Loving Careby Biscuits and GravyChaptersChapter two: I really wasn't expecting this.Chapter Three: You can't get anywhere without sacrifice.Chapter four: Fun Drunk.Chapter Five: Aftermath.Chapter Seven: What?Chapter Eight: Carnival.Chapter Nine: Break Ups and Hearth Warming.Chapter Ten: So That's what that feels like.Chapter Eleven: "..."Chapter Twelve: Hellos and Goodbyes.EpilogueChapter one: New Acquaintances .Chapter Six: Old Acquaintances. Chapter two: I really wasn't expecting this.Your alarm blares in your ears, causing you to jolt upright in bed. Your alarm was on the other side of the room to prevent you ignoring it and going back to sleep. So, begrudgingly, you got out of bed and walked to the bookshelf currently holding your Alarm. “Anon turn that fucking thing off! I'm trying to sleep.” Thunderlane shouts through the wall. “You need to get your ass up for work anyway!” You hear groan and a small cluster of profanities aimed at you, the sun and mornings in general. You put on some clothes and your watch and head into the Kitchen. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* That's strange. You weren't expecting anyone to come by today. “Who is it?” You call through the door. “It's me, open up.” You just stare at the door and hope that they get the hint. They don't. “Who's me? Genius” “Prench Roast. Come on, you can't tell from my voice?” True you probably should have, but it was way too early in the morning for such things. You open the door to reveal her standing there with saddlebags wrapped over her barrel. “Hey Anon. How's it going?” “Fine...What are you doing here?” She mocks Shock. “What? I can't just come and see my favorite human?” You deadpan. "I'm the only human." She just waves her hoof at you dismissively. “Fine. I need your help. Something awful has happened” She has your attention now. “What is it?” “I have the day off and nopony to hang out with.” You groan. “And here I thought something serious was wrong.” You invite her in. “Yeah there is. I'm bored.” She replies. “Hey Anon, What's going on?..Oh hey Prench.” Thunder walks in with his bed head still occupying his mane. “Hi thun~nder.” She takes him into an embrace. This was making you gag. “So what do you have planned today?” He asks her. “I don't know, Hanging out with Anon I guess.” Wait what? “I haven't even said if I'm available.” You deadpan. She however has the nerve to smirk at you. “Oh Anon. You got a last minute day off. I doubt you have plans already.” Her smirk disappears when she notices your deadpan is still holding. “What? Don't tell me you actually have plans.” You smile, This was too good. “Actually, yes, I do.” You say matter of factly. Silently laughing at her presumptions. “Yeah he has a date.” Thunder comments. He was stating to piss you off with this. “I already told you, it's not a date.” Prench's smile was back in full force. “Oh Anon, you sly dog. You finally gonna cash in your V-Card?” You face palm. "No. I'm just meeting with somebody. It's not as if I want to go. Just moral obligations." They look unconvinced. "whatever you say Anon. Just make sure to tell us how she was." Your right eye just twitched. Time to get the fucking point across. “Okay, let's get this straight. Yes, I'm meeting a mare. No, it's not a date. No, she's not attracted to me. No, I don't intend to cash in my V-Card. She was just a mare who was looking upset, so I bought her a coffee. We talked, she was nice enough and then I walked her home. For some reason she asked me back tomorrow, I don't know why. Nor do I really care, I was in no position to refuse. So I'm just going to go round, See how she is and leave. Nothing else.” Prench smiles. “We~ell, if she invited you rou-” “Don't you fucking dare.” Your tone and stare are enough to stop her in her tracks. You feel you better change the subject before you get more annoyed at your Friends. “So, Thunder, What are you planning on doing today?” His face was currently red from him trying not to laugh...For fuck sake. He manages to suppress his giggles long enough to answer. “I am going to work then I'm hanging out with Cloud Chaser. Nothing else, unless you include the video games later.” You roll your eyes. You loved video games, but Thunder was positively obsessed with them. “Well Prench, I guess you're on your own.” You say. “UUURRRGGG! Just my luck. A day off and You guys are busy.” You couldn't resist. “Oh I don't know, I think maybe Noteworthy would be free.” She gives you that, 'I'm gonna gut you with a potato peeler' look. You tried, you really did, but that look was way too cute to be intimidating. You laughed...really loudly. She charges into you knocking you on your ass and throwing play fight punches. “I. don't. like. Noteworthy.” She says between punches. You hold up your arms to block her from hitting your face. “Do so.” You say childishly. “Do not!” She replies. “Jeez, get a room you two.” Thunder speaks up, moving over to the kitchen and grabbing a box of cereal. Now it was both your turns to blush. “Thunder. Shut the fuck up.” You say. Rather high pitched. He lets out a single HA as his response. “You two are hilarious when you try to hide your feelings.” He replies now holding a spoon in his hoof and eating the cereal. “Thunder. He said, shut up.” He just grins at Prench's remark and continues eating. Prench just gives one final, hard, punch to your stomach and gets off of you. You let out an 'oof' and clutch your stomach in pain as you get back onto your feet. “So, you sure you couldn't just blow that mare off?” You huff in frustration. “Seeing as she was almost crying at the mention of whatever was bothering her, I wouldn't risk it.” “Aww, come on! What am I supposed to do?” You let out a sigh, grabbing the cereal. “I already said, go see noteworthy.” She huffed. “And I already said I don't hav-” “I never said you did.” You say giving her a shit-eating grin. She however, just sighs. “Yeah, whatever.” the rest of breakfast was uneventful,what were you expecting it was freaking breakfast. Thunderlane left for weather duty and Prench left because she was bored and needed something to do. You clean up the dishes, which you were always roped into doing, and move around the apartment before you leave. The place was a mess. There were Bottles, cans, games cases and a few pizza boxes lying around. You grab a plastic bag and start collecting up all of the crap scattered around the apartment...and there was a lot of it. If you wanted to really be a dick, you could get Thunderlane to sort this crap into recycling bags... from one big bag...filled with half empty soft drinks...and off yogurt. You might just do that. You look into his room, it's mostly clean. The bed was unmade, there were a few cans littering his night stand and that was it. Your room however was a complete dump. Ponies had an advantage when it came to not having to wear clothes. They never have to worry about where you place them. You also had many articles of clothing scattered around the room and a lot of trash littering your night stand, you were surprised that you didn't have rats...that you knew of. Once you deal with the crap lying around your apartment you leave the bag by the door and head out into Ponyville. The day was one of those days. Everyone knows which one. The one where the sky is so cloudy that you can't tell that there are clouds at all. Just as single mass of grey that light can get through, but still made you feel like shit. You hoped Thunderlane would clear it up later on. You arrive at the house you were at yesterday. Maybe it was the day or the fact that you knew what was on the other side, but something just made you feel about twenty percent worse than you already were. like your entire body had all of the happiness drained out of it. You might as well just get this over with. You rap on the door three times and wait for it to open. When it does, Loving Care pops her head out of the door and with a slightly confused and surprised tone, greets you. “Oh, hello Anon. What are you doing here.” Here tone is dead. She really hasn't gotten any better since yesterday. “You asked me here yesterday, remember? But If you want, I'll just go.” You say gesturing with a thumb behind you. “Oh no, you're already here and I...guess I could use the company.” Damn. She opens the door further. So much for that idea. You walk in and notice that she has a rather nice house. A kitchen, a bathroom, a living room and a stairway could be seen from where you were standing. “You have a nice house.” You state looking at the pictures on the wall. You could a few had been taken down lately, as you could see several square marks that where less faded than the others. “Thank you. I'm...glad you like it.” Her tone is still depressed, as she sounded like a robot spouting out predefined phrases. You were getting really uncomfortable, really quickly. “So. Is there anything you wanted me for?” "Please say no. please say no." “I was just needing some company.” She replies " Crap. Just stay an hour and you should be fine." You couldn't have been more wrong. You spent the most part of half an hour in complete, painfully awkward, silence. You eventually got her to speak when you brought up her cutie mark. Apparently her special talent is taking care of young foals. She had a job as a midwife at the hospital in Manhattan, But gave it up when she started her own family. “You said you have a son?” She nods. “He's through in his room, playing video games. Do you want to meet him?” Her tone was a lot less depressed, compared to earlier. But she still wasn't, anywhere near, happy. Seeing as it might kill a few minutes you accept her offer. “Sure.” She stands up and walks over to the hallway, climbs a flight of stairs and knocks on the door furthest down the hall. “Button? We have a visitor.” You can hear the noise of a games console, which doesn't seem to stop. “Yeah Mom. Just a second.” Oh, so he was going to be one of those kids. Loving Care walks in and you see the little colt playing his video game. You look to his collection and see he is probably a bigger gamer than Thunderlane. And that's saying something. Across one of his walls was an entire bookcase filled with video games case. His entertainment system has pretty much all of the consoles you've heard of. Bit Box 360, Bit Box one. Pony Station, one, two, three and four. And a lot of some of the more retro consoles you've never played. “Button. Could you turn that off please.” “Okay mom. Can I just finish this match please?” Well he was at least well mannered about it. At his age, you probably would have yelled at your mom to leave you alone. With a lot more curses “Quite the collection you have here button.” You interrupt. “You and a friend of mine might get along very well.” “Thanks.” he says plainly. Too focused on playing Command and Counter to care. You watch as he sets up a line of infantry, and prepares to send in a pegasi carriages to bring them over a river. “I wouldn't do that. There's too much anti air. There's a crossing on that map about halfway up.” He Pauses the video Game and looks to you. “You play video games?” He asks, completely bewildered. You smile. “Me and my roommate are kind of addicts.” You say happily. Loving Care just rolls her eyes as Button's widened in Astonishment by this information. “But I thought Grown-ups didn't play video games.” You laugh. “Are you kidding?! They're the ones most of these games are designed for.” “Really?” He asks skeptically. You just smirk and pull out a copy of Love and Tolerate. “The age for this one is eighteen years old.” You point out. “Is it?!” Loving Care speaks up. “Er...No?..I was just trying to...” She smiles, not a forced smile, not a fake smile, a genuine smile. You've seen that smile on Prench all the time. Two thought ran through your head. The first one was she was smiling at least. And the second was she was fucking with you. You groan. “You're just Fu-woah ho ho~o No.- er...You're just messing with me, aren't you?” Your almost curse brought the attention of both of the ponies. But she nods all the same. “Hows about we leave Button to his game?” You nod and follow her out of the room, back down to the living room and take your previous position on the sofa. “You got on really well with him.” She points out. “I guess. He's a good kid.” You both descend into awkward silence. You really have no idea why you're here. “Um...If I may ask, why did you want me here today? You just met me.” She sighs. “I...uh guess. I wanted some company.” That only confuses you more. “Aren't there other people more qualified than a complete stranger you met yesterday to do this?” She shakes her head. “I Don't really have any friends in town. I gave them all up when my husband and our sons moved to Ponyville.” “Didn't you make any new friends.” She, again, shakes her head. “I never had time, I was too busy working or being a housemare. I never really went out much.” Okay that's weird. “Really? Never? You never went out at all?!” She shakes her head. “I went out, sure, but I never went out socially.” You couldn't believe your ears. This mare had been living in Ponyville for god knows how long and she never went out with friends. “How long have you been here?” “Two years.” Okay that's unhealthy. “You should go out, just go to a bar or a cafe or anything and just go have fun.” “But what about Button?” “Get a babysitter.” "Who?" "I don't know. Just anyone you trust." “How about you?” Shit. “Ummm...you only just met me, I don't think that would be wise.” She smiles at you. “Yes but I can't get a sitter this late and I already know you get on well with Button. I think I can trust you for a few hours.” You let out a breath, This mare was really starting to freak you out. You only just met her and she wants to trust you for a few hours with her kid. Okay there is nothing wrong with her then you are way too nice. But she has been inside and all depressed for ages...you couldn't just say no. "Shit" “Can I bring a friend. He could help, I promise.” She puts a hoof to her chin in thought. “I don't see why not. Just no drinking and no vandalism.” She gives you a stern look. You bat your knee in mock frustration. “Dang it, and here I was hoping I could set up a catapult in your living room.” You get a chuckle as a reward. It was nice to hear her laugh. “Okay, fine I'll watch your kid he shou...Wait a minute, you said you had sons, plural?” She sighs and sits next to you. Oh shit you've struck something. She sigh's and just leans back in her seat. "Fuck. Brace for depression." “Our family used to live in Manehattan. Just the four of us...” Okay brace for some really heavy shit right now. “...Me, my husband, and my two sons Button Mash and Rage Quit. We were happy, he had a steady job as a sailor and I stayed at home with...the kids...” Her tone is getting more and more depressed. “...Rage Quit was a lot like Button, he loved video games, he was always so nice to everypony, he was very popular, despite his name. He shouted a lot at his games.-" She says all of this with a reminiscent smile "-But that's not relevant...One day, when he was rushing home from school...h-he forgot to look both ways before c-crossing the road and...and...” She bursts out into sobs, You just sitting there like an idiot. “...a cab ran him down...D-Didn't even see him before it...” Her sobbing becomes hysterical, as she leans over in your direction. You take the initiative and wrap your arm around her. She in turn cries into your shoulder. You felt really awkward right now, you couldn't just up and leave, like you really really wanted to. You try stroking her mane to calm her down. It works a little, but it still takes her another twenty minutes for her to stop sobbing and another five for her to stop whimpering. You just hold her until she starts to talk again. “We...we moved here after the funeral...We just couldn't handle living there anymore...to many memories. When we moved here, Button was only six...He was so quiet. He rarely talked to us about anything. But he got better over time...The whole thing however put a strain on my relationship with my husband...two weeks ago he'd had enough and he left me and Button, he was jjust gone in the morning and we never saw him again. Button was okay, him and his father didn't get on much in the last two years....-" She looks down again, her eyes starting to pool over again. "-I-I really tried to keep our marriage together. I Really did.” She peels herself off of your chest. Her breathing becoming ragged “That's another reason why I don't go out as much, With everything that's happened I never felt...in the mood.” You sigh internally. You lean over and wipe the tears from her cheeks. “I think you should just stay home tonight. Going out might not be such a good idea.” She smiles again. “Thank you, but I really should go out and make some friends. It's been too long.” Well... if she want's to. But you still don't feel right about this. “Fine then. But can one of my friends go with you to make sure you're okay.” She looks a little insulted. "I'm a grown mare Anon. I'm not made of glass." You smile sadly and sigh. You really didn't feel comfortable with this. "Can you just do this for me? It will give you a head start on making friends." She et's out a huff of air. “I suppose I could make due with that.” She smiles again. “Well. You go get ready and I'll go get my stuff.” She looks to you confused. “What stuff?” “Spare controllers.” She smiles a knowing smile. That night. “Why are we doing this again?” Prench asks. “I told you. I need you to watch Loving Care while she's out making friends and make sure she doesn't hurl herself off a bridge.” You reply “Can't we just go in be like 'hey we're your friends now' and go home?” Your silent stare is the only answer. “Fiiine.” “So why am I here again?” Thunderlane asks. “You did say you wanted the lost video game time back. Besides you might like this kid.” You say. “Why?” You touch your nose. “You'll see.” Thunderlane just shifts in his hooves. “I don't like the sound of that.” He states. “he's gonna be really weird isn't he?” “No. He's not weird. You'll like him, I promise.” “You know you owe me a day out right?” Prench cuts in. “I get to loose my evening, because you're trying to score.” You stop her and look her in the eye. “Look. I'm just trying to do something nice. I offered her a drink thinking she would be emotional about something small, like being stood up, and then this happened. I do not plan to 'score'. I just plan on getting today out of the way.” She nods. “Well. That's going to be a while then.” Thunder throws in. “I still think something bad is going to happen. He's probably booby trapped the house or something.” You sometimes liked how Thunderlane was a little paranoid, but this was ridiculous. “He's a good kid. He wouldn't have done something like that.” You say as you approach the door to Loving Cares house. “How do you know?! You told me you met him once! For like two minute!” Thunderlane refusing to take your word for it. You rap on the door and wait. “He wouldn't because he'd be too distracted.” Thunderlane gains a look of understanding. “Ohh. He's one of those colts.” He starts to snicker and averts his gaze to the floor. “Tell me Thunderlane. What do you mean when you say, 'one of those colts'?” Prench asks. “Frequent masturbator.” Thunderlane just spouts out, no awareness of what he just blurted out. This wouldn't have been so bad if Loving Care hadn't opened the door at that exact moment. Her mane and tail were tied up in small buns. as she just stares at the three of you, with a wide eyed look. “Umm...” You were always the wordsmith, weren't you?” “I can explain.” Thunderlane Says trying to salvage the situation. “He's an idiot.” You state. “That's the friend you brought to help you watch Button?” You sigh. “Yes, but he won't be like that around Button, I swear.” She looks to you. “Maybe this wasn't a good idea.” She says. “Look, Mrs Care. I know he looks like an idiot, they both are, but he's okay once you get to know him I promise. Besides they're both responsible when it matters.” Prench says. Loving Care looking a little hesitant. “Please don't make me regret this.” She says in a tone that a parent says when they're pleading with a child. She moves out of the way and gestures for you to enter. “We won't, I promise.” She directs you to the living room, you all take a seat and she begins to give you detailed instructions and rules for the night. “...His bedtime is Eight o'clock, no later. His dinner is in the fridge, just microwave it for a minute and feel free to help yourselves to any snacks that you like. Now, I'm putting a lot of trust into you two so I request that you don't make me regret it.” You stand up and look to Prench. “We won't. By the way, this is Prench, She will be going with you.” They bump hooves together in greeting. “Nice to meet ya.” Prench says. “You too. Now. If you'd just give me a minute. I just need to finnish getting ready.” She heads upstairs to her bedroom. “Great. Tonight's gonna be so awkward.” Prench says in a whisper. You groan. “Just be nice.” You say. “Hey I will. It's just we probably have nothing in common and the entire night is going to be awkward silences with occasional bouts of drinking.” “Yeah. I know. Hey look, Thanks prench. I owe you one.” She exhales through her nose in a sigh. She was about to say something when a creak drew your attention to the stairs. Standing there at the top was Loving Care...And she looked stunning, her coat was clean, not a single part of it out of place, her eyes were sparkling with no sign of the bloodshot from earlier, and her mane and tail were smooth and flowing, tied at the end. As she look down at your bewildered expressions, a smile and a blush grew on her face. She looked happy. “Wow” Prench nudges your side and waggles her eyebrows. You would have cuffed her but you were too busy trying to form any coherent thought. “How do I look?” Loving Care asks, still blushing. “You look amazing.” Thunderlane points out. Causing her to blush even more. “T-Thank you.” “Shall we go Mrs Care?” Loving Care smiles to Prench "Please just call me Loving Care." Prench nods and gestures to the door. You watch as the door closes behind them and the room becomes silent. Thunderlane speaks up. “Dude!...Total MILF.” You cuff him over the backside of his head. “You have a girlfriend.” He gives you a sly grin. “I know. But you don't.” You blush a little. “Don't even go there.” You state rather quickly. “Say what you will, but the blush never lies.” You give Thunderlane your biggest 'fuck you' stare. “let's just go see Button.” “Yeah where is the little pervert.” You cuff him again. “I thought it was implied that he was not like that.” He smiles. “He's a colt. Of course he is.” Your palm meets your face as you groan at his poor joke. You walk up the stairs and head over to the room Loving Care brought you to earlier. “This is his room.” You open the door and see Thunderlane's eyes go wide. “I think I just died.” He mutters under his breath. “Lets get this over with.” You state. “Hey Button...” Your night goes by quicker than you thought. Thunderlane and Button got really competitive with some racing game, Button won. The three of you watched a movie about some guy on the moon, finding a copy of himself in a cave and shit braking out about clones and corporation and stuff along those lines. Eight o'clock rolled by and Button went to bed. He tried to bargain with you, but he had no luck. You remember when you were like that. You and Thunder just sat up in the living room talking about day to day things. You talked about Thunderlane's relationship with Cloud Chaser, which resulted in a rather forced joke about your relationship with your hand. You both laughed at that one. You talked about work, local events, some of your friends, which eventually led to you talking about Loving Care. “So what's the deal with her?” Thunderlane Questions. “What do you mean?” “Why was she upset when you found her?” He asks. “That's a little personal. And not my business to share.” You state. “Okay then, but what is your deal with her?” “I don't know. She was upset, I was sympathetic. Maybe she just found the first person to be friendly towards her and then latched on.” He nods taking a sip of his Dr. Pony “She seems a little damaged.” He says though not quite sure of himself. “How so?” You ask, despite your better judgment. “She just seems too...domesticated. I'm just saying that she's a bit emotional and you should be careful.” “Now what do you mean by that?” You are starting to get irritated. “I think she likes you.” You raise your eyes, from the glass you were drinking from, to directly ahead of you slowly turn to Thunderlane. “That...Is...The...stupidest thing...I have ever heard. She just met me yesterday!” You declare a little louder than you intended. “Yeah. But if she's as emotional as I think, then maybe she will like you just for being nice to her. I'm just saying be careful.” “Look Thunder, she doesn't like me okay. We just met and she doesn't seem like she's crazy.” “I'm only going to say that she invited you around again after you spent an hour together.” You roll your eyes at him out of habit. “Whatever you say.” “Anon?” You Hear the squeaky voice of Button coming from the stairs. He is standing there, rubbing his eyes, in his rocket ship pajamas. “Hey Button. What are you doing up?” “Can I have a glass of water?” Thunderlane stands up. “I'll get it Anon.” He goes through to the kitchen and prepares a glass for Button. “You okay squirt?” He nods. “I'm fine, I just can't sleep.” You walk over and sit besides him. "What's wrong." You ask tenderly. Thunderlane comes in and hands the glass to Button. "Nothing as such. just can't sleep." You give a sympathetic smile. "Okay, buddy come on." You place the water back in Thunderlane's hooves and place your hands under Button's forelegs. You lift Button up as he wraps his himself onto you. You then proceed to carry him up the stairs like a baby. "Aww. Wittle Anon has a heart." You decide to ignore Thunderlane, as he follows you up the stairs. Once you reach his room you place him on his bed and Thunder places his water on the night stand. You reach over and drag the covers over Button. "You gonna be okay there pal?" He just nods. "You want the night light?" He nods again. You walk over to the wall and flick on the switch. A golden yellow glow covers the room. "G'night Button." You say at the door. "Anon?" You pause and look over. "Yes Button?" He brings the covers up to below his chin. "C-Can you fix my mom." Oh snap! You just stand at the door looking down in thought. "I'll try buddy. Promise." "Goodnight Anon." You flick the main light off and close the door. Thunderlane is just standing there, staring at you. "What?" You ask. "Nothing. I just never thought you to be good with kids." He says sheepishly. "Whatever." You go down the stairs in silences. Once you return to the living room, you flop down onto the sofa and let out a sigh of relief. "I'm getting into this so fast it's scaring me." Thunderlane trots over and takes a seat besides you. "Hey. you'll be fine. You're a good guy Anon." You just nod your head absentmindedly "What makes you say that?" You ask with a humorous smile. "Other than today?...I probably would still be a bumbling idiot if you weren't my friend." You just scoff. "You grew out of your old attitude. I had nothing to do with it." "Maybe. But I'm still thankful. Besides, you wouldn't have all of us as friends if you weren't." You just let out a breath and lean forward. "Perhaps you're right. But what am i going to do about Loving Care?" He lets a reassuring hoof rest on your shoulders. "Maybe you've already done enough. She's probably out there right now, having the time of her life and..." You hear the front door open. “Hey guys we're home!” You hear Prench's chipper voice ring through. Maybe it did go well. “Hey Prench how did it go?” Thunder asks. “We made progress. LC and I hung out with a few ponies from town. She's pretty cool.” She emphasized that by bumping a hoof on her shoulder. “LC?” You questioned. “Yeah it's a nickname I gave her. Kinda has a nice ring to it.” You shrug. “I guess. Are you going to be okay.” You ask Loving Care. “Yes. I will be fine, thank you I believe I have your payment.” She hands you a bag of bits, it was rather hefty. “I wasn't expecting this.” She smiles. “I insist.” Well money is money. You pocket the cash. “I think we should be going now.” Thunderlane says. “Yeah. I'm pooped.” You agree. “We'll see you later LC.” You all walk out the door and close it. That went better than expec...you hear the sound of weeping coming from inside. "Oh for fuck sake." You open the door again. She's there weeping on the sofa. You hang your head in defeat. “You guys go ahead. I'll catch up.” You close the door and head towards the emotional mare on the couch. An hour, that's all I was expecting to do today, an hour. You plop yourself down beside her. You lean over and ask... “So...what's wrong?” Chapter Three: You can't get anywhere without sacrifice.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter four: Fun Drunk.Author's Note Hey guys, sorry for not responding to all of your comments. I've been really busy over here these last few days. I have the weekend free and personal issues have been resolved so the next chapter might be up a little quicker than before. But don't hold your breath. Also for this chapter, I took the time to re-read before publishing.(Because I never thought to do that before. ) so if you could tell me if it made a difference. I'd be grateful. And finally I'd just like to say. that this story has gotten a lot more positive attention than I was ever expecting and for that I can only thank you. You guys are awesome. Seriously. and I hope to keep you all entertained. So here's the next chapter. Chapter four: Fun Drunk. “Aww come on!” Button roars as an enemy player fires a crossbow bolt into his back. “Button you need to check the corners. Or they get the better of you.” You say as you stab the same player through the chest. You hear a similar cry of rage over the chat. You were playing as a Pegasi knight and Button was playing as a Minotaur warrior. It had been two weeks since you threw away all of your spare money and things were looking good. You were currently playing Love and Tolerate with Button, seeing as you were trying to help him and his mother get out of the rut they'd gotten themselves into. “I am! They must be hacking.” You sigh. “Follow me, we'll double team.” You suggest. Button gains a determined look. “Get to the rainbow factory I have an idea.” He says. The two of you snake your way through the simulated buildings of Cloudsdale. Button equipping his bow. He takes out a few other players as you try and draw their fire. After a few minutes of Button mashing and curses directed your way through the game. You make it to the weather factory where Button takes out a device and plants it on an antenna. “What's that going to do?” You ask, a little concerned. “SONIC RAIN-BOMB!” One of the enemy players screams. Before you can register what's happening the entire screen fills up with spectra and Button's kill counter is glitching out. Button just sits there with a smug look on his face. You just stare at him shocked. “Hidden Easter-egg. Took me ages to find it the first time.” He beams with pride and smugness. “I think that's enough multi player for now.” You say trying to ignore all of the slander being directed at the two of you. Button is unfazed as he basks in his electronic victory. “Wanna play some co-op?” He asks. “Sure.” You say as Button loads up the game the cloven. A game about zombies infesting Equis and you trying to find a cure. “So, hows school?” You ask, zoning out of the game to speak to him. “It's okay, I guess. Miss Cheerilee wants us to write a report on our hobbies, but I don't know what to do it on.” He says, a little downtrodden. “What about video games?” You suggest. “That's not a hobby.” He argues. “Sure it is. It's something you enjoy doing.” You counter. “besides, I bet Cheerilee wont mind. When it comes to these things, it's more about how you write, not what you write.” You smile down at him. “I guess. Could you help me?” That caught you a little off guard. “Shouldn't your mother help you?” He shakes his head. “She doesn't like this sort of thing, like you do. You would probably be more help....Pleeease?” He whines. “...Sure.” You say. It shouldn't be too hard to get this done. “When's it for?” “After the weekend.” He says. “Then we need to get started soon.” You state. “Can we keep playing Anon?” You check the time, two o'clock. “Sure. why not?” Throughout the game, you and Button, give advice, talk about everyday things things and even his cutie mark. He doesn't have one yet but he says he doesn't care much about that sort of thing. However one topic came up that you weren't expecting. “Anon?” He speaks up. You let out a 'hrmm' as a sign that you are listening. “Are you and my mom special someponies?” If you had been drinking, it would have been all over Button's television. You had no idea where that came from. “What makes you think that?” You ask with a cocked eyebrow. “Well. You and mom are always hanging around and I thought you two might...” You lift your hand to stop him. “No Button. Your mother and I are not together. I'm just being a good friend.” He returns to his game. An awkward silence plaguing the room. You try to break it. “What about you Button. Do you have a special somepony?” His cheeks redden and hes gaze goes to the floor. “OH you doooo.” You tease. “DO NOT!” He is quick to reply, another sign that he's lying. “What's her name?” He refuses to answer, instead playing his game in silence. “You know. I'll just keep teasing until you tell me.” He continues to remain silent. “I won't tell anyone.” You smile as he shifts his eyes towards you for a fraction of a second. “Promise?” “Promise.” You repeat. “Pinkie Promise?” You sigh. You knew what that meant. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” You smile. “You didn't do the actions!” He says. You groan with frustration. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” You repeat word for word. this time doing the actions. He seems to be satisfied by this. “Okay...” He gesture for you to come closer. You move but he gestures again, and again. Until you are just an inch away from him. “...There is this one filly at school, who I like. He says.” You nod for him to go on. “Her name is...Sweetie Belle.” He then flinches and scrunches up his face in preparation for your laughter. However it never comes. He opens one eye to see you looking back at the screen with your controller in hand. “Aren't you going to say anything?” He asks, a little confused. “Ummm...good for you?” He looks completely confused by this. You just look to him like he's acting weird. “What? You like a girl. Cool.” “You just pestered me to tell you and you don't even care?!” You laugh. “Oh Button. I will always care when there's something juicy to know.” you say with a sly grin. “So, What are you going to do about it?” His confusion could not raise any higher. “Wha?” You laugh again. “What are you going to do to...get the girl?” “...Well...I...uh...Don't know?” He looks down. You can't help but feel bad for him. “Aww, cheer up buddy.” You pat his shoulders comfortingly. It's amazing how well you gotten used to comforting ponies over the last few weeks. “I'm sure you could hang out with her tonight...that reminds me, what are you going as for nightmare night?” He smiles. “Nink from Zelba.” He says. You can already picture The little green outfit he will be wearing. “Sounds good. Try hanging out with this girl tonight. Might just work.” You can't help but notice that you shouldn't really be giving him advice on how to get girls. Seeing as how you have never had a marefriend. “Okay, thanks Anon.” You were about to return to your game when the bedroom door opens and Loving Care's head pops in. “Are you two okay?” She asks. Button was quick to nod his head frantically. Loving Care just cocking an eyebrow. “Remember Button you have homework for tomorrow.” She says. “I'll do it later mom. Anons going to help me.” She furrows her brow. “Re~eally?” She asks sceptically. Button just nods and Loving Care's gaze turns to you. “You will?” You nod your head. She just smiles warmly at Button. “Well I guess you can go have fun then. But you're doing it tomorrow.” She nods towards the TV. Button just jumps on the spot, cheering. Loving Care looks to you. “Anon. Can I speak to you?” You nod, leaving Button to his game and follow her down to the living area. “What is it?” You ask, concerned. “It's about tonight. I don't know if I should go.” You and Thunderlane were hosting a party at your place for your group of friends for nightmare night and you invited her when she told you that she had nothing planned. You were a little surprised by this little development. She was looking forward to it before. “What? Why not?” She seemed interested at the time. “...well...it's just...I don't think...I should go.” She says with a sheepish smile. You give her a stern glare. “Give me a good reason why you shouldn't and I'll drop it.” She sighs looks to the floor. “It's just, all of your friends will be there and I-I don't think I'll...” You could see what was going on now. She was nervous...and not for the first time. “You'll be fine. You get along with Prench and Thunder don't you? Everyone else is just as nice. I promise.” She sits on the sofa. “But you're all so young and what if I just seem old to them?” You groan with a palm covering your face. “LC you're not old. I don't see a wrinkle of a gray hair on your body. You're only twenty six for Celestia's sake.” You tried not to sound harsh, but she was having a lot of personal issues lately and low self esteem was one of them. You were trying to help, you really were. But everyone has that one friend who you try to be nice to, but they're such a downer, always finding something wrong with their situation. Well...Loving Care was being like that and it was pissing you off. Yesterday she was complaining about still having baby weight. That was a conversation you'd soon like to forget. You were almost certain she was just fishing for complements and you couldn't do jack shit about it. Unless you wanted to drown in her tears. She blushed from you comment. “But...what if they...” You give a sharp shush to shut her up. “You're going to be fine. Now you're coming whether you like it or not.” You say irritatedly. She gives you a narrowed eyes glare while pouting. You would laugh if you weren't certain she'd actually ground you. “Fine.” She says in a huff. Her attitude was of a child who had been told to clean their room. “It wont be that bad.” You say, walking into the kitchen. “I mean why would it be. You're meeting new ponies not getting in a cage with a hungry Manticore.” You hear a chuckle coming from her in the other room. “What's the difference?” You sigh. “You wont die from being mauled.” You say happily. Loving Care joining you in the kitchen. You grab a glass and fill it up from the tap. “Anon. What if the don't like me?” She asks, sounding as if she's about to cry...again. “They will. They'll be as nice as they can. Besides, you're forgetting. Thunder and Prench will be there the entire time.” She sighs again. “There's no arguing with you, is there?” You shake your head and gulp down your water. “Nnope...anyway, I better go. I'll pick you up around eight.” She smiles at that. “Everypony knows I'm coming...right?” She asks as you head to the door. “They look forward to meeting you. I'll see you later.” You close the door and head into town. You had some things to grab and chores to do before tonight. Your first stop was the cafe. You needed to pick up your paycheck from Coffee Grain. After that you were to head to Rarity's boutique to pick up the cloak for your costume. There you met with Rarity, the nice white unicorn who makes the clothes you wear. You collected your items and before you left, You also met for the first time her sister, Sweetie Belle. You couldn't help grinning like an idiot, knowing that Button has a crush on her. You left shortly afterward. Your final stop was to go to the market and pick up all of your supplies for your apartment. Food and beer being the subjects of interest. With everything done you head home. It was around seven by the time you got back. Thunderlane was already in his weird, serial killer/mental patient, costume. He was sat at the TV like always, Playing a game you couldn't be bothered identifying. “Hey man.” He speaks up, his gaze not leaving the TV. “Hey.” You greet back. “Everything set for tonight?” He just nods. “I got the candy in a basket over by the kitchen. I got some foods from sweet apple acres and I made sure everypony was coming. LC said she wasn't sure if she'd come, but everypony else is.” You take a seat by Thunder and pull out a beer. “Everything set then?” He looks at you in mild annoyance. “Apart from your costume. Yes. Everything is set.” You smile and sit back. “LC is coming by the way. She's a little nervous about tonight so...yeah....” He smiles through his mask. “I bet she's gonna be just clinging to you all night. Probably too nervous to speak to anyone.” He laughs. You were a little worried that, that be true. She only really knows you. She knows him and Prench but you were the only one she actually knew. “I'll think of something.” You say. Relaxing into your seat. The clock was saying it was six. “Thunder? You know the party doesn't start for another two hours...right?” He smiles smugly at you, looking away from the TV. “Better be prepared early.” He looks to the beer in your hand and his eyes widen. “Celestia's Tits! I forgot to get beer!” He exclaims loudly and dropping his controller and standing to his feet, charging over the couch and out the door. You barely got a word in before he came rushing back in, pulls his mask off, grabs his bit bag and bolts out the door, slamming it behind him. Once everything is quiet you look to the beer you grabbed from the market and burst into hysterical laughter. You guess there's going to be plenty of beer tonight. You pick up Thunder's controller and continue his game. Tonight was going to be interesting. You walk through the streets of Ponyville adorning your costume. You were gaining a few awkward looks from some of the passers by. They looked more confused than anything, but they weren't your problem. Everyone was in costume by now, but you were getting a lot of attention. You were dressed as one of those old timey bird mask doctors from the plagues. You don't remember much about them from your time on earth, but you do remember roughly what they look like and that they freaked the shit out of you. That might explain the odd looks. You approach Loving Care's door and knock twice. There are hoofsteps approaching from the other side, the sliding of a latch and the creaking of the door. Button's face emerges from the side. His eyes wide, he's barely able to stutter a word. “W-What A-Are you?” Okay, you knew your costume was a little freaky, but you didn't realize it was that freaky. “Button. It's me...Anon.” You lift the mask up to show your face. How he didn't get that it was you from your general shape, you didn't know, but he seems fine now. “Wow Anon. You're scary. What are you?” Button asks. All fear in his voice eradicated. “I'm an old time doctor from my world.” He looks at your form curiously. eying the long dark cloak and the bird mask. “That's what doctors wore in your world?” You shrug your shoulders while raising your arms in an 'I'm not sure' gesture. “They used to, but that was a long, long time ago. They don't anymore.” He smiles. “I'm going trick-or-treating tonight. All the foals will be going. Do you have any advice?” at first you didn't know what he was talking about, but your earlier conversations came rushing back. You didn't know what to say so you thought of every sappy romance book, film or game you've seen, read or played. You begin to list off everything you could think of. You kneel down to his level. “Okay, I'm not sure how well this will work, but I have a few pointers.” You really shouldn't be giving advice in this subject. “Okay, first. Try to make her laugh. Don't make it your mission, just make her laugh every now and then. Second. Try not to spend all of your time with her. You'll just deter her and she'll get sick of you. Third. Try not to be romantic. I'm no expert, but I don't think girls actually like guys going up to them and being romantic. I think that's saved until you're actually in a relationship. But like I said, I'm no expert.” He just nods. “Make her laugh, don't spend all of my time with her and don't be romantic. Got it.” before you can say anything else, he runs off into the streets. You really hope you didn't just fuck up his chances. “AND BE YOURSELF!” You call after him. You hope he heard you. That was probably one of the more important ones. ”Okay!” You hear him call back. At least he heard you. “OH! My goodness! Anon? You scared me.” That reminded you that You were still wearing your costume...Well... “Sorry LC. I didn't mean to...” When you turn to greet her you lost all will to talk. She was standing in the doorway, wearing a nurses uniform, with her coat combed and her hair brushed and tied up. The pink fabric clung to her every curve, greatly accenting her perfectly shaped body. She also wore knee high socks which clutched at her legs and drew attention to her rear. a nurse's cap adorned her head finishing the look. She looked so sexy, you were struggling to say anything. Unfortunately, she notices this and blushes. “Umm...I hope it's not too much. I just thought that it was a party and...” You let out a breath and snap out of your stupor. It's a good thing your mask was on, or she would have seen your raging blush. “It's fine LC. You'll fit right in.” You smile under your mask. You turn and walk away. You gesture for her to follow. She closes the door gallops to your side. “So who's going to be going to this party?” She asks. “Well let's see. We've got you, me, Prench and Thunderlane of course.” You say as she nods. “We also have, Cloud Chaser and her sister Flitter, Lyra and Bonbon, Bulk Biceps, Noteworthy, Frothy Top from the cafe, Derpy and Time Turner, And I believe Vinyl Scratch and is also coming.” She stops in her tracks. “You okay?” You ask, a few steps ahead of her. “That's...a lot of ponies.” She says, barely above a whisper. You sigh, walk over to her, crouch down and place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Loving Care.” You say calmly. “You have got nothing to worry about. Everyone is nice and so are you. I know you're going to fit right in.” She nods, still looking nervous. “Besides, I'll be there the whole night. You'll be fine.” She starts to walk again. “Thank you Anon.” She sighs, looking to the floor. “I know this whole deal with me and Button hasn't been easy on you.” It was your turn to stop in your tracks. “What?” Your tone is one of confusion. Why is she bringing this up now? She stops ahead of you and looks at her hooves. “I know you were never burdened to help me... or even wanted to. I know that, at first at least, you hated coming to my home to see us, I know you viewed it as a chore to deal with me and I know how much I have irritated you over the past few weeks.-" She lifts her head to look at you, tears welling in her "- and I know that, despite all of this, you still came, almost everyday, to help us and make sure we were okay.” She walks up to you. The tears in her eyes leaking down her face. She stands on her hind legs, her front ones supported by your shoulders. Her eyes looking right into yours “Thank you.” She moves in and wraps her hooves around your neck in a hug, her head resting on your shoulders. Stunned, you just stand there while this mare pours out her heart. “I didn't deserve your help. I didn't deserve your generosity and I didn't even deserve your friendship. But I'm glad I stopped you from walking away at that cafe. I could never have gotten over everything that has happened without you. So Thank you Anon...Thank you so much.” Her grip tightens and you finally come back to earth and register what was happening. You carefully wrap you arms around her and return the hug. The two of you must have looked ridiculous in your costumes. You didn't know what to say. What could you say? All of your thought processes diverted into coming up with a reply to her thanks. You were never good in emotional situations. You were never good at saying the right thing. mainly because you never had to. So you should be excused for saying this. “What was I supposed to do? Just leave you there driving the other customers to depression?” Once you heard the words leave your mouth, you cringed. Why the fuck did you just say that?! You tensed your body preparing for the wave of depression that was about to overcome her. You braced for crying or even...is she laughing? “Heh heh. And I'm glad you did. Now come, we should get to the party.” You were stunned. She should of taken that the wrong way and spiraled down into a depression. But she just...laughed it off. She returned her hooves to the ground and walked off in your previous direction. You just shake it off and catch up to her. Nothing is said for a good few minutes while you both walk in peace. You couldn't help but notice Loving Care has a bounce in her step that wasn't there before. She must have gotten what she wanted to off her chest. “I don't think I've been to your house before.” She speaks up. You assume she's trying to break the silence. “It's an apartment and no, I don't think you have.” You casually say. “Okay then...Anon?” her tone stated that she wanted your complete attention. So you stop and look to her. “Yes?” She looks to the floor shyly. “I need to ask you for a favor...” She states, eyes glued to her hoof, that was currently drawing circles on the floor. “...I was thinking I...could...stop taking your money. I think I should go back to work.” You feel your brows furrow. “I thought you said you needed to take care of Button?” her gaze returns to you. “Yes, that would be the favor I was going to ask of you. Could you take care of Button after school on weekdays? It would only be for a couple of hours.” You were struggling to keep up with this. First she's not behaving like herself and now this. “What about my job?” You ask. Her ears spay back across her head. “I-I was thinking you could...change your shifts?” You furrow your eyebrows in confusion.. “Why can't you do that?” You say, a little peeved off. “I tried that. If a lowered the time of my shifts then I'd have to work weekends. This way I only have to worry about Button for a few hours because he'll be in school.” You groan internally. You really shouldn't have to do this. “Fine. I'll see what I can do.” She offers a smile, to which you roll your eyes. "I'll pay you." You just smile and gesture down the road, “Come on. We're almost there.” At least you would get to keep your money now. “So then she says I don't know what you're talking about. Can you believe the nerve?!” Cloud Chaser says to Thunderlane. She was talking about some mare named Rainbow smash or something like that. You weren't really paying attention. Everyone had arrived and mingled for a good few hours now. It had gotten to the stage where you had to abandon your costume. It was freaky, but too impractical. Everyone was in costume. Prench was dressed as some form of vampire pony. Thunderlane was in his serial killer costume. Cloudchaser went as some form of bee. Flitter was a goth type thing. Lyra was a human, kinda creeps you out but anyway...Bonbon was a scarecrow. Bulk Biceps, a..tank?. Noteworthy, a cop. Frothy Top, an evil genius. Derpy, a...paper bag thing? Time turner just wore a brown suit, and Vinyl Scratch just wore a menacing cloak. Overall, everyone looked great. Loving Care was fine for now. She was nervous at first, Metaphorically clinging to your side for a little bit. But she eventually came out of her metaphorical shell and mingled. You were glad to see she managed to brake the metaphorical ice and you were staring to get sick of using the word metaphorical already. At the moment you couldn't stop to chat. you were too busy trying to loose Prench. She was after you for inviting Noteworthy, who had arrived late. You'd think she'd be grateful. However she was a little loose in the head and took it the wrong way. “Anon where are you!?” She calls over the ponies. She'd been at this for a few minutes now and everyone had started to ignore her. Unfortunately your apartment only had four rooms including the main room, so you were a little short on hiding places. She found you hiding behind the curtains. “There you are.” She say in a way not unlike a turret from portal. She grabs your shirt with her hooves, which she shouldn't be able to do, and drags you into the bathroom. She firmly places you on the toilet and pins you by the shoulders. “Okay. You are going to listen and you are going to listen good!” She says in a harsh whisper. “I do not have a thing for Noteworthy, I do not intend to ask him out and I swear to Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Twilight, or any other princess, that if you ever imply otherwise I am going to personally, tie you up, slaver jam on your dick and leave you in the desert for the fire ants. Do. I make. Myself. Clear.” You smile. It was difficult to take this seriously when she's wearing that slutty vampire costume. You were going to laugh soon so you decide to defuse the situation. “Prench. I invited Noteworthy because he is a good guy. I did not invite him so you two could do the nasty in the closet. Believe it or not, I don't always think of ways to torture you.” You twist your wrist out and push her off of you. “Now. I invited you to have fun, not threaten my manhood. So if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go before people think we are doing anything funny.” You leave the bathroom. Prench looking guilty as all hell. Ha! You can't believe she bought that. When you come out, you take a seat on the couch next to Flitter and watch as Noteworthy and Bulk Biceps play Love and tolerate in a PvP game. Flitter and Bonbon are absentmindedly watching the violent video game, mesmerized by the simulated gore and explosions. “Hey Anon.” Flitter says, not even looking your way. There's no way she could see you. “How did you know it was me?” You ask. She just snorts. “You're pretty hard to misidentify.” She lets out a cute giggle. You just smile at this golden opportunity. “Yeah yeah. I get it. I'm different.” Flitter's Eyes widen at that. “What?! No! I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I swear.” You laugh at her panic. She just looks to you confused. Flitter was probably the youngest here and that made her the easiest to fuck with. “I think he's messing with you.” Bonbon speaks up. Flitter just huffs and pouts. “That's not very nice Anon.” She says. “Aww come on. It was only a joke.” Her lower lip trembles. “Oh fuck.” You place your hand on her shoulder. “Look. I'm sorry I didn't mean it. It was just a joke.” She looks into your eyes, her own brimming with tear. “SYKE!” She bursts into her own laughter. “What goes around comes around!” Well maybe she's not quite so easy to fuck with. “Touche Flitter. Touche.” You relax into your seat as Flitter calms down. “So how are you enjoying the party?” She just smiles. “It's okay. Needs beer though.” You just smile. “There's two crates of beer in the closet. Knock yourself out.” Her eyes light up and she flies to the closet faster than a stonner to a fridge. “So Anon. What do you do for fun?” Bonbon asks, scooting closer to you. You cock an eyebrow. You just smile, raise your hand and a beer is placed in it. “Thanks Flitter. -” you say as the mare goes around handing out cans. “- anyway. What do I do for fun? Let's see...When I'm not working, I'm at LC's place helping out. If not there, I'm here playing video games with Thunder. If not there, then I'm hanging out with you guys.” You gesture around the place. Bonbon just looks at you horrified. “You must do other things? What's your favorite thing to do in all of Equestria?” You scratch your chin in thought, allowing a smug smile to cross your face. “Well. When I really, really want to have fun I just fuck with Prench.” Her brows are furrowed and her lips, pursed. “How do you do that.” Your smile widens to that of a crazy person. “It's simple really. Hey Noteworthy?” “Yeah.” The blue stallion calls back, eyes not leaving his the screen. “Prench has a thing for you.” You say. Before anyone can react... “YOU SON OF A BITCH!” You hear being shouted behind the sofa. You just calmly look to Bonbon. “I have to go.” And with that you jolt out of the seat and bolt around the apartment. Prench following you closely. “Come here you sack of dick cheese!” She yells behind you. “No thanks. I'd like to keep my balls.” You make a full lap of the apartment, jumping over the sofa, barely avoiding kicking Bonbon in the face. “No you don't. Otherwise you wouldn't be such an asshole!” “Prench, I'm always an asshole.” You counter, running into your room, but before you can close the door Prench tackles you onto the bed, trying to wrestle you to the floor. You wrap your arms around her as she tries to gain dominance. “I'm gonna kill you Anon! I'm gonna turn you into a bucking mare and leave you for Prince Blueblood!” Over her threat you can hear the sounds of everyone outside laughing their asses off. Your job here was done. Soon Prench squirms out of your grip and pins you below her. Her chest heaving, her eyes full of hate. “Do it again. And I kill you.” Her tone and expression show that she's just joking, but you have no trouble believing that she would. She releases you and walks out of the room. She sits on the sofa and watches as the stallions continue their game. You sit up and find Loving Care by your door. “Anon. Are you okay?” You just look at her and smile. “Are you kidding? That was hilarious!” You break out into a light chuckle, leaving her confused. “We're friends. We fuck with each other. She's going to get me back at some point during the night and everything will be fine.” You say. She just furrows her brow in confusion, switching between glancing at you and glancing at Prench, before walking off. You return to the party to find that everything had died down. Everyone had returned to their social groups. You had to suppress a chuckle when you saw Prench with her forelegs crossed and a death glare pointed in your direction. Noteworthy sat beside her rubbing a sore spot on his leg, which she undoubtedly gave him. You, being the unbelievable asshole that you are, decided to sit next to her. You take a seat beside her and lean back. “I hate you.” She just spits, staring at the TV screen. “Oh come on Roasty. You know how you really feel. You're just too afraid to admit it.” She huffs. “I. Don't. Like. Him. Like. That.” She says through clenched teeth. “No offense.” She says to Noteworthy, who just waves it off like nothing. “Why can't you believe that.” Her tone deflates to one of complete hurt. You can't help but feel bad...maybe you did take it too far. “I'm sorry Prench. I just thought it was our thing to rip on each other. You know. You get me, I get you back, then it just goes into a never ending loop of pain and suffering between us.” You lightly punch her foreleg. "I'll stop. I promise." She just sighs dejectedly. “You won't though will you?” She asks sadly. The rest of the party oblivious to your conversation. You sigh “I will if it's bothering you.” You say flatly “But you know you're just going to try and get me back so we'll be even. Like always.” She just nods. Looking at her hooves. “I'm really going to have to pull off a doosy to get you back for what you did.” You just nod. “Well. Good luck with tha-Mrrph!” You can't move. You're too shocked. What. The. Fuck?! Prench had launched herself at you, connected her lips with yours and shoved her tongue down your throat, pinning you between her and the sofa. Your eyes wide open in shock. Her's closed. Her tongue licks and runs over your teeth occasionally flicking your own tongue. You tried to force it out, but that just made her moan into your mouth. At this point you were lost in the moment as you felt yourself return it. Allowing your eyes to close. What the fuck? What the fuck? You could hear the sounds of the party die down as you both played tonsil tennis. The fuck!? With a sudden need for air, she breaks the kiss, a trail of saliva connecting her lips to yours. She's panting, her lidded eyes staring into your shocked ones. She licks her lips, gets up, swishes her tail under your chin. “Now...we're even.” And with that she walks off towards the kitchen. Everyone just staring at you. Loving Care comes up and taps your knee. “Anon? Are you okay?” she asks. You just stare at her, look her right in the eye and ask. “I think I just got molested!!” It has been twenty minutes since Prench's...episode. She hasn't spoken to you since and you were happy to keep it like that. You were a frenzy of mixed emotions and your mind was going a mile a minute. What the fuck does that mean? Does she like you? Or was she just trying to fuck with your head? Probably that one. She probably want's you to destroy yourself trying to figure it out. You needed to act like you're not bothered by it and she looses. So that's what you did. You reach for a beer can. Yes. beer will help you relax. You went around everyone, talking, laughing and having fun. The night went by rather quickly...for you at least. You could only remember it in clustered moments. You sort of blacked out after you had your sixth beer the rest of the party went by like this. “CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!” Everyone around you chanted as you and Bulk Biceps drank your lines of cans. The challenge was to drink eight cans in a row without stopping. The winner was declared winner for life. "YEAH!!!" Your opponent screamed. You were on your third. He was on his fifth. He was a machine when it came to drinking. You didn't know how he got through them so quickly. You make for your fourth. He's on his seventh. How the hell did he... “HUMAN RUN!” Lyra screams as she rides you piggyback style around the apartment. You run around as you make motorcycle noises. What the fuck was in those brownies? You run through the kitchen around the sofa and straight into the coffee table, falling flat on your face. Cloud Chaser and Derpy Laughing at your failure. Lyra also joining in. “Let's do that again!” She shouts. still laughing. You don't think so. “Okay so I want to know. How does a human Exercise?” You cock an eyebrow at Vinyl's question “Why do you...*hic*...want to know that?” Her grin goes sly. “I want to know if my favorite human friend can stay in shape.” She says with a touch to your arm. Had it not been for the alcohol, you might have declined. But by this point you probably had about seventeen beers in your system and you felt like a god. You just smile back. “Oh...I don' know, maybe shum running, shwimming,*hic* shit-upsh, pushupsh-” “That one!” She says. You smile. “Wha?” “Show me that one!” She is bouncing in place. You just flop onto the floor. Unable to catch yourself. You place your hands under your shoulders and push up. “One!” You shout. You fall to the floor with a smack, replace your hands and push back up. “Two.” Vinyl jumps onto your back and you fall straight to the floor. “Come on! Three, Go!” You try to push up again, but with the alcohol and Vinyl sprawled across your back, you can't. She lays on your back, like you're the most comfortable thing in the world. “You're comfy.” Nailed it! “Anon. I think Noteworthy and Vinyl are bucking each other on your bed.” Derpy calls out from across the apartment. Everyone laughing at the situation. You just reach over and write on the fridge pad saying to do list, in scrappy, drunken, handwriting: Clean sheets. This rewards you with another chorus of laughter. “Okay everypony! Who's for shots!” Thunderlane shouts, lifting a bottle of stalliongrad vodka. “So then he's like! 