Back on Duty

Princess Celestia paused before entering the conference room. She closed her eyes and took a slow, deliberate breath. For a moment she forgot Eli Grant beside her and the insufferable Commander Callahan inside. All she needed was this one moment of serenity, so that she could-

"Are you okay, Princess?" Eli asked. His voice was polite and respectful, but Celestia could detect a hint of worry.

He was probably concerned about Luna and was just projecting it on her, but the thought still warmed her heart and she forgave his interruption of her quiet moment.

She forced a slight smile, re-assumed her regal expression and went to reassure him: "I am fine. Let us just get this over with."

She reached for her magic to open the door, but paused once again when a new thought occurred to her. Why was she even doing this? They'd had no news since Luna's message in her dream when she had captured the criminals' camp on the Equestrian side. There had been no word from Earth about the search for the other end of the portal. True, such news would come to the Commander first, but Celestia would undoubtedly be informed about such a message from Earth the instant it came in. Not to mention that the search might take a while, given Earth's fractured and tense diplomatic situation. From what she understood none of their 'satellites' had picked up Luna's magical flare, so now they had to fly some kind of machines - the air planes - around the whole planet to find it.

All she was going to do for the whole morning was keeping the Commander company and saying no to his various demands. He called them 'requests', but the man was just a bully. She was sick and tired of feigning politeness to his brusque and pushy behavior! Something snapped in Celestia's mind and her eye twitched as she glared balefully at the door.

For whose benefit was she going through these motions? If the answer was for Callahan's, then the next question was: 'Why?'

"Actually, a word, Eli."

She stepped away from that dreaded door and the diplomat followed. Ever since Bennett had returned to Earth, Eli had been invaluable as her link to the human government. Especially because of his involvement with Luna. She could trust he had Equestria's best interests at heart.

"Princess?"

"There is nothing new for me to tell the Commander, Eli. Captain Fire Fly will join you in a moment and you can discuss what needs to be done. I have complete confidence in you both."

This obvious dereliction of duty didn't escape Eli's scrutiny, but he kept his reaction in check aside from a slight widening of his eyes. "Are you sure, Princess? Commander Callahan might be upset if you ignore him."

Celestia looked around for any eavesdropping staff, then beckoned Eli with a hoof to lean closer so she could impart a secret. "At this point in time," she whispered, "I do not give... hmm, what was that phrase he used? I do not give a rat's ass if he is upset." This actually made the diplomat gasp and for a moment Celestia was worried she'd gone too far. "Please don't tell him I said that."

The shock on Eli's face was replaced with a knowing grin. "He is a bit... persistent, isn't he?"

She stifled her giggle and winked at her partner in crime before getting down to the business at hoof. "The Captain has all the missing pony reports from the past few months and there has been nothing new from Luna. I hope Sergeant Moon Glow will find their caravan on the way back from the portal, but it is a big forest and he has to bring back the rescued ponies and humans. We might have to do a search later on." She thought about any other questions the Commander might have and came up blank. It wasn't like they hadn't covered every possible eventuality in detail already! "Make sure to ask what he intends to do with the rescued humans. They should be back in Canterlot within two days. I will ask the same on tomorrow's meeting, but I would like the Commander to think about it some more."

Eli had taken out his notebook and was scribbling some hurried bullet points. He finished the last one and looked up. "Anything else, Princess?"

She was about to say no, but a pang of guilt got to her. "Tell the Commander I am sorry, but an important matter of state has come up which requires my immediate attention. Unless there is news from either Luna or Earth, I will be elsewhere occupied."

This time Eli allowed himself a conspiratorial grin. "What will you really be doing?"

Again Celestia had to stifle a giggle. Despite his professional courtesy, the man had a bit of a mischievous streak. Perhaps he'd gotten it from Luna, but it was a refreshing change from Bennett's stiff self-importance. She debated internally whether she could tell him, but decided to trust Eli. After all, Luna did.

"I will take a relaxing bath. I do not think I have had one since this whole mess started."

