do not feel anything about it. Positive or negative, I mean.”

“Whatever label you choose for yourself is up to you,” Doctor Fay said, “I can’t give you the answers to what you feel. If how you call yourself feels comfortable to use, use it. If not, then don’t. Think of it like this: gender is like ice-cream. There are many flavors, you can mix and match, or you can decide not to have any if it’s not for you.”

“I could be... without gender?” Wild frowned, “...is that possible?”

“Of course,” she nodded, “There are many people who identify that way, like agender or gendervoid. It is not a bad thing either.”

“I... will think of this,” Wild said, “Can we continue?”

The test went on, and Wild revealed that he recognized all the different sexualities as well, though another question arose.

“I do not know if I would like a stallion with a vagina,” he said, “Or... a mare with a, um, penis. I... I am gay, and... I think I’m, um... traditional? I mean... I like stallions with, uh, penises. That, I know, is true.”

“You don’t need to fit under any label,” Doctor Fay replied, putting his awkwardness aside and getting to the root of the issue, “In truth, it is quite simple - you like whom you like, and you label this attraction how you want. There is no real correct way. Gender identities and sexualities are diverse, and there aren’t enough labels to cover every possible attraction. Use whatever label feels comfortable or none at all. Others are not entitled to have you stand before them and explain yourself. You are who you are, a person, and each person is unique. If it helps, I also know some people who describe their sexuality as ‘I like pretty people’.”

That got a somewhat startled chuckle out of Wild’s mouth, and Fay smiled in response.

“There is no obligation to behave a certain way or like certain people just because you use a certain label,” she continued, “When it comes to genitalia, you are certainly not forbidden from having a preference. There are no rigid criteria or requirements for you to fulfill before you are allowed to call your attraction a certain name.”

“But... would it not cause confusion?”

“People don’t need to understand your attraction and how you choose to label it, they only need to accept it.”

Wild blinked at her as if she said the sun was a cube. He took a deep breath, then breathed out. He had a thoughtful expression even as he gave her a nod.

The rest of the test passed without incident, and it was clear to Doctor Fay that Wild had a good understanding of sexuality and how to approach different situations related to it. She could, without hesitation, give him the paper that proved that he had passed the basics of sexuality education. This paper was required to visit places like brothels, and it ensured that everyone was on the same level of understanding before anything could occur, good or bad.

“Now that we are done with this, is there anything you want to talk about?” Doctor Fay asked.

Wild gave it a minute of thought, then nodded. He straightened from his somewhat slumped and relaxed position, now leaning forward, and his ears were aimed forward as well.

“I am... I am attracted to someone,” he begun, “I like him. I know he likes me. And I want... a relationship. He already said he wants a relationship with me, but I said no because I... am - was - not ready. I am still not ready, I think, but I want it. I... do not know what to do.”

Doctor Fay nodded, already aware of the situation since he had previously talked about it. Now, she had a question for him.

“What do you mean by ‘not ready?’”

“I... you now know I have... suffered,” Wild swallowed, then cleared his throat, “I know I am... troubled. I have issues. I... it would be unfair to him to deal with me.”

“Is it what he said to you?”

“...what?” Wild blinked at her in confusion.

“Would he consider it unfair to deal with you?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said with certainty.

“Is it what you think he would say or is it what he actually said to you?” Doctor Fay asked, and Wild remained silent, “Whether he decides that he wants or doesn’t want to deal with you, that is his choice to make. But you cannot know the answer unless you ask, and neither can you decide for him what his answer would be.”

She let him process that before continuing.

“It is, of course, your right not to enter a relationship if you don’t want to, and it would also be your right to exit a relationship you don’t want to be in. However, to decide that a relationship can’t happen because you think your potential partner would not want to deal with the entirety of you, good or bad, because of how you think about yourself, is not wise. What you think may happen is not what you know will happen, and it would not be good for you to keep your mind on imagining those possibilities. Instead, it would be better to approach your potential partner with honesty, and thus you would also get an honest, informed answer.”

“I cannot tell him everything,” Wild argued.

“And you do not need to. You could present your issues without revealing their cause. Since you have interacted in the past, has he always respected your boundaries?”

“...Yes.”

“Then I do not see why you could not present him with the facts about yourself without revealing everything.”

“But it is dishonest.”

“No person is entitled to you or the information about you,” Doctor Fay assured him, “Your secrets are for you to reveal. Of course, a relationship cannot be built on lies, and, correct me if I am wrong, you think that not revealing your otherworldly origins to your potential partner would be lying, correct?”

Wild gave her a nod in response.

“I see why you would think that way. However, would not revealing that fact change who you are as a person?”

After some silent deliberation, Wild shook his head.

“People who are attracted to someone aren’t attracted to them because of their place of birth, whatever it may be. They are attracted to people, not places. Of course, your place of birth had strongly influenced you, and you have become who you are now because of the experiences you have had in that world.”

Wild nodded there before Doctor Fay continued.

