Love You To Your Core

by ShowShine

Rating: everyone
Tags: Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Big Macintosh, Slice of Life, Thorax, Alternate Universe, Granny Smith, Drama
Length: 5251

After the Canterlot Wedding, Thorax is thrust into a new life with the Apples. Will he be able to uphold it?

After the Canterlot Wedding, Thorax is thrust into a new life with the Apples. Will he be able to uphold it?

Commission for Strang1

Published 2024-10-25 09:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-01-21 02:36:23 UTC

The Start Of Something New

Thorax awoke with a terrible ringing in his ear. Everything was muffled, giving him a splitting migraine. His ears twitched, trying to capture any noise. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for the ringing to fade.

The first thing he noticed was a clutter of voices, all angry. The second thing he gathered was the hard, cold ground beneath him.

The changeling peeked open his eyes, his vision blurry. Thorax glanced around, seeing about a dozen or so changelings. They prattled to each other, concern lacing their voices. One changeling spoke harshly, pointing to the sky.

The memories of that day had come back to him. The wedding in Canterlot. They had failed.

Relief flowed through his body. In Thorax’s opinion, the whole invasion felt like too much. He didn’t see the point of it. It was too much violence and hatred.

Thorax shakily stood up, his body aching. That blast had really taken a toll on him. He stretched his achy body, his attention remaining on the changelings.

“What do we do?” One changeling asked.

“Where is the queen?” Another spoke. The changelings conversed with each other, their statements short and tense. As they spoke, Thorax let his gaze wander.

Trees stretched as far as the eye could see. Thorax sniffed the air, taking in the scent of fresh oak. The dusk air was crisp and fresh. Much fresher than anything he had ever smelled. Thorax closed his eyes, a smile creeping onto his face. He could stay like this forever.

“Retreat to the hive!” One changeling ordered, snapping Thorax from his daze.

“Retreat! Retreat!” Another called. In one swoop, the group flew off, their wings buzzing.

Thorax stumbled over his hooves, his wings scarcely opening in time. He wobbled, teetering off the ground.

“Wait up!” Thorax shouted, outstretching his hooves to the sky. His wings thrummed, barely keeping up speed. The changelings ignored his cries, continuing their journey without as much as a glance back.

Thorax panted, his wings (and his body) aching.

“Wait for…” Thorax trailed off, his gaze wandering to the horizon.
The sunset was beautiful. It swirled in wondrous yellows, purples, oranges. Thorax was breathless. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

Thorax closed his eyes, basking in the vanishing sun. It felt glorious. The ‘ling inhaled, letting the fresh dawn air take over.

This is what life was about. Not the hustle of pleasing a queen.

He would stay like this forever if he could. Thorax blinked. Well…why couldn’t he?

Thorax looked back in the direction of the other changelings. They were so far that they only looked like specs. What awaited him back home? More training for something he never wanted to achieve? Thorax didn’t want that. He never wanted that. And quite frankly, he was never good at any of that stuff.

Would anyone notice if he were gone? Heck, they weren’t noticing right now! Not a single changeling had checked on him.

He was no use at the colony. He couldn’t fight, couldn’t lead, and heck, he couldn’t even serve the queen properly.

Thorax thought back to the wedding. Pony love was glorious. It wasn’t just the newlyweds, but the friends who helped! That’s what Thorax wanted, not whatever Chrysalis was offering.

He looked back at the sunset once again, a smile forming. Thorax closed his eyes, taking in the warmth of the sun. The hum of the changeling's wings grew distant, being replaced by a gentle breeze.

Sooner than later, the sun had fully set. The cool night air brushed his skin, making him shudder. Thorax sighed, fluttering his eyes open. The night sky was just as beautiful, thousands of stars twinkling in the vast blue.

As much as Thorax wanted to stay up here, he knew he’d have to come down. He had a new life to live.

His hooves hit the ground. These were his first steps as a new changeling! What would he do in this new world? Maybe he could get a real, non-changeling job or even make friends!

Thorax shook his head. He was getting ahead of himself. He didn’t even know where he was. For all Thorax knew, he could be in the Dragonlands.