He cast a curious look at the way she bit her lip and flicked her tail, but didn't comment on it further. "Don't worry, I will take care of this, Princess."

Celestia waited only long enough to give Eli a grateful smile before turning on a heel and practically bouncing away. She'd just won her morning back and she knew exactly with whom she wanted to spend it. She even hummed snatches of a song as she bounded down the halls, oblivious to how the castle staff stared at her. One or two of the older maids looked away and tried to hide their giggles behind a hoof or a fetlock, but Celestia noticed and didn't mind. She came to the right door and raised up a leg to knock before simply thinking better of it and barging inside.

"Wha-? Celestia?" Gregory exclaimed behind his desk. He'd been pouring over some paper or other, but his hand lowered at her sudden entrance.

"Come with me. It is important," she said gravely.

It wasn't easy to erase all traces of her exuberance, but Celestia managed thanks to long practice. The look of sudden worry in Gregory' eyes almost broke her concentration, though.

"Is everything alright?"

"It will be, as soon as I get your help with this matter."

He didn't argue, trusting her word implicitly. The paper dropped from his hand when Greg stood up and those same fingers came to rest lightly against her neck as he came around the desk.

"Come. We must hurry."

There was no further hesitation and the man followed on Celestia's heels as she hurried back the way she came. She took occasional glances at Greg, almost breaking into a grin when she saw his eyes darting around. He was watching where they were going and trying to work out their destination, hoping it would give him some clue of what was the matter.

"Celly, what's all this about?"

"Hush. We're almost there!"

She took him past the conference chambers and the throne room, which just seemed to confuse him more and Celestia could nearly read his thoughts. They were headed for the living wing, so this was not guard or government business. Maybe it had something to do with Blossom? Cadence's rooms were down that way.

Gregory opened his mouth again and Celestia headed him off: "No, it is not about Blossom or her parents."

He almost stumbled, which made the Princess giggle in amusement. "How did you-?!" he sputtered, unable to even finish the question.

"I know you too well, love. In here."

The distraction had been enough and only now Gregory realized where they were. The bath chamber. She hadn't lied to Eli. Celestia really wanted to take a bath. She'd simply neglected to mention that she wouldn't be taking one alone.

"Wait, this is- What are we doing here? You said it was important!"

There was a slight tone of reproach in Greg's voice, but Celestia twirled around, closed the door with her magic and pushed her lips against his. It wasn't a very passionate kiss, but it was the first of many and they had time.

"It is important, Gregory." She kissed him again while she kept him in place with her wings. He didn't fight it, but neither did he react, apparently still confused about her little ploy. Celestia pulled away and sighed. "I missed you. I wanted you. That is why it is important."

He was still a little defensive and Celestia was about to apologize for her little trick, but Greg beat her to it: "Aren't you meeting that Commander around now?"

She just shrugged. "I delegated. There are no news from Luna and nothing from Earth. The Commander can wait." Once more Gregory opened his mouth to argue, but Celestia growled low in her throat and laid a feather on his lips. "Shut up and kiss me!"

His eyes widened in a most pleasing way, but the shock didn't last for too long after Celestia gave him 'the Look'.

"Please? I have been so lonely..."

By now her lover was a veteran of 'the Look' and he could sometimes resist the large, pleading eyes brimming with tears and ears splayed in misery and the slight pout of her lips.

Greg shook his head, as if in dismay, but betrayed his amusement with the small grin which now graced his face. "Celly, we slept in the same bed until about two hours ago and then we had breakfast together."

"So. Lonely!" Her sad, quiet, heartfelt plea would have instantly broken the heart of even the most hardened criminal. Of course it worked on Greg!

"Oh, c'mere you goofy horse!"

She all but fell into his arms and sought out his lips once more. This time there was no hesitation and his mouth opened to allow her entrance. Greg's tongue was at the same time a familiar thing and something completely new. She felt like this every single time and wondered at it. Would it feel just as fresh in a hundred years' time? Like a schoolfilly stealing her first kiss from her sweetheart during recess?