'hey Frothy Top can you make me an espresso with a heart on the top please?' and the bastard just walks of towards her with the coffee! A chorus of 'aww's stretch through the apartment at Frothy Top's recalling of how you met Loving Care. “Aww Anon. I didn't know you had a soft spot.” Flitter drawls rubbing your arms teasingly. You just give her a drunken glance. “I-I'l...Haveyouknow. That I...can be very nice when I can be fucked.” You burst out into laughter. Loving Care just sighing. “How much has he had?” She asks. “Fuck knows!” You shout taking another swig of your beer. “So Anon...” Prench comes up and sits next to you. “On a scale of one to berry punch, how drunk are you?” She smiles at her question. She almost bursts out into laughter when she notices you're actually thinking about it. “Twelve.” You state. She just smiles slyly. “So...Anon...is that enough for you to...Take off all of your clothes and parade around the apartment?” You just look at her shocked. “Prench Roast! You should know better than to take advantage of an intoxicated person.” She just pouts. “But it would be soooo cool.” She whines. You just look to her face. “Okay. Lets do this.” She just laughs as you take off your shirt. “Oh this. This is going to be good." “Dude. I think Anon is wasted.” Noteworthy says to Thunderlane. “No shit dude. What gave it away? The fact that he hasn't been seen without a beer in his hand at any point tonight? Or the fact that he's dancing around in his underwear. “Come on buddy. Loosen up.” You say. Ruffling his mane. “Anon. Here have this.” Cloud Chaser says handing you another Beer. “Woo!” You open it and chug it down. Thunder gives Cloud Chaser a stern look. “What? He's fun like this.” She just flies off. And that all brings you to where you are now. “We...may have overdone it.” Prench says. “You think?!” Loving Care replies. “Oh come on girls. It's not that bad.” Vinyl says dismissively. “I don't think we should give him anymore beer.” Flitter says concerned. You were currently barricaded into the corner, behind the upturned sofa. Bulk and Time Turner were at your sides, both equally as intoxicated as you. Sporting their pillows of choice. You were clothe-less, apart from your underwear. Everyone at the party was either passed out, hammered or enjoying the laughs. “we offerrr this one....w-warning *hic* leave or be...annnihilated-d-d by the...the...The cuddles empire!” You shout over your makeshift barricade. “Why is he acting like this?” Thunder asks. “I don't know.” Flitter says. “What!? You you kept giving him beer and you don't know why!?” Prench accuses. “You were the one who decided to dare him into doing stupid shit!” Flitter replies. “Well maybe he wouldn't be so compliant if he wasn't so-” “ATTACK!” You hurl you pillow over the barricade and charge your enemies. They will know what happens when they defy the cuddles empire. You tackle Thunderlane to the floor, him squirming in your Grasp. “Submit to the cuddles!” You yell. “Anon. Fuck off!” You look over and see Bulk and Time Turner have also subdued a cuddle victim...Good. “Okay! Okay! I submit to the cuddles.” Thunderlane shouts. You release him and stand to your feet. “Good Thunderlane....Time to cuddle all of those who do not believe.” You turn and scoop up Loving Care who breaks out into Squeals of laughter. “A-An- ah A-Anon! Put me...Ah ha ha ha!” You fall on the sofa. Loving Care landing on top of you. All of your energy depletes as you suddenly feel very tired. You lift up your beer only to have Loving Care put it back down. “Okay now I know you've had enough.” She says sternly. You just sigh. “Yeah. You're probably right.” You just sit back and relax. “Do you want to go to bed?” “No way. That things got Noteworthy's jizz all over it. Nah thanks. I'll sleep right here. Thank you very much.” You roll over onto your side and curl up into a ball. “Did you enjoy the party?” You ask. “Yes, aside from constantly having to worry about your safety, it was fun.” She smiles down at you. “Hey LC. Is he okay?” Prench asks. “He'll be okay. Just needs some rest.” She replies. You sigh. “Good. G'night Anon.” She says. “Before you go to sleep hows about you try an-” “SUBMIT TO THE CUDDLES!” She is cut off from being tacked by Time Turner. You just laugh at her misfortune and nod off to sleep. "g'night guys." You say, sleep taking you quickly Fuck. You are going to hurt in the morning. Chapter Five: Aftermath.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter Seven: What?The next week. “Okay. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, I'm just saying I'd rather go live with your ex than watch this complete pile of shit.” You say, as you lean into the armrest of the sofa. You and Loving Care have been watching the heat for the past hour and you were close to cutting your own balls off with a butter knife and using them as earplugs...yeah, the film is that bad. “Oh come on. It's not that bad.” She says dismissively. Your eye twitches involuntarily. Smart ass rant mode- activated. “Just look at it! That mother fucker won't stop fucking laughing! What is he laughing at? His own terrible acting?! That guy over there is such a creepy fuck, he should be imprisoned for it! there is always a hoofball somewhere, I mean nobody like hoofball that much! Is that the only prop they could find!? Seriously?! They couldn't just sit around watching TV no there had to be a million hoofball tosses to symbolize the brohood between the male roles. And why isn't anyone concerned about how many people fuck in that guys apartment? Seriously! He just shrugs it off! And that mare tries far too hard to emphasize the fact that she loves butterscotch not Green Star. Jesus H. Fuck! Just break of the marriage for fuck sake and end the film. Seriously who the fuck wrote this!?” Loving Care laughs heavily at your Ranting, but stops to give you a knowing smile. “Are you sure you're just angry at the movie?” She asks, pausing the film. You sigh heavily and relax into your chair. “You know, If I was trying to be dramatic and cheesy, I'd probably say no. I'd say I'm anxious about meeting your ex and I'm feeling like the whole world is against me, or some cheesy over-dramatic bullshit like that. But seeing as this isn't a freaking movie, I'm going to say yes, this film is just that Terrible, and I would insist that we stop watching it.” You finish with an arm fold and lean back further into your seat. “Are you sure?” She asks, with a smile that implies that she knows something. “What? You expect me to be worried about this. HA! Care, one of two things is going to happen today. You two are going to patch things up or you won't. And if you get hurt, I get to see this bastard get punted by a living protein shake...which, quite honestly, I'm looking forward to.” “Can you at least try to be nice?” You shake your head. “I'll be quiet and sit there. I will only speak when spoken to and I will kick his ass if he pisses me off. That's all. No nice talk and no pretending I like him and no trying to be nice. This guy doesn't deserve my nice.” She sighs heavily. “I already told you...” “That he wasn't always like that, and he was at one point a good stallion- yadda yadda yadda. It doesn't matter to me. I don't think he deserves my respect and quite frankly I feel I will barely be able to hold myself back from punching the twat in the face when I see him.” She rolls her eyes at your aggressive demeanor. “When have you ever harmed anypony?” You give her a sly smirk. “When have you seen me pissed?” She furrows her brows and gives a nervous chuckle. “Heh, heh, better hope Shippy doesn't buck up then huh?” “Shippy?” “Pet name.” You cock an eyebrow. “That's a terrible pet name!” “It's better than shapey!” She says with a laugh, that you join in on. It was good to hear her laugh. She was so much nicer when she was happy...but then again, pretty much everyone else is. “How long until we have to go.” With that the mood suddenly dies. Now everything was silent, like all the happiness was drained from the room, way to go dick-head. Care just looks to the clock on the wall nervously. “Two hours.” She quietly mumbles, as if it's the time before she gets hanged. The room descends into silence once more, just her staring at her hooves, while you try desperately to think of something to say. “...” “...” “...” “UUURRRGGG!! Why am I acting like this!? It's just Ship Shape! Why am I so worried about this meeting?!” Care exclaims burying her hooves in her forelegs. “It's okay Care. Given the circumstances, I think how your acting is perfectly justified.” “No it isn't! He left just over a month ago! A bucking month! And here I am acting like he's been gone for years! What is wrong with me?! Am I so dependent on others that as soon as someone leaves I fall apart.” She collapses on the chair, pitifully. You have no choice but to pry yourself over to her side of the sofa and comfort her with a gentle patting of her back. You start off around her shoulders and move further up to her neck, where you start to rub Gently. It get's the desired effect as she coos in satisfaction at your handy work. You move your hand to the back of her ears and give a gentle scratch. She gives off small 'mmm's and 'ohh's as her head tilts to the side to give you better access. You take this opertunity to try and reassure her. “He left suddenly, without even a 'see ya later' and he never contacted you afterward, other than to make things official. He disappeared without any hinting or even a note, just up and left. He may as well been gone for decades, given the emotional troubles you went through.” You drone out, seriously you've had to comfort her multiple times over the last few weeks, with multiple subjects that got her down. How she was acting was always a favorite of hers. It's gotten to the point where you've got pre-defined phrases at the ready, just to comfort this mare. “You'll be fine. I promise. I'll be here there the whole time.” “You're hands are too nice for your own good.” She says qietly “But he's not going to hurt me Anon, we were married for ten years. He just wants to talk. I'm just worried about...well...What if I screw things up? What if he just leaves again.” You were really starting to get irritated by this. “If he leaves again, then he never deserved you in the first place.” Finally, she seems climbs out of her pit of nerves. She looks up to you and nuzzles into your shoulder. “T-Thanks Anon. I don't think I could do this without you.” You were starting to feel awkward now...too much fuzzy, feely shit. But you should maybe keep going with this atmosphere. Maybe a nice gesture to show her you mean it. “Wanna watch the rest of The heat?” “WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU ASK THAT?!?!” Care just smiles and nods, resuming the movie and making your life hell on earth for another two hours. “Do you think we could jump out that window without her noticing?” Given the fact that she was currently clutched to your side, you highly doubted you could. “fuck” “Care do you have any butter knives?” Two hours later “Ooooohhh...where is he? Where is he? He said to meet him here at the cafe right? What if he's not coming? Or he's been held up or he's been...” “Oh dear god does this mare ever shut the fuck up?” You were currently seated outside the cafe, waiting for the infamous bastard to show up. Loving Care was worrying about not seeing him immediately and you were trying super hard not to shove one of these coffee stirrers into your eye, joker style. “Care he said to meet him at three...it's two, fifty.” You deadpan through your hands, which were currently rubbing your face in frustration. “Yes but...” She was cut off when you hold up a hand, seeing a white stallion with a black mane come round the corner. He had a weird blue sweater on and his cutie mark was a ships anchor and chain. A sailors cap resting on his head finishing the image. “Oh yeah, that's him.” To your surprise he walks past the cafe and into town. “huh... I guess that wasn't him.” “Loving?” You hear behind You. Whipping your head around to see a lanky brown earth pony stallion standing at the head of your table. “Ship Shape.” Loving Care says quietly, refusing to make eye contact. Ship Shape just looks to you curiously. “Who's this?” He asks, eying you up and down. He wasn't really what you were expecting when you heard 'sailor'. He was a lot skinnier than you imagined, but that wasn't going to stop you from kicking his head in, if he tried something. “This is Anon.” Loving care says, finding her voice. “Didn't take long to replace me then huh?” He asks, in a horrible attempt at a joke. “Oh no. Anon and I aren't together. He's just a friend.” You lean back in your chair and fold your arms. “Yeah so she doesn't have quite as much control over me as you would hope...tread lightly.” You state with a sly grin. You notice him swallow loudly, but he remains relatively still. “good job pussy.” “Anon!” Loving Care harshly whispers to you. You just keep giving this guy the death stare, as he seems to locate his ball.s “I'll assure you that none of that will be needed, this is just a talk.” He says, taking a seat, looking to Loving Care. “How've you been?” He asks. “Fine.” She replies. And just like that it goes quiet. Wow, awkward much. Desperately trying to get things moving you try to pick up the conversation. “So Ship Shape. Where have you been this past month?” He awkwardly coughs and clears his throat. “well...ermm...I've been staying in vanhoofer with my brother. A quaint little place on northern avenue. How have you been care?” You couldn't even look this guy in the eye as he acted like everything was okay. “It's been tough...but I'm fine now.” You cock an eyebrow at her. Understatement of the fucking millennium. “I'm glad to hear that.” He says, casting a quick glance your way. Okay, this was starting to get to you. This whole pretend everthing was okay was starting to get to you. Time to get straight to the point. “So Ship Shape, Why did you come back now?” “Yeah . W-what is this all about Ship?” Loving Care asks. Ship Shape just sighs, shifts in his hooves and looks to Care. “I-I'm here to collect my things.” You cock an eyebrow. “Your things?” He nods. You still couldn't wrap your head around this. “You came out here to collect your things?” He nods again. You can't believe this. You look to care, who looks absolutely destroyed. “B-But what Ab-bout...us? Is that all you really came here to do? To get your stupid stuff?” “Oh shit.” “I'm sorry Loving.” He says...at least he says it like it's hurting him to do so..you guess he could have that one. “D-Did you ever love me?” She asks, tears threatening to break free from her eyes. Ship Shape just recoils. “Of course I did! I loved you more than anything!” The fur around her cheeks starts to matte from the tears trickling down her face. “T-Then why?! Why would you just leave?!” She's broken down again...that has to be a new record, almost instantly, he's reduced her to tears. You have been completely forgotten by the other two at this point in the conversation and you don't plan on changing that. “I-I-I just couldn't handle it Loving. Everything that had happened, I just couldn't take it!” “Why couldn't you?!” She practically screams in his face. “BECAUSE IT WAS TOO MUCH!” He shouts back, earning the attention of the other patrons. His own eyes were brimming with fresh tears. “When rage died...I had to carry this family, I had to go on like nothing was wrong. I had to go to work, provide food and shelter...and then I had to come home every night and act strong for you and Button...Do you know how soul crushing that is? To have to comfort your own family while you're not allowed to grieve as well? That is why I left. I couldn't take it any more. I had to leave or I would have done something even more stupid!” He finishes by hanging his head in shame, Silent tears trickling down his cheek. Care, who had remained silent during Ship's rant, speaks up. “D-Do you still love me?” He remains silent for a few moments. “No...I'm sorry.” And with that the only sound present was the sound of Loving Care crying her eyes out. You lay a hand on her back reassuringly. You had to say something...and you knew exactly what to say.“You just left.” You say in a quiet tone. “You didn't talk it out, you didn't say goodbye, you didn't even leave a note, you just left. You didn't even have the balls to ask for a divorce in person. You just sent a letter with the documents, no letter, not even a post it note, just a sign here. Then you have the audacity to come back and asks for your stuff back...You've been through a lot, more than I can ever imagine...but that doesn’t excuse what you did. Not even slightly.” He just furrows his brow at you. “Who do you think you are? You don't get to say anything about me. You don't know what I've been through and you don't get to say anything about me or my family. You're nothing but a freak who thinks-” “HIS NAME IS ANONYMOUS! And he's a better stallion than you ever were!” Your eyes widen and you have to blink rapidly for several seconds to fully register what was just said. Loving Care had stopped crying and was now on full attack. “You are nothing compared to him! He could have left me sitting right over there to fester in my own depression! He could have just walked away! But he didn't, because he's a good person!” She points to the table where you first met her, it felt like years ago, but at the moment you were starting to feel awkward, everyone was looking at you now. It's not that you didn't appreciate the sentiment. You just wish she didn't make a scene in a public place...or just not in a public place at all. “What were you doing at the cafe anyway.” Oh you knew the answer to this one, she was looking for... “I came here to surround myself with ponies so I wouldn't end it.” “...” “...” “...” “...” “What?” You ask, disbelievingly. Ship Shape's eyes were probably just as wide as yours. “I-I was going to end it...that night. I would have too, if you hadn't given me that drink.” “Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!” “So that's is who he is Ship Shape. He's the kindest Man I have ever met, and if you buck with him. I'll have your hide!” Your mind is so full of fuck right now, it's unreal. The fuck is going on?! Everything is moving too fast right now. “I-I'm sorry.” He blubbers out. Loving Care just huffs and stands from her seat. “You will get your stuff. I'll make sure of it. But don't be surprised if there is cat crap in some of the boxes, I can't tell it from your usual stuff anyways.” And with that she walks away with one final word. “Anon was right, You never deserved me.” Now you were left alone with this scumbag of a stallion. You just look to him with your wide eyes and raised eyebrows. He just holds up a hoof. “I know. She's right. You should probably go after her.” Oh you were, you were going to go to her place and talk about everything that was said today. But first., you had something to do. “I like my knees.” You say in a chipper voice. He just cocks an eyebrow and stares at you like you've lost it. “Your knees?” You nod excitedly. “Yes you see...” You pull out your leg and display it to him. “...the knee bends forward, unlike most animals where it bends backwards. Though this results in a loss of speed, it allows for more maneuverability.” You replace your leg under the table. “And what has this got to do with anything.” Ship Shape asks. “Oh you see, because my knees bend forward, it allows for me to kick ponies in the balls under tables.” Before he can react you launch your leg forward. And given by his head falling to the table or the pained yelp and groan he gives off, you can tell you hit your mark. You decide to drop your coins on the table and walk away. Okay, now everything was fucked. You had walked in to find Loving Care wrapped up on the sofa, crying her eyes out. The TV was off, Button was at Sweetie Belle's and it was just the two of you. "Care? Are you okay?" Stupid question but you needed to say something. "I-I'm sorry. I-I never meant for you to find out. It's just I-I..." "Hey...hey...it's okay." You sit besides her and stroke her mane the way she likes it. "It's true though. I would have sent Button to my mothers and..." You quickly shush her. you didn't want to hear this. "But why does this keep happening. Why can't I be happy? Do I not deserve to..." She breaks down in fresh tears. You needed to get her out of this rut quickly, before she relapses to the point she was at a few weeks ago, and you're gonna have to fix her all over again...no pressure. How are you going to do this. You could try introducing her to some of your guy friends...no, too soon. You could take her to rarity and ask her to 'pretty her up'...no, that only works in movies You could see if you could get Button back to help her...no, that would cause more problems than it would solve. There was nothing you could think of that could- Then it hit's you like a tonne of bricks. You rush into the kitchen, grab the phone and dial your apartment. It rings four times before Thunderlane picks up. “Hello?” He says through the line. “Hey Thunder.” “Oh hey Anon. How'd it go with LC's ex?” You sigh heavily. “Not good. She's pretty upset.” You says, rather downtrodden. “You want me to go get Bulk.” “No, I dealt with it. I need you guys for a different reason. I have an Idea to cheer her up and I need you to...” You are sitting on the sofa quietly. It has been half an hour since you called Thunderlane and now you were just waiting for him to get here. Loving Care had her head rested on your lap while you played with her mane. She had stopped crying, but she was still upset. She didn't speak, or move or anything. In fact, the only reason you knew she was alive was because of all the dejected sighs and sniffles she let out. “Come on Thunderlane. Don't bail now.” You just hum little, tunes to try and soothe her, like a parent to their child and it was kind of gay and cliche but who gives a shit, it was working. *Rap**Rap**Rap* The sound of hoof on wood, gathers your attention. “Who could that be?” Loving Care asks, lifting her head from you lap for a moment. You just shrug and lift yourself off the sofa, care returning her head to the seat where you previously were. You go to the door and open it, revealing pretty much every one of your friends. “Good, you're here.” You smile. “Come on in.” They all trot into the living room. Loving Care's expression turning from despair to bewilderment at the spectacle. In front of her was Flitter, Cloud Chaser, Vinyl Scratch, Derpy, Noteworthy, Bulk, Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon, Prench Roast, Time Turner and Frothy top. Each of them carrying some device ranging from games devices to televisions to connector cables. Loving Care's mouth just open and cloeses for a few moments before... “W-What's going on.” She asks confusion taking place instead of her depression. Vinyl steps up. “We all heard you were in a rough mood so we all came here to have a LAN party!” Loving Care just furrows her brows. “LAN party?” You nod. “Thunderlane's got a cart out back, with some blankets, food and drink. We set up multiple games stations, with different TVs and play against each other. It's a lot like playing online, but a lot more personal.” You finish with a smile, one Loving Care can't help but join in on. “This is all so nice, but I don't really think I'm in the mood.” She says shyly. Flitter smiles and sits besides her. “That's okay. We can just all hang out here, while they play their games. Come on, it'll be better than what you were doing. And if that doesn't cheer you up, I'm sure we could get Anon drunk again. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to." That earns and barely contained snort of laughter as the group has a laugh at your expense. Oh why not. "She's not wrong you know." You say. “YEAH!!!” Bulk screams at the back of the group. You smile hopefully. "Okay then, go ahead." Loving Care finally gives permission and everyone mobilizes. “Okay everyone. Get the TVs in a triangle shape to avoid screen watching and get into teams. We need to set up the connector cables in the center and make sure everything is labeled for afterwards.” Cloud Chaser calls out. You just laugh at the military level of organization being put into this. you take a seat beside Loving Care who watches in amazement at the transformation of her living room, from regular family home to Gamer Nerd Headquarters. (Or GNHQ for short.) As instructed there were three stations set out. Each opposite the others in a triangle shape. Thunderlane had set out blow up mattresses, blankets sleeping bags and all other manners of pieces to comfort the players. there was a food table set up in the corner and a few pillows here and there. As instructed you all got into teams. In team A you had: Vinyl, Noteworthy, Derpy, Cloud Chaser and Flitter. On team B you had: Bulk Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon and Prench. And finally on team C you had: Time Turner, Frothy Top, Thunderlane, Loving Care and yourself. The rules were simple. Each team had a two-player split screen. When someone dies, another player takes over. No screen-watching and no mother-fucking tea-bagging. And with that the games were underway. “OH FOR BUCK SAKE!” Lyra yells at her screen. Yep...This was going to be a fun night. Your knight was running through the back alleys of Canterlot, trying to remain hidden from the other players. He had his signature bow equipped and was currently making his way towards a perfect crows nest. “Anon. Where are you?” Time Turner asks quietly. You shake your head. “Third quadrant. Northern side.” You whisper to you partner. “I heard that Human! Time to be converted! ” Lyra shouts and she makes her way towards your position. You switch to your sword and ready for your ambush. “You should have joined our team at the start Anon, now you shall be converted to the Bonbon alliance!” Lyra taunts. As her unicorn mage dives out of cover and blasts you with an ice spell. Your health drains to just a sliver, so you charge her, hoping to get to her before her attack recharges, You swing your sword, slicing at her head and decapitating her character. “Aww yeah! The conversion bureau will never defeat the humans!” You taunt her. “The what?” Flitter asks. “I don't know, something that came to mind.” You say dismissively. You turn back to your screen to see a tall furry wolf-like creature coming into your field of vision and clawing into your face. “What?!” Prench looks up from her screen with a cocky smile. “Marewolf Easter-egg.” She smiles. Before you can do anything... “My turn!” Loving Care yanks the controller from you grasp and begins to explore the map. “well I guess she's better.” You smile internally. You watch as the character in the game goes on -what can only be described as- a killing spree. She moves through the alleyways firing arrow after arrow at both team A and team B alike, getting headshot after headshot. "Aww come on!" Prench yells across the room. "What's up Prench, Marewolf see sunlight?" You reply childishly. "Bite me Anon!" She calls over to you. You just give her a sly smile and an eye waggle. "Come over here and I just might." The room escalates into a chorus of OOOOoooOOOhs as Prench's cheeks light up red. That's a blush! I fucking won that one. Your attention returns to the screen as the kill count on Loving Care's side is spazing out. “Care? Are you sure you're not aimboting?” Loving Care just waves her hoof dismissively. “Anon. Skill comes with experience.” She says, not breaking eye contact with the game. She then turns looks you right in the eye and gives a cocky smile. The screen lights up and you can hear Flitter's 'Come on!' as her Character dies...Okay that was impressive. "BOOYA! That's what I'm talkin about!" “Mom?” The game is paused as everyone turns to the door, no one making a sound as Button just stands there rooted to the floor, in awkward silence. “DIBS ON BUTTON!” Bonbon screams out. “Yaaaaay!” He gleefully cheers as he runs over to team B's TV and grabs a controller. “Shit.” You say loudly, earning a cuff on the back of the head by Loving Care. "Language!" The rest of the night went by smoothly there were a few capture the flag games, attack and defend, that sort of thing. You all even had a massive cooperative campaign game, which was really fun. However there came a point, where everything must come to an end. And now was that point. Everyone had gone home, leaving their stuff here to be collected tomorrow. Button had gone to bed about an hour ago and it was just you and Loving Care. She was lying on the sofa and you were doing your best you tidy up what you could. So far you'd sorted all of the wires, blankets, devices and other miscellaneous objects into piles based on their owner. You'd also placed most of the left over food and drink in her cupboards and are now finished picking up all of the crap that littered the room. “Well That's me, Care. I think I'll head out now.” Care Looks down, as if she's going to cry again. “What's wrong?” She looks up to you again. “Nothing...it's just...can you stay here?” You furrow your brows and give a cocked smile. “How do you mean?” You asked skeptically. “Just stay here...with me...I don't want to be alone.” You sigh as you sit down on the sofa. “You're not alone and you never will be alone.” You wrap your arms around her in a hug. “I know. Tonight was amazing Anon. I don't think anypony's ever done something like that for me before. It's just...I could still use some company.” She blushes and tries to hide behind her mane, just like that certain yellow mare down the road. “Thank you Anon...I think I've finally done it.” “Hrmm?” “I think I can finally move on...completely. after today, there is nothing left holding me back. I think I can finally let go.” She finishes that with a nod and a slow blink. “Thank you Anon. You're a true friend.” You pull her into your side into a hug. one which she doesn't seem to want to let go. "Uh...care?" You ask. "Hrmm?" "You...uh...gonna let me go now?" "Nope." She says, as she nuzzles into your side. You shrug and kick your legs over the other end of the sofa, allowing you to lie down comfortably. Loving Care quickly falls asleep clutched onto your side, not that you have any objections to this. You decide to follow suit and allow yourself to fall into a blissful sleep. A sleep where you realized you have work in the morning and you've left your uniform at home... "Fuck." Author's Note Okay, Chapter seven....I really don't know what happened with this one. (Might have something to do with me Finally discovering playing skyrim...yeah.) this chapter was done a little last minute and was a little rushed. (I'm Reeaally glad I looked over this before Publishing it.) So if you could just point out any mistakes in any form that I've made. I'd be grateful. So until next time. Stay awesome (I really haven't said that enough.) Chapter Eight: Carnival.Two Weeks Later “Urg!...Anon? Why...are...*huff*...we doing this?” Thunderlane asked, hefting a large box between him and Prench. You yourself were carrying a smaller box, that could only be full of lead weights. Fuck it was so heavy. “Because I didn't...want to leave Care and Button doing it...so I volunteered.” You say matter-of-factly. Prench scoffs and hefts the box slightly higher on her left side. “Yeah. You volunteered!...Nng...Why are we here.” She says, shifting her hold on the box for a better grip. “Because you are great friends and you love me and would never leave me to do all of this alone?” Thunderlane just gives you a shit eating grin. “I'm doing this because...you said you'd get me 'grand theft carriage' afterward and lets be honest, who'd pass that up?” Thunderlane says, passing the front door and out of the house. “He's getting you something for this?! The two of you just dragged me here!” Prench says as you place your box in the pile besides the front door. Stretching your back, you turn to your friends. “That was the last one. You two can go now.” You say, waving them off. “Your welcome." Thunderlane say sarcastically. "I expect GTC in your bags when you get home. or I'm screwing with your sleep.” Thunderlane says irritably. Prench just comes over to you and socks you in the leg. “You owe me something for this...maybe something like a di-” You just roll your eyes and walk inside, closing the door behind you. "For buck sake! Did you loose your dick or something!?" Deciding to ignore her, you head up to Care's room, noticing that it is significantly more bare than before...figures. Most of the paintings were gone, the bedside tables were gone, the freaking sheets were gone. Trying not to think about it, you move to the wardrobe and take out one of Ship Shape's mustaches, the only one left. You remember Care saying something about Button wanting one of these. The thing is small anyway, it's not as if it would be totally unbelievable that it got lost. You head on over to buttons door and after knocking three times he lets you in. “Hey Anon.” Buttons says. He's playing a game called 'insufferable'. A game about being a crime lord, who makes life difficult for the guard or something like that. Anyway, you go over and sit next to button. “Hey Button. I have something for you.” He pauses the game and looks to you with a perked up expression. You show him the fake mustache and His eyes light up at the new gift. He snatches it out of your hand. “OH COOOL! Thanks Anon!” He gives you a brief hug before running over to the mirror to admire his new facial accessory. “Try not to outwear it.” You say standing up again. “I wont.” He says, not even looking to you as he strikes a few poses. You decide it's probably best to leave him be, so you do. Once you leave and close the door to his room, you run into Loving Care, who has a concerned look on her face. “What's going on? I heard noises.” She asks. You touch your nose twice. “I gave Button a gift he's been wanting.” You say with a wink. She gives you a confused look, shakes her head and turns away. “Thank you for your help Anon...I guess I'll have to get some new things now huh?” You shrug. “Might as well anyway...moving on and all.” Loving Care says sadly as she walks down the stairs. “Do you want some help with that?” You ask. “hrrm? No, No, I think I'll be fine. You should get along now anyway. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting.” Her tone implied that she was a little sad, but she also had this hint of...relief? “Is everything okay?” You ask, concerned. “What? Oh, I'm fine. I guess it's just...it's finally over. He's gone for good after today...and I guess, even though it's a new chapter to my life, I guess it's kind of sad saying goodbye to the old one. Do you know what I mean?” She asks turning to you. You had to put some thought into it but you could kind of, sort of, understand what she meant. “I think so, Like leaving school or leaving home for the first time?” She nods with a content smile. “And I have you to thank for it Anon. I could never thank you enough for all you have done. I don't think I would-” You cringe from the praise. You were never one for being thanked. “You can stop there. I'm humbled, really I am, but I only played a little part of this, it was all you." Man that was so cheesy you want to throw up. In fact where is the bathroom? "Plus I'm kinda getting tired of people thanking me for little things.” “You underestimate your value Anon.” She says going down the stairs and into the kitchen where you take a seat at the table. “Yeah yeah, self confidence and all that bullshit, whatever. SO, now that you're free, what do you plan to do next?” She takes a seat opposite you and hands you a mug. “Oh I don't know. Get my life back on track, spend more time with Button, get back on my hooves financially and maybe try and get more out there.” You take a deep sip of your coffee and sigh. “What about other guys?” She furrows her brows. “Guys? You mean, am I going to find another stallion?” You nod. “Well, I don't know. It is a little soon to go out there and find another stallion, but maybe in time, I might meet the right one...again. But for now, I think I'm happy with things just the way they are.” You smile and nod as you take another sip. “You know what Anon?” You raise your eyes to hers. “I'm glad I didn't get back together with Ship Shape. I don't know how that would have turned out, but I probably wouldn't have been as happy as I am now. And you know what?” She exaggeratedly throws her front hooves in the air and starts to manically laugh. “HA HA! I'm free! No more Ship Shape! No more crap to deal with! and no more Crying myself to sleep! I'm finally free! Hahahaha! Finally! Thank You!” She replaces her hooves on the table as you look at her with a cocked eyebrow. “ummm...what was that?” You ask. That was some joker shit she just pulled off right there, you're considering checking her house for explosives.. “I just realized, there is nothing holding me back.” She says with one of the happiest smiles you've ever seen on her pretty little mussel. “I could do anything I want. Nothing can stop me!” You were really trying hard not to call the cops on her. You were pretty sure this was how deranged shootings started. “Uhh...Care? What about Button?” She deadpans at you. “Oh come on Anon! I'm not going to do something crazy!” You let out a sigh of relief at the thought of avoiding a disaster...What? You were brought up on a bad diet of movies and video games. Those two things only ever spawn the paranoid or the crazy. Take a guess at which one you were. “Mom?” You and Care both swivel round to see button in the doorway, sporting his mustache. “Button what have I told you about wearing that.” Loving Care says through clenched teeth. “But mom, this is mine. Anon got it for me!” She gives you the sternest of glares and actually makes you shrink a couple of sizes...not literally of course, you just feel like she's gonna kill you. “Fine, but save it for special occasions.” She says, still giving you that death glare that could get Celestia herself to admit she left a shit in the bath tub...not that she would... “Mom?” Button asked again. Loving Care turns her attention back to her son. “What is it Button?” She says calmly. “Can me and Sweetie Belle go to the carnival today?” He asks in his puppy voice. Loving Care sighs. “Button it's actually 'Sweetie Belle and-'” “Care don't do that, it just aggravates everyone around you.” She sternly looks at you, then a sly grin grows across her face. “Oh? I can think of other ways to...aggravate you.” That look. that tone. that questionable choice of wording. “Care, don't try to be Prench. Having one of them is bad enough.” She folds her front hooves and pouts...a lot like Prench....fuck she looks cute. “Sooo can I go?” Buttons question cuts the two of you out of your dialogue and draws Loving Care's attention back to him. “Will someone go with you? Because I can't I need to get the boxes outside to your father.” Loving Care asks. Button just shies away looking at his hooves. “Well...uh...no.” He all but mumbles out. Loving Care just lets out a groan and rolls her eyes. “Button. You know I'm not comfortable letting you wander the streets on your own. You could get hurt, or worse. You could-” “I'll take him!” You say hoping to avoid Loving Care scarred Button with her scenarios. “Yaaaaay!” Button cheers and Loving Care looks to you. “I couldn't ask you to do that.” Loving Care says shyly. “That didn't stop you from doing it before.” You thought sarcastically. You did have a point though. “No no, I'll take him, you've got things to do and he wants to go. Besides, I've got nothing better to do anyway.” You say shrugging. Loving Care just returns to the kitchen to make something...you really didn't know, nor cared. “All right, but if I find a single hair on his head out of place, you'll have to run really fast for a long time mister!” She says in that faux stern tone she uses when she's joking, but really isn't. You shrug. You were about to reply when the doorbell rang...wait there's a doorbell? “I'll get it!” Button says, rushing out of the room and towards the front door. Your curiosity getting the better of you, you follow to see who it is. To your relief it's just Sweetie Belle. “Hey Button.” She says in a downtrodden tone. She looks disappointed. “Hey Sweetie Belle!...is something wrong?” Button says, noticing her expression. Sweetie Bell looks up with a sad look. “My sister says that I can't go tonight. She doesn't want us going alone and she's too busy to watch us.” She says, looking at her hooves. Button just perks up and smiles. “Oh it's okay now! Anon says he'll watch us! So we can go!” Button shouts enthusiastically. “Really!?” Sweetie Belle Says, a small crack in her voice breaking out. You decided to leave them to their moment. You feared you were going to contract diabetes from those two if you stayed any longer. “Well...Guess you cant back out now.” You thought as you sat at the kitchen table once again. But as you saw the excited smiles of the little foals knowing that they could, in fact, go to the carnival tonight. Knowing that it was because of you that they were so happy. It warmed you inside. “OH YOU FUCKING CUNT!” You Screamed into the television as your character died from an arrow to the knee. “Dude, chill out.” Thunderlane says, furiously mashing his controller to the point that you could swear that it was screaming at you for mercy. “Don't tell me to chill out! That is the most infuriating sentence ever to exis- oh wait no that's 'chillax'...never mind.” You say, turning back to the screen-your character died. “OH FUCK OFF YOU TESTICLE TASTING, UTERUS FISTING, FUCKING CUNT FISH!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...I may have an anger issue.” You say, the sheer awkwardness of the situation causing the two of you to burst out into laughter and roll on the sofa. “Cunt fish?” Thunderlane asks through his laughter. “It was the first thing to come to mind.” You say, looking back to the screen as your character died again. “That's it. Bail. You say walking over and turning off the games console.” “Anon, that's not bailing, that's rage quitting.” Thunderlane says matter-of-factly. “Whatever.” You say dismissively. “Well, I'm bored so, wanna watch something?” Thunderlane asks, looking to your rather pitiful movie collection. “How about The Heat?” Prench asks from the doorway. Her sudden appearance making you nearly shit yourself and Thunderlane bursts out into laughter. “Holy fuck! We need to put a bell on you or something!...AND FUCK NO!” You say, allowing your heart rate to go back to normal. “Besides, I got somewhere to be in...” You glance at the clock. “...half an hour.” Prench Just cocks an eyebrow. “let me guess? You're gonna go see LC?” Prench says sarcastically. You just smirk and... “Nope, I'm gonna take Button and Sweetie Belle to the carnival.” You say taking a seat next to Thunderlane, who was groaning and face hoofing. “Oh Anon, You are in so deep you're finding treasure.” He says with a light chuckle. “What does that mean?” You say a little confused. “He means that you've pretty much replaced the other guy.” Prench says joining you on the sofa. “Hey, how did you get in here anyway?” You ask. “Thunderlane gave me a key.” You arch an eyebrow, looking between the two. “We were looking for a way to fuck with you, and...” She waves her hoof around exasperatedly at the apartment. You just roll your eyes. “So that's my plans for today. What about you two.” You ask, leaning into the chair...Fuck these chairs were fucking comfy. “Funnily enough, I was going to take cloud chaser out to the carnival too. She was pestering me.” Thunderlane says. Prench just looks between you, looking betrayed. “Great so both of you are going to bail on me?” You shrug your shoulders. “Not our fault you didn't get a date.” Thunderlane says nonchalantly. Prench looks to you with those puppy dog eyes. “You do owe me for today.” You give her a level stare. “And here I thought I'd get help, no strings attached.” You say, letting your head fall back. “Wait, you said I'd get GTC if I helped you!” Thunderlane calls. You reach your hand over the rest and grab the case to the game, then throw it in his general direction. He catches it and cradles it like a baby and goes to his room to...you don't know. he's probably jerking it or something. Prench remains sat next to you, looking at you expectantly. “Well?” She ask. You sigh heavily. “I guess you can come, but there's gonna be two foals and you're gonna have to watch your behavior.” Prench scoffs and chuckles. “Anon I can be behaved.” She lids her eyes and her tone goes sultry. “In fact...I can be so well behaved, I think I deserve a reward.” She leans over and breaths down your neck, placing her front hooves on your shoulders and swiveling herself so she's sat on your lap. “Don't you think I deserve a reward Anon?” She says, blinking several times. Reaching her mussel forward until a hairs breadth separates your lips. “I think you deserve a reward as well, don't you?” You cock an eyebrow at her. “Nah, I'm fine. Thanks for the offer though.” You say shoving her off of you, letting her land on the floor with a comical thud. “Celestia damn it! Why can't you get all hot and bothered anymore?!” She says, frustrated. You just chuckle. “To be honest, your reaction, when it doesn't work, is hilarious.” You say, barely stopping yourself from breaking out into full blown laughter. Though honestly, she did still have a certain effect on you...there was a reason of course, why you had to shove her off your lap. You stood outside of carousel boutique with Button and Prench. The three of you were waiting on Sweetie Belle, who was taking forever. You were tempted to ditch her, but you weren't that heartless...though maybe of she were to be... “Ready!” You looked over to see Sweetie Belle, who had obviously went through with some kind of make over beforehand, because she had the pony equivalent of makeup on her face, her hooves were polished to the point of reflecting and her coat and mane must have been combed a thousand times to beat feathers in softness. Someone was clearly trying to get Button's attention and she was doing a bang up job of it. Button was blushing as red as the blood on a crap on curry night...okay that made you a little sick to think about. Button was blushing that's all that needs to be noted. “Okay then! Lets go.” You say, clapping your hands together. Sweetie Belle just scuffs her hooves against the ground shyly. “What's up?” Prench asks. Sweetie Belle just looks around nervously, clearly expecting something. “Hey wait up!” You hear called out behind you. Turning, you see another four foals running towards your group. “Hey.” The Orange one says, beside her was a little white colt, a yellow filly and a white and brown colt, all standing there panting. “What's going on?” You ask, looking at the new additions. “M-Mr Anonymous? Would i-it be okay if Applebloom and Scootaloo came with us?” Sweetie Belle asks. Okay when did someone put a note on your back saying daycare specialist?! “But Look at their little faces, do you want to disappoint them?” Fuck you brain. Fuck. You. “I guess. But I'd rather you'd asked before they showed up, you know...some warning.” You tried not to sound like an asshole but you still managed to make her ears fold back in shame. “I said it's okay. You can all come, but behave yourselves.” a perfectly in unison call of 'we will' rung out before all of the ponies rushed off in the direction of the carnival. “You're too sweet you know that?” Prench says, bumping her flank into your leg, sending you flying. After stumbling and regaining your balance, you let out an awkward chuckle. “What can I say, I can't say no to kids.” The two of you walk off towards the carnival, trying to catch up to the kids. This was a bad idea. “WHOOO HOOO!” This was a really bad idea. “Come on Anon! Get your hooves up!” This can only end badly. The images of the area around you have been blurred into one. You could hear the screams of agony of the other carnival goers. This was really, really, bad. “You know Anon if you're not fine with virgin, can I call you pussy? 'cos only pussies get freaked out by the teacups.” Prench asks. “Fuck. You. Prench.” You say, barely containing your stomach contents. The ride comes to a slow and everyone climbs out. “That was awesome! Let's do that again!” Scootaloo shouts, the others quick to agree with her. Oh fuck. They all get in line again and to show that you're not a complete pussy, you get in the line as well. “You know Anon, you don't have to get in the line with the brave kids. We won't think any less of you.” You give her a level glare. “Shut it.” You were always a man of witty comebacks. “Die! Die! Die!” You fired your water balloon into the clowns mouth, inflating the balloon above it's head. You'd been at this for a few minutes and the balloon was close to popping when... “We have a winner!” The carny Pulls down a large stuffed bear and hands it to Button, who hands it to Sweetie Belle...Fucking Cliche as shit. “Do we have any other takers?” The carny asks to the group and a few others step up to the mark, now you guess it was time to move onto the next gimmick. Would. You. Please. Fucking. Land. On. the. Fucking. Cone. You. Piece! Of! Shit! You were at the ring toss and it was safe to say that it...wasn't your best. Miss. Miss. Miss. FUCK! Applebloom steps up to the mark flings her ring, it glides over gracefully then lands on the cone...fucking first time?! Yes, you just got shown up by a filly, so what! She gets her prize, a slingshot, and she and her date, who you found out was called pip, Went off. “Anon, this is painful.” Prench says sitting next to you. You just groan and move on. *shling* *Splacht* The watermelon lands on the target and featherweight, who was Scootaloo's date, wins his prize from the catapult launch stand. Yeah, you're not even going to bother. Giving his Prize to Scootaloo, he and Scootaloo walk off to some sort of train ride thing Boo! hahahahaha Boo! hahahahaha Boo! hahahahaha Yeah that 'train thing' was actually a scary train...and it was shit. “AHHH!” At least for you it was. Prench was properly shitting herself. And from the sounds of it, so were the others. It was literally a bunch of mechanical ghosts, bursting out at you for cheep jump scares. What's the deal? This was a complete waste of money. However... Boo! hahahahaha “Ahh!” Prench launches herself into your arms and clings on for dear life. Your stomach does backflips and your heart feels like it's going to beat right out of your chest. You had this beautiful mare in your arms and you felt like your were going to die right there and you'd be okay with that. “You know they're not real right?” You ask, waiting for her to let go. “Fuck off. They're scary!” You scratch behind her ears to get her to relax...And then you put on your baby voice “Don't worry. I'll protect, wittle woasty.” She lightly punches you in the stomach. “Shut up.” You chuckle away your pain. Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. Now you were really fucked. You didn't know where anyone was...well you knew where Prench was, but the foals had pissed off. They were ahead of you and they must slinked away when you were still on the train and now you were fucked...and panicking. “Anon, it'll be okay, we'll find them.” Prench tries to reassure you but you were too far gone. "Oh fuck, what if someone took them!? Or they fell down somewhere!? Oh my god Nobody will ever forgive me?!" "Anon! Calm down!" You grab Prench by the shoulders. “Quick! Think! If you were eight, were would you go?” She slinks back a little and looks around. “Um...Probably somewhere exclusive.” Hrmm...where would...Of course! You turn and run down past half of the carnival ground, dodging ponies left and right, who are all quite happy to get out of the way of a barreling human. “Anon! Where are you going?” You turn around several corners, run down several lines and out of the carnival, heading to the white tail woods. Stopping just at the entrance to the woods, you wait for Prench to catch up. “What's the deal?” She asks. You point to the woods. “I need you to look around for them from the air. I'll go in and find them on the ground.” Prench cocks an eyebrow at you. “Anon, what if they're not in there?” You contemplate it for a moment, drawing up one conclusion. “Then we're fucked.” You rush forward into the woods as fast as you can, before she can say anything. The first thing you notice is the sheer darkness of it all and this wasn't even the Everfree, There was little light making it's way to your eyes and what little there was, wasn't very good. You needed to find those kids and you needed to find them fast. The various twigs, branches and shrubs scraped at your body as you tried to throw yourself through the woodland area. The moon was providing a little light, but not enough to be of use. You remained quiet, trying to listen for them, hoping they would give a clue as to where they were. However when you did find them, you didn't hear them, you saw them. They were in a little clearing a little bit in, with a small lantern for light...where did they get that?...never mind. You decide to sneak up on them to really catch them in the act. You crawl down on your hands and knees and crawl your way over to this small clearing, trying with all of your effort to make as little noise as possible. “So, the rules of this game are simple. Whoever the neck of the bottle lands on has to kiss the spinner.” Oh fuck no! They were not playing spin the bottle! Oh fuck. Scootaloo reached forward and spun the bottle round, allowing for it to bring up momentum. How it was spinning on dirt you'll never know, but you had an idea to really freak them out. Everyone was fixated on this bottle's spinning. Around and around it went. Passing Applebloom, Pip, Button, Sweetie, Featherweight, Scootalloo and slowing down and landing on...you. The foals tensed up and squeaked at your sudden appearance. Probably more terrified by the expression on your face than you're actual presence. “A-Anon?” Button barely able to say as you sat there glaring at these foals. You made sure to look like you were in thought and look a little you were trying to restrain yourself from physical violence...not that you would of course. Your little show did wonders to get them to avoid eye contact with you. You looked around in thought, but you already knew what to say. “What. The Heck did you think you were doing? Coming out here?” All of their ears remain glued to their heads, it would usually get you to tone it down, but not now. Oh no. “Do you realize what you've done?” None of them speak up. “Well?!” They all shake their heads slowly, looking at their hooves. “I was worried sick. I thought something might have happened to you. Something could have happened to you! Do you all realize how hard it would have been to go up to each of your families and tell them that I failed to keep you safe?!” “But mister Anonymous. We were right here the whole time we were-” Sweetie Belle tries to reason, but you were having none of it. “No! You turned out to be fine this time, but something could have still happened, one of you might have tripped and fell, you might have run across an unfriendly critter, or even gotten foalnapped! You may have been here, but that doesn't mean you're safe, now I want you to go back to that carnival and I want you to stay within my sight for the rest of the night. This is your first warning, you don't get another. You try this again, I will march you to your homes and I will tell each of your parents why. You got that!?” They all nod quietly, getting to their hooves and walking back to the carnival. “Wow, remind me never to piss you off.” Prench says landing next to you. “Don't give me that. I was worried sick.” She places her hoof on your shoulder. “You were right to...” She looks to the foals. “...this is so unlike them.” You nod. “Boys. Probably trying to impress them or maybe the other way around, I don't know.” You say flatly, walking along side the foals. “Mister Anonymous? Are y'all mad at us?” Applebloom asks, looking at you with puppy dog eyes. You always wanted a reason to say this... “I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed.” And she looks to her hooves as she walks along. That phrase works every time So with the mood completely destroyed, you try to get spirits back up by taking them to the carousel. You weren't going on it. You were just going to watch to make sure they don't piss off again. Applebloom and Pipsqueak climb on a...horse? Scootaloo and Featherweight get on one, and Button and Sweetie Belle Share a horse...seriously. The rules in Equestria are getting confusing. Horses riding horses? Prench nudges your side. “Come on, they're not going to run off now. Not after that scolding you gave. You want to go on?” You shake your head. “Of course they're not going to run off, but I want to show them what happens when they abuse my trust.” You say. Prench just nods. “You'd make a great dad. you know that?” You chuckle. “Of course I would. I already have to take care of you. You're pretty much a marechild as it- OW!” She punches you in the arm as the ride starts. “I'm serious. You would.” You sigh. “I'm not planning to have a child for a long time Prench...or even if I can! I doubt I'd ever become a father.” Prench just laughs and looks to the foals on the ride. “You know Anon, I think you already are one.” She nods her head towards Button who appears to be holding onto Sweetie Belle by the waist as they ride around the carousel. It was rather cute...too bad you're pissed. “I think you're mistaken.” You say as she shrugs her shoulders. “Whatever you say Anon. Whatever you say.” She says walking over to the exit. “Who wants to go on the Ferris wheel?” None of them say anything, just following behind you like a train. You shake your head, you felt a little bad about your rant, but it was necessary...right?...OH fuck it! “Okay, you know what? I was wrong to go off on you guys like that and I'm sorry. But you have to understand that we were worried for your safety and we were just looking out for what's best for you. I'd like to put this whole thing behind us and move on...okay? But you have to not abuse my trust.” The foals all nod and look a little lighter than they did. “Can we go on the Ferris Wheel?” Pipsqueak asks. You nod and begin to walk over to the large wheel on the edge of the carnival. The carny motions for your group to get into the baskets. Each baskets held four passengers, so you, Prench, Sweetie Belle and Button were in a cart and the others in the next one. You sat down as the basket carried you into the air slowly, gently rocking your little group. “*gasp* Just look at Ponyville.” Sweetie Belle said, pointing over to the moonlit skyline of the town. It wasn't as impressive as some of the human cities you remember, but it was still pretty beautiful. You turn back to see Sweetie Belle's lips locked with Button's...and then you turn back awkwardly looking over to the other basket...where they were doing the same thing...oh fuck. You were trapped here in this basket with a beautiful mare and foals kissing and a really romantic...Wait a minute. You reach over and wrap your arm around Prench, who leans her back into you and sighs. “You know Anon, it really is beautiful out here.” Prench says happily. Okay, just kiss her...No? Okay, uh kiss her forehead...No? Um...rub her belly...No? Okay fuck it. God you're a little bitch Anon. Prench relaxes into your side and sighs in content. "You're such a good friend Anon" “Well, fuck me sideways.” “Okay, Goodnight Rarity.” You say, to the white mare as Sweetie Departs from your group. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Featherweight, and Pipsqueak had all been dropped off and now it was just you, Prench and Button. “So Button, You little Playa.” Prench says, walking down towards Loving Care's place. Button just blushes, really hard and tries to avoid eye contact. “Leave him alone Prench." You turn to Button. "Good job Buddy.” You say patting him on the head, pushing the little spinney hat over to the side. After readjusting the hat, button speaks up, the blush still present on his face. "T-Thanks...I guess..." He looks to the ground and let's out a sigh of resignation. "Anon, We're really sorry about...You know... the-” you pat him on the head again, knocking the hat to the side. “It's fine Button. Just don't do it again and everything should be okay...simple as.” You say approaching Loving Care's house. You were glad that that was over with. You were surprised at how stressful watching a bunch of foals could be, But at least it was over with. You push the doorbell and wait for Loving Care to answer the door. When she does, he face lights up at the sight of her son and you sigh with relief to see that all of that crap at the side of her door was gone completely. You guess Ship Shape got his shit. “So how was he?” Loving Care asks, looking to you. You just nod. “He was fine. A few issues here and there, but everything was fine.” You say, letting yourself just stand there. “Would you like to come in and have some coffee?” Loving Care asks. “Not tonight, I need to get to sleep. I'll see you soon. though” As you say that Loving Care's ears flattened against her head in disappointment. You'd feel bad, but you really needed to sleep. “Well, thanks for watching Button for me. I guess I'll see you another time. Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” You say, as she closes the door. Prench Doesn't say anything. She just walks off towards her house. You can't help but get lost in the motion of her hips as they sway back and forth as she walks. At least that was before she noticed you. “What?” You shake you head to rid yourself of the naughty thoughts that were manifesting. “Nothing. Never mind...er...goodnight.” You say,as you rather quickly vacate the area. What was wrong with you? You open the door to your apartment and take in the peaceful surroundings, finally home. Home sweet home. No foals fucking with you, no mares fucking with your thoughts. Just this place of rest, where the only sounds were of peace and quiet...and crying? Concerned, you venture further into the Apartment Looking around for the source of the crying. You didn't have to look far because right there on the sofa was Thunderlane, crying his eyes out into a pillow. Bawling like a baby. “Thunder? What's wrong?” He just cries further into his pillow. You take a seat next to him. “Was Grand Theft Carriage Complete shit?” “It's Cloud Chaser.” He says into his pillow. A little muffled,but you got it. “What about her?” You ask, your concern rising. “She dumped me.” “...” “...” “...” “Oh fuck. Here we go again.” Author's Note Okay, sorry about the delay. Writer's block is a bitch. I don't really feel comfortable telling you guys when to expect the new chapter, because I always take longer than I say. (and for that, I'm sorry.) So just know That I'll work on the next chapter and I don't forget about you guys. I know if you're reading this, then you've put up with my writing so far (And for that, I thank you) So just so you know. Me getting the next chapter is always on my mind. so yeah, whiny bitchy bit done with. so until next time. if you could point out mistakes, plot holes, fucking stupidity and any other errors, grammatical or otherwise I'd be grateful. And stay awesome! Chapter Nine: Break Ups and Hearth Warming.“A-A-And she said. 'I think w-we should see other ponies.' BWAHUHUH! WHY?!” Thunderlane was currently latched onto your chest, bawling his eyes out, as you sat there playing one of the most infuriating games imaginable on your phone. 