It was time to use a changeling's best source of navigation; smell. Thorax stuck his snout into the air, taking in steady inhales. A mixture of familiar things came to mind. Trees, animals, rocks; the usual things you’d find in a forest.
One familiar smell hit him. Love. Thorax deeply inhaled, beginning to salivate. Wherever that smell was coming from, it was big.

Just because he had a new life didn’t mean he had to starve. He’d just…find a more efficient way of getting love. A way where no one got harmed.

As Thorax trekked, the smell became more distinct. It wasn’t one source of love; it was multiple. Some sort of colony?

It couldn’t be a changeling colony; his kind knew nothing of sharing love. Maybe it was a group of good-willed griffons or kind-hearted kirins. Whatever the species was, they loved each other deeply.

As Thorax trekked, the trees began to thin, and shrubbery grew in numbers. His journey came to a head when the forest ended. If he kept walking, he’d go straight into a clearing. What could be out there?

Thorax lowered himself, peeking through some shrubbery. In the distance was a plethora of structures. He squinted, looking at a mass of buildings in the distance.

It was a town! Though it wasn’t many, ponies wandered the streets. The changeling's wings buzzed with excitement. This was his shot! His chance at a normal, non-hate-filled life!

Thorax stuck his hooves through the bushes, his heart buzzing with excitement. He quickly yanked his hoof back, snapping back to his senses.

He couldn’t enter town like this. It would cause a panic! Thorax wracked his brain, trying to think of a new look.

His mind wandered back to the sunset. It was beautiful in ways he couldn’t imagine. Nothing was stopping him from looking like that, was there?

Thorax squeezed his eyes shut, visualizing the sunset once again. With a quick flash, his form changed.

His coat was pale yellow, while his mane was a light purple. His legs were speckles with blotchy orange spots. They resembled holes. On his flank was an orange sun peeking through a grey cloud. Thorax wasn’t exactly sure what these marks were for, but it felt like it was good for him.

Thorax stretched, inspecting his body. This seemed right. In a way, it felt right.

With a pep in his step, Thorax leaped from the bushes, heading to the town. Were ponies all he hoped to be? Maybe they’d greet him with open arms. Maybe he’d be the most popular creature around!
A thought struck Thorax. What if they didn’t like him? What if he was exiled? What if they did something worse?!

Thorax shook his head. No, no! If ponies were anything like the ones at the wedding, he was sure to be safe.

He padded through town, his head hung low. The streets were sparse, ponies retreating to their homes. Were they leaving because of him? No, no, it was just getting late. Even changelings went in at this time.

On one hoof, Thorax was relieved that the town was clearing out. On the other hoof, he was a little disappointed that he had no one to see his new look.

“Oh, horse apples!” Someone swore. Thorax’s ears swiveled, his attention snapping to a mare. She was older, her hair crisp and white. She sat before a cart, its detached wheel between her hooves.

What was someone her age doing out at a time like this? She should be resting!

Every ounce of him wanted to help the mare. Chrysalis wouldn’t approve of such a thing.

Thorax blinked. Chrysalis wasn't here; this was his life! Thorax puffed out his chest, marching to the mare. He was going to be a hero today.

“Do you…need help with that?” Thorax asked squeakier than he had hoped. His cheeks flushed red. He was meant to sound heroic.

The mare squinted at Thorax, her face lighting up.

“Thank Celestia, somepony showed up. I thought I’d be stranded out here!” She said with a southern twang. “My wheel popped right off this dang here cart. I ain’t got a clue on how to fix it.” She explained.

Thorax looked at the detached wheel and then to the cart. The wheel didn’t look broken, just…separated.

“Mind if I try?”

“Go right ahead!” The mare said, jutting the wheel toward Thorax.

Thorax shimmied under the cart, feeling the dirt drag through his new coat. Thorax firmly planted his hooves on the ground, pressing his back against the cart.

In one swift movement, he lifted the cart from the ground. Thorax reached forward, grabbing for the wheel. With one hard yank, he popped the wheel back on the axle. He ran his hoof against the wheel, giving it a testing spin. It spun perfectly, not wavering.