“However, you would be in your right not to talk about it, just like someone would be in their right to not talk about their own place of birth, be it a village or a town or a city within or outside Equestria. In order to be honest, you would only need to say ‘I do not want to talk about where I’m from,' and no one would be in their right to push you to reveal it.”

“But...” Wild protested, “There is... a lot of things that are... that are wrong with me because of that world.”

“Explaining your origins would help with explaining those things, that much is true. However, no one is owed an explanation. They can accept you for who you are and not dig into the whys and the hows.”

Wild let out a deep sigh.

“So... I should... tell him that I have... issues with being touched, that I don’t want to be in... some places, and that... that I can react to things... not like normal, and... all that... and then I ask him if he still wants to be with me?” he said slowly.

“It would reveal your vulnerabilities to him, without a doubt,” Doctor Fay nodded, reading between the lines, “And it can be a scary prospect, and I understand that you fear rejection. That, perhaps, you believe he would think you weak and pathetic for this, that he would change how he views you.”

Wild swallowed and nodded.

“Then it would be on him,” Doctor Fay said, “You cannot help what others think of you. You are still young, and his rejection would not be the end of the world even if it may feel that way to you in the moment. If you two are incompatible, then you are incompatible, and this relationship thus becomes something that would be unhealthy to pursue.”

“If... he gives me a no, I must respect it,” Wild nodded in understanding, “Even if it... will hurt.”

“Yes,” Doctor Fay nodded to him, “In the end, you will not know unless you try, and torturing yourself over what-ifs would only bring you grief. Life goes on, and you will, without a doubt, find your happiness, even if it is not now and not with the person you may now want.”

Wild bobbed his head in a couple of nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. Then he got up and turned to leave, silently, and somewhat awkwardly.

“Would you like to schedule another meeting now?” Doctor Fay reminded him, stopping him in his tracks.

“A... a week,” he settled on the date even if it was obvious he wanted more time. However, it was also clear he was determined to apply what he had learned sooner rather than later.

“Very well, I will see you then,” Doctor Fay nodded, “And good luck, Wild.”

***

Wild’s determination was waning by the minute, but he held onto it tightly as he searched for Artful. He would be honest, yet he would also not tell everything. He would tell him about the issues he had without revealing his origins. Perhaps it would ruin their trip to Canterlot, perhaps it would drive a wedge between him and Artful, perhaps...

Wild knew there were many possibilities, and a lot of them could be negative. However, he reminded himself that Artful had, so far, shown him kindness, and Artful had never pushed Wild in any uncomfortable way. Perhaps there would be a good resolution. Perhaps Artful would not be disgusted by Wild’s weaknesses. Perhaps there was... a chance.

Perhaps it would be unfair to Artful to give him the burden that was Wild, but it was true that Wild could not decide it for Artful. So, there was only one way to know, one way to learn what would happen.

Wild knew that the Art Club was happening at that very moment, and it was his conscious decision not to attend it with Artful so that he could instead have his therapy session. He needed to get the whole sexuality education thing out of the way, and his head almost still throbbed due to the cramming of the information he had done during the last few days in order to understand it all as best he could. At least that was behind him now, even though he knew the topic of sexuality education was much wider than the basics he had learned. There was much history behind it, as well as different aspects of it that Wild knew little to nothing about.

Whatever those things were, they were for later. Wild was now at the door to the Art Club, and so he sat down on a nearby bench to wait for it to be over.

Wild couldn’t help but wonder whether he was rushing into things. Doctor Fay had seemingly assured him that he wasn’t, that he should simply approach it with honesty and accept the results, but he wasn’t that sure. Besides, he questioned whether he wanted a romantic relationship or if it was simply physical attraction.

Wild couldn’t deny that he had experienced more sexual thoughts ever since his sexual reawakening during the Alicorn High he had experienced. He feared that he would push for sex before he was ready, though he knew he would accept ‘no’ as an answer from Artful. Wild knew he would not let his urges overcome his morals, and that he had absolutely no desire to have sex with anyone who didn’t want it.

Time seemed to stretch longer and longer as he waited, doubts crawling into his head. What if Artful told everyone of his issues? What if he became a target of bullying? What if Artful looked at him in disgust? What if he would make all his friends turn away from him?

Wild did his best to banish those dark thoughts, remembering Doctor Fay's advice. He reminded himself that he had spent enough time with Artful to know that he hadn’t a malicious bone in his entire body. Artful would, at best, gently let him down, offer a soft but definite rejection, and maybe even stay a friend despite not wanting to deal with Wild’s... peculiarities.

Wild focused on breathing, in and out, slowly and steadily, banishing all his thoughts until they were actually needed. And so he waited.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the moment he had been waiting for had come. The club was done for the day, and he could see Artful exiting where it was held. He steeled himself, made sure his expression wasn’t in any way intense or frowning, then got up and approached him.

Soon, he would know the answer.

Author's Note

I have never been taught any proper sexuality education, but I did my best with some internet research and a bit of imagination for a society that's a lot more free and open about sex. If I made any mistakes, please correct me.