'Flappy Griff' And you were close to loosing it over this STUPID, FUCKING, INBRED, RETARDED, GRIFFON WHO IS TOTALLY JUST TRYING TO BULLSHIT YOU! You absolutely hate this game but it is so fucking addictive that you can't stop playing it. It's like it calls to you in the night, begging you to play it, if only for a few minutes. But that's how it gets you, it draws you in with promises of a few minutes and then it- “A-Anon?” Oh right, you were doing something. “There there buddy. It'll get better.”That was just one of the predefined phrases that you have developed when comforting someone. In fact, you were pretty sure that you called Thunderlane a 'strong independent young mare, who don't need no stallion' at one point, but thankfully he was too distraught to notice. “Now, how about you tell me what happened from the start.” You say, stroking the stallions mane comfortingly...don't worry, you called 'no homo' beforehand so it's fine...right? “I-I just did.” He says, tears leaking from his eyes again. You needed to think fast. “Yeah, but I'm not sure I understand.” You say, lying through your teeth. Thunderlane just clutches onto your chest ever tighter. “W-Well, we were on the teacups, a-and I-I ask i-if she was okay, because she was really quiet and s-she nodded. B-But she wasn't...” Thunderlane took a short brake to burst into heavy sobs, of agony. “...L-Later s-she said that s-she felt us g-grow apart from each other, these last f-few weeks, a-and she said t-hat w-we s-should see o-other ponies.” He bursts into ever heavier bawling and clutched to your chest tighter. You have never felt more awkward in your life. “It'll be okay Thunder. You'll love again.” Yeah, you zoned out for the entirety of his story. Flappy griff was just so addictive. “B-But I loved her! How could she do this to me!?” God this guy wasn't going to stop crying soon. You looked to the clock on the wall to see that it was well after one in the morning. So the LAN party idea wouldn't work. You were sure that he wasn't in the mood to play any video games either...wait...holy. Shit. You have it. You remove yourself from Thunderlane's clutches as you move over to the fridge, open the freezer box, and pull out some Ice cream. You grab a spoon, dig it into the tub and place it in Thunderlane's hooves, you then grab a movie, just a cheesy action film, then grab his blanket from his room. Placing it over the two of you ,wrapping your arm around Thunderlane, you look him in the eye. “A-Anon?” You lean forward and whisper in his ear. “Don't you see? This is how gay this whole situation is. Now man the fuck up and come Play some video games.” You say smacking the ice cream out of his hooves. The two of you burst out into laughter at the stupid antics going on. You then get up and look in the wardrobe, looking for a set of certain objects. “I-I don't think I want to. What about the neighbors?” You laugh. “We had the room soundproofed after the great rage quit of o'nine remember? now get up and set up.” You say dragging out the electronic guitar, drum kit and microphone. “We are not playing Guitar Pony. Not after last time.” You laugh and punch his side playfully. “Yes we are, it's for emergency use only.” Thunderlane cocks an eyebrow. “How is this an emergency?” he asks. “My bro's a little bitch and needs cheering up.” You say, punching him again. He just sighs. “How is this going to help my situation?” He asks as you roll your shoulders in preparation. “You'll speak to cloud chaser tomorrow, but right now, you need cheering up and this game is the ultimate 'piss take' for the job” You say, plugging the cables into the Bit Box 360. Thunderlane cocks an eyebrow. “But we need three players or else it's just crap.” He states sadly. You smile and bring out your phone. You dial Prench's home phone number and wait as it rings out. Once, twice, three time- “Who is this- *yawn* -and why are you calling this early in the morning.” You smile deviously to yourself as your put on your best panic voice. “Prench you need to get over here! It's Thunderlane! Hurry!” Before she can respond your hang up the phone and throw it in your room, on silent. The House Phone goes off several times, but you let it ring through to increase the charade. Thunderlane looks to you wide eyed. “You know she's gonna kill you when she gets here, right?” You shrug your shoulders and smile. “She does it to me all the time and...” A dull banging on the door can be heard throughout the apartment. “Fuck me. that was fast.” You think out loud. When you go to open the door, you are tackled to the ground by a less-than-presentable Prench Roast. You can guess why, she was probably awake three minutes ago. “Anon! What's going on?! What's wrong?!” She shakes you by the shoulders frantically. She stops however, when she sees Thunderlane standing there, perfectly okay and then she glares at you. “Anon. I thought you said there was something wrong with Thunderlane.” She says through gritted teeth. Your shit eating grin said it all. “I did not. I said you needed to get over here and that Thunderlane was involved, nothing else.” Her glare was priceless, had she not punched you in the stomach, really hard...worth it. “You're an asshole.” She says, jumping off of your body. “So why do I need to be here?” She says looking to Thunderlane. You were the one to answer however. “He got dumped and we need to cheer him up.” You say nonchalantly. She just looks to him, then to you. “Oh. I'm sorry to hear that Thunder.” Thunderlane looks to the floor in sadness, but steels his resolve long enough to put on a brave face. “I-It's okay.” He says quietly. Deciding to kill the awkwardness, you stand up and motion to the TV. “We need a third player for this to be fun.” Prench just looks to you and sighs heavily. “I hate you Anon. So much.” She whips your face lightly with her tail as she goes to take a seat on the sofa and grabs the drum set. “Let's get this over with.” Thunderlane says quietly. You sigh and move over to realize that Thunderlane had grabbed the guitar and the only thing left for you was the microphone. “Fuck you guys, seriously.” You say grabbing the microphone, earning a chuckle from the pair. “Prench, would you like to pick a song?” She does not answer, instead she picks up the controller and begins to list off the songs. “All I have left is you? no. Say something? no. Chasing Carriages? No. Crazy in love? no. Forget you? No. Buck, a lot of songs are about relationships and breaking up.” She says, scrolling through the songs. You just sigh, taking the controller from her grasp and scrolling to a particular song. “This is going to suuuuuuck.” You say, as the intro plays. “This was your idea.” Thunderlane says confused. “But I wanted to hear your sexy little voice.” You say with a smirk. Thunderlane just smirks at you. “You really need to prove that you're straight first, before you can say stuff like that and it be considered teasing...you know. We might get the wrong idea.” You laugh as Prench begins to tap out on the Drum kit as the screen instructs. “I'm pretty sure he's not gay...” Prench says, batting away at the drum kit rather unenthusiastically. “...I think he just doesn't have a dick.” She says laughing, Thunderlane joining in. “Well fuuuuucccck you too.” You say as the first of the actual song begins. You scratch you way through the lyrics, trying to sound half decent, but you fail...badly. At least the others are no better. Deciding it would be best to restart, you grab some beer throw them each a can and start again. (Music) “I Just want you back to normal! I think you don't know just how you feeeeeeel!” ...yeah you got hammered pretty quickly. And you were okay with that. You were screaming down the microphone, Prench was whacking the shit out of that drum kit and Thunderlane was bobbing his head and scraping through the guitar sections. You shouted down the mic as everyone chimed in for the final verse. “LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! PASS THE HERRB! I TURN THE LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! KISS THE CERRB! TURN THE LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! YOUR HEART HAS TURRNED! WHO'S GONNA SAVE ME!? EVERYTIME I CRASH AND I BURN? AND I CRASH AND I BURN! AND I CRASH AND I BURN!” The song fades out as all three of you burst out into drunken laughter, at your poor show. Your combined effort got a score of seventy five, but you all couldn't give a fuck, Because you were enjoying yourselves. “Oh Man! That was fun. Another!” Thunderlane demanded, falling back in his chair. Prench groans, but nods her head approvingly. This was your eighth song tonight. You shake your head. “Nah, I'm getting a little tired now.” You say, rubbing your neck a little. Prench just sits up and stares at you sultrily. You roll your eyes, you knew what was coming. “Oh Aaaannnooon. You know, if you were to give us another...unf...round of your...ung...fantastic tongue...I'd...probably-” “Would you give it a rest...please?” You ask. Trying not to facepalm... she was trying way too hard to get a rise out of you lately and it was starting to piss you off now. “I'll do one more song, then we do something else.” Thunderlane nods frantically. “We're watching 'rogue guard' afterward.” You smile as you select another song. “Fine by me.” You say, clicking on the hardest song of the game. “Anon? We have to work in the morning don't we?” Prench asks. You groan as it had just turned three in the morning. “Yeah...this should be interesting.” Just in case anyone didn't know. Late nights are bad for working. Being hung over is bad for working. Having the early shift on a Friday morning, is bad for working and combining the three? Well, that just fucks you up to the point of self harming...okay, maybe not that bad, but it still sucked. “Anon table fourteen.” The barista says, handing you a tray. However combined with the fact that it was busy as all hell this morning, then maybe you might just consider it. You walk through the mayhem of customers and waiters. Trying not to drop your tray. You move through the group to find an elderly stallion and mare. Placing the tray down, you hand them each their order and take their payment...with a twelve bit tip. You thank them and return to the barista, who hands you another tray. “Table seven.” You don't remember it being this crowded before. What's changed? “Anon!” You hear the sound of a very familiar little colt. Button jumped up and embraced your leg in a hug. You were barely able to hold onto the tray, but you managed...just. You pat his head with your free hand and try to shake him off. He gets the hint and releases your leg. “So what's going on kid?” You ask he just smiles. “I'm here with Sweetie Belle!” He says, pointing to the table you were in fact heading to. Sweetie Belle sits there and offers a wave to you, which you return. Her older sister Rarity is sitting there, looking exhausted. Her mane was disheveled, her eyes had bags under them and she was barely registering what was happening around her. You walk over and place the tray down onto the table. Rarity looking relieved to finally see her morning coffee. She takes a long sip and exhales in satisfaction. She finally notices you standing there. “Oh hello Anon. How are you this fine morning?” You shrug. “Tired, hungover, exhausted. You?” She giggles lightly. “I'm fine, my dear. A little tired, but nothing too drastic. Say, do you know why it's so crowded in here this morning?” You shrug again. “Not really, I guess it's just a morning rush...I think. What are you guys doing here?” “We're just grabbing a quick breakfast, before these two head off to school.” She gestures to the two foals, who were now sipping on a single milkshake through two bendy straws, staring intently into each others eyes...fuck that's both cheesy and cliche! Deciding that it was about time you got back to work, You bid them farewell and you left. “See you after school button?” “Yeah. Sure.” He says without breaking his gaze from Sweetie Belle. You just walk away, smiling. it was kind of cute. You see Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser talking in one of the corner tables. Deciding that it would be best to leave them be, you continue with your work. “He okay?” Prench asks as you lean against the wall. “I don't know. They're talking, I guess that's a start. Hey, do you know why it's so busy?” You ask, looking out of the group. Prench shrugs her shoulders, taking another order from some stallion. “I think there's some sort of magic pony doing a show or something. I don't know?” You would have questioned more, but you were interrupted. “Anon table fourteen.” The barista says, handing you another tray. You groan and walk over to the specified table. Hearth Warming Day The last two months have resulted in a lot of change for you. First of all, Prench has stopped her little, flirting sessions...well, reduced them...slightly. They still don't work, but she's trying. You assume she's trying to get on your good side for Christmas...or hearth warming...urg...the name is so sugary and sweet it makes you sick. At least Christmas had an attempted murder in it...anyway! Thunderlane had gotten over Cloud Chaser...after five fucking weeks of sobbing and crying. They decided to stay 'just friends' and that was the stupidest decision he ever made, but you weren't going to complain. Button and you had gotten pretty close over these past two months. He was always happy to see you when you picked him up from school, or when you babysat him, or when you escorted him and Sweetie Belle on their 'dates'. All in all, he's a good kid and they knew what happens if they fuck with you. You guilt trip the shit out of them. Loving Care has gotten ten times better than she used to be. She's happy nearly all of the time, she's always, knocking on you for something. You exchange banter and share laughs. She's even started doing what Prench does and comes round to your home uninvited. you don't mind, really you don't, but a text of warning would be nice. So a few awkward moments here and there, a few happy times and a lot of 'for fuck sake' moments...most of which are caused by Prench, but at least it was Christmas. “Anon! Anon! Wake up! It's Hearth Warming! It's Hearth Warming! It's Hearth Warming!” The small mass of pony jumped on your form, stirring you awake. You remember when you were like that, trying to get your parents to get up so you could open your presents, you always pissed off your parents and you never knew why...well...now you do. “Thunderlane. It's three in the morning. Go back to sleep before I slit your throat.” You grumble tiredly. “Come on! I wanna open my presents.” You groan again. “Even if I got up, we would have to wait until Prench got here. So if you don't want your wings removed, Go. Back. To Sleep.” And with that you flipped your pillow, smacked him off your bed, covered your head and went back to sleep. He just huffs. “Fine. But I'm going to get you up as soon as the sun rises.” He states walking out of your room. “You better hope nobody got me a pair of bolt cutters today then.” The door closes leaving you in silence once again. Thunderlane was weird like that. Sometimes he's really mature, other times he's...that. You just shake it off and go to sleep. You sat on your sofa, staring at the various piles of presents for everyone. Prench's pile was the smallest, though not by much. You could see that most of Thunderlane's gifts were games and movies and yours was relatively average. “Can we open them now?” Prench asks, anticipating the wrapped goods laid out before her. You just roll your eyes. Why are they waiting on you? “Why do you need my permission?” You ask. They both shrug. “Just...go for it.” You say irritably. And with a howl of a battle cry, Thunderlane tears open his gifts one by one. Prench was a lot more civil about it. Opening her presents as if they were delicate tissue paper. “So Anon. Where's LC?” Thunderlane asks. “She's at her house with Button, I'll be heading over there after this.” Thunderlane stops his wrapping paper massacre and looks to you in horror. “You're leaving?” You face palm. “Yes I told you two weeks ago that this was the plan.” “You did not!” He says defensively. “Yes I did. You were playing Command and Counter and you had that weird three legged...” “Oh yeah! I remember...when will you be back?” He asks, returning to his ruthless wrapping paper butchering. “Don't know. Probably tonight.” “But you'll miss dinner!” Prench suddenly shouted. “No I won't Button and Care are coming with us tonight, remember?” The Five of you were all going to some restaurant that was doing hearth warming dinner. It was run by a griffon, so you could get some meat for once in your life. “Care?” Thunderlane speaks up again. “It's a nickname I gave her. I'm pretty sure I've used it multiple times in both of your company.” They all look to you with cockeyed bewildered expressions. “What was wrong with 'LC'?” Prench asks. “Why is this a big deal? You have presents lying in front of you and that's the most interesting thing in the world?” They just tilt their heads to the side, rather comically. “Why are you so defensive Anon?” Thunderlane asks. “Shut up and open your damn presents.” They both return to opening their presents with cocky grins. Everything was quiet apart from the odd 'thank you' and 'your welcome' You got a few things, games, films, a few well made clothes, and from Prench...a book on female pony anatomy... “Thanks Prench.” You sarcastically thought. When it came around for her to open her present from you however, the reaction was quite different. “Anon?” You look over to see Prench holding a picture frame. The frame itself was silver, with pegasi and griffins flying around. But that wasn't what got her attention. Her attention was focused on the picture inside. It was a picture of you, Thunderlane and her posing at some theme park in Manehatten you went to a few months back. You were rather fond of that picture, it was the only picture you really had of the three of you. “A-Anon...I love it.” She all but gasps out. “Thank you.” “I didn't think you had one of us so I thought you'd like that one.” You say, unwrapping Your present from Thunderlane. You both look at each other quietly as an awkward silence envelopes the room. Well, it would have if not for Thunderlane “SWEET! 'Love and tolerate 2: I'mma tolerate the shit out of you.' Thanks Anon!” Thunderlane says looking at the game you got him. Fortunately, he destroyed any chance of an awkward conversation Prench places the picture frame down gently and moves onto her next present. “What's the difference between that one and the first one?” Prench asks, removing the wrapping from the winter boots from her mother. “They made it more violent.” You say matter-of-factly. Opening the next present, you see a rucksack from Thunderlane. A well made one too. It would probably never be used unless going away, but it's the thought that counts. Gazing at the clock, you see that it's eight in the morning. Based on how you were as a child, you could guess that Button was bouncing around his house like crazy, begging to open his presents. “Hey guys?” Prench and Thunderlane look up towards you. “I'm gonna head over to Care's place now. I'll see you later okay?” They both look downtrodden, but let you leave. Maybe next year you'd all spend hearth warming together or something. With a final farewell you leave them to their business and exit the apartment. The walk to Loving Care's house was completely barren. Given that it was still early in the morning and it was Christmas. The other ponies were either still inside opening their gifts or they were still asleep. The only sound accompanying you was the gentle crunch of the snow beneath your boots. Taking the time to enjoy the scenery, you gaze out over the snow covered trees and houses. A few houses had smoke gracefully rising into the air. The snow was fresh, as you were the first one to walk through it this morning. Despite taking your time to admire the scenery, you came to the front door of Loving Care's place rather quickly. With a ring of the doorbell, you hear the cute little scamper of a foal rushing through the corridor, up to the door, then into the door. The door shoots open as you see the cute little foal that is Button Mash. “ANON!” He rushes forward and clutches your leg in a hug. “Hey Button. Happy Hearth Warming.” You say as you try and maneuver your way into the living room, with Button latched onto you leg. The mention of Hearth Warming reminds him that there are presents to be opened, causing him to detach himself from your leg. “You too. Now comeoncomeoncomeon!” He ushers you into the living room. Sat there on the sofa is Loving Care in some form of dressing gown and she's nursing a coffee. She smiles warmly when she sees you. “Hello Anon, happy Hearth Warming.” You smile back at her and take a seat. “You too.” You reply.Button is just standing there looking anxious at your presence. You smile warmly and look to Loving Care. “Should we put him out of his misery?” You ask. Loving Care chuckles lightly and nods for Button to start. His eyes light up as he rushes towards his wrapped presents and cards. You and Loving Care split the cost of his main present, because it cost a pretty hefty amount. The rest of Button's presents were from other family members and friends. You believe Some of your friends also got him a few things as well. Loving Care had her own pile, also composed of gifts from family and friends, as well of course. You had opened all of your presents at your place, so you were just sitting there watching, but it was rather nice. Button was ecstatic when he found that copy of 'The Creed' Thunderlane got him. But eventually it all had to come to an end and the only presents remaining were Button's main present and your gift to Loving Care. Button dragged the small box further out into the open so you all could see it being opened. He removed the tape holding down the edges first then began to gently slide the box out of it's paper tomb. As the box slid out Button's eyes widened in surprise. Under the wrapping paper was a brand new laptop computer with buttons color scheme and a d-pad emblem on the lid. “Oh coool! Is it for me?!” You cringe as you couldn't even stop the sarcastic thought. “of course not, we just thought it be funny to let you unwrap it and then take it away.” Loving Care smiles warmly to her son. “Of course Button. It's one of the newer models designed for playing video games.” She passes you a thankful glance...oh yeah. you helped pick it out as well. “Coooool! Thanks mom!” button says gathering up his presents into a bag to take upstairs. “You should thank Anon as well Button. It is from both of us.” You smile as he begins to drag the presents up the stairs. “Thanks Dad!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” ...What? “D-Did he just?” Loving Care asks. Based on her tone and the fact that she wasn't moving, you assumed she was just as shocked as you and You could barely even form a coherent thought...the fuck? “Y-Yeah.” You say quietly, shock evident in your tone. “Wow.” She just says. There was nothing to be said at this point...well maybe... “Why?” You ask, still not able to comprehend this. “I-I don't know. I'd assume he's...grown attached to you?” She says, still unsure. This was so confusing. You lean back in your chair as Loving Care scoots closer to you. “Do you mind if he calls you that?” She asks. You exhale heavily. “I-I don't know...I just don't understand...why? It's only been...what? Three months? H-He shouldn't...” She shakes her head and looks to the small box on the arm rest. “Don't worry about it just now...how about we open that one?” She points with a hoof to her present. You sigh and hand it to her. “Are you okay Anon?” She asks, ignoring the box in her hoof. “What? No, it's fine. Just confused is all.” You point to the box in her hoof and do a small wave to get her to go on. She lifts the lid of the box and looks at the locket inside. It's made from silver and it's in the shape of a heart. You managed to get one of the jewelers in town to make it with a small frame inside. She smiles to you lightly. “It's nice.” You roll your eyes. “Open it.” She shifts her gaze back down to the locket, noticing a small nub on the side. She pushes it and the front clicks open. Inside is a picture of Button Mash and Rage Quite smiling widely while they play in a garden. She stares at the picture for a few moments, saying nothing, just looking. After a few moments she tries to say something, but her voice catches in her throat and tears begin to form in her eyes. “Care? Oh I'm sorry. I didn't think...” You move forward and place a hand on her back, but she turns and latches onto you. “I-I love it Anon. Thank you. Thank you so much.” She says, tears leaking from her eyes. You just return the gesture. “C-Can you put it on me?” She asks, holding out the Locket. You smile as you take it and unlink the catch at the back of the chain. She sits up straight parallel to you. You move your hands around her neck, brushing her mane behind her shoulders. You bring the two ends of the chain and link them together again. The necklace falls and sits on her chest. “There! How's that?” You ask as she looks down to admire her new accessory. “I'm never going to take it off. Thank you.” She leans forward and pecks you on the cheek. Nothing more than a friendly gesture, but it still caused you to blush like crazy. She smiles and hops off of the sofa. “Um...I'm going to make some coffee. Do you want some?” You nod, as she heads into the kitchen, leaving you alone to think to yourself. With a lot to think about just now, you sit there, trying to formulate a response, but only one thought can enter your mind. “Wow.” Author's Note Wow. Very Writing. Many cliche. Such Doge. New chapter. Woo! Just three days! I'm happy with that. First off, I know it's a little cheesy, but this is the best I could do to make "Ze feels" so Try not to get to irritated by that. also You then get up and look in the wardrobe, looking for a set of certain objects. “I-I don't think I want to. What about the neighbors?” You laugh. “We had the room soundproofed after the great rage quit of o'nine remember? now get up and set up.” I swear I didn't see the innuendo when originally writing this. so just the usual, comment what you thought...if...if you don't mind that is. And stay awesome. Chapter Ten: So That's what that feels like.“Anon. take the left! Take the left!” Prench screams as she hammers on the individual buttons on the controller. Her command came too late however as your carriage went to the right and into a wall of spikes, killing both of you in a blood filled cloud of gore, causing your game to reset to the last checkpoint. “Oh for buck sake Anon! That's the third bucking time!...” She turns to you and grows a sly, half lidded, smile. Oh fuck off! “...maybe...You should be punished.” She begins to scoot towards you, but you flick her in the nose, causing her to freeze on the spot. “No thanks. The game's reset.” She shakes off her stupor with a huff and picks up the controller. She then begins to command the unicorn mage turret on top of the carriage you are both on. It has been two weeks since hearth warming day and everything was smoothing out for you. You discovered that whenever Prench tries to tease you, all you have to do is flick her on the nose, making her stop, which was great, because you weren't sure how long you could last these days. Cloud Chaser and Flitter kept coming by from time to time. You still didn't know how you felt about that, but you didn't want to question it. Button was still calling you dad, which you also had no idea how you felt about. Your friends knew about it. Some of them were confused, other found it hilarious and the rest found it adorable. Loving Care was tending to hang out more with your group. She usually comes over when Button was with Sweetie Belle or when she had free time. Usually she'd either join in with your activities, usually consisting of movies and video games, or sit there and enjoy the company. Work was as good as ever. Frothy top was fun to work with and Muffin top was getting used to working with you. She only called you a cunt once on Wednesday so...that was cool. “Anon...I swear to Celestia if you don't go left...” You go right. It's not because you you are incompetent, you just find it hilarious when Prench rages at you for nothing and it almost always ended up in... “FOR BUCK SAKE ANON!” ...That. She must have noticed you grinning like an idiot, because the next thing you know, she's throwing punch after punch into your arm. You raise your arm to defend yourself but she's still throwing them. “You think it's funny when I'm mad huh? Well let's see how funny this is!” She pushes you onto your back as she jumps onto your stomach. Punching your chest repeatedly. You hold onto her sides as you roll the two of you off of the sofa and onto the floor, where you both proceed to laugh your asses off as you push and shove at each other. “Get a room you two.” Loving Care says. She was sitting on the couch with a Dr. Pony in her hoof and a quizzical expression on her face. You cock your brow and stand to your feet. She giggles at your stern expression, which soon falters to her happy demeanor. What can you say, you liked it when she was happy. “Oh shut it.” You say humorously. as you take your seat and grab the controller, an awkward silence plays out through the room as retakes her seat. “So...how's button?” You ask, trying to remove the silence. “Yeah, is he still calling him dad?” Prench asks with a snicker. “He is. I don't know why he's doing it, but he's the insistent one.” Loving care says with a wave of her hoof. “I don't have the heart to tell him and Anon seems okay with it.” You sigh as you lean back in your chair. You finally go left and Prench let's out a sigh of relief. “We should probably head to work soon. huh Anon?” She says, tapping the X button repeatedly. You groan as it was almost ten in the morning and you would in fact have to go to work. “Yeah I should probably head to the hospital soon.” Loving Care says, looking at the clock. The three of you sit there in relatively comfortable silence as the game plays on. Loving Care sighs as she stands up and moves for the front door. “I guess I'll see you two later?” “Ya sure, bye.” Prench says. You just manage a grunt of acknowledgment before she closes the door. “Fucking hell Prench, shoot the turrets! Your worse than my mother and I barely remember her.” You say. Looking at Prench's terrible shooting. “Yeah? Well...I've probably had sex with more women that you.” She says laughing. You just grow a maniacal grin. “Fucking yourself doesn't count.” Prench's voice catches in her throat as she looks to you. “...Eh...um...urg...good one.” She says, defeated. She shoots the last of the turrets triggering the end level cut-scene as you both stand up and stretch yourselves out. Looking at the clock you sigh heavily. “We should go to work now.” You say in a depressed tone. “Well then, get going!” She says, bumping her flank into your side. You decided to ignore it, but this was starting to get to you. Whenever Prench does this whole 'flirt with you to get a rise out of you' thing, it takes a lot of will power to stop yourself from throwing her on the floor and ravishing her on the spot... ...yeah, it was getting to be that bad. You and Prench head off to work soon after. It was Friday so you were working with her and Button was heading over to one of his friends houses after school so you didn't have to worry about picking him up today. You found your eyes, more than once, drifting towards Prench's flanks as they swayed when she walked. Her tail gliding with their motion. Fortunately, she never saw you, but that doesn't mean she didn't come close. This was getting out of hand...like really out of hand. You needed to end this whole thing soon. “Anon Table three.” You pick up your tray and head over to the specified table. The day was crawling by painfully slow, as you kept finding yourself...distracted by Prench. “God this is hard...huh? Hard... like hard as in- Fuck!...Fuck? Heh I'd like to- No!” You drop the tray off at the table, leave the ponies to their foods and return to Prench. “Eh...I-I'm...just going to take a quick break.” You say, pointing towards the staff toilets. Prench just furrows her eyebrows, but nods anyway. You rush into the bathroom with a slam and lock of the door. Rushing over to the sink you run the cold water, leaving it until it is as cold as it will go and throw a handful of freezing water into your face as you shudder with relief, as the cooling water ran down your face and neck. When did it get this bad?...oh yeah, when she...fucking kissed you. Ever since that night, you found it really difficult to remove your thoughts from her. Now? Now you were just fu... *knock* *knock* “Anon? You okay in there?” You heard Prench ask, through the door. Fuck! you needed to end this soon. Like today! “S-Sure...I'll be out in a minute.” You say in a sing-song voice...fucking hell, you were so screwed. The ponies of the next shift came and took your place as you and Prench sat down for lunch. You had grabbed your pay check from Coffee Grain and had returned to have a lunch. You were sat there, stirring your coffee absentmindedly, thinking about how you were going to do this. “It's so nice that we can do this again. We haven't done this in a while.” Prench says sipping from her cup. You nod and return to your thoughts. “She kissed me, So she must be somewhat interested...Right? What about all of the flirting and the hinting? That's go to mean something as well...She did say it was a joke though...but what about all of the times she got angry, not flustered, angry, when I accused her of having a crush on Noteworthy? That can't be just embarrassment...right?...Even if she does like me, how do I go about asking her? Do I just flat out ask her? Be spontaneous? Hint at it? Fuck! I've never done this before, I always just shied away from it. Oh fuck! You're a pussy Anon! A fucking pussy!” “You okay?” Prench asks, looking to you concerned. You nod, taking a quick sip of your coffee to look normal, but you just look even more suspicious. “You seem a little...distracted.” She says. You just sigh. “You always shied away from this Anon, but would you want to loose your chance with Prench? Look at her!” You look into the light brown face of Prench. Her beautiful brown mane, her beautiful golden eyes and those freckles which accented her beauty. She also had one of the best personalities you have ever known. She was one of your best friends, you loved her...do you want to ruin that? “Are you sure you're okay?” Prench asks again. The look she gave you made your heart leap. You couldn't deny it any more. Every time she said your name, your stomach would do back flips. Every time she bumped into you or flirted with you, you had trouble controlling yourself. You loved her...and you wanted her. “I-I'm fine...it's just...well...” You trail off into unintelligible mumbling. “Well what?” Prench asks, concern evident on her face. You sigh heavily in resignation. “Prench, would you...like to...maybe...GoSeeAMovieSomeTime?” There! You finally did it. You asked someone out. Prench's face scrunches up a little. “Y-You mean like a date?” You nod quietly, trying your best to look confident. “Oh...uh...Anon, you know you're a really great guy right? But...” Oh no. “...I Just don't think I could see you in that way... I think of you more as a friend and... I wouldn't want to ruin something we already have...” You stomach, which was previously doing back flips, was sinking lower than it ever has before. You couldn't believe this...what about all of that stuff before? “B-But what about all of the flirting and the hinting?” You ask, your voice cracking a little. Prench just looks to the table in sadness. “I-It was just a joke...I thought you realized...I didn't think you'd get that sort of idea from it.” You gaze up at her, fighting back tears in your eyes. “You kissed me Prench! What sort of idea was I supposed to take away from that?!” She looks further to the floor in shame. “What is it about me?” You ask, your pathetic tone giving way for more of an accusing one. Prench just casts you a quick glance and returns to her shameful staring. “I-I just don't see you that way?” She says. Her voice cracking up as she spoke. “Why? Is it my attitude?...” She shakes her head. “...My voice?...” She shakes her head again. “...my personality?...” and again. “...Is it because I'm human?” She doesn't respond. No moving. No sound. Just sitting there, sniffling in guilt. Your emotions were tearing you apart from the inside and there was nothing you could do about it. “So much for me not being a freak.” You say, standing up. You begin to walk away, when Prench grabs your pant leg with her hoof to stop you and looks up at you with teary eyes. “I-I'm sorry...I-I never meant to hurt you. ” You Look down. You were over reacting, but that couldn't stop you from feeling this way. So you look her in her beautiful golden eyes. “It's fine Prench. I-I just need some time alone okay?” You could hear her sniffling as you brushed her hoof off of you, but you paid it no mind. You had your own feeling to deal with for once...and it hurt that you had to. You walk into the apartment as Thunderlane plays that game you got him for Christmas and, for some reason, Bulk is there too. You find it difficult to think of something to say, so you remain quiet as you sit down beside them. “Hey Anon...” Thunderlane speaks up. “...wanna play? This game is amazing!” You give a lazy wave of your hand. “Nah, I'm good...I'm not in the mood just now.” Your comment left both Thunderlane and Bulk staring at you like you were infected with the plague. “Anon? Are you all right?” Bulk asks, looking to you concerned. You nod your head slowly as you look to the TV with a blank stare. “Uh...You know what? I think I should go...It was fun hanging out Thunderlane. We should do this again sometime.” Bulk says, awkwardly getting up and making to the door. “Uh...it was good seeing you too Anon.” He says as he leaves. Thunderlane turns to you with a concerned look. “Anon? What's going on.” He asks, concern covering his face. With a breathy sigh you sit back. “Nothing...everything is fine.” Once you say that, he punches your arm...hard. “Don't lie to me! Tell me what's wrong now, because you're starting to scare me!” You cock an eyebrow at his statement. “Yeah! It's that obvious!” He says, a reassuring hoof on your shoulder. “What's going on” You sigh heavily and let your head fall back on the sofa. “I asked Prench out.” You say. A lot of emotions from earlier returning to you. “...She said we were just friends.” You look back up at Thunderlane. “It's because I'm not a pony. Why she doesn't see me like, that is.” Thunderlane looks to you, mouth agape. “She didn't say it, but I could tell that was the reason.” Thunderlane just pats your back as you lean back into the chair. “Gosh man, I'm sorry. Do you want to play something to take your mind off of it?” You shake your head. “No thanks. I think I just want to stay in my room and have some time to myself.” You move to get up, but Thunderlane holds you down with a hoof on your leg and looks straight at you. “You know that if you need anypony to talk to...I'm always here.” He says as he removing his hoof. You nod and go to your bedroom, closing the door, sitting down on the bed and letting your body fall back. When you are finally in that position, Lying on the bed, alone in your room, You finally let your emotions show and let yourself fall into a depressed period of self pity and wallowing. “Anon? You okay in there?” Thunderlane calls through the door. You just grunt and hope that he heard you. About an hour ago, you heard Prench's voice through the door. She wasn't talking to you, in fact, she was probably talking to Thunderlane at the front door. She wanted to see if you were okay, but thankfully, Thunderlane made her go away. He was a bro when he needed to be and you didn't want to see her. You just laid there, on your bed. Wallowing in your pain for a few hours, then you started to rethink your entire life in Equestria, to kill time. (as you do.) You started to think about certain, life changing, points in your life, Such as; the time you came to Equestria and the amount of confusion that coaxed your body when you saw your first talking pony. The first time you were allowed outside, when the ponies deemed you 'mostly harmless' after extensive research. Going to school, meeting Thunderlane, getting your own first apartment, getting your first job, meeting Prench Roast...and back to your depression...fuck you were doing so well with distracting yourself. Looking to the picture on your bedside table, you see all of your friends at that Nightmare Night party a few months back...That was where it all started, when Prench took this casual 'flirting' too far and caused you to grow feelings for her that she would never return..it hurt you to think like this, it really did...but there was nothing you could do about it. It was true, but maybe you could get through this...you were lonely sure, but you always had your friends who would have your side, because there's nothing like friendship that could- *Knock**Knock* “Anon?” Thunderlane calls through the door again. Thank god for that, you were starting to get really gay with that interior monologue. “What?” “Uh...LC's here to see you.” You sigh. “I just want to be left alone.” You say through the door. “She insists, like really insists.” You sigh dejectedly, despite no one seeing you through the door. Opening the door, you see Loving Care is standing there, adorning a saddle bag and her locket. She gives you a warm smile when she sees you. “Come on Anon. Get dressed and get ready. We're going to the club.” You cock an eyebrow and give her the best 'wat' face you can. She giggles and points to the door. “Thunderlane told me what happened and I thought I'd come repay you for helping me in my time of need.” She says with a prideful grin. You cross your arms in defense. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, but I don't think I want to.” “Anon. It's not going to help you to stay in your room all day and mope around. You need to get out there and get over this. Trust me, I know.” Is she serious? Like seriously serious? A club? “I'm not in the mood to go out and-” “Anon! Go and get dressed!” She says with a stern tone. You grunt in irritation and head onto your room, where you remove your work uniform and get into some jeans and a shirt. Still reluctant, you head out into the living area and go to sit on the couch. “I'm dressed, but I'm not going out and you can't make me.” Just as soon as you said that, Thunderlane had wrapped his forelegs around your chest and under your arms and proceeded to drag you out of the apartment. “Dude!” You shout, trying to pull away. Thunderlane pulling with all of his might. You try to plant your feet on the floor, but Thunderlane is strong enough to counter that. “Sorry man...it's for your own good.” He says, showing strain of having to drag your heavy body out into the hallway. Loving Care is waiting for you there and once Thunderlane drops you off, he charges back into the apartment and slams the door, where you hear multiple heavy duty bolts and chains being slid into place...you both were rather paranoid about intruders. Ironic how everyone you know can just get in without any difficulty. “Shall we go?” Loving Care asks in a chipper voice. Sighing in defeat, you just look around confused. “Uh...is it just us?” She nods. “Yes, it appears nopony else could make it so...it's just you and me, bad mouthing Prench behind her back.” That gets a laugh out of you, before you both head out of the building. “So where are we headed.” You ask. She looks to you with a sly grin. “Oh, I was thinking 'The Broken Record?'” She says, looking to you with raised eyebrows. “Sure.” You say flatly. So it was going to be one of those nights. (Background Music) “So I ask If it was because I was human and she doesn't move a muscle!” You shout over the loud and, quite frankly, shit music. Loving Care listened intently to your retelling of your day. You were both sat at the bar, getting drink after drink after drink. You were shitfaced pretty quickly. “That's a shame Anon. She clearly couldn't see what she would be missing!” She says, buying you another drink. You take it without hesitation as she gets her own. “So she even said that she didn't expect me to take her advances the way I did...She fucking KISSED me!...” You let your head fall on the table. “...I-I just don't know any more. You mares are all just too fucking complicated!” Loving Care takes a swig out of her glass, as she looks up with a hint of offense. “Th-That's not fair Anon...Not all mares are that...what's the word?...mixed signals?...yeah! That!” She takes another swig... Before you can say anything, Vinyl Scratch comes over and takes a seat next to the two of you. “Ayyy! What are you guys doing here?” She asks looking at the two of you. Loving Care looks to Vinyl as she nudges her head towards you. “Hey man, what's up?” She says, bumping your shoulder. You just nod solemnly. She appears to get the picture as she sees your expression. “Yeah, I heard about you and Prench, Anon. Tough brake man. tough break.” You grunt, taking another sip of your drink. “Hey, take it easy on those by the way. They're pretty strong.” You nod as she looks back up to her deck area. “Shoot! Gotta go, my slot's coming up...” She leans in close to you. “...Hey, If you ever need a real mare...I know a few that would be interested.” She winks at you and dashes off towards her deck, leaving you and Loving Care alone again. “Well, that was subtle.” Loving Care says with a laugh. You just sigh and down the rest of your drink then order another. You down your 'n'th glass of whatever the fuck this stuff is. You stopped caring about ten minutes into this whole thing. Loving Care was getting pretty hammered as well, so you had to keep a drunk eye on her. She was sticking to your side mostly, so you didn't need to be too focused on her. She leans against you for support as you down your 'n'th + 1 glass of whatever the fuck this stuff is. You smiled as the next one came without even having to ask. You were starting to like this place. “I mean, why?... Why me? D-Do I not deserve to be happy?” You ask Loving Care as she fumbles with her glass. The club had died down considerably, as it was getting pretty late now. The two of you were sitting in a booth in the corner. You look at Loving Care's innocent fumbling as she tries and fails to get the drink in her hooves, spilling it several times. You reach over and grab the glass in your hand, lifting it to her mouth, where she readily accepts the mind numbing poison inside. You however remember something you really should have asked about earlier. “Hey... W-Where's... Button?” You ask. “That! That right there! That is why he calls you 'dad'” She says in her drunken voice. “Wha?” She smiles as she reaches over and touched you on the chest lightly. “There! You are completely...*hic*...hammered...and if somepony was to come...*hic*... over, they'd not be able to tell.” You furrow your brows at her. “Y-Your point being?” She sighs. “You care about him enough for him to...*hic*...think about him when you're....when you're....when you're smashed.” She says with an almost sad tone. Yeah she was gone. “That's all well and good, but where is he?” She waves her hoof in the air exasperatedly. “H-He's sleeping over at his friends. I decided to let him stay, when I found out about you.” You smile, nodding to Loving Care. “Thanks.” You look down and start to stir the alcoholic substance with a finger. Loving Care looks to you with a quizzical expression. “Anon? Are you okay?” You sigh and lean forward, Loving Care's expression growing more concerned. “Yeah...I'm fine I guess...just tired...maybe we should just go home.” She smiles knowingly and gets out of her seat. “Forget about Prench. She's a...she's a...a bitch!” She screams as you wince from her outburst. “That's not fair. S-She just doesn't return my feelings. D-Doesn't mean...she's a bitch.” Loving Care smiles as she falls flat on her face, giggling like the drunkard she is. “Maybe I need some help.” She says, laughing like a school filly. You laugh for a moment, before leaning over and lifting her to her hooves. “let's go.” You say, walking beside her to keep her from falling over as she did the same for you. *Click* The sound of the latch on the door closing finally allowed you to relax. You had both made it back to Loving Care's place relatively unharmed. She had managed to sober up a bit, but you were still going strong. “Do you want some wine?” She asks, looking into the kitchen. “No thanks.” “Oh go on. Live a little.” You shrug and nod. She smiles and goes into the kitchen, retrieves a bottle and two glasses. Taking a seat on the floor in front of the sofa, you take one of the glasses as Loving Care fills it up. She holds her own glass up in a toast, as she takes a seat next to you. “To moving on.” She says, clinking her glass to yours. You sigh heavily, looking to the floor in sadness. “Anon? Are you sure you're okay?” You look back up to her, blinking heavily. “Yeah, I'm fine.” You say quietly. She doesn't believe you and nudges your shoulder. “Spit...spit it out.” You cock an eyebrow and shake your head. “...I-I'm fine.” She jabs you again harder. “Spit. It. Out.” She says, her eyes narrowing as her tone goes stern. “I'm fine-” “Now.” You sigh in resignation. You weren't getting out of this easily. “I'm just thinking about Prench... Well, I'm thinking about everyone. I-I just don't like how I'm the only human in this world and just because of that...I'm doomed to be alone forever.” You say, taking a deep gulp of your wine...the taste is horrible, but the alcohol is giving you a kick so you down it all. “Oh Anon, You're not going to be alone forever. I promise. You are one of the sweetest, kindest individuals I know." She says, patting you on the shoulder. You shrug with a bashful smile, as you take another gulp of wine. "This is good. What is it?" You ask, raising your glass to her. "It's one of Berry Punch's special bottles." She says calmly. "Damn thing cost me eighty bits." She says with a laugh. "You really should have saved it for an important occasion." She shrugs and nudges your shoulder. "What could be more important than cheering you up. If you're upset then we're all screwed." She laughs loudly. The alcohol in her system starting to take hold again. You sigh heavily and Loving Care notices. "Anon, you need to forget about Prench. She's wrong, okay? You are one of the best individuals I know. You care, you're funny, you always put other before yourself. and to top it off, you're cute as tartarus. You're a good person Anon. And if Prench can't see that, then she's wrong." She says, the alcohol causing her to not realize half of what she said, but you did. You stared into those magnificent blue pools that stared right back at yours. All of the pain of today washing away, like dirt in a shower. Your heart beating faster and faster as you gazed upon her beauty. You were a fool all this time, denying the obvious, denying your feelings. But not any more. You lean forward and peck her on the lips and quickly retreat. Nothing too passionate, just enough for her to notice...and boy did she noticed. She stared at you wide eyed, touching a hoof to her lips, blushing like crazy...Oh fuck. You screwed up again didn't you? “Eh, I'm sorry...it's just you were so- Mrmph!” With barely enough time to blink, she has forced her lips back onto yours, swinging her body over your own, straddling your hips as she places her forelegs on your shoulders. You were surprised, but you soon lean forward into the kiss, Bringing your hands up to stroke her mane and back. She returns the gesture by leaning more into you, causing you to fall onto your back. You're a little shocked when you felt her tongue probing at your lips, seeking entrance. However, you were more than happy to oblige. As soon as you opened your mouth, her tongue dived in, exploring every part it could reach. You try to do the same, but your tongue just keeps pushing and tangling with her own. You could taste the alcohol on her tongue and you assumed you didn't taste any better. Not that she minded, as She was moaning loudly into your mouth, a moan you were more than happy to return as your tongues intertwined and wrestled for dominance. You were in a state of total bliss, however, you both had to, reluctantly, come up for air as you tore yourselves apart from each other, thin strands of saliva connecting your mouths together. You both stare into each others eyes, panting like dogs. She leans forward and kisses you again. A short, but passionate kiss. She then leans up to your ear and whispers seductively. “I want you Anon. I want you right now.” Your body stiffens. This was moving way too fast for your liking. You stroke a stray strand of hair out of her face and gaze upon her lovingly. “W-We can't...w-we're drunk and this is a little too soon and...” She shuts you up by shoving her tongue down your throat again, knocking you back onto your back. However, she breaks it off a lot quicker than before and looks deep into your eyes, tracing her hoof in circles along your chest. “Anon...I-I haven't done this in a long time...I need you now.” You gulp, you couldn't actually do this, could you? You were both drunk off of your asses. There was no question, you couldn't do this. "Care, I don't-" “Please?” The sheer need and want in her voice and the way she was looking at you tore through your resolve as you reached up and kissed her tenderly. She eagerly responded. You reach your hand back and push yourselves off of the floor, holding Loving Care in one of your arms. She giggles and removes her mouth from yours, leaving it close enough to feel her breath on your face. “Are we going to the bedroom?” She whispers seductively. Instead of answering you heft her further up your body and kiss her lightly on the snout, holding her with one arm around her back and the other under her rump as she squeals in delight. Her tail flicks around wildly as you ascend the stairs. You hold her close every step of the way. Your mouths only separating for oxygen briefly, then quickly reconnecting in a loving entangling of tongues. You were apparently trying to slam each other into every different wall part, because by the time you reached her bedroom door, half of the picture frames on the walls were knocked down. You slam against her bedroom door as you moan into each others mouths. You remove one of your hands from your soon-to-be lover and fumble for the handle. Struggling to find it. You finally get the door open and you both fall back onto the floor. Fortunately, she landed on top of you. She laid there, on your chest, her hooves on each of your shoulders, her warmth seeping through your shirt, her eyes staring at you half lidded. “Anon?” She says, leaning down so that your foreheads touch. “Yeah?” You ask slyly. She looks you up and down and licks her lips. “Get on the bed.” Loving Care flopped onto your chest, panting heavily. Both of your bodies were drenched in sweat and...other things. She looks up to you lovingly. She leans over and kisses you again, slowly and passionately, taking time to caress your cheek. When she breaks the kiss, she gazes upon your naked form, blushing and smiling. “I-I love you.” She breaths, clutching onto your side. Your heart fluttered as her words reached your ears. You reached your arm around her form and held her close. “I-I love you too.” You say, kissing the top of her head. “No. Anon, I mean, I-I love you...I really love you...” She says as she falls asleep, her head on your chest. You sigh as you lean further into her and cradle her sleeping form. “I love you too. More than anything.” You whisper. She didn't hear you, but you knew she knew. And with that, you drag the covers over the two of you and allow yourself to fall into the most comfortable sleep you have ever had. Author's Note God, that last bit was awkward to write. (How do so many people do it.) So, if you want, tell me what you think, I could use the feedback. and until next time. Stay awesome! Chapter Eleven: "..."The morning sunlight leaks through the curtains of the bedroom, gently blanketing the room in a soft, yellow glow. You take deep, calm breaths as you lie, wide eyed, in Loving Care's bed. You were trying to piece together the events of last night and you were having a pretty hard time doing it, but based on what you can remember and the fact that you are lying, naked, in Loving Care's bed with Loving care herself having half of her body using yours as a pillow, you can make a few guesses as to what happened... and given a few of the scenarios, you really couldn't give a shit about the hang over that was digging into your skull. Loving Care was lying there with one of her forelegs lazily draped across your chest with her head resting on your shoulder. Her mane is untied and disheveled and She lies there with a happy smile on her face, her chest gently rising and falling as she subconsciously snuggles into your chest, gripping your form tighter as a precaution if you were to try to leave. You slept with her. You fucking slept with Loving Care, just hours after you got rejected by Prench. “THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” You internally scream. You try your absolute hardest to not flip the fuck out at this revelation, resisting the urge to jump out of bed and just bolt it down the street... somehow, you do. You find the urge to not do that... you just look down at Loving Care once more, seeing her happy face, like nothing was ever wrong. It making your heart want to leap out of your chest. What is wrong with this? You couldn't help, but smile as you stroked her mane gently, trying not to wake her as you sorted through the chaotic tangles in her hair, which you undoubtedly gave her last night. The sunlight seeps in and compliments her beauty greatly as her form shifts and stirs as she begins to wake from unconsciousness. Her eyes flicker a few times, before they lift themselves open and gaze up at you tiredly... “Anon?” She murmurs through a tired voice. “Good morning.” You smile down at her happily. “Anon!” She stumbles and throws herself from the bed and lands a good few feet away from you. Her eyes wide with shock, her breathing erratic. “Care? What's wrong?” You ask in a worried tone. Loving Care looks down at herself and then to you, wide eyed and panicked “D-D-Did we...?” Oh shit. “I-I think so.” You say as calmly as you can. Loving Care cringes and clutches her head in her hooves. “Oh no. OhNoOhNoOhNo.” “Care, what's wrong?” You say crawling out of bed. Before you can do so however, Loving Care picks up your clothes and throws them ~~to~~ at you and rushes out of the room in such a panic that you didn't have time to question her distress. You quickly throw on your boxers, jeans and shirt and rush down the stairs with your footwear in hand. You come down into the living room, the wine from last night still on the coffee table. Loving Care Lies on the sofa, face down groaning loudly into the cushion. “Care? What's going on?” She raises her head to look at you. The look she gives you makes your stomach sink to your feet. It was a look of shame and regret. “C-Care?” You stutter out, trying not to worry too much. There wasn't anything to worry about... right? “Oh Anon.” She says sympathetically. “I am so sorry.” Those four words cause your stomach to lurch forward in a panic. What's going on?! “W-Why?... What's wrong?” You stutter out. Seeing your pained expression causes her to look to the floor and scrunch up her face. “L-last night... it was an accident...I-I never meant for...this... to happen.” She says, using her hoof to gesture to the two of you. “An accident?...h-how?” You say pitifully, Your situation with Prench yesterday not seeming so bad any more. “Anon. I am so Sorry! It was all a terrible mistake.” She says, her body language expressing how much it was hurting her to do this... you couldn't help, but wish you were her right now. It would hurt less “You didn't seem so bothered by it last night.” You state, anger starting to well up in your person. “A-Anon, I never meant for it to happen, We were both drunk, You kissed me and then I-...Oh Celestia!” She says, burying her face in her hooves again. “You s-said you loved me.” Tears were starting to well up in your eyes as her expression turned for one of pain, to one of shock. “I-I did? I-I-I was drunk!...I didn't-” “What!? Mean it?! Of course not. You just practically begged me to screw you, I said we shouldn't. WHY?! Because we were drunk! But you insisted! You pleaded and begged me, but of course it was meaningless! Because Nobody can love the fucking monkey, can they!?” She visibly recoils from your shouting, her own tears beginning to stream down her face. “I-I never said that...” She croaks out, trying to keep her composure. You sigh, desperately trying to regain control of your own emotions. “A-Anon...You are one of my most best friends. I-I would never want to hurt you.” Her gaze turns to the floor, but promptly returns to you when you scoff loudly. “Really? Then what was this?! Some cheep fuck that you piss off before I wake up and hope I forget about ?! No you know what? Fuck this!” You turn to leave. Your shoes, still not attached, but you couldn't give a rat's ass. “Anon wait!” She calls, but you turn and give her a death glare while thrusting a finger in her direction accusingly. “No! Don't!” You spit. She freezes in place as Her ears clutch her head and her gaze averts yours, she lets out a pitiful whimper, like a dog who's in trouble from their master for destroying the family vase. “A-Anon...please...I'm sorry. Can't we talk about this?” You don't answer, instead you just slam the door as hard as you can and collapse against it. You slip your shoes on, not bothering with the socks and just sit there, contemplating whether to go back in or not. You can hear the soft sobs of Loving Care, just like the day after you met her. Before you can calm down, you decide to head home. Your feet heavy, your head hung, and your fists clenched. Yesterday it hurt when you had to walk home after Prench hurt you. Now, you were so numb that you wish you could feel that pain again. Why did this happen? You open the door, rather forcefully and storm inside. Thunderlane, Flitter and Cloud Chaser are sat on the sofa, watching some movie you couldn't be bothered identifying. Thunderlane raises his head above the sofa to look at you. “Hey Anon. What happened last night? You never came home.” You don't answer. You just head to the fridge and grab three bottles of Applejack Daniels and a bucket from under the sink. Best to be safe “Anon?” Thunderlane asks, looking to you with concern and a hint of fear. “A little early to start drinking, don't ya think?” You continue to ignore him as you storm past them and toward your bedroom. “Anon?” You slam the door shut, making sure to secure it with a chair to avoid being disturbed. “Anon?” That sounded like Cloud Chaser. “You okay in there buddy?” You pop the top of the Bottle of whiskey and begin to down it, ignoring the rough burning sensation. You grab the remote to your music player and select the most appropriate song you can think of. (Poorly chosen Atmospheric music.) “Anon?” You sat there, dried tears crusting your cheeks. Your second bottle of Jack cradled in your paws, half empty. You hated this, everything about it. You remember being in a similar situation yesterday. You remember how you were in so much hurt that you couldn't move. You wished you could go back and tell that little pussy to man the fuck up! Next to today, you might as well have won the lottery. You couldn't help, but keep thinking about Care and her face as she told you that last night was meaningless, when you shouted at her and when you slammed the door on her. Where you in the wrong? Did you overreact? You were too harsh weren't you?... You can't control who she likes and doesn't like so why are you acting like this?...what? No! This isn't about the fact that she doesn't like you. This is about the fact that she slept with you, confessed her love to you and then she took it all back the next morning. Drunk or not, what she did hurt you and you may feel bad about hurting her, but you never want to see her again. Ever. “Anon?” Flitter's voice rings out through the door. “LC told us what happened. Are you okay?” you can physically feel your eye twitch. “Take a wild fucking guess.” You say in your most sarcastic voice. “Please come out. We just want to help you.” You can feel a smile tug at your lips as you thought up your response. “The last person who tried to help me ended up fucking me, breaking my heart and making me feel ten times worse within a day. Forgive me if I'm a little bit skeptical.” You say curling up into a ball and trying to fall asleep. “I doubt we're going to do that Anon.” Flitter says quietly. “And I bet she doubted she was going to do it as well. Now fuck off.” Silence and the gentle sound of retreating hooves are your only response. What now? You couldn't stay in your room forever and as much as you'd like to, you can't avoid both Prench and Loving Care. You work with one of them and you technically work for one of them. Button. You forgot about him, what's going to happen with him? You couldn't possibly keep picking him up from school and babysitting him could you?...You'd have to see Loving Care again soon, so what can you do? You begin to wonder if you should just end it. Right now. It'd be easy, hung by shoe laces, broken bottle to the jugular, jump out the window?...No! If there's one thing you're not, Anon, it's a coward. You'd never kill yourself you're being melodramatic. *knock* *Knock* *Knock* And you had a sneaking suspicion that that knocking on the front door was going to be one of them. Straining your ears to hear what's going on, you try to eavesdrop on the conversation at the front door. “Prench? What are you doing here?