Celestia staunchly refused to acknowledge rational thought. Greg would stay with her for another hundred years at least! She'd give him the Look until he agreed and mortality be damned!

They wrestled for a bit and Celestia tasted the remnant of Greg's morning coffee. She probed a little further but didn't push too hard, letting Greg know she wanted him in charge. A warmth was spreading through her from where his hands were holding her in place and the Princess closed her eyes. She pulled out of the kiss for a moment.

"We have until lunch. I want to enjoy it. Go slow."

Rather than replying, Greg shifted his hands to her muzzle and drew her back in. She let out a small moan and a shiver went down her spine, making her flutter her wings and swish her tail where it passed. She was hardly aware of sitting on her haunches, but she realized she had done so, all for giving Greg better access.

"Want me to fill the bath?" he asked when they broke apart once more.

She shook her head. "Leave it. It can wait."

He looked around. "It won't be very comfortable on the floor."

She let out another small growl from deep in her throat. It took some concentration, but Celestia used her magic to open a nearby closet and pulled out all the towels which were stashed in there. She stacked them on the stone floor.

"Better?"

There didn't seem to be any more objections and Greg led her to the makeshift bed with a hand on the leading edge of her wing. She complied easily as he nudged her in place. "Lie down."

She didn't have to be told twice. Her legs all but folded under her and she flopped down on her belly.

Greg chuckled and patted her flank. "No, I meant on your back."

Celestia returned his grin and turned around. There hadn't been enough towels to make the impromptu 'mattress' very thick, but it was comfortable enough. It was also a bit too small, so her head rested on cool stone, but she didn't mind at all. The important part was what Greg was about to do with his hands. She tensed up in expectation but didn't look. Already there was a warm tingle deep in her belly, promising the fire to come.

Luckily he didn't make her wait too long. Celestia felt fingers dig into the fluff on her chest, even sliding under her royal peytral, seemingly intent on seeking out each individual rib.

"Mmm, yes."

She allowed her eyes to slide closed and relaxed all muscles, becoming little more than putty in Greg's hands. She was dimly aware of her wings unfurling along the stone floor, but she paid them no mind. His palms continued their massaging downward journey, quickly reaching her belly. Each sliding touch left a swath of warmth on her skin, making coherent thought just a little bit harder.

She didn't mind losing herself in the moment, though. There was just one thing she needed to say before letting go: "Mm-Greg?"

He left his hands on her belly, but stopped at the sound of her voice. "Yes?"

"I promise I will return the favor-"

He brought all ten fingers on both hands to bear, pressing into her soft belly with precisely calculated pressure to turn whatever she was going to say into a low moan.

"Just relax. I can see you need this."

"I lo- ah! -oooove y-yooo"

Her confession was mangled by the way Greg raked his fingers down her fur and cupped her small, perky teats. She shuddered as she winked... down there. It was useless to try and talk. She'd trained him too well and he knew exactly what to do to drive her crazy. One of Greg's hands stayed there, playing gently with her exposed skin, while the other continued its journey to her thigh, where he paused only long enough for a light scratch before moving around her stifle.

Her leg twitched, but Greg held it firmly pinned between his forearm and his chest as he explored further with his fingers. He kept going around and ran his hand up to her flank. Or down, since she was lying on her back. It didn't matter. He stroked her cutie mark a few times, then patted her lightly on the rump. It just put more fuel on the fire between her thighs, making her reconsider leaving him in charge. The need burned stronger and Celestia was getting impatient for some real action. They could do the slow, gentle loving later. There would be time in the bath.

The hand on her teats vanished and Celestia nearly looked to see what Greg was doing. Her answer came soon enough when he tugged one of the rear hoofguards off and let it drop on the floor beside them. The other quickly followed and then she heard the man shuffle around. This time she did open her eyes, just in time to see him carefully removing the bits of gold from her forelegs as well. Their eyes met and, with a slight grin, Greg lifted her hoof to place a kiss on it.