Thorax steadily placed the cart on the ground before scooting back. He popped off the ground, grinning ear to ear.

“There you go, ma’am,” Thorax said with an award-winning smile. His insides thrummed excitedly. This was his first act of good!

“Oh, aren’t you just a sweet thing?” The elder complimented, pinching Thorax’s cheeks. Thorax grimaced at the touch, gritting his teeth. Were all ponies this touchy?

Her hooves wandered, poking his side. “And so skinny. When was the last time you ate?” She lightly scolded.
.
Thorax opened his mouth to open before quickly closing it. When was the last time he had eaten?

“Oh, where are my manners?” She blushed. “I’m Goldie Delicious. Now, what’s your name, youngin?”

Crap, Thorax hadn’t thought of that! His name wasn’t a pony name; it was a changeling name. He’d stick out like a sore hoof if he used his real one.

“It’s uh…Bronze…Hoof?” It sounded more like a question than a statement.

“Bronze Hoof? That sounds like a Romane name. You from there?” She asked. Thorax had no idea what she was talking about.

“Yes. Yes, I am.”

Goldie Delicious began to shuffle away from Thorax.

“Let’s get a-moving. I don’t wanna be more late than I already am.” She ordered, moseying off.

“Well, I-uh…” Thorax stammered. He really didn’t have anything better to do, did he? He looked at the departing Goldie Delicious. He couldn’t just leave an old mare at this time of night. Thorax didn’t even know how she managed to pull this cart without breaking anything. It weighed a ton!

Thorax looked back at Goldie. What if her cart broke again?

“Alright.”

Thorax trekked through an apple farm. Goldie Delicious kept pace ahead of Thorax, surprisingly spry for her age. The trees around them were tall enough to block out the moonlight, keeping the pair in darkness.

“It’s just this way,” Goldie reassured. Thorax squinted. It was just occurring to him that he had no clue where they were going. What if she led him somewhere dangerous? Thorax didn’t think he could handle that.

They cleared through the trees, coming across a barn. In front of the barn sat an old mare swaying in a rocking chair. From inside, Thorax could hear things being moved. It sounded like pots and pans being shifted.

The elderly mare perked up at the arrival, leaping from her chair.

“Goldie!” The green elder greeted with open arms. Goldie Delicious picked up pace, hugging the mare.

“Granny Smith!” Goldie responded, nuzzling into the other elder's neck. They pulled apart, Granny Smiths' brows furrowed with frustration.

“Now, you were supposed to get here hours ago. Where in the sam-hills have you been?” Granny Smith scolded. Goldie waved her hoof.

“Oh, I just got into a little bit of trouble. You know how much of a hassle it can be.” She explained. “But this lil gentleman helped me carry my stuff,” Goldie informed, pointing to Thorax. The disguised changeling couldn’t help but blush.

“Well, aren’t you just a sweet thing?” Granny Smith crooned. Granny Smith looked turned her attention to the barn.

“Mac, get out here and help!” She bellowed. The clambering from within the barn quickly stopped, being replaced by heavy hoofsteps. A red stallion walked from the house.

The stallion towered above Thorax, making his knees lock. Thorax wasn’t around ponies often, but by Chrysalis, this was the biggest, bulkiest pony he had ever seen.

“Big Mac, bring Goldie’s bags to her room,” Granny instructed.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac responded, moseying his way to the cart. He barely glanced at Thorax as he passed. Goldie looked at the night sky and then at Thorax.

“You best be getting on your way. It’s getting late.” Goldie Delicious instructed.

He hadn’t even thought t about where he’d go. Usually, he’d find a spot in the hive to curl up to at night. But he couldn’t do that here. He barely knew where he was! Thorax began to stammer over his words.

“I, uh, don’t have anywhere to go,” Thorax muttered. It felt terrible to admit, but he didn’t.

“Ya’ don’t got any relatives to stay the night with?” Goldie asked. Thorax's ears flattened against his skull, and he bashfully shook his head. The elders gasped, throwing their hooves to their mouths.