-oof!” Thunderlane says. You assume Prench forced her way inside. “I'm here to see Anon. Where is he?” Prench says in her passive aggressive tone. “I Wouldn't do that. He's not in a good mood.” Cloud Chaser says. You could practically feel the hot breath of air Prench lets out as she gives Cloud Chaser a death glare. “He'll be better than he was yesterday.” She says, knocking on your door. “Prench, I wouldn't.” Thunderlane says cautiously. “Well, I'm not you, am I?” Prench snarkily replies, continuing to bang on your door. “Anon! Open up!” To her complete surprise, you do. The door opens to reveal a confused and concerned Prench. Though her expression shifts to relief when she sees you. “Anon, I'm sorry about yesterday and I'll admit that the flirting and the hinting was just cruel and I apologize for that. I really never did mean to hurt you like I did and... I'm sorry.” She rambles off, her gaze averted, trying not to look at you. You sigh and roll your shoulders. “It's fine.” She looks up to you in bewilderment, shock and confusion. “It's fine?” She says, confused. You nod once more. “What you did wasn't that bad anyway.” You say with a sad smile, while you close the door and barricading it again with the chair. “What the buck happened yesterday?!” You hear Prench say to the others. Confusion and worry evident in her voice. She could probably tell you were upset. You tune out the rest of their conversation. It didn't seem important to you any more. You look out of the window sadly as the sun was going down, finally putting an end to this horrible day. The light in the room was dissipating and you decided to try and get some sleep. You should probably try to figure out what you were going to say to Loving Care, next time you see her. “SHE DID WHAT!?!?” Prench screams at the top of her voice. The sound of the front door slamming open, then shut, can be heard as she charged out of the apartment. Oh never mind. It looks like you won't have to see Loving Care ever again after all. “Anon. Come on out now. You've been in there all day.” Thunderlane says through the door. You shrug it off and remain quiet. “Anon, come on. Please. You're scaring us.” Cloud Chaser calls out. Her tone is one of worry and concern. Just like everyone else who's spoken to you today. “I-I'm fine.” You croak, though you make no effort to sound convincing. “Anon. Don't lie to us. We only want to talk.” Thunderlane says. “Yeah. I went to see LC and she feels horrible about hurting you. You should have seen her.” Your stomach starts to lurch forward. You were starting to feel really guilty about this whole thing now. You were handling this like a child, you hurt Loving Care and you were alienating yourself from your friends. You knew all of this and you wanted to stop it, you wanted to get up and forget about this whole thing ever happened... so why couldn't you just open that damn door? “I-I'm fine. Could you just leave me alone... please?” You whimper out struggling to keep your voice from cracking. You can hear the heavy sigh of the ponies on the other side of the door. “We'll be out here if you need us Anon.” Thunderlane says as you curl up tight into a ball and let yourself fall asleep. Why do you feel so hollow? You awoke about ten minute ago, slightly hung over, but aside from that (and the depression) You were fine. You'd only gotten about two hours of sleep, but despite that, you couldn't drift off again. Like you'd taken a few cups of coffee and an adrenaline shot before you went to sleep. Anyone who was outside your room had stopped knocking and you'd assumed they'd finally decided to let you have your wish of being left alone. You'd finished all three bottles of Applejack Daniels and you had nothing to eat and quite frankly, you were starting to need a piss. You sit up in your bed and look around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The place was still a mess and you still had all of your Hearth warming crap lying around. You never did bother to find a place for all of it. How did everything go to shit so quickly for you? Did you insult some all powerful deity and you were being fucked with because of it? Do you just not deserve to be happy?... or are you just a human in a place where he doesn't belong? That last one sounds about right. You don't belong here, among the ponies that is, You never did. No wonder you had trouble finding happiness. It's like enzymes or some shit. It only works on specific environments... or something like that. You don't remember much from human school and you couldn't be fucked trying to remember it. All you knew is you were in a place that you couldn't be happy and you hated that. You gaze back to your hearth warming presents again and sigh heavily. You were being childish. And so, with a heavy sigh and a lot of will power, you crawl out of bed and move towards the door. You could tell from the lighting that the TV was on, so someone was out there. With mild hesitation, you removed the chair you used to keep the door closed and clutch the door handle. Pulling the door open, you see Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser snuggled on the sofa together under a blanket, staring at the TV. At least that was until they say you. They look to you like you were a deer they were trying not to startle into running away. “Heeeyyyy Anon.” Cloud Chaser says calmly. “You okay?” You just shrug and look down at your feet. "um...yeah... look, I'm sorry about today. I-I guess I've just been having a rough couple of days." You say with a sheepish, sad, smile. Thunderlane smiles and nods to the seat next to him. "That's okay buddy. You wanna watch the heat with us?" You look to the TV and see that in fact they are watching terrible movie which you despise. “Sure.” You quietly say as you take a seat on the sofa next to Thunderlane, who looks at you like you were just shot or something. “Anon. Are you sure you're okay?” Instead of answering, you look to the two of them nestled on the sofa together. “You two back together or something?” You ask. They just look to each other and then to you in uncertainty. “It's all right guys. I'm not made of glass.” Cloud Chaser smiles sadly and nods. You genuinely smile and lean back into the sofa. “That's nice...” You state with a breath. Someone needs to be happy. The room falls into silence as you continue to watch the heat. You must have been pretty wasted, because you couldn't give two shits about the terrible writing, acting, effects, filming, budget or even that one creepy bastard who needs to be shot in the dick... but you were thinking too clearly to be drunk. You sit forward and let out a sigh of resignation. “I-I think I'm going to leave.” You say, breaking the silence. Neither of them deciding to look from the TV. Cloud Chaser just offers a grunt, whereas Thunderlane decides to speak up. “Oh? Do you need one of us to go with you?” He says, not averting his gaze from the sheer terribleness of the film. You sigh heavily. “N-No I don't think you understand... I think I'm going to leave... Equestria.” The look you received from them nearly broke your heart... again. Author's Note heh heh... I'm gonna receive soooo much hate for this chapter. Quick question. who saw this coming? (I want to know if I can throw stuff at you you're not expecting. ) yeah, so... not much else to say really just...try not to hurt your fingers angrily typing hate messages. Also stay awesome. Now, Time to log out and get out of the country. Chapter Twelve: Hellos and Goodbyes.“W-What?” Thunderlane blubbers out. His face is laced with hurt and sadness. Cloud Chaser stays quiet, though her expression is one of extreme shock. The TV has been turned off so they could give you one hundred percent of their attention. “I-I'm... leaving...” You say. “...I'm leaving Equestria... indefinitely.” Thunderlane relaxes a bit and starts to smile, then chuckles, then burst out into full on laughing. “Oh Anon. You are too funny. You nearly got me. I swear man, I was this close to...to...” He stops his desperate rambling when he sees that you're not laughing. His face grows sad once more as he looks at you again. “W-W-Why?” He asks sadly, looking to you like a dog who's being left in the woods. “I...don't belong here. I never did.” You say quietly, hoping that they'd get the idea. “What!? Yes you do. You've lived here for the past seven years! You belong here more than anypony I know!” Cloud Chaser states. You sigh heavily...too much to hope for you guess. “It's not about others. It's about myself. I just don't feel like I belong here.” Thunderlane just looks to you like you're insane. He then gets up off of the sofa, slowly trots into his room and slams the door. Cloud Chaser looks at you in concern. “Are you sure, Anon?” You nod solemnly. You felt horrible about this, but it is something you have to do. Cloud Chaser sighs and touches your shoulder with a hoof reassuringly for a moment, then joins Thunderlane in his room. (More poorly chosen music) Moments later you can hear the muffled music coming from his room. “huh, fitting” You lean back into the chair sighing heavily. You were going to need to get organized soon. Monday This was going to be a hard week... you are leaving on Friday You've decided you're going to leave for the Minotaurian Republic first. You hope that if they have a similar look to you then maybe you could belong there. At least they have hands. On Friday you're going to take a train to Manehattan and then an airship to Ironhelm, the Minotaur capital. You spent the entirety of yesterday arguing with Thunderlane about this... he is still taking this pretty bad... at least he has Cloud Chaser to comfort him. You're about to hand in your notice to Coffee Grain just now. You knock on the door to her office twice, waiting for a response. “Come in.” You hear called through the wood. You open the door and smile at Coffee Grain. “Good morning Mr Unknown.” She smiles when she sees you and looks to the clock on the wall. “You're here early.” Your smile falters as you hand her the envelope, she takes it in her hoof and opens it with a letter opener. You don't say a word as she reads it through, her happy demeanor, falling to a more saddened look. “Oh?” She looks back up to you sadly. “You're resigning?” You nod. “I'm leaving on Friday.” You say solemnly. Coffee Grain just smiles. “Well I hope you enjoy your last week here.” She says with a reassuring nod. You smile and turn to leave. “Thanks.” You say simply. She doesn't say anything as you leave her office. “Anon get your ass up and get to table three!” You head over to table three with your tray. Today was a quiet one. There were about nine people in the cafe today so you didn't have to work too hard... however Muffin Top believed differently. “Table six!” She thrusts a full tray into your hands and shoos you on your way. You roll your eyes and take it, dropping it off at table six and returning to her, this time she just leaves you be. “So... I heard you're leaving.” She says as some form of conversation starter. You nod. “Yes, I'm going to Ironhelm.” You say, bored out of your mind. She nods her head in acknowledgment. “Finally. I Hope you enjoy it. Ya twat.” She says enthusiastically. “Thanks.” You say sarcastically. You both return to silence rather quickly, waiting for someone to need something from you so you have something to do. “Sooo... see any good movies lately?” You ask, trying to dispel the awkwardness. Muffin Top just looks to you in the corner of her eye. “No.” She states, returning her gaze forward. Well, you tried. Since there was nothing to worry about just now, you decided to produce a mental check-list of everything that needs to be done before Friday. You'd need some new clothes for Ironhelm, you'd need to figure out what was going to happen with your stuff that you weren't taking, you needed to figure out what was happening with Button... oh fuck it's going to be hard to tell him. He thinks you're his dad or something and what about Loving Care? You'll have to see her today won't you?... fuck it, you'll cross that bridge when you come to it, but for now- “Anon!” Muffin Top shouts in your face. You look to her to see her peeved off expression. “Yes?” You say irritably. “Shift's over. We can go now.” She says simply and trots off, leaving her post for the next stallion. How long were you in thought? You nod absentmindedly and head back towards Coffee Grains office for you payment. Coffee Grain was a little less talkative than she usually is. She just handed you your slip and sent you on your way. When you leave you see Prench walking towards the office. Fuck, you forgot that she has the shift after you today. You try and avoid eye contact and try and walk past her. She seems to be trying to do the same thing. This is stupid, you need to tell her anyway. “Prench I...” Before you could say anything more, she shoves you into the supply closet and pins you against the wall opposite the door, which closes from the sheer force of it being slammed open. “You're leaving?!” She shouts in your face, her expression is one of dread, disbelief and a little...hurt? She's hoping against hope that it isn't true. You just sigh and look down, ashamed that she found out before you could tell her. “Spoke to Thunderlane, huh?” Her grip on your shoulders tightens, her eyes brimming with tears. “Why?” She whimpers out, you look to your feet in shame. “I-I don't belong here... I should-” She socks you in the stomach. You grunt in pain from the impact as she drops down to all fours, looking to you with hurt in her eyes. “I-Is this because of me?” She whimpers out, stray tears starting to trickle down her face. “Prench I-mrph!” She jumps up again, pins you against the wall and forces her mouth onto yours, your eyes widen in shock from the unexpected gesture. You shove her off of you. She staggers back from the force, desperation in her expression. “What the fuck are you doing!?” You say in a harsh whisper, looking at her in shocked anger. “I can fix this can't I?! I-I just need to...to...” she looks back to the door to check that it's closed and props herself up on you again, leaning in close, Her eyes hopeful. “Anon. I'll be with you! I'll kiss you! I'll sleep in the same bed as you! I'll fuck you! just please...please... don't leave.” She says desperately, tears now freely falling down her face. What the fuck is she saying?! You look at her with disgust and shove her to the side then walk towards the door. “Anon!?” She calls in a last ditch effort to stop you. “Prench. Just... look at yourself...” You say, waving your hand around in her general direction. “...You're embarrassing yourself.” You turn to leave, but just before you do you look back at her, sitting on her rump, tears leaking onto the floor. “And for the record...” She looks up at you again, pleading with her eyes for you to stay. “...It was never about just sex Prench.” You close the door and leave the cafe, a few colleagues watching you with concern. You ignore them. “Dad!” Button runs up to you and clutches to your leg in a hug. You ruffle his hair, pushing his beanie to the side. He just smiles up at you. A few of the other... um...the parents of other children smile at the two of you, whereas others couldn't give a shit. You were worried that Loving Care would have come and gotten him herself, because of what happened between the two of you. You thought she'd assume you'd just not bother to collect him. Fortunately she didn't. She knew you were going to be here to pick him up because you'd never do that to him. You promised. “Hey Buddy. How was school?” You ask as he removes himself from your leg, smiling up at you as the two of you make to leave the school grounds. “It was good. We went over the second Everfree blizzard of Equestria, the transfer of power from the pony council to the princesses and we have an assignment for Thursday and-” “Button!” Someone calls out behind you. Looking around, you see that it is in fact the teacher. Cheerilee, if you remember correctly. She rushes up to the colt and presents him with a piece of paper. “You nearly forgot your assignment, Button. You simply must be more careful when packing up your things.” She smiles down at him as he takes the paper and places it in his right saddle bag. “Thanks Miss Cheerilee!” He beams up at her as she inspects you curiously. “Who's this?” She asks. He bounces around you excitedly. “This is my dad! His name is Anon! He's the kindest most bestest dad in all of Equestria! ” She cocks an eyebrow at you, confused, and you just shrug. Cheerilee just shakes her confusion away and smiles at the two of you as she shoos you off. “Well it was nice meeting you Mr Anon and Button, be sure to finish that report by Thursday. It's important.” Button wraps his one of his forelegs around you leg in a show of companionship. “I will Miss Cheerilee! Dad will help me! Won't you dad?” Both Button and Cheerilee look to you expectantly. You shrug your shoulders. “It's for Thursday, so I guess I can help.” The mare nods and leaves the two of you be. Button bounces in place for a moment excitedly. “Come on dad!” He shouts as he starts to go down the street to his house. You follow him slowly, dreading having to go back to that house. Button has been in his room for the past two hours. You told him that the two of you would work on that assignment tomorrow because he had time. That, and you couldn't be fucked right now. Loving Care would be home any minute and that was just going to be awkward. You didn't know how you were going to react and you honestly didn't want to find out at this moment in time, but fate had other plans. The sound of the door opening could be heard throughout the apartment as a set of hooves come slowly down the corridor. You couldn't see her yet, but her walking is slow and lacks any enthusiasm what so ever. You can't tell if she's feeling down or she's just trying to avoid angering you. Like slowly retreating from an threatening dog. She comes into the living room and the two of you make eye contact for the first time since Saturday morning. There's an awkward silence as the two of you try to think of what to say to each other... well she probably is. You're trying to stop the anger that was welling up inside of you from showing. “H-Hello...” She stammers out. That did it! You have to leave now before you say... or do something that you're gonna regret. “He's upstairs.” You say flatly, standing up and walking past her. She turns to look at you with a hurt expression. You open the door and head out. “A-Anon?...” You slam the door shut. You're over reacting, this was stupid, but the amount of pain she caused you... you couldn't just forget that. You don't listen to the other side of the door, you just close the door and walk away. You were going to have to figure out a way to deal with that... but not right now. “Okay, wait. wait. Wait. All of them?” Thunderlane asks, looking over your games that were spread out along the floor. You nod. “Yes. I want you to sift through all of these, figure out which games you don't have. Then from what's left figure out which games Button doesn't have and then what's left can go to charity or something.” He looks to you like you're insane “All of them?” You nod again. “Yes. I'm not going to need them where I'm going and they'll just collect dust otherwise.” You say, looking at all of the different games covers, you weren't going to need these at all in Ironhelm and you might as well give them away to someone who would enjoy them. “Anon... I don't want these.” You cock an eyebrow at him in confusion. He never refused free games. “I-I want you to stay.” He says sadly. You groan and slowly rub hand through your hair. “Thunder, we've spoken about this. I just need to figure some stuff out. It's not gonna be forever.” you say reassuringly, but he doesn't look up. “It sure looks like forever.” He says, nodding towards the pile of games. You had a lot of good memories with him and these covers and now?... You just sigh and place a hand on his shoulder. “Thunder, I have to.” He bats away you hoof angrily. “No you don't! You don't have to go just because of... A fucking mare! You lived here for seven years celibate and you were perfectly fine! And now you screw one. Fucking. Mare. And you're leaving forever!” He shouts, his face portrays pain as he rants on. “Anon. I can be fine without Prench. I could be fine without Cloud Chaser. I could be fine with out Bulk, Lyra, Vinyl, Flitter and especially Loving-Fucking-Care!... But I don't want to loose my best friend... I can't.” He shouts angrily. “Thunder, I told you, it's not forever.” He looks to you confused and angry. “Why aren't you sad? You're getting rid of your old life! You're starting completely from scratch! How are you taking this so easily!?” You smile as you remember a familiar conversation with Loving Care. “What? Oh, I'm fine. I guess it's just...it's finally over. He's gone for good after today...and I guess, even though it's a new chapter to my life, I guess it's kind of sad saying goodbye to the old one. Do you know what I mean?” She asks turning to you. You had to put some thought into it but you could kind of, sort of, understand what she meant. “I think so, Like leaving school or leaving home for the first time?” She nods with a content smile. You smile to Thunderlane. “Of course I'm sad. I'm starting a new chapter in my life. And even though it's sad saying goodbye to the old one, I can still be happy that I'm starting a new one. And I know that you don't want me to leave, but I'm sorry. I feel like this is something I have to do.” Thunderlane just sighs, looks to the floor and picks up a case. “Even if I burn this?” He lifts up a DVD of 'the heat'. that gets a laugh out of you. “It is tempting, but no. Not even if you burn that.” You say as you both start to sift through the games cases quietly. Just content with each others company. “Do you think you could do me a favor?” You suddenly ask, Thunderlane's ears perk up at your question. “Depends what it is.” “Could you maybe watch Button for the last half hour until Loving Care gets home? I don't think I can deal with seeing her right now.” Thunderlane lifts his head up and furrows his brows. “You're not even going to talk to her about this?” You shake your head. “She made her feelings perfectly clear.” Thunderlane just sighs and nods his head. “I guess I could. What's going to happen with Button? After you leave, I mean.” You shrug your shoulders. “I don't know. Maybe I'll ask Prench to watch him or something.” You say lightly. “I wouldn't, she's pretty upset about the whole thing.” Thunderlane says, sifting through the games and placing them in three different piles. “I know. She payed me a visit this morning.” Thunderlane looks up to you curiously. “What did she say?” “It was fucked up. She was saying stuff like she'd sleep with me if I stayed and other bullshit like that. She was pretty desperate to get her way.” He cocks an eyebrow at you in further confusion. “I thought you wanted that?” You give him your 'are you serious' look and continue to go through the games cases. “No Thunderlane. I don't want a mare to be with me because they want something. I want a mare to be with me because they want to be with me. She just wants me to stay so she's desperately trying anything she can think of...it's actually quite insulting.” Thunderlane looks down dejectedly. “So you're really going through with this?” You nod. “Afraid so. Now hurry up. I want to watch a movie before it gets dark.” He smiles sadly at that and returns to sorting the cases into three piles. “The heat?” “Fuck you.” Tuesday “So tell me darling, what is it that you require?” Rarity says, a notepad and quill in her magical grasp. “I'm gonna need some warm weather clothes. Just some lighter shirts and bottoms. Nothing too drastic, but some cold weather clothes as well for winter and if I decide to head to Aviairis instead.” You say. Rarity nods jotting everything down. “That shouldn't be a problem, however I'm not sure I understand why you are leaving this early in the year.” You sigh with a shrug. “It's personal, I guess it's just a soul searching thing or something like that. I don't really know myself. I don't even know whether it's permanent or not.” Rarity nods, though with a furrowed brow. “Well I hope you find what you are looking for.” She says genuinely. “Thank you miss Rarity. I hope so too.” Rarity nods once and sighs sadly. “Well, I will miss you Anon. You are my best customer after all.” She smiles as she hands you the designs, which you just glanced over. They looked fine. “It helps when you're brought up to wear clothes all the time. It's not something you can just grow out of.” You say with a half laugh. Rarity smiles and takes the notepad off of you again. “Your clothes will be ready by Thursday. Pop by anytime.” She says. You hand her the payment for the clothes and make for the door. “I'll see you then.” “Ta ta” Rarity calls out after you in a sing-song voice. “So you're going to the Minotaurian republic?” Frothy Top asks. You nod. “Yep heading there on Friday afternoon.” You say taking a sip of your coffee. You'd finished your shift and decided to grab a cup before you left to pick up Button. “What's the plan?” He asks, taking a sip of his own mug. “Plan? Oh. Yeah I'm going to take a train to Manehattan and then I'm going to grab an airship to Ironhelm. Then I don't know. I'll pick a city where I can get a place and see if I can... start a new life.” Frothy Top looks at you skeptically. “You're just going to start a new life? How?” You shrug. “I don't know. Get a job, make some friends, then... who knows. If it doesn't work out, I'll move onto the next place.” You say simply. Frothy Top continues to look at you skeptically. “How are you going to pay for this?” You chuckle. “Coffee Grain has been overpaying me since I started working here. I'll be good for a couple of months.” You state boastfully. “What happens if you go from country to country looking for a place to belong and you don't find it?” He asks. You say nothing. “Hrmm?” You still don't say anything, opting to just stare at your coffee. “Anon?” “...” “Anon!?” “Then I'm fucked aren't I?!...” You spit. “...If that happens, then I'm destined to never be happy, ever and then I might as well just fucking stop, but until then I'm gonna try to find a place where I belong and where I can be happy.” Frothy Top just stares at you sympathetically. “Then I hope you find it, because you're going to hurt a lot of ponies by leaving us.” You huff in irritation, opting to stay quiet as the two of you finish your coffee. You stand outside of the schoolyard waiting for the bell to ring to announce the end of the school day. You engage in conversation with a few other ponies. You spoke to Rarity, Derpy and a red stallion named Big Mac. Most of the conversations were trivial, but you did speak about your plans to leave to Ironhelm. You wished people would just stop asking about, but you guessed that wasn't going to happen soon. The bell starts to ring out, gracing your ears with its dull ding-donging. The fillies and colts started to stampede out of the school rushing towards their respective family member. Button is trailing behind right at the back, hanging his head low and lacks the enthusiasm he regularly showed. You watch concerned as he walks up to you and then goes on his way to his home, without saying a word. “Button?” You ask, getting nothing out of the poor colt. “Button, is everything all right?” He continues to remain quiet throughout the journey. You just tag along beside him, hoping that he would open up to you. When you finally reach the house, he opens the door and goes in, you following in tow. He's really quiet, you've never seen him this bad and you're starting to worry. “Button, what's wrong?” You ask. This time, Button stops in his tracks, still looking to the floor in sadness. “S-Sweetie B-Belle told m-me that...” He takes a short sniff of air through his nostrils. “...she told me that y-you're leaving.” Oh god. “Button...I-” He turns around and glares at you. “Is it true?!” He says in a tone that sounds accusing. “Yes...Button I-” You didn't have time to say anything. Once you confirmed it, Button charged up the stairs to his room and slammed the door. You let out a heavy sigh and take a seat in the living room. You have nothing to do now. You would go help Button with his assignment, but you have a feeling that would only make things worse. So you just sit there. Thunderlane should be here in about two hours to take over for you and you needed to find something to do. *Knock* *knock* “Button?” You knock on his bedroom door... Nothing. *Knock* *knock* “Button?” ...nothing again. You sigh heavily. This was going to be hard. “Look Button I'm coming in. If you're not okay with this then speak up.” There is no reply. So yo clutch the door handle and push forward. How did ponies use handles anyway? They're pretty much designed for human hands. Never mind you're just stalling now. You enter his room and you don't quiet expect what you see. Button is curled up in his bed, facing the wall, wrapped in his blankets. Occasionally, you could hear soft little sniffles and whimper. The sight tore your heart straight out of your chest. “Button?” You ask quietly. “You okay?” Silence is your only response. You take a seat on the edge of his bed. “Look Button, I'm sorry you found out the way you did. I was going to tell you, I swear. I just never had the right moment. I was probably going to tell you today, but...” You see him tightening his grip on his blanket, but he still remains quiet. “...Button?” “Why?” He squeaks out. You wouldn't have heard it if you weren't focusing on what he says. “I-It's a human thing. I have to go.” You lie. You really didn't want to screw him up with your problems. He doesn't seem to believe your excuse however, because he swivels round in his place and looks right at you. His eyes are red and puffy and his cheeks are matted from his tears. Oh fuck. “Liar!” He shouts, throwing his blanket off of him and standing in your face. “You told Sweetie Belle's sister something different!” So that's how she found out. She must have overheard the two of you talking. “Button I-” “Why!? What did we do to you!? Why would you leave us after everything that's happened?!” “Button just-” “I-I thought you cared! I thought you loved us! Why wo-” “I do love you!” You yell, causing the colt to flinch at your outburst. You sigh heavily, trying to calm down. “I do. I really do, but this is something I have to do, Button.” You say, slumping your body in place. There is a silence for a few moments. Neither of you wishing to break it. It lasts for only a few moments however. “Dad?” Button speaks up. “Yeah?” “I-I don't want you to leave...” He whimpers out. You sigh heavily and wrap your arm around him. “I know buddy. I know.” He clings to your side for what feels like hours, but in actuality, he was probably only there for a few seconds. He detaches himself from you and hops off of the bed. “C-Can we do that a-assignment now?” You smile weakly and move over to his little table. “Sure thing Button. I'll get the paper.” You flop onto the sofa in your apartment, staring at nothing in particular. You feel sick. The look Button gave you when you left him alone with Thunderlane was heart breaking. You're here alone. Thunderlane was with Button, You doubt Prench Roast will stop by, Loving Care can go fuck herself if she thinks she can stop by, any of your other friends are probably too busy to come over, so you were here all alone. This was already one of the hardest weeks of your life and it's only the second day. Prench begging you to stay, Thunderlane's general attitude towards your decision, Button's reaction. Seeing Loving Care again. It was going to be hard to get through the rest of the week. You look to your bedroom door and see the empty boxes for all of your stuff. You would probably need to get started on that. So with heavy feet, you pry yourself from the sofa and pull yourself into your room to start packing. Wednesday Work was quiet again today. It looks like you're gonna have an easy working week if it stays like this. You were hoping that was the case, because it's been hard in terms of everything else. You checked the station today. The Friday tickets to Manehattan are only available from tomorrow morning and the latest time you could get was four o'clock. So you're gonna have plenty of time to get ready and say goodbye. Button was going to Sweetie's after school so you didn't have to get him today. Thunderlane spoke to you when he got home. Apparently Loving Care was heart broken about this whole situation... huh? Really? You'd like to trade hearts with her and see how she feels then. Okay that was a stupid thing to say, but you were pretty pissed at her. You're almost home now. The building comes into view and it's hard to believe that this is probably going to be one of the last few times you get to see it for a long time... at least, you keep telling yourself that last part. You honestly don't know if you are going to ever return to this place. You turn the key in the lock, hearing the bolts inside slide out of place and granting you access to your home. When you enter, everyone is sat around the room in chairs laid out in a circle. And you mean everyone. Prench, Thunderlane, Cloud Chaser, Flitter, Bulk Biceps, Frothy Top and Vinyl Scratch are sitting there as well as that pink mare from Sugarcube Corner is also here. The fuck is going on? “Hello Anon. Can you take a seat please?” The pink mare says, pointing to a vacant spot on the sofa. “What's going on?” You ask, taking a seat in said spot. “Before we begin, I want you to know that we all love you and we're here for you.” The fuck?! “Oh fuck no. we are not doing this!” You say, standing up. “Aww why not?” The pink mare says, pouting. “Because I'm leaving and that's that! I'm not having a drug problem and I'm not hurting anyone. This is not intervention worthy!” “Anon. Please would you just listen to what we have to say.” Vinyl calls before you can leave. “Why. I get the gist of it. You don't want me to leave. I get it, but you guys have to understand that this is something I have to do.” You say, flopping back into your seat. “No it isn't Anon.” Bulk chimes in. “You're just taking this whole thing with LC too far.” You glare at him for a moment before shifting your gaze to Thunderlane. “So everyone knows now?” You ask, irritated. Thunderlane just looks around before smiling sheepishly. “Kind of.” You roll your eyes in frustration.. “Fine. I'll admit that this whole thing with Loving Care has something to do with it, but that's not the only reason I'm leaving.” “Why then?” Flitter asks curiously. You groan and look to the group. “Because ever since I came her, I've had a hard time fitting in, for obvious reasons. Sure it's gotten better over the years, but I've never shaken it. I've never belonged here, no matter how welcome people make me feel.” They all look at you blank faced. “I guess a simple analogy would be: You're at a friends house. Sure your friend wants you there and you feel welcome, but it's not your home. You don't live there and you don't belong there. Do you understand?” They continue to give you their blank faced looks. There's nothing you could do to make it more clear. “But you do live here. You've lived here for seven years.” Cloud Chaser says sadly. The pink mare scribbling down everything that is being said. You stare at everyone with a 'what the fuck' expression, baffled by the situation. “That's another thing. I've lived here for seven years and I've only seen Canterlot and Ponyville. I'm the only human, as far as I know, to meet a completely alien race and I've spent seven years doing nothing with it.” Prench stands up, walks over to you and slaps you across the face with her hoof. And it fucking hurt. “Gah!” “Nothing?! You call this...” She gestured to the group around you. “...nothing?! Anon, wake the buck up and look around! If you'd done nothing worthwhile, then you wouldn't have so many ponies sitting in this room just now, begging you not to leave them behind. You can't do this. Not after everything we've all been through.” She says, anger welling up within her. You look around the room at all of the faces that are present, each one silently confirming what Prench said. “I-I'm sorry. This is just something I have to do.” You say, looking down in shame. “Then I hope that it's the right choice.” Prench says, sitting on the floor in resignation. Everyone else says something along the same lines. Mostly that you're making a mistake and that you're letting your emotions dictate what you do. You acknowledged them, but you couldn't take them to heart. Once everyone left, it was just you, Thunderlane and Prench. Thunderlane left to his room to reflect on your situation, leaving you and Prench sitting by your selves. The silence was killing you. You hadn't seen Prench since Monday and you hadn't had a proper talk about what happened between the two of you. You needed to break this silence... “I'm sorry.” Prench says suddenly, catching you off guard. “I'm sorry about everything. This is all my fault.” You look to her sympathetically. “Prench, it's my choice to leave. It's not your fault.” She smiles and looks to the floor in shame. “Had I not... flirted with you, hinted, or kissed you. You would have never fallen for me...then I wouldn't have hurt you, driving you to go out drinking with LC, then none of this would have happened. The two of you would never have hooked up. She wouldn't have broken your heart and you wouldn't be leaving us... How is this not my fault.” You couldn't answer. She had a point, but you would never tell her that. She just needed the right words. Words that you can use to help her through this. One of your predefined phrases t deal with these situations. But which one?... fuck. You have nothing to say. For the first time ever, you have nothing to say to help a friend. So you just sit there in silence before you lean over and wrap your arms around Prench as she leans into your side and wept. She cried and cried. She didn't wail, or scream or shout. She just silently wept into your shoulder as you wrapped your arm around her comfortingly. To be honest, you were pretty close to tears yourself. Thursday “So you're actually doing this.” Thunderlane says as you stand in the line, besides the booth. “Yep. Once I do this, it's official.” You say, moving one more place forward in the line. You hear Thunderlane whisper something about 'one fucking mare', but you couldn't be bothered responding. It finally came to your turn and the mare behind the booth looks you up and down once. “Yes?” She asks dryly. “Hi...um. I'd like a four o'clock ticket to Manehattan... tomorrow please.” You say. That was a little harder than you thought. “Return or one way?” The mare asks. “One way.” Once you said that, Thunderlane had to dismiss himself, finding this a little too hard to take. Did so many ponies really get that attached to you in only seven years? It was oddly humbling that they'd feel this way about you leaving, but it still hurt you to know that you were the cause of their pain. You couldn't even give them a valid reason. Hell, you didn't even know why you were doing this... but you have to. It just feels like you need to do this. “Here you go sir. Next please!” You take the ticket and go and join Thunderlane by the road. “You okay buddy?” You ask, moving to stand next to him. “What? Yeah, yeah. I'm good. Just... a little overwhelming. That's all.” He says, looking at all of the ponies passing by. “I know. It's weird isn't it?” You say, taking a seat on the dirt road. “Shouldn't you be heading into work?” He asks. You shake your head. “Nah. I've got today off. Frothy Top is covering. I need to sort some final things before tomorrow.” Thunderlane nods. “What kind of things.” You open the door to your room. Thunderlane looks around nostalgic. “Anon?” “Everything you see here, I'm leaving, except the clothes. Do you think you can find somewhere it can all go?” He looks around all of the surfaces and walls. “The posters, the stereo, the lamps? You're not taking any of it?” You nod. “I'll help you move it all to storage tomorrow, but I need to know if you can find a place for it all. I don't want it going to the scrap.” He nods solemnly, walking into the room. “What are you going to do?” He asks, looking around. You lean against the door frame. “I don't know. I'll head to Manehattan first, spend the night and then take an airship to Ironhelm in the morning. After that, I don't know.” “What will you do after that?” You shrug. “Get a job and then see where that takes me.” You say uncertainly. “Will you ever come back?” Thunderlane asks.You shrug again. “At some point, maybe.” He sighs heavily. “You're not coming back are you?” ...what? “What?” He looks up to you again. “You're not coming back. Not until you find what you're looking for, but when you find what you're looking for, you'll stay there and forget about us won't you?” You furrow your brow in shame. “I don't know... but I'd never forget you Thunder, you're my best friend.” He nods solemnly “You'll keep in contact right?” You smile warmly at that. “Of course I will.” You say, nodding. “Oh and before I forget, what are you going to do about Button?” You sigh heavily. “I'm going to say goodbye tonight. I won't have time tomorrow. I'll be working, going home, getting the last of my stuff packed and heading into the station. I won't have time to see him tomorrow. He's going to his friend's house anyway.” Thunderlane nods. “What do you need to do now?” You nod your head in the direction of the boxes full of your stuff. “If I'm going to get them shipped to Ironhelm, I need to drop them off tonight.” He nods. “Well you should probably do that then.” You sigh heavily and leave him to it. “Creeper! Creeper!” You shout, slashing your sword into the green fuck, but it explodes in your face and you die instantly, dropping all of your shit. Button bursts into laughter at your predicament. “Oh laugh it up little man, but I can still build some pretty cool-” You're house explodes from creeper cluster fuck of 'For fuck sake' brigade. You groan as Button explodes into even heavier laughter. Despite you're problems, Button's laughter makes it hard for you to stay mad for long. “Well, your turn.” You say shifting the laptop over to him. He shakes it off and smiles. “No thanks. I'm bored. What do we do now?” Before you can answer the sound of the doorbell rings through the house “It's Thunderlane.” You say, standing up. The look on Button's face is saddening, but understandable. It was time to go. You'd stalled as long as you could and Loving Care was going to be home in about ten minute and that was a little too close for comfort. “Don't you want to say goodbye to mom?” He asks, looking at you with puppy dog eyes. You lean down and ruffle his mane. “I've already said goodbye buddy.” You say, getting on one knee and spreading your arms wide. Button wastes no time rushing into your arms. Clutching at your neck tightly in a hug. “Please don't go.” He whispers into your ear. You sigh heavily and pat his back. “I'm sorry bud, but I have to.” He clutches onto you even tighter and you return the gesture, holding the hug for a few more moments. Eventually you have to reluctantly break the hug and let him down to the ground. You go downstairs to open the door and Thunderlane is standing there with his saddle bags on. “Hey Anon. I brought the games.” You nod and turn to see button was following you to the door. “Hey Button, come here.” He trots up to the two of you slowly, saddened by your imminent departure. You reach into Thunderlane's bags and remove four games cases that you knew Button didn't have. “I'm not gonna need these any more where I'm going. Do you think you can take care of them for me?” He takes the cases from your grasp and clutches them tightly, nodding his head vigorously. You smile at his attitude and ruffling his mane. “Atta boy.” You say. You expression falters however as you realize that you have to go now. “I'm sorry Button, but I have to go now.” You say, voice cracking, your emotions getting the better of you. Button drops the games and rushes forward, clutching your leg in his hooves, burying his face into your jeans. “No dad! Please don't go!” You lean down and stroke his mane gently. “I'm sorry Buddy.” He clutches your leg tighter and he's not going to let you go soon. “Come on Button, I need to go.” He remains attached, clutching at your leg tightly. You have to pry him off of you. You get him off your leg and he retreats down the hall slowly. “Goodbye dad.” He says sadly, disappearing up the stairs. You had to wipe your eyes, tears threatening to spill. Thunderlane puts a hoof on your shoulder reassuringly. “Take care of him. Please.” You say. Thunderlane just nodding. “I will.” *knock**knock**knock* “Come in!” You hear called in a singsong voice. You open the door to see the alabaster unicorn you came to see. “Ah Anonymous. Over here please.” She leads you over to a workbench where all of the clothes you'd ordered where folded neatly on top in two separate piles. You lift the first item, a small tee-shirt. Then you inspect the cargo shorts and everything else on the table. It all looks great. “Miss Rarity. I am impressed. These are exactly what I was looking for.” You say genuinely. They all felt comfortable and soft. These would do nicely. Rarity looks to her work and then back to you bashfully. “You are too kind Anonymous really.” You smile warmly. “It's true though. These are great.” Rarity giggles and hoofs you a small bag for carrying your clothes home. “Thank you.” You say as she holds her legs out for a hug. “um...” “Oh come on. It's just a hug darling. I want to give a proper farewell to my best customer.” You shrug and move in, wrapping your arms around her and giving a light squeeze, before returning to your previous stance. “I better get going.” You say awkwardly. “Well, Anonymous. I guess this is goodbye, hrmm?” You nod “Well I wish you all the luck in the world.” She says with a legitimate smile, which you return. “Thank you, Miss Rarity.” and without another word, you leave the boutique forever. That evening, you found it difficult to get to sleep. You kept staring at the roof, thinking about everything that wouldn't leave your thoughts. This was going to be the last night you sleep under this roof. The last night you will hear Thunderlane's muffled snoring through the walls, the last night's sleep that will be ruined by that fucking alarm clock. And the last night of this chapter of your life... yeah you were trying to be poetic, but it wasn't working. There's only so many times the 'last chapter' thing can be used before it get's annoying. But it was true, this was the final night of this chapter. After tomorrow, you won't have to worry about Thunderlane, Prench, Bulk, Frothy Top, your job, Button... or Loving Care. You'd never have to see her again. And that gave you the slightest bit of relief. Friday. This was it. It was finally Friday. The day you have been both anticipating and dreading for the past week. Today, you leave for your new life in the Minotaurian republic. “Anon, table four.” Prench says, half heartedly. You grab the tray and bring it over to the table, leave the items and walk off. It was rather quiet today and you were almost finished with your final shift. “You sure there's nothing I can say to keep you here?” Prench asks. You nod sadly. “Afraid not.” You say, looking out over the cafe one last time. “I'm really going to miss this place.” You say nostalgically. “Yeah. A lot of memories.” Prench smiles. “Remember when we put antidepressants in Muffin Tops coffee?” You laugh at the memory. “She trashed half of the supply closet, looking for the nachos.” Prench laughs harder. “Oh my Celestia. Her face when you said 'We don't serve nachos'! I could have sworn she was going to cry! HAHAHA!” You lean back against the wall and gaze out towards the cafe as the two of you share a laugh. now that you think about it, you don't think those were antidepressants... The ringer goes off, signaling that you're now jobless as your final shift has ended. The thought makes you smile at least. But it was still sad leaving this place. You really enjoyed working here. You follow Prench into Coffee Grain's office. “Hello Mr Unknown. It's finally here I guess.” She says, reaching into her drawer to grab your payments. “I guess it is huh?” You sadly say. It was all nearly over. Coffee Grain stands up and trots over to Prench and gives her her payment for today. She turns to you and holds her hoof out, which you shake. “We will miss you here, Anonymous. All of us. And it is from the bottom of my heart that I wish you luck in the future.” She hands you two envelopes. One is your payment and one is your career bonus. You smile warmly at her and nod. “It's been a pleasure working for you Mrs. Grain. And the same wishes go to you as well.” She bows her head in a show of gratitude and you do the same. You take of your apron, throw it into the laundry on the way out as you walk out of the cafe one final time. “So it's over?” Prench asks. You simply nod once. “Yes Prench, It's over. Just a few more hours now and I'll be leaving and you'll never have to deal with my bullshit again.” You say solemnly. “You can always back out you know?” She suggests. “Nopony will think less of you.” You smile sadly. “It's not about what others think it's about-” “Yeah yeah I heard you the first time. Celestia, you're like a broken record.” She remarks and you nod. How many times have you said why you're leaving? And you barely believe your reasoning yourself. “Okay, sorry.” You say, walking towards the apartment... Prench following you. “What are you doing?” You ask. Prench just looks to you with faux hurt. “What? My friend is leaving, so I can't be with him before he goes?” You smile and continue walking. “Oh, come on then.” She smiles quickens her pace. “Last one there is a hydra penis!” “Oh fuck. no.” You double your speed towards the apartment. “So when are you leaving for Manehattan?” Prench asks. “Four o'clock today. I've only got three and a half hours before I have to go.” You say lightly as you slide the key into the lock. Prench Sighs dejectedly as the bolts slide out of place and the door opens. “SURPRISE!” Everyone bursts out and freak you the fuck out, causing you to almost collapse from shock. Everyone is here. Thunderlane, Vinyl. Frothy Top, Lyra, Bonbon, Cloud Chaser, Bulk, Flitter, Noteworthy and of course, Prench Roast. “Ha Ha Ha, We got you Anon!” Thunderlane shouts. “Jesus H. Fuck! What's going on?” You say, trying to catch your breath. “It's your leaving party. Can't have you go without us saying goodbye.” Flitter says, gesturing around the room. You smile warmly at the sentiment. “Thanks guys... really” This was too much. “Can we stop the mushy stuff. I think I'm gonna be sick.” Noteworthy says, going over to the drinks table that was set up nicely. You subtly nudge Prench and nod your head in his direction. She looks over and sighs, shaking her head at you and leaves to mingle with the others. You decided to take a seat on the sofa and grab a beer. You'd only be able to spend a few minutes, because you still needed to pack your overnight bag. You take a long drink of the bitter liquid and stand up and leave to your room. You don't close the door to at least remain somewhat social for the party. “What's going on Anon?” Lyra questions, peeping into your room. “Last of the packing. Just need these clothes and some other necessities.” She nods and continues to look around your room awkwardly. “Well, come through when you're done.” And she leaves, that was one way to do it. “You shovel a few shirts, bottoms, and a spare pair of shoes, as well as a small bag of underwear and socks into your rucksack. The rest of your stuff goes into your suitcase and you're done with your clothes. You just had to get your toothbrush, toothpaste and a few food and drink items and you were ready to leave. Finished with the packing, you walk out into the living room and see everyone mingling. You lean up against a wall and rest. If anyone wanted to speak to you then they could. “Anon?” You look to your right to see Prench standing there shyly. “Yes?” “Can I speak to you?...in private?” You look around at the other ponies. You didn't understand why she wanted to speak to you in private, but you guess you should. “Sure.” You move into your room, leaving the door open for Prench and sitting on the bed. She closes it quietly and sits on the bed next to you. She doesn't say anything for a few moments, just letting everything sink in. “Anon?” She looks up at you sadly. “We've been friends for a long time now.” You nod. She doesn't say anything else to you. “And...?” “Give it a minute, I'm trying to figure out what to say... okay, we've been friends for a long time and I always thought I could count on you... and I could... but for the last week, I've been trying to find a way to convince you to stay. To try and keep you here... and I realize that I'm being selfish. I've been trying to keep you here for my own sake, because you're my best friend Anon. I never wanted you to leave and so I...I...” You wrap her in a hug as she hugs you back. “I-I don't think I've ever cried more in my life than I have in this last week.” She says as you stroke the back of her mane and she lets it all out. “I-I'm s-sorry Anon. I-I...” “Shh, Shh, it's okay.” You say, clutching her tighter in your embrace. You hold her there for what feels like hours, but in actuality, it was just a few minutes. “I-I think I'm good now.” She says, letting go of you in turn. Once she is detached she moves over to the door and looks you over once before leaving. “Celestia, I wish you were a pony.” She says with a sly grin before leaving. … … … Well what the fuck did she mean by that?! “Anon?” You look over the crowd to see Thunderlane holding the apartment phone. "You have a message... it's from LC.” You roll your eyes exaggeratedly. “Delete it.” You say sternly. Thunderlane walks over to you and thrusts the phone into your face. “You should listen to it.” He says, just as sternly. “why should I give that mare the time of day?” “Because at some point, she was your friend and you should give her a chance.” You sigh and clutch the phone out of his hoof and go into your bedroom once more. You close the door, sit on your bed and press the play button on the bottom of the phone. “Hello?... Anon?... I know you're there pick up the phone... please? I just need to talk to you... I know I hurt you, but this is important...Anon? Please... pick up the phone...” You can hear the small cracks in her voice as she says all of this. “huh...I'm gonna look so stupid if you're not actually there huh?... Anon, Please...If you're there... pick up the phone.” despite what she did to you, you can't help but feel a little heartbroken from her tone. It's just like when you first met her. Hurt, pained and depressed every syllable accompanied by a crack in her voice. “B-Button told me that you were leaving...he was pretty upset... now, I-I'm not stupid... I know why. It's because of what happened between us isn't it?... I-I know I hurt you...I really did and I shouldn't have, but Anon... this is not the way to go about things... but I know you're not going to listen to me...heck, I wouldn't even listen to me... so I'm just going to say this...I'm sorry...” her voice breaks and you can practically hear the tears streaming down her face “...I-I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry Anon... and I-I don't deserve it, but I think you should know that...I-I...I think I lov-” *click* You hung up the phone. It was getting too hard to bare. You sighed heavily and stood up, clicking a specific button on the phone. "Message deleted.” You walk out of the bedroom, not daring to look back at the phone. “It looks so...empty.” Thunderlane says, looking at your bedroom walls. “I know...but you'll find another roommate, right?” Thunderlane sighs and looks back to you. “I guess I'll have to. This place is pretty pricey for just one pony.” The bedroom was completely blank. The posters were off of the walls, the closet was empty the drawers were empty and the bed was just a frame and a mattress. It was kind of depressing seeing it like this, but you needed to see your room one last time before you leave. “I guess I should go now.” You say, hefting your rucksack onto your back. “You know, it wasn't intend for this to be what that is used for.” Thunderlane says, gesturing to your rucksack. “It's funny how things work out, huh.” You say, closing the door to the bedroom. Thunderlane sighs dejectedly and turns to the mingling ponies. “Okay everyone! Anon has to go now.” Thunderlane calls to the group. They all look at you saddened. “Are you sure you have to leave now?” Bonbon asks. You just nod once. “I'm cutting it pretty close as it is.” You say sadly. They sigh sadly and move towards the door. “Okay everyone get in line.” Prench says at the front door. “Eh...what?” You ask suddenly. “You're leaving, so you're gonna say goodbye.” Frothy Top says sitting in front of you. The rest of the ponies getting into a straight line between you and the door. Frothy Top right at the start. “Goodbye man.” He says, holding his hoof out. You shake it tightly, a little confused at the sentiment. “See ya Frothy Top.” You say sadly. He steps to the side to let Lyra have hr goodbye. “Lyra.” “Anon.” “...” She leans up and wraps herself around your waist. You pat her head and scratch her ears a little bit. She detaches and looks up at you. “I'm gonna miss you two legs.” She says, barely fighting back tears. You ruffle her mane lightly and wriggle your fingers in front of her face. She cheers up a bit, but only a bit. Bonbon is up next. It was pretty much the same after that. Flitter gave you a hug, Cloud Chaser bumped her hoof with your fist. Bonbon shook. Vinyl hugged you, Noteworthy just wanted a hoof shake and Bulk squeezed the life out of you. For a few moments, you thought you'd died there. And then you came to Prench... She sits on the floor, looking at you with pleading eyes. “A-Anon...I...” “I know.” She wraps herself around you and hugs you tightly. Sniffling into your neck. You pat her back reassuringly. Letting her down again, you turn to Thunderlane, who is holding your suitcase. He nods once and you turn back to the other ponies in the room, feeling emotional. “This is harder than I thought.” You say, your voice cracking horribly. They all smile sadly. “Goodbye everypony.” You say quietly turning to leave and close the door. Everyone in the room offers their own goodbye of some form as the door closes. “Come on Anon.” Thunderlane says, walking down the hallway. You follow him to the stairway, looking at the door to your apartment one. Last. Time. The walk to the station was uneventful, so you used it to take one last look around at Ponyville before you left. You could think of a memory for each location that you would hold dear. But now you were at the station, the conductor to the train calling for the final boarding to your train. Thunderlane sits next to you staring at the metal beast that would take you away to a faraway land, to your new life. “It's not too late, you could always just... not get on it.” Thunderlane says. “I'm sorry Thunderlane. I can't do that.” you turn to him and hold out your arms. He accepts the hug for a few moments, before looking back down at the ground. “I'm gonna miss you.” He says. You scratch his ears lightly and smile. “Not as much as I'm gonna miss you guys.” He sighs, tears starting to well up in his eyes. “Damn it. I told myself I wouldn't cry.” You smile down at him and scratch his ears one more time for old times sake. “G-Goodbye Anon.” He whimpers out. “All Aboard!” The conductor calls. “Better go.” You say, picking up your suitcase. “Yeah. See ya later...” You nod once and head for the train, but you turn to look at your best friend once more. You're eyes meet and you know you have to say something. Something cool? Something funny? Something witty? Something profound? No. You can only think of one thing that feels right at the moment. “Goodby Thunderlane.” You step onto the train, just as the door closes. You hand the conductor the ticket, he stamps it and directs you to the cart at the back. The cart was completely empty. Not a single pony in sight. You look out the window to see Thunderlane sitting on the platform. He waves when he sees you, though you can see the tears in his eyes. You wave back, a similar expression on your face. You take a seat on one of the seats at the very back. They were quite comfy and the bonus of using pony seats is, they might as well have been beds for you. The train lurches forward trailing out of the station. You wave to Thunderlane as he disappears out of your sight forever. You half expected someone to chase you down the station and beg you to stay while simultaneously declaring their love for you, like in one of those crappy romance movies. Where you would change your mind and go home with them and everyone would live happily ever after... But this isn't a cheesy romance movie, or a crappy novel, or even a video game. This is real life and things like that don't happen in real life... So with a heavy heart, you lean back in your chair and close your eyes. It was going to be a two hour journey to Manehattan and you had nothing to pass the time, except sleep. You were finding this whole thing harder than you thought. Maybe you'd find love somewhere... just not in Equestria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *GASP!