"Such- such a gentlecolt!" she breathed.

She was still wearing her ornamental peytral and was about to lift herself up to discard it, but Greg held her down with a hand.

"Leave it," he said. "You look cute in it."

Even after all the years, hearing those words still made her blush and Celestia slumped down. She kept watching as Greg unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged out of it. He wasn't particularly muscular, but there was enough definition there to hint at strength. Well, strength he didn't necessarily have, but the promise was there. If he wanted, he could become quite strong. More importantly, she absolutely loved running her tongue along his skin. Just the mere thought was enough for her to lick her lips and shudder with renewed desire. Greg noticed and smirked at her. He leaned down to steal a quick kiss, but broke it off far too soon for her liking. She gave a slight whine when he withdrew, but it was to no avail.

He was sliding back down, heading for the treasure between her legs. He was going to-

The thought was blanked out by a particularly strong wink. Just the idea of what he could do with his fingers and tongue down there made the Princess gasp. She tensed all her muscles in expectation of sweet relief as Greg positioned himself.

He was being careful not to kneel on her tail, gentlecolt that he was!

One of his hands went back to her teats and the other came to rest on the inside of her thigh. His thumb stroked her outer lips, eliciting a faint whimper and another wink. The wait was killing her and the roaring inferno in her loins demanded more. Demanded it now!

"Stop!"

Greg looked up and met her gaze, confused. Celestia knew how crazed she must have looked. Her mane was already in a disarray and there was an unmistakable sheen of lust in her eyes. "No. You- I want you," she managed huskily. "Inside me."

No half-measures. It was a last-moment decision. Greg's tongue was marvellous, but she needed the kind of fulfillment she could only get from the real thing.

Luckily he didn't argue and began unbuckling his pants. She tried to help, but her magic tugging down just made it all harder for him.

"What's gotten into you?" Greg asked even as he grinned. He managed to free the belt and slide his clothes off.

"I need it!" It was the only answer Celestia was able to give.

Maybe it was the naughty knowledge she was shirking her duties to be here, or just a sudden inspiration, but she did need it, badly. There would be time for cuddles and gentle lovemaking later, right now she needed to be rutted fast and hard. Greg didn't delay much longer and lowered himself over her. They came face to face and she reached up to brush his lips with a kiss. When he came closer to follow up, she wrapped her wings around him and pressed him to herself in one swift motion. She imagined she could feel every hair touching his smooth skin and it was electric. She pulled a bit harder and Greg stopped resisting. It always took a bit of persuasion before he let his weight rest on her.

His member also pressed against her, its length nestling between her folds and rubbing against her button. It wrung another gasp from her mouth and she sought his lips again. She'd changed her mind about letting him guide and invaded his mouth with reckless abandon. The poor man never stood a chance as she twirled and twisted her tongue around, as if trying to suck out his very soul. He moved, rubbing himself against her slit and earning an urgent, passionate moan. Her nostrils flared when she drew in a much-needed breath, but she didn't break their kiss.

She managed to hook her hind legs around his and jerked him forward, which pressed him even more tightly against her and made them both groan. After a few moments, she winked again, this time against his shaft.

He felt it, there was no doubt from the squeak he gave. Finally she let him pull away for a moment.

"God, I love you, Celly!"

Her mouth tugged up in a small, mischievous grin. "You didn't- Ah! -didn't need to say my name twice."

That got them both chuckling and she finally released her grip on him. This allowed him to pull away and align himself. Unfortunately he had to take one hand away from her side, but that was okay. She felt him prod right at the entrance and bit her lip to resist the urge of crushing him against her once more.

It didn't take much effort for him to slide a little way inside, filling her up in a place she really needed to be filled up. All her world seemed to shrink down to just her passage and how it gripped Greg. She barely felt him shift his weight again to bring his hand back.

It was a close thing, but her magic caught his arm before he could wipe his fingers on a towel. Instead, she lifted it up to her muzzle and wrapped her lips around his digits, soaked with her juices. She knew her own taste, but it was different licking it from his skin.