“You ain’t got no family at all?” Granny asked in disbelief. Thorax thought back to the hive. Were they his family? They sure didn’t feel like it. Sure, there was Pharynx, but he couldn’t help in a time like this.

“No…” He muttered. Honestly, this all felt a bit patronizing to admit.

“I couldn’t imagine!” Goldie exclaimed. Granny hummed, rubbing her chin.

“How about you stay for the reunion?” Granny Smith suggested. Thorax’s eyes boggled from his head.

“Really?!” He gasped. He hadn’t done anything to earn such an invitation.

“Yup! Everyone deserves some family love.” She confirmed. Thorax’s heart thrummed in his chest. Wow, his first family. It took everything in him to bounce where he stood.

Big Mac walked out of the barn, catching Granny’s attention.

“Mac, show him to his room while I catch up with Goldie.” She instructed.

Big Mac only hummed in response, his gaze finally landing on Thorax. His breath caught in his throat. His eyes were a deep, piercing green. Thorax’s joy quickly subsided, being replaced with unease.

Wordlessly, Big Mac led him inside. Thorax trailed behind the stallion, his head low. To his surprise, the inside of the barn didn’t look like a barn. It looked like a quaint cottage. As cozy as it seemed now, Thorax couldn’t revel in it.

Thorax kept his fixed gaze on Big Mac, refusing to look away. Big Mac was quiet. Too quiet. Could he tell? The anticipation made Thorax’s stomach cramp. He followed the stallion upstairs, the steps creaking under his weight.

The second level was eerily quiet, sending a chill through Thorax’s spine. The elderly mares chattering from downstairs quickly grew distant.

Big Mac stallion came to an abrupt stop, chilling Thorax’s core. Oh, Chrysalis, he knew. He had realized he wasn’t a real pony and was going to do something. Something bad.

Thorax clenched his jaw, trying to keep his teeth from clattering. Big Mac turned to him, an unreadable expression on his face.

“Here’s your room.” Big Mac said, tilting his head towards the open door. Thorax glanced through the doorway. Sure enough, there was a bedroom.

“Oh, uh, thank you.” Thorax stammered. Big Mac nodded, leaving him alone. Thorax let out a breath of relief, wearily entering.

The room was cozy, though a bit barren. It smelt of dust, apples, and oak. It smelled a bit like home.

Thorax climbed into bed, the structure creaking under his weight. He flopped onto the soft pillows, closing his eyes. This was the first day of a new life.

A Helping (Bronze) Hoof

Thorax lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He had been up for hours, memorizing the grooves in the carved wood. It’s not what he really wanted to do, but what else was there? Thorax couldn’t exactly leave this room. Well, he could, but it would be weird for him to wander through someponies house.

He tore his eyes from above, looking out the window to the dusk-ridden sky. Though the bed was soft and the room was welcoming, Thorax couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy. Sure, he rested well, but not long. How could he sleep when he was in someone else's home?

Guilt crept into his chest. He was being no better than any other spying changeling. This family had invited him in with open arms, and he had lied to them. And Thorax knew he couldn’t just stop lying. That would make things worse!

How would a family react to having a changeling in their home? Surely they’d kick him out. Or even worse; attack him!

He just knew that deep down, a part of him was waiting to pounce. Thorax whined, curling his hooves to his chest. He had to be better than all of the other changelings, right? He did leave the hive of his own accord.

Thorax’s worrying thoughts broke away as he heard hoofsteps travel down the hallway. His ear twitched as he listened. The steps were heavy, thudding across the floor.

Who was up at this hour? Something inside Thorax urged him to be nosey. But that wouldn’t be right. Snooping was a changelings job, and he had to be better than the others.
The hoofsteps traveled down the stairs. Very distantly, Thorax heard the sound of a door clicking shut. Curiosity overtook him. Who could be up at this hour?

The changeling sat up, shuffling to the edge of the bed. He placed his hooves on the nearby windowsill, peering downwards.

That stallion from last night--Big Mac--exited the house, making his way to the orchard. Thorax screwed his face in confusion. What was he doing up so early? The sun was barely over the horizon!