* “What the fuck!?” Your suitcase had burst open and a certain little foal broke out of it, wheezing for breath. “Dad!” “Button?!” The little foal proceeds to latch onto you and cling tightly. “Please don't go dad! Please!” What the fuck?! “Button?! What the hell are you doing here?!” “I came here to bring you home!” He says, clinging tighter to your chest. “You hid in my suitcase to surprise me?!...When did you even...URG!...couldn't you have done that before the train left the station?!” Button looks out of the window to see that the train is, in fact, moving. “Heh, heh... Whoops.” “Button I'm leaving and that's final.” You say sternly. Button looks back to you desperately. “You can't go, You're my dad!” Oh for fuck sake. “Button, you do realize I'm not actually your dad right?” You say. It probably wasn't a good idea, but you needed him to understand. “Well duh! You're a human and I'm a pony.” Oh for god's sake. “Well why are you calling me dad?!” You ask. He looks at you like it's totally obvious. “Because you are. You're the one who takes care of me. You're the one who picks me up from school everyday, you're the one who took care of me and mom when my old dad left and your the one who loves my mom.” He says matter-of-factly. You sigh heavily and lean into your chair dejectedly. “Even so, she doesn't love me.” “Oh horse apples.” “What?!” You look at him shocked. He never used language like that. “What you just said, it's horse apples.” You stare at him wide eyed. He groans and sits in his chair. “When dad left, he didn't give us any warning, he just left. I was fine, because I had Video games to distract myself... Mom... She didn't...” He says solemnly. “...She cried and cried, to the point that I couldn't even stop her... But one day she did stop. She stopped crying, and the first thing she said to me was... she met a stallion. That was the day she met you, dad. you stopped her from crying. Not me, not my old dad, not any of our other family members, you did.” he punctuates this by jabbing you in the chest. “You made her happy for the first time since rage quit died. You made her laugh and cry and you gave her her life back. she was never sad after that... until last week. She started crying again. When I asked her, she just screams you name and then... cries some more... Dad...if she doesn't love you, then I don't know what love is.” He said, sitting on his rump and leaning back in his chair. “Button, I think you're mistaken.” You say simply. “Your mother made it perfectly clear that she didn't feel that way about me.” Button says nothing, he just sits there. “Can you at least come back and see for yourself.” You're blood turned Ice cold. You didn't know if you could deal with Loving Care again. But the foal in the seat next to you sort of forced you to. “I guess I'll have to now that you're here.” You say frustrated. “Can't we just stop the train?” He asks, looking around. “No. We can't. The train won't stop because of me asking it to and the emergency brake is for emergency only. He nods once and hops into one of the chairs opposite you and goes down for a nap. Shortly later the conductor returns to check up on the passengers. He notices Button asleep on one of the chairs and looks to you questioningly. “He sneaked on. I'll pay for his ticket.” He furrows his brows, but takes your bits and hands you a ticket, after stamping it. You look to Button and immediately think about Loving Care. She was probably worried sick about this little hellion...Fuck... you have to call her don't you? You look into your suitcase and see Button's phone. Fucking hell. Going through the contacts you stop on the contact, 'Mom' and press the green button. It rings Once, Twice, Three times... “Button?!” Loving Care says panic ridden. “Hey LC” You say calmly. “Who is this?!” Fuck... “It's Anon, Look I know this looks bad, but Button sneaked onto the train and he's with me now. He's fine. Don't worry. I'll get him back to you around nine tonight okay?” Her heavy breathing is kind of worrying. “A-Anon I-I wish...I-” “I'll see you then.” You hang up the phone, before she can say anything. You didn't want to have to listen to her. You lean back in your chair and let yourself rest. You were not looking forward to this. This day was already hard enough. You stepped onto the station at Manehattan, the frantic bustling of ponies rushing up and left and back and forward, made it difficult to make your way through the busy train station. With your case slumped over your back and Button silently snoozing on your shoulder, you wade through the little ponies, trying not to step on anything...fragile. The sun is just beginning its decent into the horizon, leaving a slight orange glow on the ground as the shadows were cast long across the floors. You could just put Button on a train and ask the conductor to watch over him. After all, Equestria doesn't seem like a place where something like that can go wrong, You just leave him in a cart and pay the conductor to watch him. It'd be simple... but you'd never forgive yourself. Button shifts on your shoulder a little before settling in again. You assumed he was having a bad dream, or something along those lines, so you just take a seat on a nearby bench and wait for the commotion to die down. During your wait, Button awakens and looks around groggily. “Huh? Where are we?” He asks, yawning. “Manehattan.” You state. “Why are we here?” It's taking every fiber of your being to not face palm right now. “Because this is where I was going before you showed up.” You say irritated. Button does not notice and proceeds to hop out of your grasp and takes the seat next to you. “What are we going to do now dad?” You roll your eyes and have a quick look around again. “We're going to wait until this commotion dies down and then we're going to get a ticket back to Ponyville.” Button gasps and smiles up at you hopefully. “Does that mean you're staying?” “No. It means that I can't just leave you on a two hour train ride on your own.” You say flatly. Button looks down at his hooves. “Can you at least talk to mom?” He asks dejectedly. You really didn't want to. You just wanted to go to a hotel and sleep, maybe grab something to eat and then catch an airship in the morning to Ironhelm, but now you had to go back to Ponyville and back to everyone you left behind. You weren't going to lie, you felt bad about this. Everyone was begging you to stay and you just left and that was the reason you didn't want them to see you when you got back to Ponyville... because you didn't want to get their hopes up. “I-I can't...” You say, quietly. “...I don't know if I can deal with another 'we're just friends' speech... I just want to get this whole thing over with and be on my way.” Button looks to the booth in the corner and prods your arm. “The ticket booth is free...” You nod solemnly and stand up, leaving Button to watch your bag. Maybe this won't be as bad as you think it will be. Maybe you're just over reacting... ...like you always do. “Next stop, Ponyville!” The conductor shouts down the cabin. The two of you had taken the back cabin again and there were no ponies occupying it, besides you and Button, who was currently sleeping beside you. You sigh and slouch in your seat, a feeling of dread overwhelming you. “Are we nearly home dad?” Button says, looking up at you with sleep in his eyes. What was wrong with him? You've never seen him sleep this much in... ever? Must be the train. “Yeah buddy. We're almost there.” You gaze out of the window at the passing trees and fields. The sun had long since set, leaving the lights of the train cart and the moon as the only source of illumination to the outside world. You tried to will yourself up to this. You were probably going to be forced to see Loving Care and you hadn't spoken to her since Monday, when you stormed out of her house. You've been a complete asshole to her and, even though you know that, you can't bring yourself to speak to her normally, without malice. “Are you okay dad?” Button asks, looking up at you concerned. You exhale heavily. “Yeah...” You say with a breath. “...I'm just thinking about your mother.” You say sadly. What if he was right and she did love you? Would that change anything? Would it make you stay?...you didn't know...you guess you'd just have to wait and see. “Five minutes until we reach Ponyville!” The conductor shouts. You look to Button and then out the window again. The whole area was starting to get familiar again, the trees, the fields and the few scattered houses on the outskirts of town. There was only a few minute left where you get to think about this and then you'd have to face your fears. God you hoped Loving Care wasn't at the station. The Train Squealed into Ponyville station, steam gushing out of the sides. The doors opened to allow you to leave quickly. It was around nine o'clock. The journey to Manehattan was two hours, an hour there and then another two hours back again. You stepped off of the train, Button in tow, gazing at the ground in dejection. Loving Care was nowhere in sight “Cheer up Button.” You say, trying to brighten him up. He just sighs heavily and looks up to you again. “Why? You're leaving... just like my first dad.” It hurt to hear him say that...but were you any better than that scumbag?... maybe not. He left Button and Loving Care because he couldn't take it any more. You left because it hurt to much to stay. He planned never to speak to the two of them. You probably also have that thought in the back of your head somewhere. You shake your head of those thoughts as you trek through the empty streets of Ponyville. The streetlamps illuminated the roads eerily as the only sound heard was that of hooves and shoes on ground. You come into contact with the door as a feeling of dread washed over you again. It was only now do you understand what is happening... Why you are feeling like this... you don't want to knock because... You're afraid. You're afraid that if you knock on that door, you're just going to get hurt again, you're gonna get hurt and you're going to act out and hurt everyone else. You're going to hurt Loving Care...again But what choice do you have? Just drop Button off and ding dong ditch him there? And what then? You couldn't just go on your way to Manehattan, because that was the last train today. You'd have to wait until tomorrow. Where do you stay tonight? Do you go back to Thunderlane's? would he even let you back in? Do you go rent a room at the hotel? Do you just turn around now and grab the first train out of here to anywhere? Or do you man the hell up and knock on this fucking door?! The door to her house was right in front of you now. You couldn't take this anymore. You had to finish this now. Tonight. You've been over thinking everything you do. What will happen? will everything turn out all right? Will everyone approve? well no! You're going to do this now! For your own sake! You raise your hand to the hard wood of the door. Letting it hover there for a few moments. Should you do this? “Just! Fucking! Knock! *knock* *knock* *knock* . . . . . . . . . . . . . “A-Anon?” You look down to see Loving Care, standing in the doorway. Her mane is disheveled, her eyes bloodshot and puffy, the fur under her eyes matted with tears and her general demeanor implied 'upset'. This whole image caused your gut to sink in guilt, knowing that it was you that caused all of this. You're the one that hurt her, you're the one that walked out on her. You really are a bastard. “LC?” She winced when you didn't use your pet name for her. “...I-I...uh... brought Button home.” You say, awkwardly gesturing the little colt standing behind you. She looks to the foal in question who is sitting behind the two of you rubbing his hooves in circular motions on the ground. She just looks at him for a moment before asking. “...B-Button...could you leave us alone please?” Loving Care says quietly. Button nods his head and trots past the two of you into the house and up the stairs into his room, hanging his head low. You look to Loving Care, who is trying not to look you in the eye. “Anon, I-” “I-I... I have to go.” You turn to leave, but Loving Care tries to stop you. “Anon.” She positions herself in front of you, blocking your way. “Anon, just wait.” “Get out of my way, LC.” You try to maneuver around her, but she still blocks your way. “No Anon. Not until you hear me out.” “You made yourself perfectly clear before.” You speak through gritted teeth. Your fists clenched into balls. “Anon, I-I-” “What?! You're sorry? Well, I'm sorry LC, but I don't think you understand how much you hurt me.” “Anon just speak to me.” “Why?! So you can just hurt me again!? So you can-” “Anon you're acting like a child!” “Yeah, I'm acting like a child! It's totally unreasonable for me to be like this after what you-” “Oh Anon, would you just bucking listen to yourself!!!” She shouts, bringing one of her forelegs down onto your foot... hard. “Ah! What the hell!?” You bring your hands down to grab your aching foot as you fall back on your ass. She pins you onto the floor, places both of her hooves over your shoulders and looks you in the right in the eyes, her expression desperate and her breathing strained. “Anon! Listen to me!” “Oh my god. What?! What the fuck do you want?!” “...” “...” “...” “You gonna say something?” You ask sarcastically. Loving Care just blushes and looks away sheepishly. “Just give me a minute.” You cock an eyebrow as she brings her gaze back up to yours. “...” “...” “Do you want me to go stand behind a curtain or something?” You ask. She struggles to say anything. “I-I-...” She sighs in resignation. “Anon... I-I'm sorry... I-I was a fool...about what I said before... it was stupid, okay?...” She looks at you pleadingly, tears freely falling from her eyes. She takes a sniffling breath before continuing. “I-I.. do...like you... I just didn't realize it at the time... I-I can't say how... just... please... Please don't go.” She begs, searching your eyes for... something. You just stare back at her wide eyed in bewilderment. What the fuck? Button was right?! Jesus... “LC...I...I can't...” Her expression turns to sadness as you gently push her off of you. You sigh painfully as you look her in the eyes “... You... really hurt me and I don't know if I can-” “I know! And I know it was wrong of me to hurt you, but I was confused okay. I didn't realize how I felt... and then you when you were gone and... I-I was an idiot! A total fool, to believe that you... and I...that we couldn't be together...I was wrong...and...and... I love you, Anon....I love you....please.” You cock an eyebrow at her accusingly as she pleads with you to stay. “How much have you had to drink?” You couldn't help, but say that with as much spite as you could muster. However, she begins to shake her head frantically as she positions herself onto you. “I haven't had a drop! I swear! I mean it! I-I mean every word! Please! I-I don't want to loose you like I lost Ship Shape! I wouldn't be able to handle it! Please!? I-I-I mean it! I love you Anonymous Unknown! I-I-I...please...please...please...please...” Fresh tears were cascading down her face as she silently cried onto your shoulder... great another shirt that needs to be washed due to the salty menace... Not that one! Does she mean it? What if she's- Of course she means it! Look at her!... you're just over thinking things again! “I-I don't know if I can stay, LC.” You say sadly, gentling pushing her off of you. “I've already burned a lot of bridges here. My friends, my job, my home.” She places her hoof on you leg, pleading with you silently. “You can get those back!...Y-You could-” You hold up a hand to stop her. “Care...I-” “C-can't we at least discuss this over coffee?...” You sigh heavily. “No thanks...I've had so much of the stuff that I've grown sick of it.” You say regrettably. Loving Care whimpers as her head falls to look at the floor as she begins to silently weep on the spot. You can't do this to her! Do something! You reach your hand under her chin and lift her head up, bringing her eyes to look at yours. “A cup of tea would be nice, though.” You smile at her as her expression turns hopeful and she jumps back of of you. “...O-O-Of course.” She says, hopping off of you and trotting towards her door. Should you follow her? What What if it doesn't work out? Or... You stop thinking for a moment as she stops at the door and turns to look at you. Her teal eyes meet yours, her smile is warm and welcoming. It's like she was never upset. Sure her mane is disheveled, her eyes are a little puffy and her nose has that little dibble, that everyone gets when they cry, but that smile shines through it all. Like the glow of a lighthouse, cutting through the fog on a rocky coast. And just like that, all of your worries disappear. What was there to worry about? You were never able to just stop and think about this were you... Your thoughts go back to that night... everything that the two of you have been through over these past few months... how you've treated everyone this last week... you don't deserve this mare's affection... She deserves someone who won't flip out like you have, when they don't get what they want. She deserves someone who will hear her out, when she tries to explain themselves. She deserves someone who will care for her util they are both old and grey. She doesn't deserve you... but she still wants you... why?...a second chance maybe?...a second chance to be that someone?... So why are you still hesitant? You slowly bring yourself to stand up and move towards her front door, closing it behind you with a *click*. What can you say... you always have a soft spot for crying mares. The End. Credits Music used: Zebrahead: Back to normal (Link) Drinks On Me (Link) Emili Sandé: Clown (Link) Pink: Please don't leave me. (Link) Cover Art: "Button And His Mom" By RustyDooks (source) Be sure to check out his other work. It's amazing. Author's Note Well we're done here. Loving Care is finished. ... I hope Credit goes to yolopony for help with the adjusted ending. I'm gonna make an alternate ending. (for those that wanted everyone to be depressed and heartbroken.) A lot of people are requesting a sequel and though I'm a little hesitant, I shall... it just might take a while. Feel free to point out mistakes. (longest chapter I've ever written so there's going to be mistakes) For this chapter I tried to be emotional(if you couldn't tell) So seeing as I'm trying something new, could you tell me how that went...please? and finally I'd like to thank you for giving this fic a chance (I know it got off to a rocky start.(and end.)) And I am stunned by it's popularity. (I never expected this much positive feedback.) So in short. How did it go? report mistakes, thank you and STAY-FUCKING-AWESOME! EpilogueAuthor's Note I'll make a sequel. You can stop asking now. Thanks for all the support, praise, criticism, likes, faves and pretty much any other way in which you have inflated my ego. I'll see you in another fic somewhere. Stay awesome! Epilogue So... here you are again... You never thought you'd come back here today, especially after what happened yesterday, but this is something you have to do if you want to start you're new life... fuck, this is so much harder than you thought... With a heavy sigh, you resign yourself to your decision and will your body into doing your bidding. *Knock**Knock**Knock* “... Whatever it is, come back later.” The voice comes from the other side of the door. Opting to just say nothing, you knock again. *Knock**Knock**Knock* “...go away!” You You huff in frustration at the voice on the other side of the door and knock on the door a little harder. *Thump**Thump**Thump* “For the love of Luna! What the fuck do you...!” The door swings open and Prench promptly stops talking when your eyes meet. The two of you stare at each other for what feels like an eternity. She looks you up and down once, still not talking. Deciding to break the ice, you say the first thing that came to mind... “Surprise?” You say awkwardly. The humorous expression probably wasn't a good idea. Prench's expression turns sour as she grabs your shirt and pulls you into the apartment, slamming the door behind her. You had little time to react before she punched you hard in the stomach. “Ah!” You wrap your arms around your stomach, wheezing from the blow. “WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!” She shouts, rearing up on her hind legs, kicking her forelegs around in a sign of aggression. “What's wrong with me?! What's wrong with you?! Fuck! I thought you'd be happy after what happened yesterday.” She stomps her hooves onto the floor. “She's pissed because she thinks the whole thing about you leaving was a joke.” A new voice says from the sofa. After a quick glance, you see it's Thunderlane, sitting on the sofa, reading the newspaper. When has he ever read the newspaper? “What? Why would that be funny?” You ask as Prench punches you in the arm again. “I don't know. Why don't you tell us.” She says with as much malice as possible. “It wasn't a joke!” You try to reason, but Prench was not going to be outsmarted so easily. “Then why are you here!? You seemed so eager to fuck off yesterday! What changed your mind!?” You groan heavily as you brush your hand through your hair irritably. “Prench, If this whole thing was a joke, why did I go through the effort of shipping all of my stuff, spending a shit load of my money and quitting my job? That seems a little too much for a freaking joke.” You say as Thunderlane lowers his paper and looks at you confused. “Then, Why are you here?” The room goes silent as you awkwardly stand there, nobody saying a thing. Prench and Thunderlane look on with accusing expressions as you tried to formulate a response. “...I-I...” You sigh, defeated. “...I spoke to LC...” You stammer out. Prench huffs in confusion and bewilderment, whereas Thunderlane lets out a loud irritated groan. “When?...What?...How?!” Prench asks, her pissed off demeanor fading due to her curiosity. “...you left yesterday afternoon! Did you come back!?” You nod an affirmative. “Button...hid in my suitcase.” Their looks of bewilderment would be hilarious, if not for the rising suspicion that you had a buck to the balls awaiting you, if you weren't careful. “...When?! The suitcase was here the entire time...we saw you pack it and-” Prench is silenced by you shaking your head. “Don't look under that rock... I barely understand it myself and quite frankly, I don't want to know.” You say a little freaked out. “...Anyway, I couldn't leave him on his own in Manehattan, so I brought him to LC's place and...we talked.” “Oh sweet Celestia! You bucked her didn't you?” Prench says, exasperatedly. You shake your head frantically, desperately trying to formulate a defense. “What? No! We just talked! Why would you think that!?” She flings up her hooves in defense. “Okay, Okay! You have done stupider things recently, so can you blame me for thinking that. Like that time you were about to...” You're glare is enough to stop her current mindset. “...Fine. What did you talk about.” With a huff, you take a seat on the sofa. “She ...said she loved me.” You say quietly. “...and you told her to buck off, I'm assuming?” Prench asks, taking a seat next to you. Your silence is enough for her as she throws his hooves in the air in frustration. “Aw come on! You got together didn't you?!” She shouts angrily “Not exactly.” You sheepishly say. “What do you mean by that?” Thunderlane asks, cocking his eyebrow. “I told her that I didn't know whether I was ready to forgive her yet... but I'm not going to do something as stupid as leaving the country... I don't know...we'll work something out.” Prench groans as her hoof meets her face in frustration. “So...what? You're just friends?” Thunderlane asks. You shrug your shoulders. “I think so...I don't know.” Thunderlane groans in irritation. “Are you going to see her today?” You nod. “Good. Ask her about all of this and figure it out because–.” “How is any of this your business?” You ask. “Because you're to much of a retard to manage your own decisions.” Prench says, grabbing the remote and flicking through the channels on the TV. “Oh come on. I said I was sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen.” You say. Prench just crosses her forelegs and harrumphs exaggeratedly. You flinch at the scene. “The thing is, Anon, you were about to leave because of this mare and we don't want you fucking this up again.” Thunderlane says, idly sitting back onto his seat and grabbing the paper. Seriously, when has he ever read the newspaper? “I appreciate the sentiment, but isn't this my choice?” You say irritably. “Nope.” Prench states. You give her an irritated look, which she either ignores or doesn't notice. You then bring your gaze back to Thunderlane. “Anyway, you need to determine where the two of you are –” You cut Thunderlane of with one of your 'shut it' stares. “Can we please just drop this? It really isn't any of your business.” You say with a level stare. “Well, that depends: Are you going to throw a tantrum and try to fuck off somewhere if this doesn't work out?” Prench asks with a smart ass tone and a smart ass look. You don't say anything. You just remain silent. “Probably not.” You say through clenched teeth. “Are you sure?” Thunderlane asks. You let out a heavy sigh and sink further into your chair, probably due to the amount of shame weighing you down. “Look guys, I know I fucked up. I overreacted, I pretty much threw away my entire life over one stupid moment. I don't know why I did it, but –” “Probably for attention.” Prench mutters under her breath. “Oh fuck off. You know that's not why.” You say, legitimately hurt by her comment. “Just saying.” Prench says with a half assed shrug. “Prench, that's not fair.” Thunderlane says calmly. “It's fine, Thunder...” You say dismissively. “...I understand.” To be honest...you didn't. You didn't understand why Prench was giving you so much flak for this, especially after everything she said, and did, to stop you from leaving. You thought she'd be the happiest one of the lot, now that you're back. “...So what are you going to do now, Anon?” Thunderlane asks absentmindedly. “I guess I'm gonna fix up my fuck up and get things back on track.” You say. “I'll see if I can get my job back this afternoon and I'll see about getting my stuff back from shipping and I'll need a place to live...” You smile at Thunderlane sheepishly. “I don't suppose you've filled the vacancy?” You ask. Thunderlane gives you a deadpan stare. “It's been a day, Anon. What do you think?” He says sarcastically. Well...better safe than sorry you guess. “Do you think I could move back in?” You ask, just as awkwardly as before. Thunderlane smiles widely and throws his hooves into the air happily. “Of course you can!” You smile at his enthusiasm, but Prench's attitude to this whole thing was starting to drag you down. “Yeah, I'm going to go.” Prench says, spitefully. She crawls off of the chair and makes for the door. “Prench, don't be like that.” Thunderlane calls. A slamming of the door is his response. You couldn't help, but feel hurt by her actions. Sure, what you did was stupid, but did it merit this sort of reaction?... Fuck, you hate it when you screw up. “Don't worry Anon. She'll come around sooner or later.” Thunderlane says reassuringly. You nod solemnly, but you couldn't shake the hurt and the shame left by Prench's departure. “So you need to get your stuff back?” He asks, slightly excited. “I'm sorry Mr. Unknown, but there's simply nothing I can do.” Coffee Grain says, sadly. “Nothing at all?” “No. I'm sorry. Had we known that you would be coming back, then we'd happily to accept your return, but we've already hired your replacement and it would just be unfair to her to let her go so soon after hiring. I hope you understand.” You nod solemnly. “I understand Miss Grain. Thanks anyway.” You raise out of your seat and turn to leave, but Coffee Grain stops you for a moment. “Anonymous, I hope you understand that there simply isn't anything I can do...” You nod. “...however if a position opens up here, I'll be sure to keep you in mind.” You crack a smile at that. “Thanks.” And with that, you bid farewell to Coffee Grain and leave the cafe. What were you going to do now? You don't have a job, you're pretty sure you've fucked things up with Prench and you had nowhere to go. You were lucky Thunderlane was willing to take you back, but how long until he simply can't afford to keep you? With no income, the two of you wouldn't be able to pay the rent...oh you're so fucked. *ding**dong* “Just a sec.” Loving Care calls through the door as you wait for it to open. The gentle sound of clopping hooves progressively getting closer. She opens the door and smiles warmly when she sees you, moving to the side to let you in. “Anon! Come in, come in.” She says, closing the door behind you and directing you into the living room, nervously shuffling and straightening items around the rooms. “Is everything okay?” You asks as she inches the TV about an inch, clockwise. “What? Oh everything is fine....Just cleaning.” she starts to wiz around the room, desperately trying to find something to occupy her time with. It was obvious what she was doing. She was trying to distract herself from you, because she was nervous. Nervous that it wouldn't work out and she was trying to delay that from happening. As cute as this was, you felt that you should just put her out of her misery. You reach over and place your hand on her back. She freezes in place, nervously fidgeting from the contact. “Um...sorry, It's just –” You shush her, patting the seat next to you on the sofa. With some hesitation, she hops onto it, placing a little distance between the two of you. She's sitting completely rigid, like a child at their posh aunts house who gets a reward for good behavior. You don't think you've ever been that nervous. “S-So how did it go?” She asks quietly, trying to find something to break the ice. “Not so good. Thunderlane is letting me move back in, but Prench is pretty cold about the whole thing.” You say with a groan. “...I don't think she's gonna forgive me so easily.” “W-What about the cafe?” She stutters out. This was getting to be a little annoying. Her nervous attitude was cute, but you couldn't really talk to her when she stutters and is generally nervous like this. “Care, Relax. I'm not going to run off again.” You say calmly, but she doesn't seem to take it on board. “I-I know it's just...” You reach a hand over and scratch her ear lightly, electing a coo of pleasure from Loving Care. “It's fine...really. I'm thinking clearly now... I won't hurt you.” She smiles contently as she finally relaxes and leans over laying her head down in your lap. “You never answered my question.” She says happily. “They couldn't take me back.” She jolts her head up to look at you in shock. “What?! Why not?” And now it's ruined. “They didn't have any places, so they couldn't hire me.” You say with a shrug of your shoulders. “But that doesn't make sense. You just left a week ago.” You chuckle, lightly patting her on the head. “That's why they needed a weeks notice... so they could get a replacement.” “S-So what are you going to do now?” She asks quietly. You shrug as she places her head back in your lap. “I don't know. I'll have to find a job I guess.” Loving Care sighs contently. “You can still watch Button for me if you like.” “I thought that was a given.” You say as the two of you descend into silence once more. Contented with the others presence. You could tell she was wanting to tell you something by the way she was fidgeting, but she wasn't able to– “A-Anon, I love you.” Or maybe she was. “I know.” You say simply as the two of you fall into silence once more before she decides to ask the question that was on both of your minds. “So...what are we going to do about this?” She asks curiously... Huh? You always guessed if you ever did start a relationship with a mare, you'd know what to do. Like you'd both just... be together or something like that... but you didn't know what to do. You didn't have a freaking clue what to do... but you were okay with that. You lean back into the sofa, idly stroking Loving Care's mane. “I don't know.” You say simply. Loving Care lifts her head up to look at your face once more. A blush spread across her cheeks. “D-D-Do you want to...go see a movie or something?...with me?” She asks sheepishly. You smile warmly and her blush spreads further across her face as you stroke stray strands of hair out of her face. “I'd love to.” You whisper as she slowly closes her eyes and inches her face closer to yours. You couldn't help but get caught up in the moment as you follow her example, moving your lip closer and closer hers. “YAAAAY!!!” Button shouts, bouncing on the coffee table, startling the two of you. “Button?” The two of you ask simultaniously. “I knew it! I knew it! I knew you loved each other!” Button cheers, bouncing around the room ecstatic. “Button, we're just–” Loving Care tries to reason, but Button begins to chant a very familiar rhyme you remembered from your early school years back on earth. “Mommy and Daddy, sitting in a tree! F-U-C-K-I-N–” “BUTTON!” …well, maybe not quite as you remembered. You smile as Button rushes up the stairs in hysterics, where Loving Care rushes up following him with murderous intent. It is at this moment that you realize.... you keep the most messed up company: A video game loving man child best friend, a pissed off and unpredictable co-best friend, an equally video game loving small foal who gets into the weirdest shenanigans and, for some reason, thinks you're his dad, and an emotionally unstable yet completely level headed marefriend who never knows what she wants until she's on the brink of losing it. and it seems you're the only sane one of the bunch. A tall, bipedal, alien freak with a passion for excessive drama and fixing other peoples problems... and you know what?... you never should have wanted it any other way. Chapter one: New Acquaintances .You are Anonymous Unknown. You are Nineteen years old and you are an exactly average Human. That statement is one hundred percent accurate, because you are the only human in this world of magical talking equines. Like literally, the only one. You've checked. Anyway you have been in Equestria for seven years now and you've gotten so used to life here that you can't imagine yourself anywhere else. You went to school here, which is so much easier than school back home, You got a job here and you have friends here. Your Job is at the local cafe. Where you work for five hours a day, five days a week. It's a pretty good job all things considered. You could think of worse jobs in the world. Plus the manager is really nice...to an extent. Because you are the only human in existence, you brought in more customers from the freak-show effect, making more money, making the manager happy, making her want to keep you, making her be more nice to you. You realized this very quickly. You saw that she was a lot more lenient on you than the other, equally hard working, staff. She also payed you more, which made you look like an asshole. The staff didn't really care however, none of them really hating you...well except Muffin top, but she hates everyone so it's fine. You have friends, so many friends it was hard to account for them all. Your best friend was a stallion named Thunderlane, He had your back at school and since then. He transferred to your school in Canterlot on the third year from Cloudsdale because he was being bullied. He and you hit it off pretty quickly. He was rather shy at first, like a certain yellow mare in town. You had to make the first move. You saw him there sitting at a table on his own looking depressed. So, Being the good guy that you were, you decided to go say hello. He barely spoke to you at first, he was barely able to tell you his name. But he kept following you around, not in the creepy way, more like the 'You're the only person I know' way. You eventually got him to speak to you in a flowing conversation, kind of. You had to tell him when you were finished and when he could speak, but you got there. He was a very shy colt. It's a good thing he's grown out of it, unlike a certain yellow mare in town. You and him now share an apartment on Saddle Way and you two are pretty close, always there for each other when needed. It's a good thing you've never been needed. You spend most of your free time playing video games and hanging out at the weekend, but mostly video games. You do have other friends of course. dome of the staff at work, Lyra Heartstrings, Cloud Chaser and a fine young steroid overdosed stallion named Bulk Biceps are among them. They come round and hang out from time to time. Cloud Chaser especially, her being Thunderlane's marefriend and all. But it would take you all day to describe all of your relationships with them...like, literally, all day. There were a lot of funny stories for later. So, some might say that's a pretty full Life. That you have everything a man could want, A well paid job, a home, friends? well no. You still felt empty inside. Despite having so many friends you were still painfully lonely. You are ashamed to admit that you are still a virgin. You've never had a marefriend, you've never even kissed a mare. You've kissed a human back on earth so you didn't completely miss out. It's not that you had reservations about inter-species relationships, come on you spent most of your teenage years here, you're gonna stop caring what she is, as long as she's a she. You were even sure that a lot of mares wouldn't be so reserved about the issue, it was just that with you being so different, you were too afraid to ask a mare out. So that was the only problem with your life. You considered yourself lucky that was it. It could have been worse, a lot worse. “Table seven Anon.” Prench Roast, the till operator, calls. You move over and collect the tray, sitting on it is an espresso with a dove made into the foam and a scone. You carry it over to table seven, with as much enthusiasm ad you can muster, where a young filly and her mother are sitting. You lay the tray down and gesture to the mother. “I'm assuming the espresso is for you?” She shakes her head. “No actually it's for my daughter, Turtle Dove. She's having her first coffee today to celebrate her getting her Cutie Mark.” The filly in question is beaming with pride and you don't blame her. A Cutie Mark is a ponies rite of passage into adulthood, a symbol of maturity that shows you your purpose in life. You turn to the young filly. “Well congratulations! May I see it?” She isn't the slightest bit hesitant to jump off of her seat and walk out into your view and there you see it. On her rump is a picture of a two doves flying in a circle. You didn't know what it meant, but you guess it was probably something to do with animals or flying...she's a unicorn...It's not flying. You internally face palm at your unspoken stupidity. “Wow! -” You exaggerated. She was still young. It still hurt to act all baby talk. “- Tell you what, to celebrate, the coffee's on me.” You pat the pocket on your apron for emphasis. She lets out a cute little squee. The mother thanking you and paying for her scone. and with slightly lighter pockets you head over to Prench, picking up a tray with used plates and cups on the way there. You throw a two bit coin, and the money given by the mare, into the till and lean against the wall behind Prench. “You know Coffee Gain doesn't like it when you do that, Right?” Prench Roast remarks. Without braking her stature. She was tending to some customer, a red stallion, Big Mac if you were correct. “Well, what Coffee Grain,Doesn't know, wont hurt her. Besides, if she doesn't like it, then she shouldn't pay me so much.” She smirks. “You know Anon, I think You're the only stallion in existence to ever complain about being payedtoo much.” “Hey it's a lot worse than you think. If I didn't actively try to be a good guy to you all, you'd all probably hate my guts.” She looks to you and mocks shock. “What!? And loose one of my best friends? Ha never!” You roll your eyes. “You know, we wouldn't be friends if I was like how I am in my head, right?.” She snickers. The clock buzzing signalling the end of your shift. The next pony comes in and takes Prench's place, Another one does the same for you. You and Prench head through the back and over to the back, where Coffee Grain would give you your paychecks. "I think you are laying it on a bit thick Anon. I don't think you're that bad in your head. You're just saying that." "Kick her! Kick her in the head!" "I'm pretty sure I'm not." She just smiles and looks your way. “Anon. I think I would still be friends with you. -” Her tone becomes sultry as she walks closer beside you. “- In fact, -” She stands on her hind hooves and slams you against the wall. Pinning you. “- I kind of like a bad boy?” She leans in close, really close, to the point where you can feel her hot breath on you lips. “I-I...Uh...Er...” You can feel her breath on you face as she leans in closer and closer. Until...she bursts into laughter. “HA HA HA, Anon, You are just so funny when I do that.” She says letting you off of the wall. She knew about you and your...problem. She often played these jokes. The only real reason it got to you the way it did was because, for a mare, she was pretty hot. She had a light brown coat and dark brown mane and tail. She had these golden eyes that bore into your being and the cutest freckles dancing across her nose. She was beautiful, but you would never Try anything. You were just friends. “How many times do I have to say? I hate it when you do that.” You snap. . “Do you have any idea how cute you look when you blush like that? How could I resist?” She pouts You glare at her. She did this a lot, the casual flirting. Sometimes it was cute, other times it was annoying. So, sometimes, you had to get her back. “I can imagine I look like you, when Note Worthy Comes in for his daily muffin.” Her face goes straight and her cheeks blush. “I told you, I don't have a thing for Note Worthy.” She says through gritted teeth, while lifting her nose in the air, still blushing. “Awww, Look at wittle woasty bwush.” You say in baby talk. Of course, this only made her blush more. "I told you I hate that name." She says, irritation laced in her voice. "If you're gonna throw shit, be prepared to take shit." “Shut up Virgin.” You deflate slightly. But remain smiling. “Sssooo, I won that one?” She huffs and returns walking down the hallway. “Yeah totally won that one.” You walk proudly into the office at the back of the building. Coffee Grain. your boss, is sitting behind an over-sized desk. She reached into a drawer and grabbed two envelopes. Handing them to you. She didn't look up once. “Good afternoon, Mr Unknown and Miss. Roast. Your payment.” Coffee Grain, your boss says. Prench takes them off of her. “Don't come in tomorrow, we're doing renovations and we're closing the cafe. You will be payed because it was a last minute decision.” She states, rather dryly. You could understand why, but she didn't have to be so pissed about it. “Thanks.” Prench says looking at the envelopes. She hoofs one to you. “I want you both here at seven on Thursday.” Grain says. “Have a good evening Mrs. Grain.” You say automatically. “You too Anonymous.” Once you leave her office Prench gives you a look. “Kiss Ass much?” You smile. “The only ass I'm kissing is your sweet subtle tush.” She gains a sly grin “Hee Hee, How about now? In the supply closed? I wanna see you squirm monkey.” You laugh. “Sorry, not tonight gotta play Battle Stallion with Thunderlane.” She huffs. “You're gonna turn down this! -” She stands on two hooves and rubs her front seductively. “- to play video games?” You laugh. “Well, when you put it like that...Yes! ha ha.” She laughs as well as you walk out off into the main cafe. “You plan on paying for some fun tomorrow with those extra bits ya got?" She says waggling her eyebrows. She did this a lot too, mooching off of you. "What makes you think I don't want to keep it?" "You try to Please people too much." She says matter of factly. You snort. "Did I win that?" She asks, with a cocky tone. Your gaze remains straight ahead. "No." You state sternly. "Yeah I won that." She says mimicking your earlier comment. You both enter the main cafe area. Customers quietly conversing. "Hey I gotta go, I'll see you later, okay?” Prench says hovering into the air in preparation to fly home. “See you later.” She flies out the entrance. You were about to leave as well, but you saw a heartbreaking sight. A mare was sat alone at a table, her eyes were red and puffy, her hair a little messy and she looked like she was trying desperately not to cry again. The sight broke your heart. “Hey Frothy Top, Who's the mare at table Five?” You ask the stallion. “I don't know, She just showed up and sat there, she didn't even order anything, just sat there.” You look to her. She was a young looking mare possibly a bit older than you. She looked devastated, Properly devastated. "Just leave her alone. She'll probably be fine. Just leave her alone. just leave her alo- FUCK!" “Hey make me up an espresso with a heart top, would ya please?” You ask the barista. “Sure thing.” After a few minutes, he hands you the coffee, you pay for it and you head over to the mare. You place the cup in front of her. Her depressed appearance suddenly shifts to confusion then she looks to you. “I didn't order this.” “It's on the house. You okay miss?” She nods. “Y-Yeah...just fine....” You nod, she clearly wasn't but you weren't going to push the issue further. You did what you could. You begin to walk away... “Wait.” Fuck...You stop and look to her again. “I'm not...I'm really not.” She looks like she's going to cry again. You pull the chair opposite her out and take a seat. “Do you want to talk about it?” She smiles at you. “You don't know me. Why would you care?” She sounded more grateful, than accusing. “I have a soft spot for crying mares.” She laughs and takes a sip of her coffee. You really wanted to go right now. “This is good.” She says. “You can thank Perfect Mix for that.” She smiles “Thank you.” You chuckle. “Not me, I'm Anon.” She smiles back. “I know but I also know those stallions at the counter were just avoiding eye contact with me before you came out. So, thank you.” You smile. "What's your name?" You ask trying to break the ice. "I'm Loving Care. Though not many ponies call me that." She replies taking another sip of her coffee "What do they all you?" She doesn't lift her gaze from her cup. "Button's mom." You snort with laughter. "Seriously?" She nods. "Well. I think Loving Care is a nice name." You say, getting her to smile and look to you. "So. you have a kid?" "Yes I have a son. his name is Button Mash, he's eight years old...So...you come from another world?" She asked. You were expecting that one. "I came from another world called Earth and no, I don't know how. Just sorta happened." You drone. It was your practiced phrase for those questions. They were asked so many times. "Can you tell me about your world?" She asks. That you weren't expecting, so few ponies really gave a crap about your world, except for the science weirdos. "I guess, where do you wan't to start?" And so you spoke to this complete stranger about Earth, humans, everything you could remember, TV and other Basic information. You couldn't describe too much of it in detail because you were twelve the last time you saw Earth. But it was enough to get her interested. But, unfortunately, you had to address the elephant in the room eventually. “Do you want to talk about what's got you down?” She looks down, all of her face turned from an expression of interest to oone of sadness.She was almost about to cry again. You lean over the table and hold her hoof in your hand. “Shh, Shh, It's okay. You don't have to if you don't want to.” She regains her composure. "T-thank you. I think it would be best if I went home." "I think that would be a good idea." She climbs out of her seat and walks out of the cafe. You follow. "Don't you have work?” She asks. "I got off work an hour ago and I should probably head home too.” You walk through the town. She was still looking a bit down but not too bad. You come to a quaint little house in the middle of town. She takes a small key out of a basket and unlocks the door. “Thank you...again, really, you don't know how much that helped.” You smile. “Of course. I'll see you later. Are you sure you're going to be okay?” She nods. At least that emotional roller coaster was done with. You hope you'll never have to... “Yes, I'll be fine...though... could you...come round tomorrow. I think I'm going to need a friend.” Oh fuck nuggets. “What about your other friends. Wouldn't they be better suited?” She looks down. “They're out of town.” You sigh. There goes your day off...Convenient. “Of course then. Thunderlane's gonna be pissed when he finds ou- .Oh shit Thunderlane!” She flinches. "I said I'd be back an hour ago!" You turn and leave. "I'll see you tomorrow." You call as you sprint down the road. you didn't hear anything else, too busy trying to get home. You walk into the apartment Thunderlane already at the console playing Love and Tolerate, an ironically violent video game. “About time, dude. Come on I got your controller right here.” You sigh and take a seat on the sofa. “Thanks.” “Right, Ready to get your flank kicked!” You laugh, your head whipping back to look at the ceiling. “Only if I feel like going easy on you!” You jest. He sets up a lobby and starts the match. “Alright! 'Bout time.” He shouts. “Bring it on.” the match starts and you grab a load out. "You owe me an hour tomorrow." He says, eyes glued to the screen. "Can't, Gotta see someone." He doesn't seem convinced. "All day?" "Well, I don't know how long." on the screen you see your character get stabbed in the back with a small hidden blade. The person who killed you currently squatting over your corpse. "rgg. fucking tea-baggers." You swear under your breath. Thunderlane just offers a small grunt of laughter. "So who is it?" "A mare I met at work." "All Right! about time." He hold up his hooves for a bump. "Not like that you moron!" You shout currently spamming every button on your controller. "Oh? well what is it like?" "She was needing a friend...I only just met her today." You say with confusion and frustration. He looks to you, a grin on his face. "Well, that just proves it then. She has the hots for you." You deadpan. "She has a son and I'm pretty sure that means she has a husband." His grin remains on his face. "Not all the time." He waggles his eyebrows. "Dude! It's not. like. that." "Pfft . Whatever Anon. Are you sure you're not gay?" You huff. "Positive. You're dying by the way." He looks to the screen and notices his character is dying. "Oh shit!" You were laughing at his vain attempt to rescue his character by slamming buttons on his controller. "Oh it is on now, bitch!" You move in and avenge his character by slamming an arrow through his face. Thunderlane revived and joined you as you both double-teamed the enemy. The rest of the evening happened with nothing out of the ordinary. just you and your bro enjoying an extremely violent video game. With Nothing else on the forefront of your mind. Chapter Six: Old Acquaintances. Chapter Six: Old Acquaintances. “So tell me again why you want to change your shifts?” Coffee Grain asks, sitting behind her desk with a cocked eyebrow. “I kind of took on a second job and I need to work here to be during school hours.” You say rubbing your neck, sheepishly. “And that's the part where you lost me. -” She says propping her...Elbows?...on the table. “-What is this second job?” You just smile weakly. She didn't really need to know, but hey, why not? “A friend of mine took a job and she wants me to watch her foal while she's away, so I need to have the afternoon off, while he's not at school.” You inform her. She raises both of her eyebrows. “Fine, it should be harmless enough. I would have to see who would be willing to switch shifts with you...” She opens a book on her desk. “...I believe Muffin top should be able to trade, your Monday and your Wednesday. Frothy Top can work your Tuesday and Thursday and your Friday is fine as it is.” She says. “I hope this is all necessary. You will be altering the entire schedule. That's a lot of work to do and a few employees will be a little irritated.” You just raise your eyebrows in bewilderment. “Well if it's not possible, I would have to find a different job. I need to do this for my friend and...” Her frantic hoof waving and shaking of her head was hilarious to watch. You had to refrain from laughing. “No No No. I'm sure it won't be a bother!” She says in a panic. She really wanted you to stay. God you loved this job. “Well...if you say so...Thanks.” You say with a genuine smile, which she returns. “Well. If that's everything, I would appreciate it if you left me alone. I have a lot of work to do now. I'm assuming you can work regular hours tomorrow?” You just nod your head. “I'll see you tomorrow Mrs Grain.” She gives a humble smile and returns to her work. “See you then Mr Unknown.” And with that you close the door and leave. You open the door and walk in. Thunderlane was at work so you had the apartment all to yourself. Just you and your games for the next few... “Hey Anon!” Prench says from the sofa. Her appearance shocking the shit out of you to the point that you leap behind the other sofa. “Jesus Christ on a bike! Are you fucking living here now?!” You shout trying to calm down from your sudden, unwelcome, almost heart attack. “Nope, just stopped by to say hi, Thunderlane said you went to work. Seeing as it's a Sunday. I'm assuming that either A, you are a freaking moron, which I can believe. Or B, you were speaking to Coffee grain. Something you want to tell me?” You just roll your eyes and shoulders. For someone who was only on this world to make your life awkward, she sure was pretty good at figuring out when you were up to something. “I need to switch shifts at the cafe.” You say, as you watch her face turn from one of accusation to hurt and betrayal. “What!? Why?!” “Care got a job at the hospital and wanted me to look after Button, after school. To do that I needed to switch my shifts around so I was available. I'm sorry Prench.” To be honest you were kind of glad for this. Your thoughts kept coming back to her, and it was starting to get to you. But even that reassurance couldn't make you feel better about all of this. “W-When?” You sigh. “All days, except Friday.” She just looks down. “Fine, but you owe me real big for this.” Aaand she's back. “What do you want?” She just grins. “What don't I want?” She says in a seductive manner, licking her lips...Oh fuck. You sit down with a blush on your face, trying desperately not to do, or say, something stupid. It's just one of her jokes, just let it pass. She however uses your new sat position to position her font hooves by your head and positions her body dangerously close to you crotch...Oh fuck, Oh fuck. “You know Anon. You're kind of hurting my feeling with this. Maybe you should show me how much you value our friendship. “Fuck...Do something now!” “Could you get off of me please?” You say in a calm and collected tone. She just pouts and jumps off. “Awww...no stammering? No embarrassed bumbling? Just the blush?...Hrm I need to up my game.” She says wiggling her rump an your direction. “Fuck she has no idea how much of an affect that had.” “Okay! For the whole 'ditching me at work thing', I want you to give me a day.” Prench asks. “A day?” She nod. “A day.” “A whole day?” She gives you that 'just get the freaking picture' look that people give you when you're acting stupid.. “A whole day, just you and me hanging out. You up for that?” “Sure!” You say, a little too enthusiastically. Prench, for her part, just cocks an eyebrow and walks towards the door. “Good. Come on. I know an awesome place to hang out.” “Couldn't we just hang out here?” She shakes her head. “We always hang out here and I want to go swimming.” It was Your turn to cock an eyebrow. “You? Swim?” She huffs in mock hurt. “Yes me. Swim. now come on, let's go.” You furrow your brows in confusion. "When have you ever swam?" "There's a lot about me that you didn't know Anon." She says with a sly grin. "Now hurry the buck up!" You sigh defeated. “Fine, but let me grab my swim shorts.” She just huffs. “You and your clothes. Can't you go naked for once?” You decide to ignore her comment. “Cannon ball!” She shouts as she lands right next to you in the water, drenching you. When she emerges, you you were glad your lower half was under water because if it wasn't...well...Let's just say that she's really hot normally, now she's wet, so...yeah. “So ready for Hearth Warming?” She asks. You furrow your brows in confusion. “That's two months away.” You say, confused by her question. “Yeah, you need to get your presents out of the way.” You just smile, knowingly. “What do you want?” She mocks hurt. “Anon! You think that I am just trying to get you to buy me something, just because I mentioned Hearth-okay! I want something shiny and nice...you can think about the rest. Okay?” You roll your eyes. “Fine. Jewelry it is.” she splashes you. “Too cliche.” “Okay. A lump of zinc it is.” She splashes you again. “That's not nice enough!” You give her a mock-death glare. “Don't. Splash. Me. Again.” You say, through lightly clenched teeth. She, predictably, splashes you again. “That's it!” You move your legs up and splash the largest tsunami splash you could muster. Her high pitched squeal is music to your ears. “Oh it is on now, virgin!” Well, you think it would be best to say, you both lost. You nearly drowned, and Prench got kicked in the face...You're laughing at the her pain probably didn't help. After her kick to the face, she then proceeded to try and drown you...And here you were, ten minutes later trying desperately not to speak to each other, while changing into your normal clothes, behind a tree. “You coming?” Maybe not desperately. “Where we going?” You ask. “I don't know. Maybe just a walk around the town?” You cock your brow at her. “Can't we just go home?” she gives you a level stare. “Excuse me? Who's ditching who to piss off and screw another mare.” You gran loudly. “For the love of fuck. I'm not doing this to wet my dick. I'm doing this because If I don't, button will be home alone and neither Care nor I want him to be left alone. The kid's train set spontaneously combusted when he was playing with it for Christ's sake! Would you leave him alone?! Now stop implying that I'm just trying really hard to get laid...and while you're at it, stop calling me virgin. It's getting rather overused.” You let out. Prench just looks you up and down. “Woooowww. When did Nonnie grow a pair?” You give her your best death glare. “Since I've had enough of your bullshit. Now do you want to go for a walk or what?” You walk past her and she just giggles and follows in your path. “I'm liking the new you. More assertive, more resistant to my teasi- wait...You got laid didn't you?” You give her a serious expression. “No I didn't. I've just realized I can't get around if I keep...” “Yeah yeah yeah...okay I get it. So...wanna bitch about our friends?” The sounds of laughter echo through whitetail woods as you and Prench enjoy your conversation. “Okay okay. Cloud Chaser?” Prench asks, snorting through her laughter. “She's alright I guess. Never really...connected, but she's alright. She has a habit of getting me in trouble for her own amusement.” “Are you talking about the Party?” Just the mention of that night, resurfaces all of your conflicting feelings and memories. You really hoped you had a good poker face right now. “Well, that was one of the instances. You should hear the story of the time the three of us were at the zoo. I'll give you a hint, it involves an elephant, some peanuts and a fire extinguisher.” You smile at her confused look. “What happened with the...” You hold up a finger for her to stop. “Another time maybe, How about Thunderlane?” She scoffs at your interruption. “He's obsessed with those video games, but he's a good guy. Okay my turn. LC?” You shrug your shoulders. “She's a nice mare, but she has had some emotional issues, but she's gotten better since I met her.” She just nods and averts her gaze. “Yeah she told us about that at the party when you were passed out.” You cock an eyebrow at her. “She was happy to have you as a friend. She feels she owes you a life debt or something and I don't blame her. The way she described you was like a saint. It was kind of sweet.” You sigh heavily “That's nice.” You say. “That's nice?” Prench says, rather sharply. “Dude she was pouring her heart out over you.” You just roll your eyes. “What do you want me to say?” She stops at that. “Fine. But tell me this, do you like her?” You shrug. “Well of course I do, she's my friend.” She face hoofs. “Oh. My. Celestia. How is that the reply of every stallion in existence ever, to that question?” You smile a shit eating grin. “Sorry. Couldn't resist.” Prench stares you down, threateningly. You were a little scared...just a little. “Answer my question.” She demands. “No. I don't have feeling for Loving care. Besides, what would it matter? Even if I did. There would be no way she would.” You sigh and stop walking, taking a seat on a nearby rock. "What do you mean?" “I'm just a freak. And nobody would want to be with me.” You hang your head in pity. “Oh Anon, come on. You're not a freak. You're the best friend anypony could ask for. Don't let me ever hear you say otherwise.” She wraps her legs around you tenderly. “Thank you.” You say pitifully. “I-I don't know what came over me...what about Bulk?” She laughs. “Are you kidding?! He's clearly over compensating for something.” You both chuckle as you sat there in her embrace, not daring to move from fear of ruining the moment. Your chest felt like it was going to burst, with how fast your heart was beating. Your palms were drenched in sweat and your breathing was becoming slightly quicker with each passing second. You needed to end this soon...maybe just a few more minutes. “Prench?” You ask. “Yes Anon?” “I'm going to miss you at work.” “heh heh. Yeah...*sigh*...we still have Friday right?” You nod. “Do you know who will be working instead of you?” “Muffin Top on some days, Frothy Top on others.” You can hear her groan in irritation. “Muffin Top!? Crap she is such a bitch. I think I might just hang myself.” You roll your eyes. "Please don't. The guilt would kill me." She laughs. "It's what you deserve for abandoning me." You smile “You wanna keep going?” She shakes her head. “It was nice but I think I should get going. I need to do something productive today.” And with that she released you from her embrace and backs off a few feet. Your body felt cold now without your living blanket. “I thought you wanted the whole day?” You say, a bit of disappointment in your voice. “That was before I remembered how little I can stand of you.” She says, jokingly, though still hurt a little. “I think I have stuff to do now anyways.” You say dismissively. “I'll be working normal time tomorrow, so I'll see you then.” She smiles happily. “See you then Anon.” And with that she trots off somewhere. You decided to go home, there was nothing for you to do, Thunderlane was still at work...maybe you could go see how Loving Care is doing...yeah you might just do that. So you do, you head off in the direction of Loving Care's place. *rapraprap* You knock on her door and wait for her to answer. You were a little shocked to see the door open so suddenly. And Loving Care is there, mane disheveled, Eyes bloodshot and just generally not okay. “Care? Whats wrong?” She looks to you painfully. “Where were you?!” You recoiled from her shout, you couldn't answer so you blinked, several times. She gets the message. “I've left Celestia knows how many massages on your machine, I've even gone round to your place! Where were you.” Still a little shocked by her frantic attitude, you hold up a hand for her to stop. “I was out with Prench. What's wrong?” She just breaks down on the floor. “I got a letter...” You still weren't getting the picture. “umm...what was is?” She was wailing something out that you couldn't hear over her sobs. “Okay. What was that.” “It was from ship shape!” Wow. this mare can really paint a picture, cant she? “Who's that?” She gives you the scariest death glare you've ever seen. “Button's father!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “Shit.” You gesture for her to get up and lead her into the house. You lead her into the kitchen, where you sit her down and start a batch of coffee. “What was in the letter?” She doesn't respond, just sniffing. “Care?” She shakes her head. “H-He wants to meet up. H-He says he needs to talk.” You pour the coffee into the cups and hand one to her. “Aaaaand I'm assuming you said no?” She doesn't look up. “I haven't responded yet.” “Good. Then tell him to fuck off.” “Anon. Language.” She says with quiet irritation. “I think it's justified.” She sighs. “I was thinking, I'd go.” You almost spray the coffee all over her kitchen table, if it wasn't for the coffee cup you would have. “You're kidding right?” She doesn't look up. “Care! You can't be serious.” “I think I should hear him out.” She says dejectedly. “Care! This is the same stallion who left you without the slightest hint of a goodbye, just because it got a little tough. This is the stallion who left you and button to fend for yourselves. Care. This is the stallion who divorced you over mail! Doe he sound like the kind of despicable bastard who deserves a hearing out?!” She finally looks up and slams a hoof on the table. “You think you know sooo much Anon!? Well let me tell you, You don't! He was a good Stallion before. He cared and provided for us well before you came along! You think you can judge him. Why don't you go through exactly what he did!? Why don't you go through loosing your own foal, then having to deal with the depression of yourself and those around you! It was more than a little tough Anon! YOU! CAN! NOT! BUCKING TALK! You have no right to judge him! You don't know what he went through and I don't want you saying such horrible things about him.” You had shrunk down into your chair as she had lifted out of hers. “I-I'm sorry Care. It's just...when he left...I had to pick up the pieces...and I'm just afraid he'd just hurt you again.” Wow. This was not what you were expecting when you decided to come here. Loving Care's expression softens. “Anon. I'm not made of glass. I can take care of myself. I need you to understand that he was always a good pony. He just gave into his weaknesses.” You sigh heavily. “I know...I think...it's just hard to imagine that, when all I know is him now. It's like trying to imagine Celestia as a shy littlechild.” She places a hoof on your leg comfortingly. “I want to give him a chance. So I'm going to...Do you think you could come with me?” Oh fuck no! “What? I don't want to meet him.” You say rather sternly. “I know Anon, but I'd feel safer if you were there by my side. I'd find it easier to face him and maybe you would see him for who he is.” You furrow you brows. “What do you mean safer?!” She sighs again. “I would feel like I'm less likely to be hurt if you're there.” You sigh and lean back in your chair, defeated. “Fine. I'll go, but I will not try to be nice and if he does something I don't like, I'm gonna rip his dick off and shove it up his ass.” Despite the genuineness of your threat she giggles. “That's why I want you to come.” She embraces you in a hug. You just smile. “I mean it. I will.” “I know.” She says happily. “When is this meeting?” “Next week.” “I'm gonna hate this guy aren't I?” She just chuckles. “I think it's been established that you already do.” “Hey Anon I'm home.” Thunderlane calls out as he enters the apartment.” “HA HA! Take that you tea-bagging hunk of hydra shit!” You scream into the TV, as you killed one of the enemy players. “Uh...Anon?” He asks concerned. “What's that? You think you can kill me? FUCK! NO!” You stab another player in the face. “Anon? Are you okay.” Thunderlane comes into your peripheral vision. “Yeah I'm fine why?-OH YOU HACKING CHUNK OF FUCK!” Your character got an arrow in the face. “It's just...I've never seen you play...any game this...aggressively.” “Just in the moment. -HA HA YOU LIKE THAT YOU ABORTED PIECE OF KNOB CHEESE?” You get revenge on the player who just killed you. “Anon. I think you should stop.” You shake your head. “The match is almost over. I just need to- OH COME ON!” Your player died again. “Anon. This is worrying. I've never seen you like this. What is going on?” “I already said, nothing.” “Anon!” Finally getting the message, and the fact that you can't hide it. You leave the game, place your controller down on the table and lean back with a groan. “You know LC's husband?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Not personally?” “Yeah well he's wanting to see her and she's wanting to see him.” Thunderlane just smiles pats your shoulders. “Dude this is great. They might get back together.” You sigh. “Yeah, or she's going to get even more hurt, leaving me to pick up the pieces again.” You rest your head in your palms, rubbing your face, as if that would clear away your problems. “I really don't want to deal with that again.” You say irritated. “Anon. You said that she wanted to go.” You shrug. “She does.” “Then aren't you being a little selfish? You only want her not to go because you might have to deal with her depression again. Even if it's possible she might be happy. That's not in her best interests” You groan. “I care about her well being Thunder, I don't trust this guy and I don't want her to get hurt. For her sake and mine.” He pats you on the shoulder. “I'm sure she would be fine.” “She wants me to go too.” He smiles. “Then everything is going to be fine.” He says “You were always good at these situations.” You sigh dejectedly. “Since when?” You asks skeptically. “I don't recall ever being in a situation like this?” He chuckles and bats your shoulders again. “I'm talking about these situations in general. Heck Anon, I doubt I would be able to talk to ponies without you.” “You grew out of it. I had nothing to do with it.” He punched your arm again...hard. “Yes you did! You were the only one to ever speak to me when I came to Canterlot High. You were my only friend for about a year. Without you there, I probably would have been sulking in the bathroom.” You cock an eyebrow at him. “Thunder. I'm honored that you think of me like that. But I would like you to stop now because I think this conversation is about to get really gay. And I think you're a little mistaken.” He punches your arm again! “It's true! You were my friend when nopony else was. Do you think I would be with cloud chaser if I hadn't met you?” “Probably.” “NO I wouldn't I would have been too shy to even talk to her.” “Look I'm flattered, Really I am. But I think you're giving me too much credit.” “Then there's all of the-” “Thunder. Please stop. I get your point.” He smiles warmly. “Well then. I was going to go on about how you're a good friend and I owe you a lot, but seeing as you, clearly, aren't one for heartfelt speeches, I'll just end on this.” Thank god “You were always there for me. And Loving Care is our friend too. So I'm just saying that if she gets hurt by this scumbag We'll be there for you guys.” You cock an eyebrow. “We?” You ask curiously. Thunderlane just grows a sly, sinister smile. “I always wanted to find out how hard bulk could punch a dude.” Author's Note Sorry this took so long. I don't know why and I really don't have an excuse. I don't know why, but I found it rather difficult to get around to writing this. I just kept getting distracted I guess. I was going to make a Hearth Warming Chapter, but I realized that all of the stuff I wanted to put in wouldn't make sense and I was jumping ahead in a few relationships. So I Filed that one away for a later date. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me how it went.
