[Satyr] - Apollo One-Shot

>You are Anonymous, and you shouldn’t be having this conversation with your son.
“Now, son.  There’s something you need to know now that you’re going to school.”
>“Okay…” Your son, Apollo, kicks his feet and playfully smiles up at you from his bed.  His mother’s enthusiastic attitude shining through.
“You know how you’re different than other p0nies?”
>He stares at you like it’s the most obvious thing.  It kind of is, now that you think about it…
“…Right.  So, you need to understand that colts and fillies in school won’t be as nice as the guards or Aunt Luna.”
>Apollo looks out the window, his lips pressed into a thin line. “I know, dad…”
“Apollo.”  He immediately turns to look at you once you use ‘the dad voice’.  “I’m not joking.  You know how I came to Equestria?”
>“Yeah, mom said you crashed through one of the stained glass windows during court.”
>Oh.  He knew that much? “Momentum’s a bitch…”
>“Huh?”
“Nothing.  Did your mom tell you what happened after that?  How I was treated?”
>Apollo goes quiet, your words sinking in.  “…Mom said a lot of p0nies didn’t trust you ‘cause you were different, and that it was really hard for you.”
>He gets it.  “Yeah, and I had to work hardtop earn their trust and friendship.”
>He looks down at his feet as his wings flutter lightly at his sides, “Dad… do you think the other kids are gonna be mean to me?”
>You feel your heart break from the sight. “It’s possible, but if it does happen do you know what you have to do?”
>He look up to you, tears nearly breaking free from his eyes.
“Just be yourself, Apollo.  Be that funny, outgoing p0ny I know you are.  They’ll see you’re no different than they are and you’ll make lots of friends.”  You seriously hope that will be the case.
>His eyes go wide with hope, “Is that how you made friends with Aunt Twilight and Auntie Pinkie and…”
“That’s right.”  Your smile isn’t forced now that you’re sure he’s gotten the point, but it quickly turns into a cheesy grin. “It’s also how your mother and I fell in love, ya know…”
>Apollo looks like he just licked a lemon. “Daaaaad…” You laugh as you poke him in the side, his wing flaring out in response. “Dad!” He tries to stop a giggle, but your tickle attack is too much.
“…and it’s why we have lots and lots of smooches and kisses…”
>He snorts loudly, kicking away from you and trying to flutter away. “Da-ha-ha-ha-ad!  Nooooo~”
>You stop, letting him calm down a bit before continuing the offensive by poking him under his arms.
“Nop0ny expects the Canterlot Inquisition!”
>“Anon, are you having fun with Apollo?”
>Apollo and you stop at the sound of her voice, practically freezing in place.  You give him a light poke to the ribs, getting a muffled giggle in response.  “…not at all, dear.  Just having a man-to-man talk.  Right?”
>Apollo puts on a very serious looking face. “Yes, sir.  Very serious man-business.”
>Celestia looks between you two, an eyebrow cocked up.  “I see.  Well, I think it’s time for you…” she tickles Apollo’s nose with a wing, “…to get some shut-eye.  You don’t want to be late for school, do you?”
>Apollo lets out a wicked sneeze before responding, “No, ma’am.”  He turns to you, smiling.  “Thanks for talking to me, dad.”
“No problem, son.”
>You stand up, ruffling his wild orange hair.  “Goodnight, son.  I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
>He nods, settling into the bed as you and your wife walk out into the hallway and back to your quarters.
>After settling into bed, you run your fingers through Celestia’s ethereal mane.  After a few minutes, you say simply, “He’ll be fine.”
>Your wife with that smile you fell in love with years ago, “Of course, he’s our son…”
>You shouldn’t have to have that conversation with your son…
>…but you’re glad you did.