Did ponies have morning patrols like changelings? If they did, Big Mac had no right going out alone. Sure, he was bigger than most, but what if he got ambushed?

A pit of guilt formed in Thorax’s stomach. How could he be lounging around when Big Mac was out doing Chrysalis knows what!?

He was a guest, and a guest should make themselves useful! Besides, being in the dark as a pair was much better than being alone; that was just a basic changeling fact.

Thorax hopped from his bed, carefully padding across the floor. He slunk from the room and down the stairwell.

He crept through the house and pranced out the door.

The early morning air was cool yet dry. Thorax made his way to the direction Big Mac had gone.

He was going to be the best guest! Thorax trotted through the acres, his body bouncing with pride. Now that Thorax was outside, it had occurred to him that he hadn’t planned on what to say. Would it be weird to offer to help? Some changelings took offense to it.

And Thorax wasn’t exactly the most social creature out there. How would he even help Big Mac? Doubts began to flood his mind.

What was pony etiquette like? For all Thorax knew, he could be intruding! Would it be too late to turn around and-

Thorax collided head-first into Big Mac’s flank, knocking him to the ground. The red stallion stood over him, a twinge of confusion in his eyes.

His green eyes pierced into Thorax, sending a shudder down his spine. He couldn’t leave now; he had already been spotted.

“Do you need…help?” Thorax squeaked, catching his breath. Big Mac looked Thorax up and down before giving a shrug.

“I won’t stop ‘ya.” Big Mac muttered, continuing his trek through the orchard. Thorax hopped up, trailing behind the large stallion.

Thorax kept his head low as he followed the much bigger stallion. Was he doing the right thing? What if Big Mac was upset with the help? He was a big guy; he could probably handle this entire orchard with a hoof tied behind his back.

The ‘ling shook the worries from his head, puffing out his chest. He couldn’t show his fear; he was better than that. Thorax could be just as strong as Big Mac if he wanted to be.

“You know anything about apple-bucking?” Big Mac broke the silence.

“I don’t think so,” Thorax muttered. Big Mac tilted his head toward a tree as if to say, ‘Watch me.’

He threw his hind legs out, his strong hooves colliding into the tree. The tree shook, nearly snapping in two from impact. Apples fell, landing perfectly into the baskets below.

He turned to Thorax, giving him an expecting look. That didn’t look too hard. Thorax lined himself up with the tree, shuffling his weight to his front hooves.

Thorax approached a tree, slamming his hooves into the trunk. The tree ricocheted back, snapping from its roots. The remains of the tree thudded to the ground, shaking the earth beneath them.

The pair stared at the tree with wide eyes. Their silence carried through the acres. Thorax glanced at his hooves, a blush forming. Were changelings really that much stronger than ponies? He had no idea.

“...I should do something else,” Thorax muttered, his face burning red.

“...Eeyup.” Big Mac responded.

Thorax quickly shuffled away, his face burning red. That tree was probably around for centuries, and he had taken it down in a single blow!

What if that tree had fallen onto Big Mac? Thorax shuddered at the thought.

He wandered toward the barn. Maybe he could count blades of grass. That could probably be useful to some farm folks.

“Hey, Bronze Hoof!” Someone shouted, pulling Thorax from his thoughts. Thorax looked up to see Granny Smith peering through a window. “Give this to Big Mac, will ‘ya? He forgot it!” She asked, tossing a scroll to the grass. She slammed the window shut.

Thorax looked down at the scroll, before picking it up between his teeth. He turned on the heels of his hooves, making his way back to Big Mac.

“I got somefing fur you,” Thorax mumbled, his mouth still full. He spat the scroll at Big Mac, it landing a few inches from his hooves.

Big Mac unfurled the scroll, his eyes scanning it.

Thorax peeked over Big Mac’s shoulder, eyeing the scroll. By the looks of it, it was a list of what they needed to do.

While it was long, it didn’t seem too difficult. Half of the tasks were already marked off. They could probably get all of this done in a matter of a few hours.