Chapter two: I really wasn't expecting this.Your alarm blares in your ears, causing you to jolt upright in bed. Your alarm was on the other side of the room to prevent you ignoring it and going back to sleep. So, begrudgingly, you got out of bed and walked to the bookshelf currently holding your Alarm. “Anon turn that fucking thing off! I'm trying to sleep.” Thunderlane shouts through the wall. “You need to get your ass up for work anyway!” You hear groan and a small cluster of profanities aimed at you, the sun and mornings in general. You put on some clothes and your watch and head into the Kitchen. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* That's strange. You weren't expecting anyone to come by today. “Who is it?” You call through the door. “It's me, open up.” You just stare at the door and hope that they get the hint. They don't. “Who's me? Genius” “Prench Roast. Come on, you can't tell from my voice?” True you probably should have, but it was way too early in the morning for such things. You open the door to reveal her standing there with saddlebags wrapped over her barrel. “Hey Anon. How's it going?” “Fine...What are you doing here?” She mocks Shock. “What? I can't just come and see my favorite human?” You deadpan. "I'm the only human." She just waves her hoof at you dismissively. “Fine. I need your help. Something awful has happened” She has your attention now. “What is it?” “I have the day off and nopony to hang out with.” You groan. “And here I thought something serious was wrong.” You invite her in. “Yeah there is. I'm bored.” She replies. “Hey Anon, What's going on?..Oh hey Prench.” Thunder walks in with his bed head still occupying his mane. “Hi thun~nder.” She takes him into an embrace. This was making you gag. “So what do you have planned today?” He asks her. “I don't know, Hanging out with Anon I guess.” Wait what? “I haven't even said if I'm available.” You deadpan. She however has the nerve to smirk at you. “Oh Anon. You got a last minute day off. I doubt you have plans already.” Her smirk disappears when she notices your deadpan is still holding. “What? Don't tell me you actually have plans.” You smile, This was too good. “Actually, yes, I do.” You say matter of factly. Silently laughing at her presumptions. “Yeah he has a date.” Thunder comments. He was stating to piss you off with this. “I already told you, it's not a date.” Prench's smile was back in full force. “Oh Anon, you sly dog. You finally gonna cash in your V-Card?” You face palm. "No. I'm just meeting with somebody. It's not as if I want to go. Just moral obligations." They look unconvinced. "whatever you say Anon. Just make sure to tell us how she was." Your right eye just twitched. Time to get the fucking point across. “Okay, let's get this straight. Yes, I'm meeting a mare. No, it's not a date. No, she's not attracted to me. No, I don't intend to cash in my V-Card. She was just a mare who was looking upset, so I bought her a coffee. We talked, she was nice enough and then I walked her home. For some reason she asked me back tomorrow, I don't know why. Nor do I really care, I was in no position to refuse. So I'm just going to go round, See how she is and leave. Nothing else.” Prench smiles. “We~ell, if she invited you rou-” “Don't you fucking dare.” Your tone and stare are enough to stop her in her tracks. You feel you better change the subject before you get more annoyed at your Friends. “So, Thunder, What are you planning on doing today?” His face was currently red from him trying not to laugh...For fuck sake. He manages to suppress his giggles long enough to answer. “I am going to work then I'm hanging out with Cloud Chaser. Nothing else, unless you include the video games later.” You roll your eyes. You loved video games, but Thunder was positively obsessed with them. “Well Prench, I guess you're on your own.” You say. “UUURRRGGG! Just my luck. A day off and You guys are busy.” You couldn't resist. “Oh I don't know, I think maybe Noteworthy would be free.” She gives you that, 'I'm gonna gut you with a potato peeler' look. You tried, you really did, but that look was way too cute to be intimidating. You laughed...really loudly. She charges into you knocking you on your ass and throwing play fight punches. “I. don't. like. Noteworthy.” She says between punches. You hold up your arms to block her from hitting your face. “Do so.” You say childishly. “Do not!” She replies. “Jeez, get a room you two.” Thunder speaks up, moving over to the kitchen and grabbing a box of cereal. Now it was both your turns to blush. “Thunder. Shut the fuck up.” You say. Rather high pitched. He lets out a single HA as his response. “You two are hilarious when you try to hide your feelings.” He replies now holding a spoon in his hoof and eating the cereal. “Thunder. He said, shut up.” He just grins at Prench's remark and continues eating. Prench just gives one final, hard, punch to your stomach and gets off of you. You let out an 'oof' and clutch your stomach in pain as you get back onto your feet. “So, you sure you couldn't just blow that mare off?” You huff in frustration. “Seeing as she was almost crying at the mention of whatever was bothering her, I wouldn't risk it.” “Aww, come on! What am I supposed to do?” You let out a sigh, grabbing the cereal. “I already said, go see noteworthy.” She huffed. “And I already said I don't hav-” “I never said you did.” You say giving her a shit-eating grin. She however, just sighs. “Yeah, whatever.” the rest of breakfast was uneventful,what were you expecting it was freaking breakfast. Thunderlane left for weather duty and Prench left because she was bored and needed something to do. You clean up the dishes, which you were always roped into doing, and move around the apartment before you leave. The place was a mess. There were Bottles, cans, games cases and a few pizza boxes lying around. You grab a plastic bag and start collecting up all of the crap scattered around the apartment...and there was a lot of it. If you wanted to really be a dick, you could get Thunderlane to sort this crap into recycling bags... from one big bag...filled with half empty soft drinks...and off yogurt. You might just do that. You look into his room, it's mostly clean. The bed was unmade, there were a few cans littering his night stand and that was it. Your room however was a complete dump. Ponies had an advantage when it came to not having to wear clothes. They never have to worry about where you place them. You also had many articles of clothing scattered around the room and a lot of trash littering your night stand, you were surprised that you didn't have rats...that you knew of. Once you deal with the crap lying around your apartment you leave the bag by the door and head out into Ponyville. The day was one of those days. Everyone knows which one. The one where the sky is so cloudy that you can't tell that there are clouds at all. Just as single mass of grey that light can get through, but still made you feel like shit. You hoped Thunderlane would clear it up later on. You arrive at the house you were at yesterday. Maybe it was the day or the fact that you knew what was on the other side, but something just made you feel about twenty percent worse than you already were. like your entire body had all of the happiness drained out of it. You might as well just get this over with. You rap on the door three times and wait for it to open. When it does, Loving Care pops her head out of the door and with a slightly confused and surprised tone, greets you. “Oh, hello Anon. What are you doing here.” Here tone is dead. She really hasn't gotten any better since yesterday. “You asked me here yesterday, remember? But If you want, I'll just go.” You say gesturing with a thumb behind you. “Oh no, you're already here and I...guess I could use the company.” Damn. She opens the door further. So much for that idea. You walk in and notice that she has a rather nice house. A kitchen, a bathroom, a living room and a stairway could be seen from where you were standing. “You have a nice house.” You state looking at the pictures on the wall. You could a few had been taken down lately, as you could see several square marks that where less faded than the others. “Thank you. I'm...glad you like it.” Her tone is still depressed, as she sounded like a robot spouting out predefined phrases. You were getting really uncomfortable, really quickly. “So. Is there anything you wanted me for?” "Please say no. please say no." “I was just needing some company.” She replies " Crap. Just stay an hour and you should be fine." You couldn't have been more wrong. You spent the most part of half an hour in complete, painfully awkward, silence. You eventually got her to speak when you brought up her cutie mark. Apparently her special talent is taking care of young foals. She had a job as a midwife at the hospital in Manhattan, But gave it up when she started her own family. “You said you have a son?” She nods. “He's through in his room, playing video games. Do you want to meet him?” Her tone was a lot less depressed, compared to earlier. But she still wasn't, anywhere near, happy. Seeing as it might kill a few minutes you accept her offer. “Sure.” She stands up and walks over to the hallway, climbs a flight of stairs and knocks on the door furthest down the hall. “Button? We have a visitor.” You can hear the noise of a games console, which doesn't seem to stop. “Yeah Mom. Just a second.” Oh, so he was going to be one of those kids. Loving Care walks in and you see the little colt playing his video game. You look to his collection and see he is probably a bigger gamer than Thunderlane. And that's saying something. Across one of his walls was an entire bookcase filled with video games case. His entertainment system has pretty much all of the consoles you've heard of. Bit Box 360, Bit Box one. Pony Station, one, two, three and four. And a lot of some of the more retro consoles you've never played. “Button. Could you turn that off please.” “Okay mom. Can I just finish this match please?” Well he was at least well mannered about it. At his age, you probably would have yelled at your mom to leave you alone. With a lot more curses “Quite the collection you have here button.” You interrupt. “You and a friend of mine might get along very well.” “Thanks.” he says plainly. Too focused on playing Command and Counter to care. You watch as he sets up a line of infantry, and prepares to send in a pegasi carriages to bring them over a river. “I wouldn't do that. There's too much anti air. There's a crossing on that map about halfway up.” He Pauses the video Game and looks to you. “You play video games?” He asks, completely bewildered. You smile. “Me and my roommate are kind of addicts.” You say happily. Loving Care just rolls her eyes as Button's widened in Astonishment by this information. “But I thought Grown-ups didn't play video games.” You laugh. “Are you kidding?! They're the ones most of these games are designed for.” “Really?” He asks skeptically. You just smirk and pull out a copy of Love and Tolerate. “The age for this one is eighteen years old.” You point out. “Is it?!” Loving Care speaks up. “Er...No?..I was just trying to...” She smiles, not a forced smile, not a fake smile, a genuine smile. You've seen that smile on Prench all the time. Two thought ran through your head. The first one was she was smiling at least. And the second was she was fucking with you. You groan. “You're just Fu-woah ho ho~o No.- er...You're just messing with me, aren't you?” Your almost curse brought the attention of both of the ponies. But she nods all the same. “Hows about we leave Button to his game?” You nod and follow her out of the room, back down to the living room and take your previous position on the sofa. “You got on really well with him.” She points out. “I guess. He's a good kid.” You both descend into awkward silence. You really have no idea why you're here. “Um...If I may ask, why did you want me here today? You just met me.” She sighs. “I...uh guess. I wanted some company.” That only confuses you more. “Aren't there other people more qualified than a complete stranger you met yesterday to do this?” She shakes her head. “I Don't really have any friends in town. I gave them all up when my husband and our sons moved to Ponyville.” “Didn't you make any new friends.” She, again, shakes her head. “I never had time, I was too busy working or being a housemare. I never really went out much.” Okay that's weird. “Really? Never? You never went out at all?!” She shakes her head. “I went out, sure, but I never went out socially.” You couldn't believe your ears. This mare had been living in Ponyville for god knows how long and she never went out with friends. “How long have you been here?” “Two years.” Okay that's unhealthy. “You should go out, just go to a bar or a cafe or anything and just go have fun.” “But what about Button?” “Get a babysitter.” "Who?" "I don't know. Just anyone you trust." “How about you?” Shit. “Ummm...you only just met me, I don't think that would be wise.” She smiles at you. “Yes but I can't get a sitter this late and I already know you get on well with Button. I think I can trust you for a few hours.” You let out a breath, This mare was really starting to freak you out. You only just met her and she wants to trust you for a few hours with her kid. Okay there is nothing wrong with her then you are way too nice. But she has been inside and all depressed for ages...you couldn't just say no. "Shit" “Can I bring a friend. He could help, I promise.” She puts a hoof to her chin in thought. “I don't see why not. Just no drinking and no vandalism.” She gives you a stern look. You bat your knee in mock frustration. “Dang it, and here I was hoping I could set up a catapult in your living room.” You get a chuckle as a reward. It was nice to hear her laugh. “Okay, fine I'll watch your kid he shou...Wait a minute, you said you had sons, plural?” She sighs and sits next to you. Oh shit you've struck something. She sigh's and just leans back in her seat. "Fuck. Brace for depression." “Our family used to live in Manehattan. Just the four of us...” Okay brace for some really heavy shit right now. “...Me, my husband, and my two sons Button Mash and Rage Quit. We were happy, he had a steady job as a sailor and I stayed at home with...the kids...” Her tone is getting more and more depressed. “...Rage Quit was a lot like Button, he loved video games, he was always so nice to everypony, he was very popular, despite his name. He shouted a lot at his games.-" She says all of this with a reminiscent smile "-But that's not relevant...One day, when he was rushing home from school...h-he forgot to look both ways before c-crossing the road and...and...” She bursts out into sobs, You just sitting there like an idiot. “...a cab ran him down...D-Didn't even see him before it...” Her sobbing becomes hysterical, as she leans over in your direction. You take the initiative and wrap your arm around her. She in turn cries into your shoulder. You felt really awkward right now, you couldn't just up and leave, like you really really wanted to. You try stroking her mane to calm her down. It works a little, but it still takes her another twenty minutes for her to stop sobbing and another five for her to stop whimpering. You just hold her until she starts to talk again. “We...we moved here after the funeral...We just couldn't handle living there anymore...to many memories. When we moved here, Button was only six...He was so quiet. He rarely talked to us about anything. But he got better over time...The whole thing however put a strain on my relationship with my husband...two weeks ago he'd had enough and he left me and Button, he was jjust gone in the morning and we never saw him again. Button was okay, him and his father didn't get on much in the last two years....-" She looks down again, her eyes starting to pool over again. "-I-I really tried to keep our marriage together. I Really did.” She peels herself off of your chest. Her breathing becoming ragged “That's another reason why I don't go out as much, With everything that's happened I never felt...in the mood.” You sigh internally. You lean over and wipe the tears from her cheeks. “I think you should just stay home tonight. Going out might not be such a good idea.” She smiles again. “Thank you, but I really should go out and make some friends. It's been too long.” Well... if she want's to. But you still don't feel right about this. “Fine then. But can one of my friends go with you to make sure you're okay.” She looks a little insulted. "I'm a grown mare Anon. I'm not made of glass." You smile sadly and sigh. You really didn't feel comfortable with this. "Can you just do this for me? It will give you a head start on making friends." She et's out a huff of air. “I suppose I could make due with that.” She smiles again. “Well. You go get ready and I'll go get my stuff.” She looks to you confused. “What stuff?” “Spare controllers.” She smiles a knowing smile. That night. “Why are we doing this again?” Prench asks. “I told you. I need you to watch Loving Care while she's out making friends and make sure she doesn't hurl herself off a bridge.” You reply “Can't we just go in be like 'hey we're your friends now' and go home?” Your silent stare is the only answer. “Fiiine.” “So why am I here again?” Thunderlane asks. “You did say you wanted the lost video game time back. Besides you might like this kid.” You say. “Why?” You touch your nose. “You'll see.” Thunderlane just shifts in his hooves. “I don't like the sound of that.” He states. “he's gonna be really weird isn't he?” “No. He's not weird. You'll like him, I promise.” “You know you owe me a day out right?” Prench cuts in. “I get to loose my evening, because you're trying to score.” You stop her and look her in the eye. “Look. I'm just trying to do something nice. I offered her a drink thinking she would be emotional about something small, like being stood up, and then this happened. I do not plan to 'score'. I just plan on getting today out of the way.” She nods. “Well. That's going to be a while then.” Thunder throws in. “I still think something bad is going to happen. He's probably booby trapped the house or something.” You sometimes liked how Thunderlane was a little paranoid, but this was ridiculous. “He's a good kid. He wouldn't have done something like that.” You say as you approach the door to Loving Cares house. “How do you know?! You told me you met him once! For like two minute!” Thunderlane refusing to take your word for it. You rap on the door and wait. “He wouldn't because he'd be too distracted.” Thunderlane gains a look of understanding. “Ohh. He's one of those colts.” He starts to snicker and averts his gaze to the floor. “Tell me Thunderlane. What do you mean when you say, 'one of those colts'?” Prench asks. “Frequent masturbator.” Thunderlane just spouts out, no awareness of what he just blurted out. This wouldn't have been so bad if Loving Care hadn't opened the door at that exact moment. Her mane and tail were tied up in small buns. as she just stares at the three of you, with a wide eyed look. “Umm...” You were always the wordsmith, weren't you?” “I can explain.” Thunderlane Says trying to salvage the situation. “He's an idiot.” You state. “That's the friend you brought to help you watch Button?” You sigh. “Yes, but he won't be like that around Button, I swear.” She looks to you. “Maybe this wasn't a good idea.” She says. “Look, Mrs Care. I know he looks like an idiot, they both are, but he's okay once you get to know him I promise. Besides they're both responsible when it matters.” Prench says. Loving Care looking a little hesitant. “Please don't make me regret this.” She says in a tone that a parent says when they're pleading with a child. She moves out of the way and gestures for you to enter. “We won't, I promise.” She directs you to the living room, you all take a seat and she begins to give you detailed instructions and rules for the night. “...His bedtime is Eight o'clock, no later. His dinner is in the fridge, just microwave it for a minute and feel free to help yourselves to any snacks that you like. Now, I'm putting a lot of trust into you two so I request that you don't make me regret it.” You stand up and look to Prench. “We won't. By the way, this is Prench, She will be going with you.” They bump hooves together in greeting. “Nice to meet ya.” Prench says. “You too. Now. If you'd just give me a minute. I just need to finnish getting ready.” She heads upstairs to her bedroom. “Great. Tonight's gonna be so awkward.” Prench says in a whisper. You groan. “Just be nice.” You say. “Hey I will. It's just we probably have nothing in common and the entire night is going to be awkward silences with occasional bouts of drinking.” “Yeah. I know. Hey look, Thanks prench. I owe you one.” She exhales through her nose in a sigh. She was about to say something when a creak drew your attention to the stairs. Standing there at the top was Loving Care...And she looked stunning, her coat was clean, not a single part of it out of place, her eyes were sparkling with no sign of the bloodshot from earlier, and her mane and tail were smooth and flowing, tied at the end. As she look down at your bewildered expressions, a smile and a blush grew on her face. She looked happy. “Wow” Prench nudges your side and waggles her eyebrows. You would have cuffed her but you were too busy trying to form any coherent thought. “How do I look?” Loving Care asks, still blushing. “You look amazing.” Thunderlane points out. Causing her to blush even more. “T-Thank you.” “Shall we go Mrs Care?” Loving Care smiles to Prench "Please just call me Loving Care." Prench nods and gestures to the door. You watch as the door closes behind them and the room becomes silent. Thunderlane speaks up. “Dude!...Total MILF.” You cuff him over the backside of his head. “You have a girlfriend.” He gives you a sly grin. “I know. But you don't.” You blush a little. “Don't even go there.” You state rather quickly. “Say what you will, but the blush never lies.” You give Thunderlane your biggest 'fuck you' stare. “let's just go see Button.” “Yeah where is the little pervert.” You cuff him again. “I thought it was implied that he was not like that.” He smiles. “He's a colt. Of course he is.” Your palm meets your face as you groan at his poor joke. You walk up the stairs and head over to the room Loving Care brought you to earlier. “This is his room.” You open the door and see Thunderlane's eyes go wide. “I think I just died.” He mutters under his breath. “Lets get this over with.” You state. “Hey Button...” Your night goes by quicker than you thought. Thunderlane and Button got really competitive with some racing game, Button won. The three of you watched a movie about some guy on the moon, finding a copy of himself in a cave and shit braking out about clones and corporation and stuff along those lines. Eight o'clock rolled by and Button went to bed. He tried to bargain with you, but he had no luck. You remember when you were like that. You and Thunder just sat up in the living room talking about day to day things. You talked about Thunderlane's relationship with Cloud Chaser, which resulted in a rather forced joke about your relationship with your hand. You both laughed at that one. You talked about work, local events, some of your friends, which eventually led to you talking about Loving Care. “So what's the deal with her?” Thunderlane Questions. “What do you mean?” “Why was she upset when you found her?” He asks. “That's a little personal. And not my business to share.” You state. “Okay then, but what is your deal with her?” “I don't know. She was upset, I was sympathetic. Maybe she just found the first person to be friendly towards her and then latched on.” He nods taking a sip of his Dr. Pony “She seems a little damaged.” He says though not quite sure of himself. “How so?” You ask, despite your better judgment. “She just seems too...domesticated. I'm just saying that she's a bit emotional and you should be careful.” “Now what do you mean by that?” You are starting to get irritated. “I think she likes you.” You raise your eyes, from the glass you were drinking from, to directly ahead of you slowly turn to Thunderlane. “That...Is...The...stupidest thing...I have ever heard. She just met me yesterday!” You declare a little louder than you intended. “Yeah. But if she's as emotional as I think, then maybe she will like you just for being nice to her. I'm just saying be careful.” “Look Thunder, she doesn't like me okay. We just met and she doesn't seem like she's crazy.” “I'm only going to say that she invited you around again after you spent an hour together.” You roll your eyes at him out of habit. “Whatever you say.” “Anon?” You Hear the squeaky voice of Button coming from the stairs. He is standing there, rubbing his eyes, in his rocket ship pajamas. “Hey Button. What are you doing up?” “Can I have a glass of water?” Thunderlane stands up. “I'll get it Anon.” He goes through to the kitchen and prepares a glass for Button. “You okay squirt?” He nods. “I'm fine, I just can't sleep.” You walk over and sit besides him. "What's wrong." You ask tenderly. Thunderlane comes in and hands the glass to Button. "Nothing as such. just can't sleep." You give a sympathetic smile. "Okay, buddy come on." You place the water back in Thunderlane's hooves and place your hands under Button's forelegs. You lift Button up as he wraps his himself onto you. You then proceed to carry him up the stairs like a baby. "Aww. Wittle Anon has a heart." You decide to ignore Thunderlane, as he follows you up the stairs. Once you reach his room you place him on his bed and Thunder places his water on the night stand. You reach over and drag the covers over Button. "You gonna be okay there pal?" He just nods. "You want the night light?" He nods again. You walk over to the wall and flick on the switch. A golden yellow glow covers the room. "G'night Button." You say at the door. "Anon?" You pause and look over. "Yes Button?" He brings the covers up to below his chin. "C-Can you fix my mom." Oh snap! You just stand at the door looking down in thought. "I'll try buddy. Promise." "Goodnight Anon." You flick the main light off and close the door. Thunderlane is just standing there, staring at you. "What?" You ask. "Nothing. I just never thought you to be good with kids." He says sheepishly. "Whatever." You go down the stairs in silences. Once you return to the living room, you flop down onto the sofa and let out a sigh of relief. "I'm getting into this so fast it's scaring me." Thunderlane trots over and takes a seat besides you. "Hey. you'll be fine. You're a good guy Anon." You just nod your head absentmindedly "What makes you say that?" You ask with a humorous smile. "Other than today?...I probably would still be a bumbling idiot if you weren't my friend." You just scoff. "You grew out of your old attitude. I had nothing to do with it." "Maybe. But I'm still thankful. Besides, you wouldn't have all of us as friends if you weren't." You just let out a breath and lean forward. "Perhaps you're right. But what am i going to do about Loving Care?" He lets a reassuring hoof rest on your shoulders. "Maybe you've already done enough. She's probably out there right now, having the time of her life and..." You hear the front door open. “Hey guys we're home!” You hear Prench's chipper voice ring through. Maybe it did go well. “Hey Prench how did it go?” Thunder asks. “We made progress. LC and I hung out with a few ponies from town. She's pretty cool.” She emphasized that by bumping a hoof on her shoulder. “LC?” You questioned. “Yeah it's a nickname I gave her. Kinda has a nice ring to it.” You shrug. “I guess. Are you going to be okay.” You ask Loving Care. “Yes. I will be fine, thank you I believe I have your payment.” She hands you a bag of bits, it was rather hefty. “I wasn't expecting this.” She smiles. “I insist.” Well money is money. You pocket the cash. “I think we should be going now.” Thunderlane says. “Yeah. I'm pooped.” You agree. “We'll see you later LC.” You all walk out the door and close it. That went better than expec...you hear the sound of weeping coming from inside. "Oh for fuck sake." You open the door again. She's there weeping on the sofa. You hang your head in defeat. “You guys go ahead. I'll catch up.” You close the door and head towards the emotional mare on the couch. An hour, that's all I was expecting to do today, an hour. You plop yourself down beside her. You lean over and ask... “So...what's wrong?”
Chapter Three: You can't get anywhere without sacrifice.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter four: Fun Drunk.Author's Note Hey guys, sorry for not responding to all of your comments. I've been really busy over here these last few days. I have the weekend free and personal issues have been resolved so the next chapter might be up a little quicker than before. But don't hold your breath. Also for this chapter, I took the time to re-read before publishing.(Because I never thought to do that before. ) so if you could tell me if it made a difference. I'd be grateful. And finally I'd just like to say. that this story has gotten a lot more positive attention than I was ever expecting and for that I can only thank you. You guys are awesome. Seriously. and I hope to keep you all entertained. So here's the next chapter. Chapter four: Fun Drunk. “Aww come on!” Button roars as an enemy player fires a crossbow bolt into his back. “Button you need to check the corners. Or they get the better of you.” You say as you stab the same player through the chest. You hear a similar cry of rage over the chat. You were playing as a Pegasi knight and Button was playing as a Minotaur warrior. It had been two weeks since you threw away all of your spare money and things were looking good. You were currently playing Love and Tolerate with Button, seeing as you were trying to help him and his mother get out of the rut they'd gotten themselves into. “I am! They must be hacking.” You sigh. “Follow me, we'll double team.” You suggest. Button gains a determined look. “Get to the rainbow factory I have an idea.” He says. The two of you snake your way through the simulated buildings of Cloudsdale. Button equipping his bow. He takes out a few other players as you try and draw their fire. After a few minutes of Button mashing and curses directed your way through the game. You make it to the weather factory where Button takes out a device and plants it on an antenna. “What's that going to do?” You ask, a little concerned. “SONIC RAIN-BOMB!” One of the enemy players screams. Before you can register what's happening the entire screen fills up with spectra and Button's kill counter is glitching out. Button just sits there with a smug look on his face. You just stare at him shocked. “Hidden Easter-egg. Took me ages to find it the first time.” He beams with pride and smugness. “I think that's enough multi player for now.” You say trying to ignore all of the slander being directed at the two of you. Button is unfazed as he basks in his electronic victory. “Wanna play some co-op?” He asks. “Sure.” You say as Button loads up the game the cloven. A game about zombies infesting Equis and you trying to find a cure. “So, hows school?” You ask, zoning out of the game to speak to him. “It's okay, I guess. Miss Cheerilee wants us to write a report on our hobbies, but I don't know what to do it on.” He says, a little downtrodden. “What about video games?” You suggest. “That's not a hobby.” He argues. “Sure it is. It's something you enjoy doing.” You counter. “besides, I bet Cheerilee wont mind. When it comes to these things, it's more about how you write, not what you write.” You smile down at him. “I guess. Could you help me?” That caught you a little off guard. “Shouldn't your mother help you?” He shakes his head. “She doesn't like this sort of thing, like you do. You would probably be more help....Pleeease?” He whines. “...Sure.” You say. It shouldn't be too hard to get this done. “When's it for?” “After the weekend.” He says. “Then we need to get started soon.” You state. “Can we keep playing Anon?” You check the time, two o'clock. “Sure. why not?” Throughout the game, you and Button, give advice, talk about everyday things things and even his cutie mark. He doesn't have one yet but he says he doesn't care much about that sort of thing. However one topic came up that you weren't expecting. “Anon?” He speaks up. You let out a 'hrmm' as a sign that you are listening. “Are you and my mom special someponies?” If you had been drinking, it would have been all over Button's television. You had no idea where that came from. “What makes you think that?” You ask with a cocked eyebrow. “Well. You and mom are always hanging around and I thought you two might...” You lift your hand to stop him. “No Button. Your mother and I are not together. I'm just being a good friend.” He returns to his game. An awkward silence plaguing the room. You try to break it. “What about you Button. Do you have a special somepony?” His cheeks redden and hes gaze goes to the floor. “OH you doooo.” You tease. “DO NOT!” He is quick to reply, another sign that he's lying. “What's her name?” He refuses to answer, instead playing his game in silence. “You know. I'll just keep teasing until you tell me.” He continues to remain silent. “I won't tell anyone.” You smile as he shifts his eyes towards you for a fraction of a second. “Promise?” “Promise.” You repeat. “Pinkie Promise?” You sigh. You knew what that meant. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” You smile. “You didn't do the actions!” He says. You groan with frustration. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” You repeat word for word. this time doing the actions. He seems to be satisfied by this. “Okay...” He gesture for you to come closer. You move but he gestures again, and again. Until you are just an inch away from him. “...There is this one filly at school, who I like. He says.” You nod for him to go on. “Her name is...Sweetie Belle.” He then flinches and scrunches up his face in preparation for your laughter. However it never comes. He opens one eye to see you looking back at the screen with your controller in hand. “Aren't you going to say anything?” He asks, a little confused. “Ummm...good for you?” He looks completely confused by this. You just look to him like he's acting weird. “What? You like a girl. Cool.” “You just pestered me to tell you and you don't even care?!” You laugh. “Oh Button. I will always care when there's something juicy to know.” you say with a sly grin. “So, What are you going to do about it?” His confusion could not raise any higher. “Wha?” You laugh again. “What are you going to do to...get the girl?” “...Well...I...uh...Don't know?” He looks down. You can't help but feel bad for him. “Aww, cheer up buddy.” You pat his shoulders comfortingly. It's amazing how well you gotten used to comforting ponies over the last few weeks. “I'm sure you could hang out with her tonight...that reminds me, what are you going as for nightmare night?” He smiles. “Nink from Zelba.” He says. You can already picture The little green outfit he will be wearing. “Sounds good. Try hanging out with this girl tonight. Might just work.” You can't help but notice that you shouldn't really be giving him advice on how to get girls. Seeing as how you have never had a marefriend. “Okay, thanks Anon.” You were about to return to your game when the bedroom door opens and Loving Care's head pops in. “Are you two okay?” She asks. Button was quick to nod his head frantically. Loving Care just cocking an eyebrow. “Remember Button you have homework for tomorrow.” She says. “I'll do it later mom. Anons going to help me.” She furrows her brow. “Re~eally?” She asks sceptically. Button just nods and Loving Care's gaze turns to you. “You will?” You nod your head. She just smiles warmly at Button. “Well I guess you can go have fun then. But you're doing it tomorrow.” She nods towards the TV. Button just jumps on the spot, cheering. Loving Care looks to you. “Anon. Can I speak to you?” You nod, leaving Button to his game and follow her down to the living area. “What is it?” You ask, concerned. “It's about tonight. I don't know if I should go.” You and Thunderlane were hosting a party at your place for your group of friends for nightmare night and you invited her when she told you that she had nothing planned. You were a little surprised by this little development. She was looking forward to it before. “What? Why not?” She seemed interested at the time. “...well...it's just...I don't think...I should go.” She says with a sheepish smile. You give her a stern glare. “Give me a good reason why you shouldn't and I'll drop it.” She sighs looks to the floor. “It's just, all of your friends will be there and I-I don't think I'll...” You could see what was going on now. She was nervous...and not for the first time. “You'll be fine. You get along with Prench and Thunder don't you? Everyone else is just as nice. I promise.” She sits on the sofa. “But you're all so young and what if I just seem old to them?” You groan with a palm covering your face. “LC you're not old. I don't see a wrinkle of a gray hair on your body. You're only twenty six for Celestia's sake.” You tried not to sound harsh, but she was having a lot of personal issues lately and low self esteem was one of them. You were trying to help, you really were. But everyone has that one friend who you try to be nice to, but they're such a downer, always finding something wrong with their situation. Well...Loving Care was being like that and it was pissing you off. Yesterday she was complaining about still having baby weight. That was a conversation you'd soon like to forget. You were almost certain she was just fishing for complements and you couldn't do jack shit about it. Unless you wanted to drown in her tears. She blushed from you comment. “But...what if they...” You give a sharp shush to shut her up. “You're going to be fine. Now you're coming whether you like it or not.” You say irritatedly. She gives you a narrowed eyes glare while pouting. You would laugh if you weren't certain she'd actually ground you. “Fine.” She says in a huff. Her attitude was of a child who had been told to clean their room. “It wont be that bad.” You say, walking into the kitchen. “I mean why would it be. You're meeting new ponies not getting in a cage with a hungry Manticore.” You hear a chuckle coming from her in the other room. “What's the difference?” You sigh. “You wont die from being mauled.” You say happily. Loving Care joining you in the kitchen. You grab a glass and fill it up from the tap. “Anon. What if the don't like me?” She asks, sounding as if she's about to cry...again. “They will. They'll be as nice as they can. Besides, you're forgetting. Thunder and Prench will be there the entire time.” She sighs again. “There's no arguing with you, is there?” You shake your head and gulp down your water. “Nnope...anyway, I better go. I'll pick you up around eight.” She smiles at that. “Everypony knows I'm coming...right?” She asks as you head to the door. “They look forward to meeting you. I'll see you later.” You close the door and head into town. You had some things to grab and chores to do before tonight. Your first stop was the cafe. You needed to pick up your paycheck from Coffee Grain. After that you were to head to Rarity's boutique to pick up the cloak for your costume. There you met with Rarity, the nice white unicorn who makes the clothes you wear. You collected your items and before you left, You also met for the first time her sister, Sweetie Belle. You couldn't help grinning like an idiot, knowing that Button has a crush on her. You left shortly afterward. Your final stop was to go to the market and pick up all of your supplies for your apartment. Food and beer being the subjects of interest. With everything done you head home. It was around seven by the time you got back. Thunderlane was already in his weird, serial killer/mental patient, costume. He was sat at the TV like always, Playing a game you couldn't be bothered identifying. “Hey man.” He speaks up, his gaze not leaving the TV. “Hey.” You greet back. “Everything set for tonight?” He just nods. “I got the candy in a basket over by the kitchen. I got some foods from sweet apple acres and I made sure everypony was coming. LC said she wasn't sure if she'd come, but everypony else is.” You take a seat by Thunder and pull out a beer. “Everything set then?” He looks at you in mild annoyance. “Apart from your costume. Yes. Everything is set.” You smile and sit back. “LC is coming by the way. She's a little nervous about tonight so...yeah....” He smiles through his mask. “I bet she's gonna be just clinging to you all night. Probably too nervous to speak to anyone.” He laughs. You were a little worried that, that be true. She only really knows you. She knows him and Prench but you were the only one she actually knew. “I'll think of something.” You say. Relaxing into your seat. The clock was saying it was six. “Thunder? You know the party doesn't start for another two hours...right?” He smiles smugly at you, looking away from the TV. “Better be prepared early.” He looks to the beer in your hand and his eyes widen. “Celestia's Tits! I forgot to get beer!” He exclaims loudly and dropping his controller and standing to his feet, charging over the couch and out the door. You barely got a word in before he came rushing back in, pulls his mask off, grabs his bit bag and bolts out the door, slamming it behind him. Once everything is quiet you look to the beer you grabbed from the market and burst into hysterical laughter. You guess there's going to be plenty of beer tonight. You pick up Thunder's controller and continue his game. Tonight was going to be interesting. You walk through the streets of Ponyville adorning your costume. You were gaining a few awkward looks from some of the passers by. They looked more confused than anything, but they weren't your problem. Everyone was in costume by now, but you were getting a lot of attention. You were dressed as one of those old timey bird mask doctors from the plagues. You don't remember much about them from your time on earth, but you do remember roughly what they look like and that they freaked the shit out of you. That might explain the odd looks. You approach Loving Care's door and knock twice. There are hoofsteps approaching from the other side, the sliding of a latch and the creaking of the door. Button's face emerges from the side. His eyes wide, he's barely able to stutter a word. “W-What A-Are you?” Okay, you knew your costume was a little freaky, but you didn't realize it was that freaky. “Button. It's me...Anon.” You lift the mask up to show your face. How he didn't get that it was you from your general shape, you didn't know, but he seems fine now. “Wow Anon. You're scary. What are you?” Button asks. All fear in his voice eradicated. “I'm an old time doctor from my world.” He looks at your form curiously. eying the long dark cloak and the bird mask. “That's what doctors wore in your world?” You shrug your shoulders while raising your arms in an 'I'm not sure' gesture. “They used to, but that was a long, long time ago. They don't anymore.” He smiles. “I'm going trick-or-treating tonight. All the foals will be going. Do you have any advice?” at first you didn't know what he was talking about, but your earlier conversations came rushing back. You didn't know what to say so you thought of every sappy romance book, film or game you've seen, read or played. You begin to list off everything you could think of. You kneel down to his level. “Okay, I'm not sure how well this will work, but I have a few pointers.” You really shouldn't be giving advice in this subject. “Okay, first. Try to make her laugh. Don't make it your mission, just make her laugh every now and then. Second. Try not to spend all of your time with her. You'll just deter her and she'll get sick of you. Third. Try not to be romantic. I'm no expert, but I don't think girls actually like guys going up to them and being romantic. I think that's saved until you're actually in a relationship. But like I said, I'm no expert.” He just nods. “Make her laugh, don't spend all of my time with her and don't be romantic. Got it.” before you can say anything else, he runs off into the streets. You really hope you didn't just fuck up his chances. “AND BE YOURSELF!” You call after him. You hope he heard you. That was probably one of the more important ones. ”Okay!” You hear him call back. At least he heard you. “OH! My goodness! Anon? You scared me.” That reminded you that You were still wearing your costume...Well... “Sorry LC. I didn't mean to...” When you turn to greet her you lost all will to talk. She was standing in the doorway, wearing a nurses uniform, with her coat combed and her hair brushed and tied up. The pink fabric clung to her every curve, greatly accenting her perfectly shaped body. She also wore knee high socks which clutched at her legs and drew attention to her rear. a nurse's cap adorned her head finishing the look. She looked so sexy, you were struggling to say anything. Unfortunately, she notices this and blushes. “Umm...I hope it's not too much. I just thought that it was a party and...” You let out a breath and snap out of your stupor. It's a good thing your mask was on, or she would have seen your raging blush. “It's fine LC. You'll fit right in.” You smile under your mask. You turn and walk away. You gesture for her to follow. She closes the door gallops to your side. “So who's going to be going to this party?” She asks. “Well let's see. We've got you, me, Prench and Thunderlane of course.” You say as she nods. “We also have, Cloud Chaser and her sister Flitter, Lyra and Bonbon, Bulk Biceps, Noteworthy, Frothy Top from the cafe, Derpy and Time Turner, And I believe Vinyl Scratch and is also coming.” She stops in her tracks. “You okay?” You ask, a few steps ahead of her. “That's...a lot of ponies.” She says, barely above a whisper. You sigh, walk over to her, crouch down and place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Loving Care.” You say calmly. “You have got nothing to worry about. Everyone is nice and so are you. I know you're going to fit right in.” She nods, still looking nervous. “Besides, I'll be there the whole night. You'll be fine.” She starts to walk again. “Thank you Anon.” She sighs, looking to the floor. “I know this whole deal with me and Button hasn't been easy on you.” It was your turn to stop in your tracks. “What?” Your tone is one of confusion. Why is she bringing this up now? She stops ahead of you and looks at her hooves. “I know you were never burdened to help me... or even wanted to. I know that, at first at least, you hated coming to my home to see us, I know you viewed it as a chore to deal with me and I know how much I have irritated you over the past few weeks.-" She lifts her head to look at you, tears welling in her "- and I know that, despite all of this, you still came, almost everyday, to help us and make sure we were okay.” She walks up to you. The tears in her eyes leaking down her face. She stands on her hind legs, her front ones supported by your shoulders. Her eyes looking right into yours “Thank you.” She moves in and wraps her hooves around your neck in a hug, her head resting on your shoulders. Stunned, you just stand there while this mare pours out her heart. “I didn't deserve your help. I didn't deserve your generosity and I didn't even deserve your friendship. But I'm glad I stopped you from walking away at that cafe. I could never have gotten over everything that has happened without you. So Thank you Anon...Thank you so much.” Her grip tightens and you finally come back to earth and register what was happening. You carefully wrap you arms around her and return the hug. The two of you must have looked ridiculous in your costumes. You didn't know what to say. What could you say? All of your thought processes diverted into coming up with a reply to her thanks. You were never good in emotional situations. You were never good at saying the right thing. mainly because you never had to. So you should be excused for saying this. “What was I supposed to do? Just leave you there driving the other customers to depression?” Once you heard the words leave your mouth, you cringed. Why the fuck did you just say that?! You tensed your body preparing for the wave of depression that was about to overcome her. You braced for crying or even...is she laughing? “Heh heh. And I'm glad you did. Now come, we should get to the party.” You were stunned. She should of taken that the wrong way and spiraled down into a depression. But she just...laughed it off. She returned her hooves to the ground and walked off in your previous direction. You just shake it off and catch up to her. Nothing is said for a good few minutes while you both walk in peace. You couldn't help but notice Loving Care has a bounce in her step that wasn't there before. She must have gotten what she wanted to off her chest. “I don't think I've been to your house before.” She speaks up. You assume she's trying to break the silence. “It's an apartment and no, I don't think you have.” You casually say. “Okay then...Anon?” her tone stated that she wanted your complete attention. So you stop and look to her. “Yes?” She looks to the floor shyly. “I need to ask you for a favor...” She states, eyes glued to her hoof, that was currently drawing circles on the floor. “...I was thinking I...could...stop taking your money. I think I should go back to work.” You feel your brows furrow. “I thought you said you needed to take care of Button?” her gaze returns to you. “Yes, that would be the favor I was going to ask of you. Could you take care of Button after school on weekdays? It would only be for a couple of hours.” You were struggling to keep up with this. First she's not behaving like herself and now this. “What about my job?” You ask. Her ears spay back across her head. “I-I was thinking you could...change your shifts?” You furrow your eyebrows in confusion.. “Why can't you do that?” You say, a little peeved off. “I tried that. If a lowered the time of my shifts then I'd have to work weekends. This way I only have to worry about Button for a few hours because he'll be in school.” You groan internally. You really shouldn't have to do this. “Fine. I'll see what I can do.” She offers a smile, to which you roll your eyes. "I'll pay you." You just smile and gesture down the road, “Come on. We're almost there.” At least you would get to keep your money now. “So then she says I don't know what you're talking about. Can you believe the nerve?!” Cloud Chaser says to Thunderlane. She was talking about some mare named Rainbow smash or something like that. You weren't really paying attention. Everyone had arrived and mingled for a good few hours now. It had gotten to the stage where you had to abandon your costume. It was freaky, but too impractical. Everyone was in costume. Prench was dressed as some form of vampire pony. Thunderlane was in his serial killer costume. Cloudchaser went as some form of bee. Flitter was a goth type thing. Lyra was a human, kinda creeps you out but anyway...Bonbon was a scarecrow. Bulk Biceps, a..tank?. Noteworthy, a cop. Frothy Top, an evil genius. Derpy, a...paper bag thing? Time turner just wore a brown suit, and Vinyl Scratch just wore a menacing cloak. Overall, everyone looked great. Loving Care was fine for now. She was nervous at first, Metaphorically clinging to your side for a little bit. But she eventually came out of her metaphorical shell and mingled. You were glad to see she managed to brake the metaphorical ice and you were staring to get sick of using the word metaphorical already. At the moment you couldn't stop to chat. you were too busy trying to loose Prench. She was after you for inviting Noteworthy, who had arrived late. You'd think she'd be grateful. However she was a little loose in the head and took it the wrong way. “Anon where are you!?” She calls over the ponies. She'd been at this for a few minutes now and everyone had started to ignore her. Unfortunately your apartment only had four rooms including the main room, so you were a little short on hiding places. She found you hiding behind the curtains. “There you are.” She say in a way not unlike a turret from portal. She grabs your shirt with her hooves, which she shouldn't be able to do, and drags you into the bathroom. She firmly places you on the toilet and pins you by the shoulders. “Okay. You are going to listen and you are going to listen good!” She says in a harsh whisper. “I do not have a thing for Noteworthy, I do not intend to ask him out and I swear to Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Twilight, or any other princess, that if you ever imply otherwise I am going to personally, tie you up, slaver jam on your dick and leave you in the desert for the fire ants. Do. I make. Myself. Clear.” You smile. It was difficult to take this seriously when she's wearing that slutty vampire costume. You were going to laugh soon so you decide to defuse the situation. “Prench. I invited Noteworthy because he is a good guy. I did not invite him so you two could do the nasty in the closet. Believe it or not, I don't always think of ways to torture you.” You twist your wrist out and push her off of you. “Now. I invited you to have fun, not threaten my manhood. So if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go before people think we are doing anything funny.” You leave the bathroom. Prench looking guilty as all hell. Ha! You can't believe she bought that. When you come out, you take a seat on the couch next to Flitter and watch as Noteworthy and Bulk Biceps play Love and tolerate in a PvP game. Flitter and Bonbon are absentmindedly watching the violent video game, mesmerized by the simulated gore and explosions. “Hey Anon.” Flitter says, not even looking your way. There's no way she could see you. “How did you know it was me?” You ask. She just snorts. “You're pretty hard to misidentify.” She lets out a cute giggle. You just smile at this golden opportunity. “Yeah yeah. I get it. I'm different.” Flitter's Eyes widen at that. “What?! No! I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I swear.” You laugh at her panic. She just looks to you confused. Flitter was probably the youngest here and that made her the easiest to fuck with. “I think he's messing with you.” Bonbon speaks up. Flitter just huffs and pouts. “That's not very nice Anon.” She says. “Aww come on. It was only a joke.” Her lower lip trembles. “Oh fuck.” You place your hand on her shoulder. “Look. I'm sorry I didn't mean it. It was just a joke.” She looks into your eyes, her own brimming with tear. “SYKE!” She bursts into her own laughter. “What goes around comes around!” Well maybe she's not quite so easy to fuck with. “Touche Flitter. Touche.” You relax into your seat as Flitter calms down. “So how are you enjoying the party?” She just smiles. “It's okay. Needs beer though.” You just smile. “There's two crates of beer in the closet. Knock yourself out.” Her eyes light up and she flies to the closet faster than a stonner to a fridge. “So Anon. What do you do for fun?” Bonbon asks, scooting closer to you. You cock an eyebrow. You just smile, raise your hand and a beer is placed in it. “Thanks Flitter. -” you say as the mare goes around handing out cans. “- anyway. What do I do for fun? Let's see...When I'm not working, I'm at LC's place helping out. If not there, I'm here playing video games with Thunder. If not there, then I'm hanging out with you guys.” You gesture around the place. Bonbon just looks at you horrified. “You must do other things? What's your favorite thing to do in all of Equestria?” You scratch your chin in thought, allowing a smug smile to cross your face. “Well. When I really, really want to have fun I just fuck with Prench.” Her brows are furrowed and her lips, pursed. “How do you do that.” Your smile widens to that of a crazy person. “It's simple really. Hey Noteworthy?” “Yeah.” The blue stallion calls back, eyes not leaving his the screen. “Prench has a thing for you.” You say. Before anyone can react... “YOU SON OF A BITCH!” You hear being shouted behind the sofa. You just calmly look to Bonbon. “I have to go.” And with that you jolt out of the seat and bolt around the apartment. Prench following you closely. “Come here you sack of dick cheese!” She yells behind you. “No thanks. I'd like to keep my balls.” You make a full lap of the apartment, jumping over the sofa, barely avoiding kicking Bonbon in the face. “No you don't. Otherwise you wouldn't be such an asshole!” “Prench, I'm always an asshole.” You counter, running into your room, but before you can close the door Prench tackles you onto the bed, trying to wrestle you to the floor. You wrap your arms around her as she tries to gain dominance. “I'm gonna kill you Anon! I'm gonna turn you into a bucking mare and leave you for Prince Blueblood!” Over her threat you can hear the sounds of everyone outside laughing their asses off. Your job here was done. Soon Prench squirms out of your grip and pins you below her. Her chest heaving, her eyes full of hate. “Do it again. And I kill you.” Her tone and expression show that she's just joking, but you have no trouble believing that she would. She releases you and walks out of the room. She sits on the sofa and watches as the stallions continue their game. You sit up and find Loving Care by your door. “Anon. Are you okay?” You just look at her and smile. “Are you kidding? That was hilarious!” You break out into a light chuckle, leaving her confused. “We're friends. We fuck with each other. She's going to get me back at some point during the night and everything will be fine.” You say. She just furrows her brow in confusion, switching between glancing at you and glancing at Prench, before walking off. You return to the party to find that everything had died down. Everyone had returned to their social groups. You had to suppress a chuckle when you saw Prench with her forelegs crossed and a death glare pointed in your direction. Noteworthy sat beside her rubbing a sore spot on his leg, which she undoubtedly gave him. You, being the unbelievable asshole that you are, decided to sit next to her. You take a seat beside her and lean back. “I hate you.” She just spits, staring at the TV screen. “Oh come on Roasty. You know how you really feel. You're just too afraid to admit it.” She huffs. “I. Don't. Like. Him. Like. That.” She says through clenched teeth. “No offense.” She says to Noteworthy, who just waves it off like nothing. “Why can't you believe that.” Her tone deflates to one of complete hurt. You can't help but feel bad...maybe you did take it too far. “I'm sorry Prench. I just thought it was our thing to rip on each other. You know. You get me, I get you back, then it just goes into a never ending loop of pain and suffering between us.” You lightly punch her foreleg. "I'll stop. I promise." She just sighs dejectedly. “You won't though will you?” She asks sadly. The rest of the party oblivious to your conversation. You sigh “I will if it's bothering you.” You say flatly “But you know you're just going to try and get me back so we'll be even. Like always.” She just nods. Looking at her hooves. “I'm really going to have to pull off a doosy to get you back for what you did.” You just nod. “Well. Good luck with tha-Mrrph!” You can't move. You're too shocked. What. The. Fuck?! Prench had launched herself at you, connected her lips with yours and shoved her tongue down your throat, pinning you between her and the sofa. Your eyes wide open in shock. Her's closed. Her tongue licks and runs over your teeth occasionally flicking your own tongue. You tried to force it out, but that just made her moan into your mouth. At this point you were lost in the moment as you felt yourself return it. Allowing your eyes to close. What the fuck? What the fuck? You could hear the sounds of the party die down as you both played tonsil tennis. The fuck!? With a sudden need for air, she breaks the kiss, a trail of saliva connecting her lips to yours. She's panting, her lidded eyes staring into your shocked ones. She licks her lips, gets up, swishes her tail under your chin. “Now...we're even.” And with that she walks off towards the kitchen. Everyone just staring at you. Loving Care comes up and taps your knee. “Anon? Are you okay?” she asks. You just stare at her, look her right in the eye and ask. “I think I just got molested!!” It has been twenty minutes since Prench's...episode. She hasn't spoken to you since and you were happy to keep it like that. You were a frenzy of mixed emotions and your mind was going a mile a minute. What the fuck does that mean? Does she like you? Or was she just trying to fuck with your head? Probably that one. She probably want's you to destroy yourself trying to figure it out. You needed to act like you're not bothered by it and she looses. So that's what you did. You reach for a beer can. Yes. beer will help you relax. You went around everyone, talking, laughing and having fun. The night went by rather quickly...for you at least. You could only remember it in clustered moments. You sort of blacked out after you had your sixth beer the rest of the party went by like this. “CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!” Everyone around you chanted as you and Bulk Biceps drank your lines of cans. The challenge was to drink eight cans in a row without stopping. The winner was declared winner for life. "YEAH!!!" Your opponent screamed. You were on your third. He was on his fifth. He was a machine when it came to drinking. You didn't know how he got through them so quickly. You make for your fourth. He's on his seventh. How the hell did he... “HUMAN RUN!” Lyra screams as she rides you piggyback style around the apartment. You run around as you make motorcycle noises. What the fuck was in those brownies? You run through the kitchen around the sofa and straight into the coffee table, falling flat on your face. Cloud Chaser and Derpy Laughing at your failure. Lyra also joining in. “Let's do that again!” She shouts. still laughing. You don't think so. “Okay so I want to know. How does a human Exercise?” You cock an eyebrow at Vinyl's question “Why do you...*hic*...want to know that?” Her grin goes sly. “I want to know if my favorite human friend can stay in shape.” She says with a touch to your arm. Had it not been for the alcohol, you might have declined. But by this point you probably had about seventeen beers in your system and you felt like a god. You just smile back. “Oh...I don' know, maybe shum running, shwimming,*hic* shit-upsh, pushupsh-” “That one!” She says. You smile. “Wha?” “Show me that one!” She is bouncing in place. You just flop onto the floor. Unable to catch yourself. You place your hands under your shoulders and push up. “One!” You shout. You fall to the floor with a smack, replace your hands and push back up. “Two.” Vinyl jumps onto your back and you fall straight to the floor. “Come on! Three, Go!” You try to push up again, but with the alcohol and Vinyl sprawled across your back, you can't. She lays on your back, like you're the most comfortable thing in the world. “You're comfy.” Nailed it! “Anon. I think Noteworthy and Vinyl are bucking each other on your bed.” Derpy calls out from across the apartment. Everyone laughing at the situation. You just reach over and write on the fridge pad saying to do list, in scrappy, drunken, handwriting: Clean sheets. This rewards you with another chorus of laughter. “Okay everypony! Who's for shots!” Thunderlane shouts, lifting a bottle of stalliongrad vodka. “So then he's like! 'hey Frothy Top can you make me an espresso with a heart on the top please?' and the bastard just walks of towards her with the coffee! A chorus of 'aww's stretch through the apartment at Frothy Top's recalling of how you met Loving Care. “Aww Anon. I didn't know you had a soft spot.” Flitter drawls rubbing your arms teasingly. You just give her a drunken glance. “I-I'l...Haveyouknow. That I...can be very nice when I can be fucked.” You burst out into laughter. Loving Care just sighing. “How much has he had?” She asks. “Fuck knows!” You shout taking another swig of your beer. “So Anon...” Prench comes up and sits next to you. “On a scale of one to berry punch, how drunk are you?” She smiles at her question. She almost bursts out into laughter when she notices you're actually thinking about it. “Twelve.” You state. She just smiles slyly. “So...Anon...is that enough for you to...Take off all of your clothes and parade around the apartment?” You just look at her shocked. “Prench Roast! You should know better than to take advantage of an intoxicated person.” She just pouts. “But it would be soooo cool.” She whines. You just look to her face. “Okay. Lets do this.” She just laughs as you take off your shirt. “Oh this. This is going to be good." “Dude. I think Anon is wasted.” Noteworthy says to Thunderlane. “No shit dude. What gave it away? The fact that he hasn't been seen without a beer in his hand at any point tonight? Or the fact that he's dancing around in his underwear. “Come on buddy. Loosen up.” You say. Ruffling his mane. “Anon. Here have this.” Cloud Chaser says handing you another Beer. “Woo!” You open it and chug it down. Thunder gives Cloud Chaser a stern look. “What? He's fun like this.” She just flies off. And that all brings you to where you are now. “We...may have overdone it.” Prench says. “You think?!” Loving Care replies. “Oh come on girls. It's not that bad.” Vinyl says dismissively. “I don't think we should give him anymore beer.” Flitter says concerned. You were currently barricaded into the corner, behind the upturned sofa. Bulk and Time Turner were at your sides, both equally as intoxicated as you. Sporting their pillows of choice. You were clothe-less, apart from your underwear. Everyone at the party was either passed out, hammered or enjoying the laughs. “we offerrr this one....w-warning *hic* leave or be...annnihilated-d-d by the...the...The cuddles empire!” You shout over your makeshift barricade. “Why is he acting like this?” Thunder asks. “I don't know.” Flitter says. “What!? You you kept giving him beer and you don't know why!?” Prench accuses. “You were the one who decided to dare him into doing stupid shit!” Flitter replies. “Well maybe he wouldn't be so compliant if he wasn't so-” “ATTACK!” You hurl you pillow over the barricade and charge your enemies. They will know what happens when they defy the cuddles empire. You tackle Thunderlane to the floor, him squirming in your Grasp. “Submit to the cuddles!” You yell. “Anon. Fuck off!” You look over and see Bulk and Time Turner have also subdued a cuddle victim...Good. “Okay! Okay! I submit to the cuddles.” Thunderlane shouts. You release him and stand to your feet. “Good Thunderlane....Time to cuddle all of those who do not believe.” You turn and scoop up Loving Care who breaks out into Squeals of laughter. “A-An- ah A-Anon! Put me...Ah ha ha ha!” You fall on the sofa. Loving Care landing on top of you. All of your energy depletes as you suddenly feel very tired. You lift up your beer only to have Loving Care put it back down. “Okay now I know you've had enough.” She says sternly. You just sigh. “Yeah. You're probably right.” You just sit back and relax. “Do you want to go to bed?” “No way. That things got Noteworthy's jizz all over it. Nah thanks. I'll sleep right here. Thank you very much.” You roll over onto your side and curl up into a ball. “Did you enjoy the party?” You ask. “Yes, aside from constantly having to worry about your safety, it was fun.” She smiles down at you. “Hey LC. Is he okay?” Prench asks. “He'll be okay. Just needs some rest.” She replies. You sigh. “Good. G'night Anon.” She says. “Before you go to sleep hows about you try an-” “SUBMIT TO THE CUDDLES!” She is cut off from being tacked by Time Turner. You just laugh at her misfortune and nod off to sleep. "g'night guys." You say, sleep taking you quickly Fuck. You are going to hurt in the morning.