She released her magical hold and allowed Greg to pull his fingers free with a slight pop. Then she swallowed, smiling all the time.

He'd been so captivated with her display that he hadn't moved any further, but now she felt him twitch inside her, which reminded her what they were about to do. Her hind legs once more wrapped around his and squeezed.

It tore a gasp from both their throats as they joined fully together. She had been entirely soaked, so Greg sliding fully inside her was effortless. He was a little cooler than her core temperature, but that just made her more aware of his length.

For a few moments she just held him there, enjoying their closeness and union. His face came down once more for a kiss and she gladly accepted it. Her inner fire was calmed for a moment and she was content to simply feel him there, deep inside her. Eventually she relaxed her grip with her legs and Greg took the hint. His leaving left an openness, a void in her and she almost stopped him. It was only the knowledge of what would come next that prevented her.

He took it slow, pulling almost all the way out before driving himself inside again in one, fell push.

"Oooh!"

She felt herself wink against him, which made her clench from pleasure. She imagined she could feel every vein on his manhood throb with his heartbeat.

He liked it too, judging from the groan she'd wrung out of him.

The feeling lasted for a moment and then he pulled back again. She felt another wink and a spurt of her essence dribbled out and down, a line of heat dripping on her... back door. The thought was as hot as her fluids and she couldn't help lightly biting Greg's lip. It spurred him on and he slammed back, strongly enough for his sack to slap against her.

"Keep going!"

He muttered a yes, but it was faint and might only have been her imagination. In either case, he didn't need to say it for her to know he understood. Greg picked up his pace and settled into a slow, but steady stroke. Each time he pulled out she wanted desperately to hold him in and when he came back, parting her, she let out a small moan of ecstasy. It wouldn't be much longer before...

"Wait! Wait," she groaned, trying to stop Greg with a hoof on his shoulder. "I am almost there!"

He did slow for a moment, but only to smile at her and say: "Do it. Don't worry about me!"

Celestia suppressed a slight pang of guilt and let herself loose. Greg had slowed down, perhaps to allow her to enjoy the feeling longer, but it just made her more aware of him. She could feel his head gliding in and out, perhaps reaching just a touch deeper with each push. She was aware of his skin lightly kissing her button each time he drove in. Even his belly seemed to gently stroke her teats with each firm push. Her nipples rubbed against Greg's skin and the two little points of pleasure added to the whole.

His hands were clutching at her sides, keeping her in place and giving him leverage to pump, again and again, into her. Her breaths were now coming out in short pants, interspersed with mewling groans.

"Yes. Please. Greg! AAAAn-"

She couldn't finish the word as her insides clenched up, almost painfully so. He had been ready and slammed inside for one last time, as deep as he could. Her impending orgasm made her wrap her hind legs around him again to prevent him from leaving. Then it came, pulsing like a bass beat from the biggest speakers in the universe, pressing down on her with thump after thump. Each spasm made her jerk her hips a little and her wings quiver.

Even with Greg's member filling her, she still squirted her fluids against his legs as her passage clenched and unclenched around him. It felt as if she was milking him with her insides, waves of pressure running from his base, up his shaft and culminating at his head. A low groan was escaping his lips too and for a moment Celestia thought he was about to come just from that. It made her moan once more and her dwindling orgasm came back in force for a few more heartbeats.

Neither of them dared move. Greg knew how sensitive she was right after and kept himself still. A true gentlecolt.

Eventually the pleasure receded and was replaced by a soft, warm afterglow. As soon as she was able, Celestia stole a gentle kiss.

"Ready?" Greg asked her.

She remembered he still hadn't finished, which made her smile. It meant she got to do all of it again. She nodded. He began moving slowly, aware that she might be oversensitive right after an orgasm. The pleasure almost bordered on pain, but she could stand it.

"Slow."

Greg gave her a nod and waited once he was nearly all the way out. Then he pushed with almost exaggerated care, slowly sliding back into place, all the while carefully watching her face.