Big Mac rolled up the scroll, tucking it under his yoke.

“You know how to light fires?” Big Mac asked. Thorax nodded. He lifted his hoof, pointing through a bushel of trees.

“Go light the cauldrons. Come back here when you’re done.” Big Mac instructed

In an instant, Thorax ran in the direction Big Mac pointed to.

Soon enough, he reached a row of picnic tables. Near to the tables rows upon rows of cauldrons sat on bundles of wood. Thorax peeked inside one of the cauldrons. Gallons of oil sat inside.

Thorax looked around, searching for a lighter, or matches. Unfortunately, there were none in sight. How was he meant to light these? He scrunched his muzzle. He hadn’t thought this through.

Thorax looked around the orchard, seeing no one in sight. A little changeling magic wouldn’t hurt.

No one was around to see. Thorax closed his eyes, letting his disguised horn spark. In an instant, the logs lit ablaze.

“That was easy.” Thorax grinned, making his way back to Big Mac.

Thorax buzzed with pride. He had done something right! Maybe he wouldn’t mess it all up.

The changeling skipped all the way back to Big Mac, a smile on his face. The red stallion walked out from a row of trees, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Just finished setting up the relay race.” Big Mac informed.

“What’s next?” Thorax asked a little too excitedly.

“Breakfast!” Granny called from the window, interrupting Big Mac. Thorax frowned. They were taking a break already? But they had so much work to do.

What if nothing was prepared when everyone showed up? Thorax couldn’t let that happen.

Big Mac turned to Thorax expectedly, as if to say ‘Are you coming?’

“Oh, I’ll stay out,” Thorax stated. “Works gotta be done.”

Big Mac shrugged.

“Suit yourself.” He muttered, entering the barn.

“Hey, uh…can I have that list?”

“Done!” Thorax wiped the sweat from his brow. The outhouses were cleaned, the picnic tables were set up, and the quilt station was ready.

In all honesty, Thorax was proud of himself. He had done a few hours of work in less than an hour. With a mix of his strength and magic, he got through everything with relative ease.

He couldn’t imagine an earth pony doing all of that work by themselves. He was actually relieved that he had followed Big Mac out. Who knows how long this would’ve taken him?!

Big Mac approached, catching Thorax’s attention.

“Let’s get moving. Got caught up and breakfast and the family will be here soon.” Big Mac informed.

“Oh, I’m actually finishing up!”

Big Mac blinked in surprise.

“You did everything?” Big Mac asked with a hint of disbelief.

“Nearly!” Thorax said, holding up the checked-out list. Big Mac took the list, examining it closely.

Though he didn’t say anything, Thorax could feel his confusion and disbelief. Even though Big Mac didn’t say it, Thorax could feel his appreciation. It gave Thorax a warm, tingly feeling inside.

“There’s only one thing left. I didn’t finish the apple bucking because…well, you know.” He blushed.

Big Mac looked at the row of trees behind him, before looking back at Thorax.

“I’ll teach you.”

Thorax’s eyes lit up.

“Really?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac confirmed, approaching a nearby tree. With one explanatory kick, apples fell.

Thorax furrowed his brows. How did he do it? Surely a strong stallion like him was just as capable of knocking down trees.

He shifted his weight, letting his hoof tap against the tree.

Big Mac chuckled, placing his hoof on Thorax’s flank.

“Hold your hindquarters like this.” Big Mac instructed, adjusting Thorax’s waists. Thorax planted his hindlegs firmly on the ground, copying the stance.

Thorax threw his hindlegs out, much slower than before. The tree shook gently, the apples gracefully thudding into the basket.

“I did it!” Thorax cheered. Big Mac smiled, before pointing to a row of trees.

“Let’s get through that group.” He instructed.

Before Thorax knew it, they had bucked every tree in the area. He had to admit, it was a bit therapeutic.

His hindquarters were sore, but the guilt in his chest had withered away.

“They’re here, they’re here!” A yellow filly cheered from the top of a hill.

The ground beneath them rumbled. From the hill ahead came hundreds upon hundreds of ponies. They barreled toward them, all filled with different emotions.