Chapter Five: Aftermath.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter Seven: What?The next week. “Okay. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, I'm just saying I'd rather go live with your ex than watch this complete pile of shit.” You say, as you lean into the armrest of the sofa. You and Loving Care have been watching the heat for the past hour and you were close to cutting your own balls off with a butter knife and using them as earplugs...yeah, the film is that bad. “Oh come on. It's not that bad.” She says dismissively. Your eye twitches involuntarily. Smart ass rant mode- activated. “Just look at it! That mother fucker won't stop fucking laughing! What is he laughing at? His own terrible acting?! That guy over there is such a creepy fuck, he should be imprisoned for it! there is always a hoofball somewhere, I mean nobody like hoofball that much! Is that the only prop they could find!? Seriously?! They couldn't just sit around watching TV no there had to be a million hoofball tosses to symbolize the brohood between the male roles. And why isn't anyone concerned about how many people fuck in that guys apartment? Seriously! He just shrugs it off! And that mare tries far too hard to emphasize the fact that she loves butterscotch not Green Star. Jesus H. Fuck! Just break of the marriage for fuck sake and end the film. Seriously who the fuck wrote this!?” Loving Care laughs heavily at your Ranting, but stops to give you a knowing smile. “Are you sure you're just angry at the movie?” She asks, pausing the film. You sigh heavily and relax into your chair. “You know, If I was trying to be dramatic and cheesy, I'd probably say no. I'd say I'm anxious about meeting your ex and I'm feeling like the whole world is against me, or some cheesy over-dramatic bullshit like that. But seeing as this isn't a freaking movie, I'm going to say yes, this film is just that Terrible, and I would insist that we stop watching it.” You finish with an arm fold and lean back further into your seat. “Are you sure?” She asks, with a smile that implies that she knows something. “What? You expect me to be worried about this. HA! Care, one of two things is going to happen today. You two are going to patch things up or you won't. And if you get hurt, I get to see this bastard get punted by a living protein shake...which, quite honestly, I'm looking forward to.” “Can you at least try to be nice?” You shake your head. “I'll be quiet and sit there. I will only speak when spoken to and I will kick his ass if he pisses me off. That's all. No nice talk and no pretending I like him and no trying to be nice. This guy doesn't deserve my nice.” She sighs heavily. “I already told you...” “That he wasn't always like that, and he was at one point a good stallion- yadda yadda yadda. It doesn't matter to me. I don't think he deserves my respect and quite frankly I feel I will barely be able to hold myself back from punching the twat in the face when I see him.” She rolls her eyes at your aggressive demeanor. “When have you ever harmed anypony?” You give her a sly smirk. “When have you seen me pissed?” She furrows her brows and gives a nervous chuckle. “Heh, heh, better hope Shippy doesn't buck up then huh?” “Shippy?” “Pet name.” You cock an eyebrow. “That's a terrible pet name!” “It's better than shapey!” She says with a laugh, that you join in on. It was good to hear her laugh. She was so much nicer when she was happy...but then again, pretty much everyone else is. “How long until we have to go.” With that the mood suddenly dies. Now everything was silent, like all the happiness was drained from the room, way to go dick-head. Care just looks to the clock on the wall nervously. “Two hours.” She quietly mumbles, as if it's the time before she gets hanged. The room descends into silence once more, just her staring at her hooves, while you try desperately to think of something to say. “...” “...” “...” “UUURRRGGG!! Why am I acting like this!? It's just Ship Shape! Why am I so worried about this meeting?!” Care exclaims burying her hooves in her forelegs. “It's okay Care. Given the circumstances, I think how your acting is perfectly justified.” “No it isn't! He left just over a month ago! A bucking month! And here I am acting like he's been gone for years! What is wrong with me?! Am I so dependent on others that as soon as someone leaves I fall apart.” She collapses on the chair, pitifully. You have no choice but to pry yourself over to her side of the sofa and comfort her with a gentle patting of her back. You start off around her shoulders and move further up to her neck, where you start to rub Gently. It get's the desired effect as she coos in satisfaction at your handy work. You move your hand to the back of her ears and give a gentle scratch. She gives off small 'mmm's and 'ohh's as her head tilts to the side to give you better access. You take this opertunity to try and reassure her. “He left suddenly, without even a 'see ya later' and he never contacted you afterward, other than to make things official. He disappeared without any hinting or even a note, just up and left. He may as well been gone for decades, given the emotional troubles you went through.” You drone out, seriously you've had to comfort her multiple times over the last few weeks, with multiple subjects that got her down. How she was acting was always a favorite of hers. It's gotten to the point where you've got pre-defined phrases at the ready, just to comfort this mare. “You'll be fine. I promise. I'll be here there the whole time.” “You're hands are too nice for your own good.” She says qietly “But he's not going to hurt me Anon, we were married for ten years. He just wants to talk. I'm just worried about...well...What if I screw things up? What if he just leaves again.” You were really starting to get irritated by this. “If he leaves again, then he never deserved you in the first place.” Finally, she seems climbs out of her pit of nerves. She looks up to you and nuzzles into your shoulder. “T-Thanks Anon. I don't think I could do this without you.” You were starting to feel awkward now...too much fuzzy, feely shit. But you should maybe keep going with this atmosphere. Maybe a nice gesture to show her you mean it. “Wanna watch the rest of The heat?” “WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU ASK THAT?!?!” Care just smiles and nods, resuming the movie and making your life hell on earth for another two hours. “Do you think we could jump out that window without her noticing?” Given the fact that she was currently clutched to your side, you highly doubted you could. “fuck” “Care do you have any butter knives?” Two hours later “Ooooohhh...where is he? Where is he? He said to meet him here at the cafe right? What if he's not coming? Or he's been held up or he's been...” “Oh dear god does this mare ever shut the fuck up?” You were currently seated outside the cafe, waiting for the infamous bastard to show up. Loving Care was worrying about not seeing him immediately and you were trying super hard not to shove one of these coffee stirrers into your eye, joker style. “Care he said to meet him at three...it's two, fifty.” You deadpan through your hands, which were currently rubbing your face in frustration. “Yes but...” She was cut off when you hold up a hand, seeing a white stallion with a black mane come round the corner. He had a weird blue sweater on and his cutie mark was a ships anchor and chain. A sailors cap resting on his head finishing the image. “Oh yeah, that's him.” To your surprise he walks past the cafe and into town. “huh... I guess that wasn't him.” “Loving?” You hear behind You. Whipping your head around to see a lanky brown earth pony stallion standing at the head of your table. “Ship Shape.” Loving Care says quietly, refusing to make eye contact. Ship Shape just looks to you curiously. “Who's this?” He asks, eying you up and down. He wasn't really what you were expecting when you heard 'sailor'. He was a lot skinnier than you imagined, but that wasn't going to stop you from kicking his head in, if he tried something. “This is Anon.” Loving care says, finding her voice. “Didn't take long to replace me then huh?” He asks, in a horrible attempt at a joke. “Oh no. Anon and I aren't together. He's just a friend.” You lean back in your chair and fold your arms. “Yeah so she doesn't have quite as much control over me as you would hope...tread lightly.” You state with a sly grin. You notice him swallow loudly, but he remains relatively still. “good job pussy.” “Anon!” Loving Care harshly whispers to you. You just keep giving this guy the death stare, as he seems to locate his ball.s “I'll assure you that none of that will be needed, this is just a talk.” He says, taking a seat, looking to Loving Care. “How've you been?” He asks. “Fine.” She replies. And just like that it goes quiet. Wow, awkward much. Desperately trying to get things moving you try to pick up the conversation. “So Ship Shape. Where have you been this past month?” He awkwardly coughs and clears his throat. “well...ermm...I've been staying in vanhoofer with my brother. A quaint little place on northern avenue. How have you been care?” You couldn't even look this guy in the eye as he acted like everything was okay. “It's been tough...but I'm fine now.” You cock an eyebrow at her. Understatement of the fucking millennium. “I'm glad to hear that.” He says, casting a quick glance your way. Okay, this was starting to get to you. This whole pretend everthing was okay was starting to get to you. Time to get straight to the point. “So Ship Shape, Why did you come back now?” “Yeah . W-what is this all about Ship?” Loving Care asks. Ship Shape just sighs, shifts in his hooves and looks to Care. “I-I'm here to collect my things.” You cock an eyebrow. “Your things?” He nods. You still couldn't wrap your head around this. “You came out here to collect your things?” He nods again. You can't believe this. You look to care, who looks absolutely destroyed. “B-But what Ab-bout...us? Is that all you really came here to do? To get your stupid stuff?” “Oh shit.” “I'm sorry Loving.” He says...at least he says it like it's hurting him to do so..you guess he could have that one. “D-Did you ever love me?” She asks, tears threatening to break free from her eyes. Ship Shape just recoils. “Of course I did! I loved you more than anything!” The fur around her cheeks starts to matte from the tears trickling down her face. “T-Then why?! Why would you just leave?!” She's broken down again...that has to be a new record, almost instantly, he's reduced her to tears. You have been completely forgotten by the other two at this point in the conversation and you don't plan on changing that. “I-I-I just couldn't handle it Loving. Everything that had happened, I just couldn't take it!” “Why couldn't you?!” She practically screams in his face. “BECAUSE IT WAS TOO MUCH!” He shouts back, earning the attention of the other patrons. His own eyes were brimming with fresh tears. “When rage died...I had to carry this family, I had to go on like nothing was wrong. I had to go to work, provide food and shelter...and then I had to come home every night and act strong for you and Button...Do you know how soul crushing that is? To have to comfort your own family while you're not allowed to grieve as well? That is why I left. I couldn't take it any more. I had to leave or I would have done something even more stupid!” He finishes by hanging his head in shame, Silent tears trickling down his cheek. Care, who had remained silent during Ship's rant, speaks up. “D-Do you still love me?” He remains silent for a few moments. “No...I'm sorry.” And with that the only sound present was the sound of Loving Care crying her eyes out. You lay a hand on her back reassuringly. You had to say something...and you knew exactly what to say.“You just left.” You say in a quiet tone. “You didn't talk it out, you didn't say goodbye, you didn't even leave a note, you just left. You didn't even have the balls to ask for a divorce in person. You just sent a letter with the documents, no letter, not even a post it note, just a sign here. Then you have the audacity to come back and asks for your stuff back...You've been through a lot, more than I can ever imagine...but that doesn’t excuse what you did. Not even slightly.” He just furrows his brow at you. “Who do you think you are? You don't get to say anything about me. You don't know what I've been through and you don't get to say anything about me or my family. You're nothing but a freak who thinks-” “HIS NAME IS ANONYMOUS! And he's a better stallion than you ever were!” Your eyes widen and you have to blink rapidly for several seconds to fully register what was just said. Loving Care had stopped crying and was now on full attack. “You are nothing compared to him! He could have left me sitting right over there to fester in my own depression! He could have just walked away! But he didn't, because he's a good person!” She points to the table where you first met her, it felt like years ago, but at the moment you were starting to feel awkward, everyone was looking at you now. It's not that you didn't appreciate the sentiment. You just wish she didn't make a scene in a public place...or just not in a public place at all. “What were you doing at the cafe anyway.” Oh you knew the answer to this one, she was looking for... “I came here to surround myself with ponies so I wouldn't end it.” “...” “...” “...” “...” “What?” You ask, disbelievingly. Ship Shape's eyes were probably just as wide as yours. “I-I was going to end it...that night. I would have too, if you hadn't given me that drink.” “Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!” “So that's is who he is Ship Shape. He's the kindest Man I have ever met, and if you buck with him. I'll have your hide!” Your mind is so full of fuck right now, it's unreal. The fuck is going on?! Everything is moving too fast right now. “I-I'm sorry.” He blubbers out. Loving Care just huffs and stands from her seat. “You will get your stuff. I'll make sure of it. But don't be surprised if there is cat crap in some of the boxes, I can't tell it from your usual stuff anyways.” And with that she walks away with one final word. “Anon was right, You never deserved me.” Now you were left alone with this scumbag of a stallion. You just look to him with your wide eyes and raised eyebrows. He just holds up a hoof. “I know. She's right. You should probably go after her.” Oh you were, you were going to go to her place and talk about everything that was said today. But first., you had something to do. “I like my knees.” You say in a chipper voice. He just cocks an eyebrow and stares at you like you've lost it. “Your knees?” You nod excitedly. “Yes you see...” You pull out your leg and display it to him. “...the knee bends forward, unlike most animals where it bends backwards. Though this results in a loss of speed, it allows for more maneuverability.” You replace your leg under the table. “And what has this got to do with anything.” Ship Shape asks. “Oh you see, because my knees bend forward, it allows for me to kick ponies in the balls under tables.” Before he can react you launch your leg forward. And given by his head falling to the table or the pained yelp and groan he gives off, you can tell you hit your mark. You decide to drop your coins on the table and walk away. Okay, now everything was fucked. You had walked in to find Loving Care wrapped up on the sofa, crying her eyes out. The TV was off, Button was at Sweetie Belle's and it was just the two of you. "Care? Are you okay?" Stupid question but you needed to say something. "I-I'm sorry. I-I never meant for you to find out. It's just I-I..." "Hey...hey...it's okay." You sit besides her and stroke her mane the way she likes it. "It's true though. I would have sent Button to my mothers and..." You quickly shush her. you didn't want to hear this. "But why does this keep happening. Why can't I be happy? Do I not deserve to..." She breaks down in fresh tears. You needed to get her out of this rut quickly, before she relapses to the point she was at a few weeks ago, and you're gonna have to fix her all over again...no pressure. How are you going to do this. You could try introducing her to some of your guy friends...no, too soon. You could take her to rarity and ask her to 'pretty her up'...no, that only works in movies You could see if you could get Button back to help her...no, that would cause more problems than it would solve. There was nothing you could think of that could- Then it hit's you like a tonne of bricks. You rush into the kitchen, grab the phone and dial your apartment. It rings four times before Thunderlane picks up. “Hello?” He says through the line. “Hey Thunder.” “Oh hey Anon. How'd it go with LC's ex?” You sigh heavily. “Not good. She's pretty upset.” You says, rather downtrodden. “You want me to go get Bulk.” “No, I dealt with it. I need you guys for a different reason. I have an Idea to cheer her up and I need you to...” You are sitting on the sofa quietly. It has been half an hour since you called Thunderlane and now you were just waiting for him to get here. Loving Care had her head rested on your lap while you played with her mane. She had stopped crying, but she was still upset. She didn't speak, or move or anything. In fact, the only reason you knew she was alive was because of all the dejected sighs and sniffles she let out. “Come on Thunderlane. Don't bail now.” You just hum little, tunes to try and soothe her, like a parent to their child and it was kind of gay and cliche but who gives a shit, it was working. *Rap**Rap**Rap* The sound of hoof on wood, gathers your attention. “Who could that be?” Loving Care asks, lifting her head from you lap for a moment. You just shrug and lift yourself off the sofa, care returning her head to the seat where you previously were. You go to the door and open it, revealing pretty much every one of your friends. “Good, you're here.” You smile. “Come on in.” They all trot into the living room. Loving Care's expression turning from despair to bewilderment at the spectacle. In front of her was Flitter, Cloud Chaser, Vinyl Scratch, Derpy, Noteworthy, Bulk, Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon, Prench Roast, Time Turner and Frothy top. Each of them carrying some device ranging from games devices to televisions to connector cables. Loving Care's mouth just open and cloeses for a few moments before... “W-What's going on.” She asks confusion taking place instead of her depression. Vinyl steps up. “We all heard you were in a rough mood so we all came here to have a LAN party!” Loving Care just furrows her brows. “LAN party?” You nod. “Thunderlane's got a cart out back, with some blankets, food and drink. We set up multiple games stations, with different TVs and play against each other. It's a lot like playing online, but a lot more personal.” You finish with a smile, one Loving Care can't help but join in on. “This is all so nice, but I don't really think I'm in the mood.” She says shyly. Flitter smiles and sits besides her. “That's okay. We can just all hang out here, while they play their games. Come on, it'll be better than what you were doing. And if that doesn't cheer you up, I'm sure we could get Anon drunk again. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to." That earns and barely contained snort of laughter as the group has a laugh at your expense. Oh why not. "She's not wrong you know." You say. “YEAH!!!” Bulk screams at the back of the group. You smile hopefully. "Okay then, go ahead." Loving Care finally gives permission and everyone mobilizes. “Okay everyone. Get the TVs in a triangle shape to avoid screen watching and get into teams. We need to set up the connector cables in the center and make sure everything is labeled for afterwards.” Cloud Chaser calls out. You just laugh at the military level of organization being put into this. you take a seat beside Loving Care who watches in amazement at the transformation of her living room, from regular family home to Gamer Nerd Headquarters. (Or GNHQ for short.) As instructed there were three stations set out. Each opposite the others in a triangle shape. Thunderlane had set out blow up mattresses, blankets sleeping bags and all other manners of pieces to comfort the players. there was a food table set up in the corner and a few pillows here and there. As instructed you all got into teams. In team A you had: Vinyl, Noteworthy, Derpy, Cloud Chaser and Flitter. On team B you had: Bulk Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon and Prench. And finally on team C you had: Time Turner, Frothy Top, Thunderlane, Loving Care and yourself. The rules were simple. Each team had a two-player split screen. When someone dies, another player takes over. No screen-watching and no mother-fucking tea-bagging. And with that the games were underway. “OH FOR BUCK SAKE!” Lyra yells at her screen. Yep...This was going to be a fun night. Your knight was running through the back alleys of Canterlot, trying to remain hidden from the other players. He had his signature bow equipped and was currently making his way towards a perfect crows nest. “Anon. Where are you?” Time Turner asks quietly. You shake your head. “Third quadrant. Northern side.” You whisper to you partner. “I heard that Human! Time to be converted! ” Lyra shouts and she makes her way towards your position. You switch to your sword and ready for your ambush. “You should have joined our team at the start Anon, now you shall be converted to the Bonbon alliance!” Lyra taunts. As her unicorn mage dives out of cover and blasts you with an ice spell. Your health drains to just a sliver, so you charge her, hoping to get to her before her attack recharges, You swing your sword, slicing at her head and decapitating her character. “Aww yeah! The conversion bureau will never defeat the humans!” You taunt her. “The what?” Flitter asks. “I don't know, something that came to mind.” You say dismissively. You turn back to your screen to see a tall furry wolf-like creature coming into your field of vision and clawing into your face. “What?!” Prench looks up from her screen with a cocky smile. “Marewolf Easter-egg.” She smiles. Before you can do anything... “My turn!” Loving Care yanks the controller from you grasp and begins to explore the map. “well I guess she's better.” You smile internally. You watch as the character in the game goes on -what can only be described as- a killing spree. She moves through the alleyways firing arrow after arrow at both team A and team B alike, getting headshot after headshot. "Aww come on!" Prench yells across the room. "What's up Prench, Marewolf see sunlight?" You reply childishly. "Bite me Anon!" She calls over to you. You just give her a sly smile and an eye waggle. "Come over here and I just might." The room escalates into a chorus of OOOOoooOOOhs as Prench's cheeks light up red. That's a blush! I fucking won that one. Your attention returns to the screen as the kill count on Loving Care's side is spazing out. “Care? Are you sure you're not aimboting?” Loving Care just waves her hoof dismissively. “Anon. Skill comes with experience.” She says, not breaking eye contact with the game. She then turns looks you right in the eye and gives a cocky smile. The screen lights up and you can hear Flitter's 'Come on!' as her Character dies...Okay that was impressive. "BOOYA! That's what I'm talkin about!" “Mom?” The game is paused as everyone turns to the door, no one making a sound as Button just stands there rooted to the floor, in awkward silence. “DIBS ON BUTTON!” Bonbon screams out. “Yaaaaay!” He gleefully cheers as he runs over to team B's TV and grabs a controller. “Shit.” You say loudly, earning a cuff on the back of the head by Loving Care. "Language!" The rest of the night went by smoothly there were a few capture the flag games, attack and defend, that sort of thing. You all even had a massive cooperative campaign game, which was really fun. However there came a point, where everything must come to an end. And now was that point. Everyone had gone home, leaving their stuff here to be collected tomorrow. Button had gone to bed about an hour ago and it was just you and Loving Care. She was lying on the sofa and you were doing your best you tidy up what you could. So far you'd sorted all of the wires, blankets, devices and other miscellaneous objects into piles based on their owner. You'd also placed most of the left over food and drink in her cupboards and are now finished picking up all of the crap that littered the room. “Well That's me, Care. I think I'll head out now.” Care Looks down, as if she's going to cry again. “What's wrong?” She looks up to you again. “Nothing...it's just...can you stay here?” You furrow your brows and give a cocked smile. “How do you mean?” You asked skeptically. “Just stay here...with me...I don't want to be alone.” You sigh as you sit down on the sofa. “You're not alone and you never will be alone.” You wrap your arms around her in a hug. “I know. Tonight was amazing Anon. I don't think anypony's ever done something like that for me before. It's just...I could still use some company.” She blushes and tries to hide behind her mane, just like that certain yellow mare down the road. “Thank you Anon...I think I've finally done it.” “Hrmm?” “I think I can finally move on...completely. after today, there is nothing left holding me back. I think I can finally let go.” She finishes that with a nod and a slow blink. “Thank you Anon. You're a true friend.” You pull her into your side into a hug. one which she doesn't seem to want to let go. "Uh...care?" You ask. "Hrmm?" "You...uh...gonna let me go now?" "Nope." She says, as she nuzzles into your side. You shrug and kick your legs over the other end of the sofa, allowing you to lie down comfortably. Loving Care quickly falls asleep clutched onto your side, not that you have any objections to this. You decide to follow suit and allow yourself to fall into a blissful sleep. A sleep where you realized you have work in the morning and you've left your uniform at home... "Fuck." Author's Note Okay, Chapter seven....I really don't know what happened with this one. (Might have something to do with me Finally discovering playing skyrim...yeah.) this chapter was done a little last minute and was a little rushed. (I'm Reeaally glad I looked over this before Publishing it.) So if you could just point out any mistakes in any form that I've made. I'd be grateful. So until next time. Stay awesome (I really haven't said that enough.)
Chapter Eight: Carnival.Two Weeks Later “Urg!...Anon? Why...are...*huff*...we doing this?” Thunderlane asked, hefting a large box between him and Prench. You yourself were carrying a smaller box, that could only be full of lead weights. Fuck it was so heavy. “Because I didn't...want to leave Care and Button doing it...so I volunteered.” You say matter-of-factly. Prench scoffs and hefts the box slightly higher on her left side. “Yeah. You volunteered!...Nng...Why are we here.” She says, shifting her hold on the box for a better grip. “Because you are great friends and you love me and would never leave me to do all of this alone?” Thunderlane just gives you a shit eating grin. “I'm doing this because...you said you'd get me 'grand theft carriage' afterward and lets be honest, who'd pass that up?” Thunderlane says, passing the front door and out of the house. “He's getting you something for this?! The two of you just dragged me here!” Prench says as you place your box in the pile besides the front door. Stretching your back, you turn to your friends. “That was the last one. You two can go now.” You say, waving them off. “Your welcome." Thunderlane say sarcastically. "I expect GTC in your bags when you get home. or I'm screwing with your sleep.” Thunderlane says irritably. Prench just comes over to you and socks you in the leg. “You owe me something for this...maybe something like a di-” You just roll your eyes and walk inside, closing the door behind you. "For buck sake! Did you loose your dick or something!?" Deciding to ignore her, you head up to Care's room, noticing that it is significantly more bare than before...figures. Most of the paintings were gone, the bedside tables were gone, the freaking sheets were gone. Trying not to think about it, you move to the wardrobe and take out one of Ship Shape's mustaches, the only one left. You remember Care saying something about Button wanting one of these. The thing is small anyway, it's not as if it would be totally unbelievable that it got lost. You head on over to buttons door and after knocking three times he lets you in. “Hey Anon.” Buttons says. He's playing a game called 'insufferable'. A game about being a crime lord, who makes life difficult for the guard or something like that. Anyway, you go over and sit next to button. “Hey Button. I have something for you.” He pauses the game and looks to you with a perked up expression. You show him the fake mustache and His eyes light up at the new gift. He snatches it out of your hand. “OH COOOL! Thanks Anon!” He gives you a brief hug before running over to the mirror to admire his new facial accessory. “Try not to outwear it.” You say standing up again. “I wont.” He says, not even looking to you as he strikes a few poses. You decide it's probably best to leave him be, so you do. Once you leave and close the door to his room, you run into Loving Care, who has a concerned look on her face. “What's going on? I heard noises.” She asks. You touch your nose twice. “I gave Button a gift he's been wanting.” You say with a wink. She gives you a confused look, shakes her head and turns away. “Thank you for your help Anon...I guess I'll have to get some new things now huh?” You shrug. “Might as well anyway...moving on and all.” Loving Care says sadly as she walks down the stairs. “Do you want some help with that?” You ask. “hrrm? No, No, I think I'll be fine. You should get along now anyway. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting.” Her tone implied that she was a little sad, but she also had this hint of...relief? “Is everything okay?” You ask, concerned. “What? Oh, I'm fine. I guess it's just...it's finally over. He's gone for good after today...and I guess, even though it's a new chapter to my life, I guess it's kind of sad saying goodbye to the old one. Do you know what I mean?” She asks turning to you. You had to put some thought into it but you could kind of, sort of, understand what she meant. “I think so, Like leaving school or leaving home for the first time?” She nods with a content smile. “And I have you to thank for it Anon. I could never thank you enough for all you have done. I don't think I would-” You cringe from the praise. You were never one for being thanked. “You can stop there. I'm humbled, really I am, but I only played a little part of this, it was all you." Man that was so cheesy you want to throw up. In fact where is the bathroom? "Plus I'm kinda getting tired of people thanking me for little things.” “You underestimate your value Anon.” She says going down the stairs and into the kitchen where you take a seat at the table. “Yeah yeah, self confidence and all that bullshit, whatever. SO, now that you're free, what do you plan to do next?” She takes a seat opposite you and hands you a mug. “Oh I don't know. Get my life back on track, spend more time with Button, get back on my hooves financially and maybe try and get more out there.” You take a deep sip of your coffee and sigh. “What about other guys?” She furrows her brows. “Guys? You mean, am I going to find another stallion?” You nod. “Well, I don't know. It is a little soon to go out there and find another stallion, but maybe in time, I might meet the right one...again. But for now, I think I'm happy with things just the way they are.” You smile and nod as you take another sip. “You know what Anon?” You raise your eyes to hers. “I'm glad I didn't get back together with Ship Shape. I don't know how that would have turned out, but I probably wouldn't have been as happy as I am now. And you know what?” She exaggeratedly throws her front hooves in the air and starts to manically laugh. “HA HA! I'm free! No more Ship Shape! No more crap to deal with! and no more Crying myself to sleep! I'm finally free! Hahahaha! Finally! Thank You!” She replaces her hooves on the table as you look at her with a cocked eyebrow. “ummm...what was that?” You ask. That was some joker shit she just pulled off right there, you're considering checking her house for explosives.. “I just realized, there is nothing holding me back.” She says with one of the happiest smiles you've ever seen on her pretty little mussel. “I could do anything I want. Nothing can stop me!” You were really trying hard not to call the cops on her. You were pretty sure this was how deranged shootings started. “Uhh...Care? What about Button?” She deadpans at you. “Oh come on Anon! I'm not going to do something crazy!” You let out a sigh of relief at the thought of avoiding a disaster...What? You were brought up on a bad diet of movies and video games. Those two things only ever spawn the paranoid or the crazy. Take a guess at which one you were. “Mom?” You and Care both swivel round to see button in the doorway, sporting his mustache. “Button what have I told you about wearing that.” Loving Care says through clenched teeth. “But mom, this is mine. Anon got it for me!” She gives you the sternest of glares and actually makes you shrink a couple of sizes...not literally of course, you just feel like she's gonna kill you. “Fine, but save it for special occasions.” She says, still giving you that death glare that could get Celestia herself to admit she left a shit in the bath tub...not that she would... “Mom?” Button asked again. Loving Care turns her attention back to her son. “What is it Button?” She says calmly. “Can me and Sweetie Belle go to the carnival today?” He asks in his puppy voice. Loving Care sighs. “Button it's actually 'Sweetie Belle and-'” “Care don't do that, it just aggravates everyone around you.” She sternly looks at you, then a sly grin grows across her face. “Oh? I can think of other ways to...aggravate you.” That look. that tone. that questionable choice of wording. “Care, don't try to be Prench. Having one of them is bad enough.” She folds her front hooves and pouts...a lot like Prench....fuck she looks cute. “Sooo can I go?” Buttons question cuts the two of you out of your dialogue and draws Loving Care's attention back to him. “Will someone go with you? Because I can't I need to get the boxes outside to your father.” Loving Care asks. Button just shies away looking at his hooves. “Well...uh...no.” He all but mumbles out. Loving Care just lets out a groan and rolls her eyes. “Button. You know I'm not comfortable letting you wander the streets on your own. You could get hurt, or worse. You could-” “I'll take him!” You say hoping to avoid Loving Care scarred Button with her scenarios. “Yaaaaay!” Button cheers and Loving Care looks to you. “I couldn't ask you to do that.” Loving Care says shyly. “That didn't stop you from doing it before.” You thought sarcastically. You did have a point though. “No no, I'll take him, you've got things to do and he wants to go. Besides, I've got nothing better to do anyway.” You say shrugging. Loving Care just returns to the kitchen to make something...you really didn't know, nor cared. “All right, but if I find a single hair on his head out of place, you'll have to run really fast for a long time mister!” She says in that faux stern tone she uses when she's joking, but really isn't. You shrug. You were about to reply when the doorbell rang...wait there's a doorbell? “I'll get it!” Button says, rushing out of the room and towards the front door. Your curiosity getting the better of you, you follow to see who it is. To your relief it's just Sweetie Belle. “Hey Button.” She says in a downtrodden tone. She looks disappointed. “Hey Sweetie Belle!...is something wrong?” Button says, noticing her expression. Sweetie Bell looks up with a sad look. “My sister says that I can't go tonight. She doesn't want us going alone and she's too busy to watch us.” She says, looking at her hooves. Button just perks up and smiles. “Oh it's okay now! Anon says he'll watch us! So we can go!” Button shouts enthusiastically. “Really!?” Sweetie Belle Says, a small crack in her voice breaking out. You decided to leave them to their moment. You feared you were going to contract diabetes from those two if you stayed any longer. “Well...Guess you cant back out now.” You thought as you sat at the kitchen table once again. But as you saw the excited smiles of the little foals knowing that they could, in fact, go to the carnival tonight. Knowing that it was because of you that they were so happy. It warmed you inside. “OH YOU FUCKING CUNT!” You Screamed into the television as your character died from an arrow to the knee. “Dude, chill out.” Thunderlane says, furiously mashing his controller to the point that you could swear that it was screaming at you for mercy. “Don't tell me to chill out! That is the most infuriating sentence ever to exis- oh wait no that's 'chillax'...never mind.” You say, turning back to the screen-your character died. “OH FUCK OFF YOU TESTICLE TASTING, UTERUS FISTING, FUCKING CUNT FISH!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...I may have an anger issue.” You say, the sheer awkwardness of the situation causing the two of you to burst out into laughter and roll on the sofa. “Cunt fish?” Thunderlane asks through his laughter. “It was the first thing to come to mind.” You say, looking back to the screen as your character died again. “That's it. Bail. You say walking over and turning off the games console.” “Anon, that's not bailing, that's rage quitting.” Thunderlane says matter-of-factly. “Whatever.” You say dismissively. “Well, I'm bored so, wanna watch something?” Thunderlane asks, looking to your rather pitiful movie collection. “How about The Heat?” Prench asks from the doorway. Her sudden appearance making you nearly shit yourself and Thunderlane bursts out into laughter. “Holy fuck! We need to put a bell on you or something!...AND FUCK NO!” You say, allowing your heart rate to go back to normal. “Besides, I got somewhere to be in...” You glance at the clock. “...half an hour.” Prench Just cocks an eyebrow. “let me guess? You're gonna go see LC?” Prench says sarcastically. You just smirk and... “Nope, I'm gonna take Button and Sweetie Belle to the carnival.” You say taking a seat next to Thunderlane, who was groaning and face hoofing. “Oh Anon, You are in so deep you're finding treasure.” He says with a light chuckle. “What does that mean?” You say a little confused. “He means that you've pretty much replaced the other guy.” Prench says joining you on the sofa. “Hey, how did you get in here anyway?” You ask. “Thunderlane gave me a key.” You arch an eyebrow, looking between the two. “We were looking for a way to fuck with you, and...” She waves her hoof around exasperatedly at the apartment. You just roll your eyes. “So that's my plans for today. What about you two.” You ask, leaning into the chair...Fuck these chairs were fucking comfy. “Funnily enough, I was going to take cloud chaser out to the carnival too. She was pestering me.” Thunderlane says. Prench just looks between you, looking betrayed. “Great so both of you are going to bail on me?” You shrug your shoulders. “Not our fault you didn't get a date.” Thunderlane says nonchalantly. Prench looks to you with those puppy dog eyes. “You do owe me for today.” You give her a level stare. “And here I thought I'd get help, no strings attached.” You say, letting your head fall back. “Wait, you said I'd get GTC if I helped you!” Thunderlane calls. You reach your hand over the rest and grab the case to the game, then throw it in his general direction. He catches it and cradles it like a baby and goes to his room to...you don't know. he's probably jerking it or something. Prench remains sat next to you, looking at you expectantly. “Well?” She ask. You sigh heavily. “I guess you can come, but there's gonna be two foals and you're gonna have to watch your behavior.” Prench scoffs and chuckles. “Anon I can be behaved.” She lids her eyes and her tone goes sultry. “In fact...I can be so well behaved, I think I deserve a reward.” She leans over and breaths down your neck, placing her front hooves on your shoulders and swiveling herself so she's sat on your lap. “Don't you think I deserve a reward Anon?” She says, blinking several times. Reaching her mussel forward until a hairs breadth separates your lips. “I think you deserve a reward as well, don't you?” You cock an eyebrow at her. “Nah, I'm fine. Thanks for the offer though.” You say shoving her off of you, letting her land on the floor with a comical thud. “Celestia damn it! Why can't you get all hot and bothered anymore?!” She says, frustrated. You just chuckle. “To be honest, your reaction, when it doesn't work, is hilarious.” You say, barely stopping yourself from breaking out into full blown laughter. Though honestly, she did still have a certain effect on you...there was a reason of course, why you had to shove her off your lap. You stood outside of carousel boutique with Button and Prench. The three of you were waiting on Sweetie Belle, who was taking forever. You were tempted to ditch her, but you weren't that heartless...though maybe of she were to be... “Ready!” You looked over to see Sweetie Belle, who had obviously went through with some kind of make over beforehand, because she had the pony equivalent of makeup on her face, her hooves were polished to the point of reflecting and her coat and mane must have been combed a thousand times to beat feathers in softness. Someone was clearly trying to get Button's attention and she was doing a bang up job of it. Button was blushing as red as the blood on a crap on curry night...okay that made you a little sick to think about. Button was blushing that's all that needs to be noted. “Okay then! Lets go.” You say, clapping your hands together. Sweetie Belle just scuffs her hooves against the ground shyly. “What's up?” Prench asks. Sweetie Belle just looks around nervously, clearly expecting something. “Hey wait up!” You hear called out behind you. Turning, you see another four foals running towards your group. “Hey.” The Orange one says, beside her was a little white colt, a yellow filly and a white and brown colt, all standing there panting. “What's going on?” You ask, looking at the new additions. “M-Mr Anonymous? Would i-it be okay if Applebloom and Scootaloo came with us?” Sweetie Belle asks. Okay when did someone put a note on your back saying daycare specialist?! “But Look at their little faces, do you want to disappoint them?” Fuck you brain. Fuck. You. “I guess. But I'd rather you'd asked before they showed up, you know...some warning.” You tried not to sound like an asshole but you still managed to make her ears fold back in shame. “I said it's okay. You can all come, but behave yourselves.” a perfectly in unison call of 'we will' rung out before all of the ponies rushed off in the direction of the carnival. “You're too sweet you know that?” Prench says, bumping her flank into your leg, sending you flying. After stumbling and regaining your balance, you let out an awkward chuckle. “What can I say, I can't say no to kids.” The two of you walk off towards the carnival, trying to catch up to the kids. This was a bad idea. “WHOOO HOOO!” This was a really bad idea. “Come on Anon! Get your hooves up!” This can only end badly. The images of the area around you have been blurred into one. You could hear the screams of agony of the other carnival goers. This was really, really, bad. “You know Anon if you're not fine with virgin, can I call you pussy? 'cos only pussies get freaked out by the teacups.” Prench asks. “Fuck. You. Prench.” You say, barely containing your stomach contents. The ride comes to a slow and everyone climbs out. “That was awesome! Let's do that again!” Scootaloo shouts, the others quick to agree with her. Oh fuck. They all get in line again and to show that you're not a complete pussy, you get in the line as well. “You know Anon, you don't have to get in the line with the brave kids. We won't think any less of you.” You give her a level glare. “Shut it.” You were always a man of witty comebacks. “Die! Die! Die!” You fired your water balloon into the clowns mouth, inflating the balloon above it's head. You'd been at this for a few minutes and the balloon was close to popping when... “We have a winner!” The carny Pulls down a large stuffed bear and hands it to Button, who hands it to Sweetie Belle...Fucking Cliche as shit. “Do we have any other takers?” The carny asks to the group and a few others step up to the mark, now you guess it was time to move onto the next gimmick. Would. You. Please. Fucking. Land. On. the. Fucking. Cone. You. Piece! Of! Shit! You were at the ring toss and it was safe to say that it...wasn't your best. Miss. Miss. Miss. FUCK! Applebloom steps up to the mark flings her ring, it glides over gracefully then lands on the cone...fucking first time?! Yes, you just got shown up by a filly, so what! She gets her prize, a slingshot, and she and her date, who you found out was called pip, Went off. “Anon, this is painful.” Prench says sitting next to you. You just groan and move on. *shling* *Splacht* The watermelon lands on the target and featherweight, who was Scootaloo's date, wins his prize from the catapult launch stand. Yeah, you're not even going to bother. Giving his Prize to Scootaloo, he and Scootaloo walk off to some sort of train ride thing Boo! hahahahaha Boo! hahahahaha Boo! hahahahaha Yeah that 'train thing' was actually a scary train...and it was shit. “AHHH!” At least for you it was. Prench was properly shitting herself. And from the sounds of it, so were the others. It was literally a bunch of mechanical ghosts, bursting out at you for cheep jump scares. What's the deal? This was a complete waste of money. However... Boo! hahahahaha “Ahh!” Prench launches herself into your arms and clings on for dear life. Your stomach does backflips and your heart feels like it's going to beat right out of your chest. You had this beautiful mare in your arms and you felt like your were going to die right there and you'd be okay with that. “You know they're not real right?” You ask, waiting for her to let go. “Fuck off. They're scary!” You scratch behind her ears to get her to relax...And then you put on your baby voice “Don't worry. I'll protect, wittle woasty.” She lightly punches you in the stomach. “Shut up.” You chuckle away your pain. Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. Now you were really fucked. You didn't know where anyone was...well you knew where Prench was, but the foals had pissed off. They were ahead of you and they must slinked away when you were still on the train and now you were fucked...and panicking. “Anon, it'll be okay, we'll find them.” Prench tries to reassure you but you were too far gone. "Oh fuck, what if someone took them!? Or they fell down somewhere!? Oh my god Nobody will ever forgive me?!" "Anon! Calm down!" You grab Prench by the shoulders. “Quick! Think! If you were eight, were would you go?” She slinks back a little and looks around. “Um...Probably somewhere exclusive.” Hrmm...where would...Of course! You turn and run down past half of the carnival ground, dodging ponies left and right, who are all quite happy to get out of the way of a barreling human. “Anon! Where are you going?” You turn around several corners, run down several lines and out of the carnival, heading to the white tail woods. Stopping just at the entrance to the woods, you wait for Prench to catch up. “What's the deal?” She asks. You point to the woods. “I need you to look around for them from the air. I'll go in and find them on the ground.” Prench cocks an eyebrow at you. “Anon, what if they're not in there?” You contemplate it for a moment, drawing up one conclusion. “Then we're fucked.” You rush forward into the woods as fast as you can, before she can say anything. The first thing you notice is the sheer darkness of it all and this wasn't even the Everfree, There was little light making it's way to your eyes and what little there was, wasn't very good. You needed to find those kids and you needed to find them fast. The various twigs, branches and shrubs scraped at your body as you tried to throw yourself through the woodland area. The moon was providing a little light, but not enough to be of use. You remained quiet, trying to listen for them, hoping they would give a clue as to where they were. However when you did find them, you didn't hear them, you saw them. They were in a little clearing a little bit in, with a small lantern for light...where did they get that?...never mind. You decide to sneak up on them to really catch them in the act. You crawl down on your hands and knees and crawl your way over to this small clearing, trying with all of your effort to make as little noise as possible. “So, the rules of this game are simple. Whoever the neck of the bottle lands on has to kiss the spinner.” Oh fuck no! They were not playing spin the bottle! Oh fuck. Scootaloo reached forward and spun the bottle round, allowing for it to bring up momentum. How it was spinning on dirt you'll never know, but you had an idea to really freak them out. Everyone was fixated on this bottle's spinning. Around and around it went. Passing Applebloom, Pip, Button, Sweetie, Featherweight, Scootalloo and slowing down and landing on...you. The foals tensed up and squeaked at your sudden appearance. Probably more terrified by the expression on your face than you're actual presence. “A-Anon?” Button barely able to say as you sat there glaring at these foals. You made sure to look like you were in thought and look a little you were trying to restrain yourself from physical violence...not that you would of course. Your little show did wonders to get them to avoid eye contact with you. You looked around in thought, but you already knew what to say. “What. The Heck did you think you were doing? Coming out here?” All of their ears remain glued to their heads, it would usually get you to tone it down, but not now. Oh no. “Do you realize what you've done?” None of them speak up. “Well?!” They all shake their heads slowly, looking at their hooves. “I was worried sick. I thought something might have happened to you. Something could have happened to you! Do you all realize how hard it would have been to go up to each of your families and tell them that I failed to keep you safe?!” “But mister Anonymous. We were right here the whole time we were-” Sweetie Belle tries to reason, but you were having none of it. “No! You turned out to be fine this time, but something could have still happened, one of you might have tripped and fell, you might have run across an unfriendly critter, or even gotten foalnapped! You may have been here, but that doesn't mean you're safe, now I want you to go back to that carnival and I want you to stay within my sight for the rest of the night. This is your first warning, you don't get another. You try this again, I will march you to your homes and I will tell each of your parents why. You got that!?” They all nod quietly, getting to their hooves and walking back to the carnival. “Wow, remind me never to piss you off.” Prench says landing next to you. “Don't give me that. I was worried sick.” She places her hoof on your shoulder. “You were right to...” She looks to the foals. “...this is so unlike them.” You nod. “Boys. Probably trying to impress them or maybe the other way around, I don't know.” You say flatly, walking along side the foals. “Mister Anonymous? Are y'all mad at us?” Applebloom asks, looking at you with puppy dog eyes. You always wanted a reason to say this... “I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed.” And she looks to her hooves as she walks along. That phrase works every time So with the mood completely destroyed, you try to get spirits back up by taking them to the carousel. You weren't going on it. You were just going to watch to make sure they don't piss off again. Applebloom and Pipsqueak climb on a...horse? Scootaloo and Featherweight get on one, and Button and Sweetie Belle Share a horse...seriously. The rules in Equestria are getting confusing. Horses riding horses? Prench nudges your side. “Come on, they're not going to run off now. Not after that scolding you gave. You want to go on?” You shake your head. “Of course they're not going to run off, but I want to show them what happens when they abuse my trust.” You say. Prench just nods. “You'd make a great dad. you know that?” You chuckle. “Of course I would. I already have to take care of you. You're pretty much a marechild as it- OW!” She punches you in the arm as the ride starts. “I'm serious. You would.” You sigh. “I'm not planning to have a child for a long time Prench...or even if I can! I doubt I'd ever become a father.” Prench just laughs and looks to the foals on the ride. “You know Anon, I think you already are one.” She nods her head towards Button who appears to be holding onto Sweetie Belle by the waist as they ride around the carousel. It was rather cute...too bad you're pissed. “I think you're mistaken.” You say as she shrugs her shoulders. “Whatever you say Anon. Whatever you say.” She says walking over to the exit. “Who wants to go on the Ferris wheel?” None of them say anything, just following behind you like a train. You shake your head, you felt a little bad about your rant, but it was necessary...right?...OH fuck it! “Okay, you know what? I was wrong to go off on you guys like that and I'm sorry. But you have to understand that we were worried for your safety and we were just looking out for what's best for you. I'd like to put this whole thing behind us and move on...okay? But you have to not abuse my trust.” The foals all nod and look a little lighter than they did. “Can we go on the Ferris Wheel?” Pipsqueak asks. You nod and begin to walk over to the large wheel on the edge of the carnival. The carny motions for your group to get into the baskets. Each baskets held four passengers, so you, Prench, Sweetie Belle and Button were in a cart and the others in the next one. You sat down as the basket carried you into the air slowly, gently rocking your little group. “*gasp* Just look at Ponyville.” Sweetie Belle said, pointing over to the moonlit skyline of the town. It wasn't as impressive as some of the human cities you remember, but it was still pretty beautiful. You turn back to see Sweetie Belle's lips locked with Button's...and then you turn back awkwardly looking over to the other basket...where they were doing the same thing...oh fuck. You were trapped here in this basket with a beautiful mare and foals kissing and a really romantic...Wait a minute. You reach over and wrap your arm around Prench, who leans her back into you and sighs. “You know Anon, it really is beautiful out here.” Prench says happily. Okay, just kiss her...No? Okay, uh kiss her forehead...No? Um...rub her belly...No? Okay fuck it. God you're a little bitch Anon. Prench relaxes into your side and sighs in content. "You're such a good friend Anon" “Well, fuck me sideways.” “Okay, Goodnight Rarity.” You say, to the white mare as Sweetie Departs from your group. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Featherweight, and Pipsqueak had all been dropped off and now it was just you, Prench and Button. “So Button, You little Playa.” Prench says, walking down towards Loving Care's place. Button just blushes, really hard and tries to avoid eye contact. “Leave him alone Prench." You turn to Button. "Good job Buddy.” You say patting him on the head, pushing the little spinney hat over to the side. After readjusting the hat, button speaks up, the blush still present on his face. "T-Thanks...I guess..." He looks to the ground and let's out a sigh of resignation. "Anon, We're really sorry about...You know... the-” you pat him on the head again, knocking the hat to the side. “It's fine Button. Just don't do it again and everything should be okay...simple as.” You say approaching Loving Care's house. You were glad that that was over with. You were surprised at how stressful watching a bunch of foals could be, But at least it was over with. You push the doorbell and wait for Loving Care to answer the door. When she does, he face lights up at the sight of her son and you sigh with relief to see that all of that crap at the side of her door was gone completely. You guess Ship Shape got his shit. “So how was he?” Loving Care asks, looking to you. You just nod. “He was fine. A few issues here and there, but everything was fine.” You say, letting yourself just stand there. “Would you like to come in and have some coffee?” Loving Care asks. “Not tonight, I need to get to sleep. I'll see you soon. though” As you say that Loving Care's ears flattened against her head in disappointment. You'd feel bad, but you really needed to sleep. “Well, thanks for watching Button for me. I guess I'll see you another time. Goodnight.” “Goodnight.” You say, as she closes the door. Prench Doesn't say anything. She just walks off towards her house. You can't help but get lost in the motion of her hips as they sway back and forth as she walks. At least that was before she noticed you. “What?” You shake you head to rid yourself of the naughty thoughts that were manifesting. “Nothing. Never mind...er...goodnight.” You say,as you rather quickly vacate the area. What was wrong with you? You open the door to your apartment and take in the peaceful surroundings, finally home. Home sweet home. No foals fucking with you, no mares fucking with your thoughts. Just this place of rest, where the only sounds were of peace and quiet...and crying? Concerned, you venture further into the Apartment Looking around for the source of the crying. You didn't have to look far because right there on the sofa was Thunderlane, crying his eyes out into a pillow. Bawling like a baby. “Thunder? What's wrong?” He just cries further into his pillow. You take a seat next to him. “Was Grand Theft Carriage Complete shit?” “It's Cloud Chaser.” He says into his pillow. A little muffled,but you got it. “What about her?” You ask, your concern rising. “She dumped me.” “...” “...” “...” “Oh fuck. Here we go again.” Author's Note Okay, sorry about the delay. Writer's block is a bitch. I don't really feel comfortable telling you guys when to expect the new chapter, because I always take longer than I say. (and for that, I'm sorry.) So just know That I'll work on the next chapter and I don't forget about you guys. I know if you're reading this, then you've put up with my writing so far (And for that, I thank you) So just so you know. Me getting the next chapter is always on my mind. so yeah, whiny bitchy bit done with. so until next time. if you could point out mistakes, plot holes, fucking stupidity and any other errors, grammatical or otherwise I'd be grateful. And stay awesome!