"I'm okay. Keep going," she reassured him."

This time she didn't clench around him, still coming down from her peak, but already the fire was starting anew. It was just one way mares were better than stallions, Celestia thought to herself with a smirk. They could keep going right after an orgasm. She squeezed him with her wings, which brought his face close enough for a passionate kiss.

Gradually Greg's thrusting sped up and he began giving little grunts of effort when he pushed in. He was getting close, but she still needed some time. Celestia closed her eyes and tried to relax her muscles and focus on him. It would be perfect if they came together, so she had to hurry herself a little. Maybe it was a bit rude to let Greg do all the work, but she'd repay him later. She needed some spoiling.

She kept their kiss going, darting her tongue into his mouth for quick tastes of his, coaxing him out towards her.

"Mmmph!" Greg groaned against her as his speed increased.

She was winking again as the pleasure built up once more. The added sensitivity made her even more aware of they way his girth stretched her out. Even without her conscious control, her insides were trying their best to hold on to his warm shaft, desperate for him to stay inside her. She felt how slick her lower lips were with her fluid and how it dribbled down her ponut and on the dock of her tail. More importantly, she felt each time Greg's balls pressed against her. They were no longer hanging loosely and slapping, but were bunched up as they prepared to unload their bounty inside her.

He wouldn't last much longer, but now Celestia was getting worried it'd be too soon for her second climax. She wasn't quite ready yet. She bit her lip as she pulled away from their kiss. There was one surefire way to get her there.

"Come on, Greg. Make sure to give me all of it. I want it inside!"

Just thinking about him exploding his essence into her hidden depths was enough to drive her further, faster. His grunt was the only answer she got, but it was enough of an affirmative for her.

"Yeah, fill me up, love. Don't spill any!"

Her moans were reaching a crescendo and she put her hind legs around Greg's thighs to guide his pace. With each pump he was growing more erratic, his limbs starting to jerk and his rhythm disrupted. He no longer pulled all the way out and ground himself against her with desperate urgency. His tight balls pressed against her spread lips, his pubic hair tickled her clit and his belly rubbed against her nipples in a symphony of pleasure. She didn't need much more!

"Nnnngh!" His arms clasped her tightly and Greg gave one last, desperate push, reaching new depth inside her and... swelling.

We was unloading his seed right into her. The feeling of it bursting inside her, along with the knowledge of it happening was enough to push her over the edge. Celestia gave a cry and came again, clenching around Greg's length and pinning him in place with her legs and wings. All they could do for a while was twitch in unison, letting out small grunts and moans as their orgasms intertwined. Once again she squirted out, the hot mixture of fluid running down between skin and fur.

Soon Greg collapsed on top of her, panting. Celestia nuzzled his face and relaxed, waiting for her breathing and her heartbeat to wind down a little.

"You don't know how much I needed that," she was finally able to speak.

"I... might."

They chuckled, but then fell silent once more.

Just lying there, together, Greg still inside her even if he was getting soft, was enough for now. Later she would enjoy a hot, relaxing bath, and after that she would taste Greg with her mouth. Perhaps he would return the favor, exploring her some more with his talented tongue, or perhaps they'd just kiss. Either way it would be sweet and gentle, very unlike the roaring inferno they'd just shared.

She loved both ways of doing it.

For now Celestia was perfectly comfortable on a few thin layers of towel, with her lover sprawled over her, and with her head on the cool stone floor. She closed her eyes and simply focused on her breath. There was a warm glow suffusing her body, emanating from deep within her belly where Greg's seed was already seeking...

It wouldn't find anything compatible, even if she were in heat, but the thought was still pleasant. It proved how much they trusted one another to share something so preciously intimate.

She gave Greg's ear a kiss and looked around. "I'll get the bath started. Don't move."

Magic was handy sometimes, especially when she wanted to prepare the next step of their relaxation without breaking the bond between them. As soon as they moved Greg would slip out of her, but for now she was content to let him remain there and enjoy her warmth a little longer.