Thorax took in a deep inhale.
Love, excitement, fear, longing. All of those scents made his stomach growl, and his heart swelled.

So many ponies in one place! And so much love! It made Thorax’s head whirl with excitement.

Despite this, Thorax couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness in his heart. All of these ponies were made for each other. They had each other; histories, relationships, actual bonds.

This wasn’t for him.

This was for all of the ponies that actually knew and loved each other! Who was he to be at someone else's reunion when he didn’t have a family of his own? He was intruding!

It would be best for him to sit out. He didn’t want to be in anyone's way, after all.

He sat alone at a table, rolling an apple between his hooves. A part of him wished Pharynx was here. He knew Pharynx wouldn’t enjoy this, but the company would be appreciated.
Thorax sighed, laying his face on the table.

Maybe if he ignored the noise, he could sleep through the whole thing.

His thoughts were interrupted by a ‘thump’ that shook the table. Thorax peeked up, seeing a yellow filly grinning down at him.

“You’re Bronze Hoof, right?” She asked, her tail swishing happily. Thorax eyed the child curiously, sitting up.

“Yes?” He responded, it sounding more like a question than an answer.

“Well, I’m Applebloom. I practically run this farm.” The filly greeted happily. “Goldie was talking about you all during breakfast.” She informed.

Someone was actually thinking about him? Thorax blushed at the thought.

“Since you’re here, you have to meet everyone!” Applebloom instructed. She hopped from the table, running behind Thorax. She yanked at the stallion's tail, forcing him from his seat.

Thorax stumbled back, quickly catching himself.

“Come on, you have plenty to meet!” Applebloom squealed, leading Thorax through the reunion.

Mothers, fathers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. It was all so much, yet so exciting. There was no way he’d remember everyone's name.

Thorax thought back to the hive. He didn’t think anyone was actually related to anyone in the hive. Sure there were siblings, but that was just someone you were hatched near; not actual blood relatives. He wasn’t sure if he even had parents.

Appleblooms happy hopping abruptly stopped, her legs locking into place.

“And that’s…” Applebloom trailed off, pointing to a filly. “That’s my cousin Babs Seed.”

A familiar feeling came from the filly. A mix of fear and excitement. Thorax curiously tilted his head. Was there something wrong with that particular filly? Was she dangerous?

“Is something wrong?” Thorax urged. Applebloom bit her lip, her ears flattening.

“I really wanna talk to her, but…”

“But?” Thorax urged.

“But she’s a full year older than me! She might be too mature for me.” Applebloom sulked. “And look at her! She’s so cool!”

Thorax looked at Babs. He arched a brow. Did age matter that much to ponies? She looked like an ordinary child to him.

“Then go talk to her. She is your cousin.” Thorax encouraged, nudging the filly toward her. Applebloom shuffled, looking in between Babs and Thorax.

“Are you sure?” Applebloom hesitated. Thorax nodded confidently.

“Of course! Anyone would be lucky to be friends with you.” He complimented. Applebloom blushed, looking at her cousin.

“I guess I’ll try.” She muttered, awkwardly shuffling to Babs.

Though Thorax couldn’t hear from this distance, he watched intently.

Applebloom looked a bit tense, yet still spoke. Babs blew the hair from her face, before pointing to Appleblooms flank. The yellow filly lit up, clearly excited.

The fillies ran off together, laughing delightfully. Thorax smiled.

“Ahem.” Someone cleared their throat, catching Thorax’s attention. Big Mac stood behind him, still expressionless.

“I heard y’ant got no family.” Big Mac stated rather bluntly. Thorax’s face flushed red.

“Where did you hear that?” Thorax asked. Big Mac shrugged, tilting his head toward the sewing area.

“Heard Granny talkin’ about it.”

Of course, he had. Thorax was a bit ashamed of it, but it was true.

“I can hire ya on the farm if it’s needed.” Big Mac said. Thorax blinked in surprise, lowering his head.

“Would…that be okay?”

“Eeyup.”

Thorax’s heart pounded, and a smile crept on his face.

“I’ll do it.”