Chapter Nine: Break Ups and Hearth Warming.“A-A-And she said. 'I think w-we should see other ponies.' BWAHUHUH! WHY?!” Thunderlane was currently latched onto your chest, bawling his eyes out, as you sat there playing one of the most infuriating games imaginable on your phone. 'Flappy Griff' And you were close to loosing it over this STUPID, FUCKING, INBRED, RETARDED, GRIFFON WHO IS TOTALLY JUST TRYING TO BULLSHIT YOU! You absolutely hate this game but it is so fucking addictive that you can't stop playing it. It's like it calls to you in the night, begging you to play it, if only for a few minutes. But that's how it gets you, it draws you in with promises of a few minutes and then it- “A-Anon?” Oh right, you were doing something. “There there buddy. It'll get better.”That was just one of the predefined phrases that you have developed when comforting someone. In fact, you were pretty sure that you called Thunderlane a 'strong independent young mare, who don't need no stallion' at one point, but thankfully he was too distraught to notice. “Now, how about you tell me what happened from the start.” You say, stroking the stallions mane comfortingly...don't worry, you called 'no homo' beforehand so it's fine...right? “I-I just did.” He says, tears leaking from his eyes again. You needed to think fast. “Yeah, but I'm not sure I understand.” You say, lying through your teeth. Thunderlane just clutches onto your chest ever tighter. “W-Well, we were on the teacups, a-and I-I ask i-if she was okay, because she was really quiet and s-she nodded. B-But she wasn't...” Thunderlane took a short brake to burst into heavy sobs, of agony. “...L-Later s-she said that s-she felt us g-grow apart from each other, these last f-few weeks, a-and she said t-hat w-we s-should see o-other ponies.” He bursts into ever heavier bawling and clutched to your chest tighter. You have never felt more awkward in your life. “It'll be okay Thunder. You'll love again.” Yeah, you zoned out for the entirety of his story. Flappy griff was just so addictive. “B-But I loved her! How could she do this to me!?” God this guy wasn't going to stop crying soon. You looked to the clock on the wall to see that it was well after one in the morning. So the LAN party idea wouldn't work. You were sure that he wasn't in the mood to play any video games either...wait...holy. Shit. You have it. You remove yourself from Thunderlane's clutches as you move over to the fridge, open the freezer box, and pull out some Ice cream. You grab a spoon, dig it into the tub and place it in Thunderlane's hooves, you then grab a movie, just a cheesy action film, then grab his blanket from his room. Placing it over the two of you ,wrapping your arm around Thunderlane, you look him in the eye. “A-Anon?” You lean forward and whisper in his ear. “Don't you see? This is how gay this whole situation is. Now man the fuck up and come Play some video games.” You say smacking the ice cream out of his hooves. The two of you burst out into laughter at the stupid antics going on. You then get up and look in the wardrobe, looking for a set of certain objects. “I-I don't think I want to. What about the neighbors?” You laugh. “We had the room soundproofed after the great rage quit of o'nine remember? now get up and set up.” You say dragging out the electronic guitar, drum kit and microphone. “We are not playing Guitar Pony. Not after last time.” You laugh and punch his side playfully. “Yes we are, it's for emergency use only.” Thunderlane cocks an eyebrow. “How is this an emergency?” he asks. “My bro's a little bitch and needs cheering up.” You say, punching him again. He just sighs. “How is this going to help my situation?” He asks as you roll your shoulders in preparation. “You'll speak to cloud chaser tomorrow, but right now, you need cheering up and this game is the ultimate 'piss take' for the job” You say, plugging the cables into the Bit Box 360. Thunderlane cocks an eyebrow. “But we need three players or else it's just crap.” He states sadly. You smile and bring out your phone. You dial Prench's home phone number and wait as it rings out. Once, twice, three time- “Who is this- *yawn* -and why are you calling this early in the morning.” You smile deviously to yourself as your put on your best panic voice. “Prench you need to get over here! It's Thunderlane! Hurry!” Before she can respond your hang up the phone and throw it in your room, on silent. The House Phone goes off several times, but you let it ring through to increase the charade. Thunderlane looks to you wide eyed. “You know she's gonna kill you when she gets here, right?” You shrug your shoulders and smile. “She does it to me all the time and...” A dull banging on the door can be heard throughout the apartment. “Fuck me. that was fast.” You think out loud. When you go to open the door, you are tackled to the ground by a less-than-presentable Prench Roast. You can guess why, she was probably awake three minutes ago. “Anon! What's going on?! What's wrong?!” She shakes you by the shoulders frantically. She stops however, when she sees Thunderlane standing there, perfectly okay and then she glares at you. “Anon. I thought you said there was something wrong with Thunderlane.” She says through gritted teeth. Your shit eating grin said it all. “I did not. I said you needed to get over here and that Thunderlane was involved, nothing else.” Her glare was priceless, had she not punched you in the stomach, really hard...worth it. “You're an asshole.” She says, jumping off of your body. “So why do I need to be here?” She says looking to Thunderlane. You were the one to answer however. “He got dumped and we need to cheer him up.” You say nonchalantly. She just looks to him, then to you. “Oh. I'm sorry to hear that Thunder.” Thunderlane looks to the floor in sadness, but steels his resolve long enough to put on a brave face. “I-It's okay.” He says quietly. Deciding to kill the awkwardness, you stand up and motion to the TV. “We need a third player for this to be fun.” Prench just looks to you and sighs heavily. “I hate you Anon. So much.” She whips your face lightly with her tail as she goes to take a seat on the sofa and grabs the drum set. “Let's get this over with.” Thunderlane says quietly. You sigh and move over to realize that Thunderlane had grabbed the guitar and the only thing left for you was the microphone. “Fuck you guys, seriously.” You say grabbing the microphone, earning a chuckle from the pair. “Prench, would you like to pick a song?” She does not answer, instead she picks up the controller and begins to list off the songs. “All I have left is you? no. Say something? no. Chasing Carriages? No. Crazy in love? no. Forget you? No. Buck, a lot of songs are about relationships and breaking up.” She says, scrolling through the songs. You just sigh, taking the controller from her grasp and scrolling to a particular song. “This is going to suuuuuuck.” You say, as the intro plays. “This was your idea.” Thunderlane says confused. “But I wanted to hear your sexy little voice.” You say with a smirk. Thunderlane just smirks at you. “You really need to prove that you're straight first, before you can say stuff like that and it be considered teasing...you know. We might get the wrong idea.” You laugh as Prench begins to tap out on the Drum kit as the screen instructs. “I'm pretty sure he's not gay...” Prench says, batting away at the drum kit rather unenthusiastically. “...I think he just doesn't have a dick.” She says laughing, Thunderlane joining in. “Well fuuuuucccck you too.” You say as the first of the actual song begins. You scratch you way through the lyrics, trying to sound half decent, but you fail...badly. At least the others are no better. Deciding it would be best to restart, you grab some beer throw them each a can and start again. (Music) “I Just want you back to normal! I think you don't know just how you feeeeeeel!” ...yeah you got hammered pretty quickly. And you were okay with that. You were screaming down the microphone, Prench was whacking the shit out of that drum kit and Thunderlane was bobbing his head and scraping through the guitar sections. You shouted down the mic as everyone chimed in for the final verse. “LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! PASS THE HERRB! I TURN THE LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! KISS THE CERRB! TURN THE LIGHTS OUT! LIGHTS OUT! YOUR HEART HAS TURRNED! WHO'S GONNA SAVE ME!? EVERYTIME I CRASH AND I BURN? AND I CRASH AND I BURN! AND I CRASH AND I BURN!” The song fades out as all three of you burst out into drunken laughter, at your poor show. Your combined effort got a score of seventy five, but you all couldn't give a fuck, Because you were enjoying yourselves. “Oh Man! That was fun. Another!” Thunderlane demanded, falling back in his chair. Prench groans, but nods her head approvingly. This was your eighth song tonight. You shake your head. “Nah, I'm getting a little tired now.” You say, rubbing your neck a little. Prench just sits up and stares at you sultrily. You roll your eyes, you knew what was coming. “Oh Aaaannnooon. You know, if you were to give us another...unf...round of your...ung...fantastic tongue...I'd...probably-” “Would you give it a rest...please?” You ask. Trying not to facepalm... she was trying way too hard to get a rise out of you lately and it was starting to piss you off now. “I'll do one more song, then we do something else.” Thunderlane nods frantically. “We're watching 'rogue guard' afterward.” You smile as you select another song. “Fine by me.” You say, clicking on the hardest song of the game. “Anon? We have to work in the morning don't we?” Prench asks. You groan as it had just turned three in the morning. “Yeah...this should be interesting.” Just in case anyone didn't know. Late nights are bad for working. Being hung over is bad for working. Having the early shift on a Friday morning, is bad for working and combining the three? Well, that just fucks you up to the point of self harming...okay, maybe not that bad, but it still sucked. “Anon table fourteen.” The barista says, handing you a tray. However combined with the fact that it was busy as all hell this morning, then maybe you might just consider it. You walk through the mayhem of customers and waiters. Trying not to drop your tray. You move through the group to find an elderly stallion and mare. Placing the tray down, you hand them each their order and take their payment...with a twelve bit tip. You thank them and return to the barista, who hands you another tray. “Table seven.” You don't remember it being this crowded before. What's changed? “Anon!” You hear the sound of a very familiar little colt. Button jumped up and embraced your leg in a hug. You were barely able to hold onto the tray, but you managed...just. You pat his head with your free hand and try to shake him off. He gets the hint and releases your leg. “So what's going on kid?” You ask he just smiles. “I'm here with Sweetie Belle!” He says, pointing to the table you were in fact heading to. Sweetie Belle sits there and offers a wave to you, which you return. Her older sister Rarity is sitting there, looking exhausted. Her mane was disheveled, her eyes had bags under them and she was barely registering what was happening around her. You walk over and place the tray down onto the table. Rarity looking relieved to finally see her morning coffee. She takes a long sip and exhales in satisfaction. She finally notices you standing there. “Oh hello Anon. How are you this fine morning?” You shrug. “Tired, hungover, exhausted. You?” She giggles lightly. “I'm fine, my dear. A little tired, but nothing too drastic. Say, do you know why it's so crowded in here this morning?” You shrug again. “Not really, I guess it's just a morning rush...I think. What are you guys doing here?” “We're just grabbing a quick breakfast, before these two head off to school.” She gestures to the two foals, who were now sipping on a single milkshake through two bendy straws, staring intently into each others eyes...fuck that's both cheesy and cliche! Deciding that it was about time you got back to work, You bid them farewell and you left. “See you after school button?” “Yeah. Sure.” He says without breaking his gaze from Sweetie Belle. You just walk away, smiling. it was kind of cute. You see Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser talking in one of the corner tables. Deciding that it would be best to leave them be, you continue with your work. “He okay?” Prench asks as you lean against the wall. “I don't know. They're talking, I guess that's a start. Hey, do you know why it's so busy?” You ask, looking out of the group. Prench shrugs her shoulders, taking another order from some stallion. “I think there's some sort of magic pony doing a show or something. I don't know?” You would have questioned more, but you were interrupted. “Anon table fourteen.” The barista says, handing you another tray. You groan and walk over to the specified table. Hearth Warming Day The last two months have resulted in a lot of change for you. First of all, Prench has stopped her little, flirting sessions...well, reduced them...slightly. They still don't work, but she's trying. You assume she's trying to get on your good side for Christmas...or hearth warming...urg...the name is so sugary and sweet it makes you sick. At least Christmas had an attempted murder in it...anyway! Thunderlane had gotten over Cloud Chaser...after five fucking weeks of sobbing and crying. They decided to stay 'just friends' and that was the stupidest decision he ever made, but you weren't going to complain. Button and you had gotten pretty close over these past two months. He was always happy to see you when you picked him up from school, or when you babysat him, or when you escorted him and Sweetie Belle on their 'dates'. All in all, he's a good kid and they knew what happens if they fuck with you. You guilt trip the shit out of them. Loving Care has gotten ten times better than she used to be. She's happy nearly all of the time, she's always, knocking on you for something. You exchange banter and share laughs. She's even started doing what Prench does and comes round to your home uninvited. you don't mind, really you don't, but a text of warning would be nice. So a few awkward moments here and there, a few happy times and a lot of 'for fuck sake' moments...most of which are caused by Prench, but at least it was Christmas. “Anon! Anon! Wake up! It's Hearth Warming! It's Hearth Warming! It's Hearth Warming!” The small mass of pony jumped on your form, stirring you awake. You remember when you were like that, trying to get your parents to get up so you could open your presents, you always pissed off your parents and you never knew why...well...now you do. “Thunderlane. It's three in the morning. Go back to sleep before I slit your throat.” You grumble tiredly. “Come on! I wanna open my presents.” You groan again. “Even if I got up, we would have to wait until Prench got here. So if you don't want your wings removed, Go. Back. To Sleep.” And with that you flipped your pillow, smacked him off your bed, covered your head and went back to sleep. He just huffs. “Fine. But I'm going to get you up as soon as the sun rises.” He states walking out of your room. “You better hope nobody got me a pair of bolt cutters today then.” The door closes leaving you in silence once again. Thunderlane was weird like that. Sometimes he's really mature, other times he's...that. You just shake it off and go to sleep. You sat on your sofa, staring at the various piles of presents for everyone. Prench's pile was the smallest, though not by much. You could see that most of Thunderlane's gifts were games and movies and yours was relatively average. “Can we open them now?” Prench asks, anticipating the wrapped goods laid out before her. You just roll your eyes. Why are they waiting on you? “Why do you need my permission?” You ask. They both shrug. “Just...go for it.” You say irritably. And with a howl of a battle cry, Thunderlane tears open his gifts one by one. Prench was a lot more civil about it. Opening her presents as if they were delicate tissue paper. “So Anon. Where's LC?” Thunderlane asks. “She's at her house with Button, I'll be heading over there after this.” Thunderlane stops his wrapping paper massacre and looks to you in horror. “You're leaving?” You face palm. “Yes I told you two weeks ago that this was the plan.” “You did not!” He says defensively. “Yes I did. You were playing Command and Counter and you had that weird three legged...” “Oh yeah! I remember...when will you be back?” He asks, returning to his ruthless wrapping paper butchering. “Don't know. Probably tonight.” “But you'll miss dinner!” Prench suddenly shouted. “No I won't Button and Care are coming with us tonight, remember?” The Five of you were all going to some restaurant that was doing hearth warming dinner. It was run by a griffon, so you could get some meat for once in your life. “Care?” Thunderlane speaks up again. “It's a nickname I gave her. I'm pretty sure I've used it multiple times in both of your company.” They all look to you with cockeyed bewildered expressions. “What was wrong with 'LC'?” Prench asks. “Why is this a big deal? You have presents lying in front of you and that's the most interesting thing in the world?” They just tilt their heads to the side, rather comically. “Why are you so defensive Anon?” Thunderlane asks. “Shut up and open your damn presents.” They both return to opening their presents with cocky grins. Everything was quiet apart from the odd 'thank you' and 'your welcome' You got a few things, games, films, a few well made clothes, and from Prench...a book on female pony anatomy... “Thanks Prench.” You sarcastically thought. When it came around for her to open her present from you however, the reaction was quite different. “Anon?” You look over to see Prench holding a picture frame. The frame itself was silver, with pegasi and griffins flying around. But that wasn't what got her attention. Her attention was focused on the picture inside. It was a picture of you, Thunderlane and her posing at some theme park in Manehatten you went to a few months back. You were rather fond of that picture, it was the only picture you really had of the three of you. “A-Anon...I love it.” She all but gasps out. “Thank you.” “I didn't think you had one of us so I thought you'd like that one.” You say, unwrapping Your present from Thunderlane. You both look at each other quietly as an awkward silence envelopes the room. Well, it would have if not for Thunderlane “SWEET! 'Love and tolerate 2: I'mma tolerate the shit out of you.' Thanks Anon!” Thunderlane says looking at the game you got him. Fortunately, he destroyed any chance of an awkward conversation Prench places the picture frame down gently and moves onto her next present. “What's the difference between that one and the first one?” Prench asks, removing the wrapping from the winter boots from her mother. “They made it more violent.” You say matter-of-factly. Opening the next present, you see a rucksack from Thunderlane. A well made one too. It would probably never be used unless going away, but it's the thought that counts. Gazing at the clock, you see that it's eight in the morning. Based on how you were as a child, you could guess that Button was bouncing around his house like crazy, begging to open his presents. “Hey guys?” Prench and Thunderlane look up towards you. “I'm gonna head over to Care's place now. I'll see you later okay?” They both look downtrodden, but let you leave. Maybe next year you'd all spend hearth warming together or something. With a final farewell you leave them to their business and exit the apartment. The walk to Loving Care's house was completely barren. Given that it was still early in the morning and it was Christmas. The other ponies were either still inside opening their gifts or they were still asleep. The only sound accompanying you was the gentle crunch of the snow beneath your boots. Taking the time to enjoy the scenery, you gaze out over the snow covered trees and houses. A few houses had smoke gracefully rising into the air. The snow was fresh, as you were the first one to walk through it this morning. Despite taking your time to admire the scenery, you came to the front door of Loving Care's place rather quickly. With a ring of the doorbell, you hear the cute little scamper of a foal rushing through the corridor, up to the door, then into the door. The door shoots open as you see the cute little foal that is Button Mash. “ANON!” He rushes forward and clutches your leg in a hug. “Hey Button. Happy Hearth Warming.” You say as you try and maneuver your way into the living room, with Button latched onto you leg. The mention of Hearth Warming reminds him that there are presents to be opened, causing him to detach himself from your leg. “You too. Now comeoncomeoncomeon!” He ushers you into the living room. Sat there on the sofa is Loving Care in some form of dressing gown and she's nursing a coffee. She smiles warmly when she sees you. “Hello Anon, happy Hearth Warming.” You smile back at her and take a seat. “You too.” You reply.Button is just standing there looking anxious at your presence. You smile warmly and look to Loving Care. “Should we put him out of his misery?” You ask. Loving Care chuckles lightly and nods for Button to start. His eyes light up as he rushes towards his wrapped presents and cards. You and Loving Care split the cost of his main present, because it cost a pretty hefty amount. The rest of Button's presents were from other family members and friends. You believe Some of your friends also got him a few things as well. Loving Care had her own pile, also composed of gifts from family and friends, as well of course. You had opened all of your presents at your place, so you were just sitting there watching, but it was rather nice. Button was ecstatic when he found that copy of 'The Creed' Thunderlane got him. But eventually it all had to come to an end and the only presents remaining were Button's main present and your gift to Loving Care. Button dragged the small box further out into the open so you all could see it being opened. He removed the tape holding down the edges first then began to gently slide the box out of it's paper tomb. As the box slid out Button's eyes widened in surprise. Under the wrapping paper was a brand new laptop computer with buttons color scheme and a d-pad emblem on the lid. “Oh coool! Is it for me?!” You cringe as you couldn't even stop the sarcastic thought. “of course not, we just thought it be funny to let you unwrap it and then take it away.” Loving Care smiles warmly to her son. “Of course Button. It's one of the newer models designed for playing video games.” She passes you a thankful glance...oh yeah. you helped pick it out as well. “Coooool! Thanks mom!” button says gathering up his presents into a bag to take upstairs. “You should thank Anon as well Button. It is from both of us.” You smile as he begins to drag the presents up the stairs. “Thanks Dad!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” “...” ...What? “D-Did he just?” Loving Care asks. Based on her tone and the fact that she wasn't moving, you assumed she was just as shocked as you and You could barely even form a coherent thought...the fuck? “Y-Yeah.” You say quietly, shock evident in your tone. “Wow.” She just says. There was nothing to be said at this point...well maybe... “Why?” You ask, still not able to comprehend this. “I-I don't know. I'd assume he's...grown attached to you?” She says, still unsure. This was so confusing. You lean back in your chair as Loving Care scoots closer to you. “Do you mind if he calls you that?” She asks. You exhale heavily. “I-I don't know...I just don't understand...why? It's only been...what? Three months? H-He shouldn't...” She shakes her head and looks to the small box on the arm rest. “Don't worry about it just now...how about we open that one?” She points with a hoof to her present. You sigh and hand it to her. “Are you okay Anon?” She asks, ignoring the box in her hoof. “What? No, it's fine. Just confused is all.” You point to the box in her hoof and do a small wave to get her to go on. She lifts the lid of the box and looks at the locket inside. It's made from silver and it's in the shape of a heart. You managed to get one of the jewelers in town to make it with a small frame inside. She smiles to you lightly. “It's nice.” You roll your eyes. “Open it.” She shifts her gaze back down to the locket, noticing a small nub on the side. She pushes it and the front clicks open. Inside is a picture of Button Mash and Rage Quite smiling widely while they play in a garden. She stares at the picture for a few moments, saying nothing, just looking. After a few moments she tries to say something, but her voice catches in her throat and tears begin to form in her eyes. “Care? Oh I'm sorry. I didn't think...” You move forward and place a hand on her back, but she turns and latches onto you. “I-I love it Anon. Thank you. Thank you so much.” She says, tears leaking from her eyes. You just return the gesture. “C-Can you put it on me?” She asks, holding out the Locket. You smile as you take it and unlink the catch at the back of the chain. She sits up straight parallel to you. You move your hands around her neck, brushing her mane behind her shoulders. You bring the two ends of the chain and link them together again. The necklace falls and sits on her chest. “There! How's that?” You ask as she looks down to admire her new accessory. “I'm never going to take it off. Thank you.” She leans forward and pecks you on the cheek. Nothing more than a friendly gesture, but it still caused you to blush like crazy. She smiles and hops off of the sofa. “Um...I'm going to make some coffee. Do you want some?” You nod, as she heads into the kitchen, leaving you alone to think to yourself. With a lot to think about just now, you sit there, trying to formulate a response, but only one thought can enter your mind. “Wow.” Author's Note Wow. Very Writing. Many cliche. Such Doge. New chapter. Woo! Just three days! I'm happy with that. First off, I know it's a little cheesy, but this is the best I could do to make "Ze feels" so Try not to get to irritated by that. also You then get up and look in the wardrobe, looking for a set of certain objects. “I-I don't think I want to. What about the neighbors?” You laugh. “We had the room soundproofed after the great rage quit of o'nine remember? now get up and set up.” I swear I didn't see the innuendo when originally writing this. so just the usual, comment what you thought...if...if you don't mind that is. And stay awesome.
Chapter Ten: So That's what that feels like.“Anon. take the left! Take the left!” Prench screams as she hammers on the individual buttons on the controller. Her command came too late however as your carriage went to the right and into a wall of spikes, killing both of you in a blood filled cloud of gore, causing your game to reset to the last checkpoint. “Oh for buck sake Anon! That's the third bucking time!...” She turns to you and grows a sly, half lidded, smile. Oh fuck off! “...maybe...You should be punished.” She begins to scoot towards you, but you flick her in the nose, causing her to freeze on the spot. “No thanks. The game's reset.” She shakes off her stupor with a huff and picks up the controller. She then begins to command the unicorn mage turret on top of the carriage you are both on. It has been two weeks since hearth warming day and everything was smoothing out for you. You discovered that whenever Prench tries to tease you, all you have to do is flick her on the nose, making her stop, which was great, because you weren't sure how long you could last these days. Cloud Chaser and Flitter kept coming by from time to time. You still didn't know how you felt about that, but you didn't want to question it. Button was still calling you dad, which you also had no idea how you felt about. Your friends knew about it. Some of them were confused, other found it hilarious and the rest found it adorable. Loving Care was tending to hang out more with your group. She usually comes over when Button was with Sweetie Belle or when she had free time. Usually she'd either join in with your activities, usually consisting of movies and video games, or sit there and enjoy the company. Work was as good as ever. Frothy top was fun to work with and Muffin top was getting used to working with you. She only called you a cunt once on Wednesday so...that was cool. “Anon...I swear to Celestia if you don't go left...” You go right. It's not because you you are incompetent, you just find it hilarious when Prench rages at you for nothing and it almost always ended up in... “FOR BUCK SAKE ANON!” ...That. She must have noticed you grinning like an idiot, because the next thing you know, she's throwing punch after punch into your arm. You raise your arm to defend yourself but she's still throwing them. “You think it's funny when I'm mad huh? Well let's see how funny this is!” She pushes you onto your back as she jumps onto your stomach. Punching your chest repeatedly. You hold onto her sides as you roll the two of you off of the sofa and onto the floor, where you both proceed to laugh your asses off as you push and shove at each other. “Get a room you two.” Loving Care says. She was sitting on the couch with a Dr. Pony in her hoof and a quizzical expression on her face. You cock your brow and stand to your feet. She giggles at your stern expression, which soon falters to her happy demeanor. What can you say, you liked it when she was happy. “Oh shut it.” You say humorously. as you take your seat and grab the controller, an awkward silence plays out through the room as retakes her seat. “So...how's button?” You ask, trying to remove the silence. “Yeah, is he still calling him dad?” Prench asks with a snicker. “He is. I don't know why he's doing it, but he's the insistent one.” Loving care says with a wave of her hoof. “I don't have the heart to tell him and Anon seems okay with it.” You sigh as you lean back in your chair. You finally go left and Prench let's out a sigh of relief. “We should probably head to work soon. huh Anon?” She says, tapping the X button repeatedly. You groan as it was almost ten in the morning and you would in fact have to go to work. “Yeah I should probably head to the hospital soon.” Loving Care says, looking at the clock. The three of you sit there in relatively comfortable silence as the game plays on. Loving Care sighs as she stands up and moves for the front door. “I guess I'll see you two later?” “Ya sure, bye.” Prench says. You just manage a grunt of acknowledgment before she closes the door. “Fucking hell Prench, shoot the turrets! Your worse than my mother and I barely remember her.” You say. Looking at Prench's terrible shooting. “Yeah? Well...I've probably had sex with more women that you.” She says laughing. You just grow a maniacal grin. “Fucking yourself doesn't count.” Prench's voice catches in her throat as she looks to you. “...Eh...um...urg...good one.” She says, defeated. She shoots the last of the turrets triggering the end level cut-scene as you both stand up and stretch yourselves out. Looking at the clock you sigh heavily. “We should go to work now.” You say in a depressed tone. “Well then, get going!” She says, bumping her flank into your side. You decided to ignore it, but this was starting to get to you. Whenever Prench does this whole 'flirt with you to get a rise out of you' thing, it takes a lot of will power to stop yourself from throwing her on the floor and ravishing her on the spot... ...yeah, it was getting to be that bad. You and Prench head off to work soon after. It was Friday so you were working with her and Button was heading over to one of his friends houses after school so you didn't have to worry about picking him up today. You found your eyes, more than once, drifting towards Prench's flanks as they swayed when she walked. Her tail gliding with their motion. Fortunately, she never saw you, but that doesn't mean she didn't come close. This was getting out of hand...like really out of hand. You needed to end this whole thing soon. “Anon Table three.” You pick up your tray and head over to the specified table. The day was crawling by painfully slow, as you kept finding yourself...distracted by Prench. “God this is hard...huh? Hard... like hard as in- Fuck!...Fuck? Heh I'd like to- No!” You drop the tray off at the table, leave the ponies to their foods and return to Prench. “Eh...I-I'm...just going to take a quick break.” You say, pointing towards the staff toilets. Prench just furrows her eyebrows, but nods anyway. You rush into the bathroom with a slam and lock of the door. Rushing over to the sink you run the cold water, leaving it until it is as cold as it will go and throw a handful of freezing water into your face as you shudder with relief, as the cooling water ran down your face and neck. When did it get this bad?...oh yeah, when she...fucking kissed you. Ever since that night, you found it really difficult to remove your thoughts from her. Now? Now you were just fu... *knock* *knock* “Anon? You okay in there?” You heard Prench ask, through the door. Fuck! you needed to end this soon. Like today! “S-Sure...I'll be out in a minute.” You say in a sing-song voice...fucking hell, you were so screwed. The ponies of the next shift came and took your place as you and Prench sat down for lunch. You had grabbed your pay check from Coffee Grain and had returned to have a lunch. You were sat there, stirring your coffee absentmindedly, thinking about how you were going to do this. “It's so nice that we can do this again. We haven't done this in a while.” Prench says sipping from her cup. You nod and return to your thoughts. “She kissed me, So she must be somewhat interested...Right? What about all of the flirting and the hinting? That's go to mean something as well...She did say it was a joke though...but what about all of the times she got angry, not flustered, angry, when I accused her of having a crush on Noteworthy? That can't be just embarrassment...right?...Even if she does like me, how do I go about asking her? Do I just flat out ask her? Be spontaneous? Hint at it? Fuck! I've never done this before, I always just shied away from it. Oh fuck! You're a pussy Anon! A fucking pussy!” “You okay?” Prench asks, looking to you concerned. You nod, taking a quick sip of your coffee to look normal, but you just look even more suspicious. “You seem a little...distracted.” She says. You just sigh. “You always shied away from this Anon, but would you want to loose your chance with Prench? Look at her!” You look into the light brown face of Prench. Her beautiful brown mane, her beautiful golden eyes and those freckles which accented her beauty. She also had one of the best personalities you have ever known. She was one of your best friends, you loved her...do you want to ruin that? “Are you sure you're okay?” Prench asks again. The look she gave you made your heart leap. You couldn't deny it any more. Every time she said your name, your stomach would do back flips. Every time she bumped into you or flirted with you, you had trouble controlling yourself. You loved her...and you wanted her. “I-I'm fine...it's just...well...” You trail off into unintelligible mumbling. “Well what?” Prench asks, concern evident on her face. You sigh heavily in resignation. “Prench, would you...like to...maybe...GoSeeAMovieSomeTime?” There! You finally did it. You asked someone out. Prench's face scrunches up a little. “Y-You mean like a date?” You nod quietly, trying your best to look confident. “Oh...uh...Anon, you know you're a really great guy right? But...” Oh no. “...I Just don't think I could see you in that way... I think of you more as a friend and... I wouldn't want to ruin something we already have...” You stomach, which was previously doing back flips, was sinking lower than it ever has before. You couldn't believe this...what about all of that stuff before? “B-But what about all of the flirting and the hinting?” You ask, your voice cracking a little. Prench just looks to the table in sadness. “I-It was just a joke...I thought you realized...I didn't think you'd get that sort of idea from it.” You gaze up at her, fighting back tears in your eyes. “You kissed me Prench! What sort of idea was I supposed to take away from that?!” She looks further to the floor in shame. “What is it about me?” You ask, your pathetic tone giving way for more of an accusing one. Prench just casts you a quick glance and returns to her shameful staring. “I-I just don't see you that way?” She says. Her voice cracking up as she spoke. “Why? Is it my attitude?...” She shakes her head. “...My voice?...” She shakes her head again. “...my personality?...” and again. “...Is it because I'm human?” She doesn't respond. No moving. No sound. Just sitting there, sniffling in guilt. Your emotions were tearing you apart from the inside and there was nothing you could do about it. “So much for me not being a freak.” You say, standing up. You begin to walk away, when Prench grabs your pant leg with her hoof to stop you and looks up at you with teary eyes. “I-I'm sorry...I-I never meant to hurt you. ” You Look down. You were over reacting, but that couldn't stop you from feeling this way. So you look her in her beautiful golden eyes. “It's fine Prench. I-I just need some time alone okay?” You could hear her sniffling as you brushed her hoof off of you, but you paid it no mind. You had your own feeling to deal with for once...and it hurt that you had to. You walk into the apartment as Thunderlane plays that game you got him for Christmas and, for some reason, Bulk is there too. You find it difficult to think of something to say, so you remain quiet as you sit down beside them. “Hey Anon...” Thunderlane speaks up. “...wanna play? This game is amazing!” You give a lazy wave of your hand. “Nah, I'm good...I'm not in the mood just now.” Your comment left both Thunderlane and Bulk staring at you like you were infected with the plague. “Anon? Are you all right?” Bulk asks, looking to you concerned. You nod your head slowly as you look to the TV with a blank stare. “Uh...You know what? I think I should go...It was fun hanging out Thunderlane. We should do this again sometime.” Bulk says, awkwardly getting up and making to the door. “Uh...it was good seeing you too Anon.” He says as he leaves. Thunderlane turns to you with a concerned look. “Anon? What's going on.” He asks, concern covering his face. With a breathy sigh you sit back. “Nothing...everything is fine.” Once you say that, he punches your arm...hard. “Don't lie to me! Tell me what's wrong now, because you're starting to scare me!” You cock an eyebrow at his statement. “Yeah! It's that obvious!” He says, a reassuring hoof on your shoulder. “What's going on” You sigh heavily and let your head fall back on the sofa. “I asked Prench out.” You say. A lot of emotions from earlier returning to you. “...She said we were just friends.” You look back up at Thunderlane. “It's because I'm not a pony. Why she doesn't see me like, that is.” Thunderlane looks to you, mouth agape. “She didn't say it, but I could tell that was the reason.” Thunderlane just pats your back as you lean back into the chair. “Gosh man, I'm sorry. Do you want to play something to take your mind off of it?” You shake your head. “No thanks. I think I just want to stay in my room and have some time to myself.” You move to get up, but Thunderlane holds you down with a hoof on your leg and looks straight at you. “You know that if you need anypony to talk to...I'm always here.” He says as he removing his hoof. You nod and go to your bedroom, closing the door, sitting down on the bed and letting your body fall back. When you are finally in that position, Lying on the bed, alone in your room, You finally let your emotions show and let yourself fall into a depressed period of self pity and wallowing. “Anon? You okay in there?” Thunderlane calls through the door. You just grunt and hope that he heard you. About an hour ago, you heard Prench's voice through the door. She wasn't talking to you, in fact, she was probably talking to Thunderlane at the front door. She wanted to see if you were okay, but thankfully, Thunderlane made her go away. He was a bro when he needed to be and you didn't want to see her. You just laid there, on your bed. Wallowing in your pain for a few hours, then you started to rethink your entire life in Equestria, to kill time. (as you do.) You started to think about certain, life changing, points in your life, Such as; the time you came to Equestria and the amount of confusion that coaxed your body when you saw your first talking pony. The first time you were allowed outside, when the ponies deemed you 'mostly harmless' after extensive research. Going to school, meeting Thunderlane, getting your own first apartment, getting your first job, meeting Prench Roast...and back to your depression...fuck you were doing so well with distracting yourself. Looking to the picture on your bedside table, you see all of your friends at that Nightmare Night party a few months back...That was where it all started, when Prench took this casual 'flirting' too far and caused you to grow feelings for her that she would never return..it hurt you to think like this, it really did...but there was nothing you could do about it. It was true, but maybe you could get through this...you were lonely sure, but you always had your friends who would have your side, because there's nothing like friendship that could- *Knock**Knock* “Anon?” Thunderlane calls through the door again. Thank god for that, you were starting to get really gay with that interior monologue. “What?” “Uh...LC's here to see you.” You sigh. “I just want to be left alone.” You say through the door. “She insists, like really insists.” You sigh dejectedly, despite no one seeing you through the door. Opening the door, you see Loving Care is standing there, adorning a saddle bag and her locket. She gives you a warm smile when she sees you. “Come on Anon. Get dressed and get ready. We're going to the club.” You cock an eyebrow and give her the best 'wat' face you can. She giggles and points to the door. “Thunderlane told me what happened and I thought I'd come repay you for helping me in my time of need.” She says with a prideful grin. You cross your arms in defense. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, but I don't think I want to.” “Anon. It's not going to help you to stay in your room all day and mope around. You need to get out there and get over this. Trust me, I know.” Is she serious? Like seriously serious? A club? “I'm not in the mood to go out and-” “Anon! Go and get dressed!” She says with a stern tone. You grunt in irritation and head onto your room, where you remove your work uniform and get into some jeans and a shirt. Still reluctant, you head out into the living area and go to sit on the couch. “I'm dressed, but I'm not going out and you can't make me.” Just as soon as you said that, Thunderlane had wrapped his forelegs around your chest and under your arms and proceeded to drag you out of the apartment. “Dude!” You shout, trying to pull away. Thunderlane pulling with all of his might. You try to plant your feet on the floor, but Thunderlane is strong enough to counter that. “Sorry man...it's for your own good.” He says, showing strain of having to drag your heavy body out into the hallway. Loving Care is waiting for you there and once Thunderlane drops you off, he charges back into the apartment and slams the door, where you hear multiple heavy duty bolts and chains being slid into place...you both were rather paranoid about intruders. Ironic how everyone you know can just get in without any difficulty. “Shall we go?” Loving Care asks in a chipper voice. Sighing in defeat, you just look around confused. “Uh...is it just us?” She nods. “Yes, it appears nopony else could make it so...it's just you and me, bad mouthing Prench behind her back.” That gets a laugh out of you, before you both head out of the building. “So where are we headed.” You ask. She looks to you with a sly grin. “Oh, I was thinking 'The Broken Record?'” She says, looking to you with raised eyebrows. “Sure.” You say flatly. So it was going to be one of those nights. (Background Music) “So I ask If it was because I was human and she doesn't move a muscle!” You shout over the loud and, quite frankly, shit music. Loving Care listened intently to your retelling of your day. You were both sat at the bar, getting drink after drink after drink. You were shitfaced pretty quickly. “That's a shame Anon. She clearly couldn't see what she would be missing!” She says, buying you another drink. You take it without hesitation as she gets her own. “So she even said that she didn't expect me to take her advances the way I did...She fucking KISSED me!...” You let your head fall on the table. “...I-I just don't know any more. You mares are all just too fucking complicated!” Loving Care takes a swig out of her glass, as she looks up with a hint of offense. “Th-That's not fair Anon...Not all mares are that...what's the word?...mixed signals?...yeah! That!” She takes another swig... Before you can say anything, Vinyl Scratch comes over and takes a seat next to the two of you. “Ayyy! What are you guys doing here?” She asks looking at the two of you. Loving Care looks to Vinyl as she nudges her head towards you. “Hey man, what's up?” She says, bumping your shoulder. You just nod solemnly. She appears to get the picture as she sees your expression. “Yeah, I heard about you and Prench, Anon. Tough brake man. tough break.” You grunt, taking another sip of your drink. “Hey, take it easy on those by the way. They're pretty strong.” You nod as she looks back up to her deck area. “Shoot! Gotta go, my slot's coming up...” She leans in close to you. “...Hey, If you ever need a real mare...I know a few that would be interested.” She winks at you and dashes off towards her deck, leaving you and Loving Care alone again. “Well, that was subtle.” Loving Care says with a laugh. You just sigh and down the rest of your drink then order another. You down your 'n'th glass of whatever the fuck this stuff is. You stopped caring about ten minutes into this whole thing. Loving Care was getting pretty hammered as well, so you had to keep a drunk eye on her. She was sticking to your side mostly, so you didn't need to be too focused on her. She leans against you for support as you down your 'n'th + 1 glass of whatever the fuck this stuff is. You smiled as the next one came without even having to ask. You were starting to like this place. “I mean, why?... Why me? D-Do I not deserve to be happy?” You ask Loving Care as she fumbles with her glass. The club had died down considerably, as it was getting pretty late now. The two of you were sitting in a booth in the corner. You look at Loving Care's innocent fumbling as she tries and fails to get the drink in her hooves, spilling it several times. You reach over and grab the glass in your hand, lifting it to her mouth, where she readily accepts the mind numbing poison inside. You however remember something you really should have asked about earlier. “Hey... W-Where's... Button?” You ask. “That! That right there! That is why he calls you 'dad'” She says in her drunken voice. “Wha?” She smiles as she reaches over and touched you on the chest lightly. “There! You are completely...*hic*...hammered...and if somepony was to come...*hic*... over, they'd not be able to tell.” You furrow your brows at her. “Y-Your point being?” She sighs. “You care about him enough for him to...*hic*...think about him when you're....when you're....when you're smashed.” She says with an almost sad tone. Yeah she was gone. “That's all well and good, but where is he?” She waves her hoof in the air exasperatedly. “H-He's sleeping over at his friends. I decided to let him stay, when I found out about you.” You smile, nodding to Loving Care. “Thanks.” You look down and start to stir the alcoholic substance with a finger. Loving Care looks to you with a quizzical expression. “Anon? Are you okay?” You sigh and lean forward, Loving Care's expression growing more concerned. “Yeah...I'm fine I guess...just tired...maybe we should just go home.” She smiles knowingly and gets out of her seat. “Forget about Prench. She's a...she's a...a bitch!” She screams as you wince from her outburst. “That's not fair. S-She just doesn't return my feelings. D-Doesn't mean...she's a bitch.” Loving Care smiles as she falls flat on her face, giggling like the drunkard she is. “Maybe I need some help.” She says, laughing like a school filly. You laugh for a moment, before leaning over and lifting her to her hooves. “let's go.” You say, walking beside her to keep her from falling over as she did the same for you. *Click* The sound of the latch on the door closing finally allowed you to relax. You had both made it back to Loving Care's place relatively unharmed. She had managed to sober up a bit, but you were still going strong. “Do you want some wine?” She asks, looking into the kitchen. “No thanks.” “Oh go on. Live a little.” You shrug and nod. She smiles and goes into the kitchen, retrieves a bottle and two glasses. Taking a seat on the floor in front of the sofa, you take one of the glasses as Loving Care fills it up. She holds her own glass up in a toast, as she takes a seat next to you. “To moving on.” She says, clinking her glass to yours. You sigh heavily, looking to the floor in sadness. “Anon? Are you sure you're okay?” You look back up to her, blinking heavily. “Yeah, I'm fine.” You say quietly. She doesn't believe you and nudges your shoulder. “Spit...spit it out.” You cock an eyebrow and shake your head. “...I-I'm fine.” She jabs you again harder. “Spit. It. Out.” She says, her eyes narrowing as her tone goes stern. “I'm fine-” “Now.” You sigh in resignation. You weren't getting out of this easily. “I'm just thinking about Prench... Well, I'm thinking about everyone. I-I just don't like how I'm the only human in this world and just because of that...I'm doomed to be alone forever.” You say, taking a deep gulp of your wine...the taste is horrible, but the alcohol is giving you a kick so you down it all. “Oh Anon, You're not going to be alone forever. I promise. You are one of the sweetest, kindest individuals I know." She says, patting you on the shoulder. You shrug with a bashful smile, as you take another gulp of wine. "This is good. What is it?" You ask, raising your glass to her. "It's one of Berry Punch's special bottles." She says calmly. "Damn thing cost me eighty bits." She says with a laugh. "You really should have saved it for an important occasion." She shrugs and nudges your shoulder. "What could be more important than cheering you up. If you're upset then we're all screwed." She laughs loudly. The alcohol in her system starting to take hold again. You sigh heavily and Loving Care notices. "Anon, you need to forget about Prench. She's wrong, okay? You are one of the best individuals I know. You care, you're funny, you always put other before yourself. and to top it off, you're cute as tartarus. You're a good person Anon. And if Prench can't see that, then she's wrong." She says, the alcohol causing her to not realize half of what she said, but you did. You stared into those magnificent blue pools that stared right back at yours. All of the pain of today washing away, like dirt in a shower. Your heart beating faster and faster as you gazed upon her beauty. You were a fool all this time, denying the obvious, denying your feelings. But not any more. You lean forward and peck her on the lips and quickly retreat. Nothing too passionate, just enough for her to notice...and boy did she noticed. She stared at you wide eyed, touching a hoof to her lips, blushing like crazy...Oh fuck. You screwed up again didn't you? “Eh, I'm sorry...it's just you were so- Mrmph!” With barely enough time to blink, she has forced her lips back onto yours, swinging her body over your own, straddling your hips as she places her forelegs on your shoulders. You were surprised, but you soon lean forward into the kiss, Bringing your hands up to stroke her mane and back. She returns the gesture by leaning more into you, causing you to fall onto your back. You're a little shocked when you felt her tongue probing at your lips, seeking entrance. However, you were more than happy to oblige. As soon as you opened your mouth, her tongue dived in, exploring every part it could reach. You try to do the same, but your tongue just keeps pushing and tangling with her own. You could taste the alcohol on her tongue and you assumed you didn't taste any better. Not that she minded, as She was moaning loudly into your mouth, a moan you were more than happy to return as your tongues intertwined and wrestled for dominance. You were in a state of total bliss, however, you both had to, reluctantly, come up for air as you tore yourselves apart from each other, thin strands of saliva connecting your mouths together. You both stare into each others eyes, panting like dogs. She leans forward and kisses you again. A short, but passionate kiss. She then leans up to your ear and whispers seductively. “I want you Anon. I want you right now.” Your body stiffens. This was moving way too fast for your liking. You stroke a stray strand of hair out of her face and gaze upon her lovingly. “W-We can't...w-we're drunk and this is a little too soon and...” She shuts you up by shoving her tongue down your throat again, knocking you back onto your back. However, she breaks it off a lot quicker than before and looks deep into your eyes, tracing her hoof in circles along your chest. “Anon...I-I haven't done this in a long time...I need you now.” You gulp, you couldn't actually do this, could you? You were both drunk off of your asses. There was no question, you couldn't do this. "Care, I don't-" “Please?” The sheer need and want in her voice and the way she was looking at you tore through your resolve as you reached up and kissed her tenderly. She eagerly responded. You reach your hand back and push yourselves off of the floor, holding Loving Care in one of your arms. She giggles and removes her mouth from yours, leaving it close enough to feel her breath on your face. “Are we going to the bedroom?” She whispers seductively. Instead of answering you heft her further up your body and kiss her lightly on the snout, holding her with one arm around her back and the other under her rump as she squeals in delight. Her tail flicks around wildly as you ascend the stairs. You hold her close every step of the way. Your mouths only separating for oxygen briefly, then quickly reconnecting in a loving entangling of tongues. You were apparently trying to slam each other into every different wall part, because by the time you reached her bedroom door, half of the picture frames on the walls were knocked down. You slam against her bedroom door as you moan into each others mouths. You remove one of your hands from your soon-to-be lover and fumble for the handle. Struggling to find it. You finally get the door open and you both fall back onto the floor. Fortunately, she landed on top of you. She laid there, on your chest, her hooves on each of your shoulders, her warmth seeping through your shirt, her eyes staring at you half lidded. “Anon?” She says, leaning down so that your foreheads touch. “Yeah?” You ask slyly. She looks you up and down and licks her lips. “Get on the bed.” Loving Care flopped onto your chest, panting heavily. Both of your bodies were drenched in sweat and...other things. She looks up to you lovingly. She leans over and kisses you again, slowly and passionately, taking time to caress your cheek. When she breaks the kiss, she gazes upon your naked form, blushing and smiling. “I-I love you.” She breaths, clutching onto your side. Your heart fluttered as her words reached your ears. You reached your arm around her form and held her close. “I-I love you too.” You say, kissing the top of her head. “No. Anon, I mean, I-I love you...I really love you...” She says as she falls asleep, her head on your chest. You sigh as you lean further into her and cradle her sleeping form. “I love you too. More than anything.” You whisper. She didn't hear you, but you knew she knew. And with that, you drag the covers over the two of you and allow yourself to fall into the most comfortable sleep you have ever had. Author's Note God, that last bit was awkward to write. (How do so many people do it.) So, if you want, tell me what you think, I could use the feedback. and until next time. Stay awesome!
Chapter Eleven: "..."The morning sunlight leaks through the curtains of the bedroom, gently blanketing the room in a soft, yellow glow. You take deep, calm breaths as you lie, wide eyed, in Loving Care's bed. You were trying to piece together the events of last night and you were having a pretty hard time doing it, but based on what you can remember and the fact that you are lying, naked, in Loving Care's bed with Loving care herself having half of her body using yours as a pillow, you can make a few guesses as to what happened... and given a few of the scenarios, you really couldn't give a shit about the hang over that was digging into your skull. Loving Care was lying there with one of her forelegs lazily draped across your chest with her head resting on your shoulder. Her mane is untied and disheveled and She lies there with a happy smile on her face, her chest gently rising and falling as she subconsciously snuggles into your chest, gripping your form tighter as a precaution if you were to try to leave. You slept with her. You fucking slept with Loving Care, just hours after you got rejected by Prench. “THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” You internally scream. You try your absolute hardest to not flip the fuck out at this revelation, resisting the urge to jump out of bed and just bolt it down the street... somehow, you do. You find the urge to not do that... you just look down at Loving Care once more, seeing her happy face, like nothing was ever wrong. It making your heart want to leap out of your chest. What is wrong with this? You couldn't help, but smile as you stroked her mane gently, trying not to wake her as you sorted through the chaotic tangles in her hair, which you undoubtedly gave her last night. The sunlight seeps in and compliments her beauty greatly as her form shifts and stirs as she begins to wake from unconsciousness. Her eyes flicker a few times, before they lift themselves open and gaze up at you tiredly... “Anon?” She murmurs through a tired voice. “Good morning.” You smile down at her happily. “Anon!” She stumbles and throws herself from the bed and lands a good few feet away from you. Her eyes wide with shock, her breathing erratic. “Care? What's wrong?” You ask in a worried tone. Loving Care looks down at herself and then to you, wide eyed and panicked “D-D-Did we...?” Oh shit. “I-I think so.” You say as calmly as you can. Loving Care cringes and clutches her head in her hooves. “Oh no. OhNoOhNoOhNo.” “Care, what's wrong?” You say crawling out of bed. Before you can do so however, Loving Care picks up your clothes and throws them ~~to~~ at you and rushes out of the room in such a panic that you didn't have time to question her distress. You quickly throw on your boxers, jeans and shirt and rush down the stairs with your footwear in hand. You come down into the living room, the wine from last night still on the coffee table. Loving Care Lies on the sofa, face down groaning loudly into the cushion. “Care? What's going on?” She raises her head to look at you. The look she gives you makes your stomach sink to your feet. It was a look of shame and regret. “C-Care?” You stutter out, trying not to worry too much. There wasn't anything to worry about... right? “Oh Anon.” She says sympathetically. “I am so sorry.” Those four words cause your stomach to lurch forward in a panic. What's going on?! “W-Why?... What's wrong?” You stutter out. Seeing your pained expression causes her to look to the floor and scrunch up her face. “L-last night... it was an accident...I-I never meant for...this... to happen.” She says, using her hoof to gesture to the two of you. “An accident?...h-how?” You say pitifully, Your situation with Prench yesterday not seeming so bad any more. “Anon. I am so Sorry! It was all a terrible mistake.” She says, her body language expressing how much it was hurting her to do this... you couldn't help, but wish you were her right now. It would hurt less “You didn't seem so bothered by it last night.” You state, anger starting to well up in your person. “A-Anon, I never meant for it to happen, We were both drunk, You kissed me and then I-...Oh Celestia!” She says, burying her face in her hooves again. “You s-said you loved me.” Tears were starting to well up in your eyes as her expression turned for one of pain, to one of shock. “I-I did? I-I-I was drunk!...I didn't-” “What!? Mean it?! Of course not. You just practically begged me to screw you, I said we shouldn't. WHY?! Because we were drunk! But you insisted! You pleaded and begged me, but of course it was meaningless! Because Nobody can love the fucking monkey, can they!?” She visibly recoils from your shouting, her own tears beginning to stream down her face. “I-I never said that...” She croaks out, trying to keep her composure. You sigh, desperately trying to regain control of your own emotions. “A-Anon...You are one of my most best friends. I-I would never want to hurt you.” Her gaze turns to the floor, but promptly returns to you when you scoff loudly. “Really? Then what was this?! Some cheep fuck that you piss off before I wake up and hope I forget about ?! No you know what? Fuck this!” You turn to leave. Your shoes, still not attached, but you couldn't give a rat's ass. “Anon wait!” She calls, but you turn and give her a death glare while thrusting a finger in her direction accusingly. “No! Don't!” You spit. She freezes in place as Her ears clutch her head and her gaze averts yours, she lets out a pitiful whimper, like a dog who's in trouble from their master for destroying the family vase. “A-Anon...please...I'm sorry. Can't we talk about this?” You don't answer, instead you just slam the door as hard as you can and collapse against it. You slip your shoes on, not bothering with the socks and just sit there, contemplating whether to go back in or not. You can hear the soft sobs of Loving Care, just like the day after you met her. Before you can calm down, you decide to head home. Your feet heavy, your head hung, and your fists clenched. Yesterday it hurt when you had to walk home after Prench hurt you. Now, you were so numb that you wish you could feel that pain again. Why did this happen? You open the door, rather forcefully and storm inside. Thunderlane, Flitter and Cloud Chaser are sat on the sofa, watching some movie you couldn't be bothered identifying. Thunderlane raises his head above the sofa to look at you. “Hey Anon. What happened last night? You never came home.” You don't answer. You just head to the fridge and grab three bottles of Applejack Daniels and a bucket from under the sink. Best to be safe “Anon?” Thunderlane asks, looking to you with concern and a hint of fear. “A little early to start drinking, don't ya think?” You continue to ignore him as you storm past them and toward your bedroom. “Anon?” You slam the door shut, making sure to secure it with a chair to avoid being disturbed. “Anon?” That sounded like Cloud Chaser. “You okay in there buddy?” You pop the top of the Bottle of whiskey and begin to down it, ignoring the rough burning sensation. You grab the remote to your music player and select the most appropriate song you can think of. (Poorly chosen Atmospheric music.) “Anon?” You sat there, dried tears crusting your cheeks. Your second bottle of Jack cradled in your paws, half empty. You hated this, everything about it. You remember being in a similar situation yesterday. You remember how you were in so much hurt that you couldn't move. You wished you could go back and tell that little pussy to man the fuck up! Next to today, you might as well have won the lottery. You couldn't help, but keep thinking about Care and her face as she told you that last night was meaningless, when you shouted at her and when you slammed the door on her. Where you in the wrong? Did you overreact? You were too harsh weren't you?... You can't control who she likes and doesn't like so why are you acting like this?...what? No! This isn't about the fact that she doesn't like you. This is about the fact that she slept with you, confessed her love to you and then she took it all back the next morning. Drunk or not, what she did hurt you and you may feel bad about hurting her, but you never want to see her again. Ever. “Anon?” Flitter's voice rings out through the door. “LC told us what happened. Are you okay?” you can physically feel your eye twitch. “Take a wild fucking guess.” You say in your most sarcastic voice. “Please come out. We just want to help you.” You can feel a smile tug at your lips as you thought up your response. “The last person who tried to help me ended up fucking me, breaking my heart and making me feel ten times worse within a day. Forgive me if I'm a little bit skeptical.” You say curling up into a ball and trying to fall asleep. “I doubt we're going to do that Anon.” Flitter says quietly. “And I bet she doubted she was going to do it as well. Now fuck off.” Silence and the gentle sound of retreating hooves are your only response. What now? You couldn't stay in your room forever and as much as you'd like to, you can't avoid both Prench and Loving Care. You work with one of them and you technically work for one of them. Button. You forgot about him, what's going to happen with him? You couldn't possibly keep picking him up from school and babysitting him could you?...You'd have to see Loving Care again soon, so what can you do? You begin to wonder if you should just end it. Right now. It'd be easy, hung by shoe laces, broken bottle to the jugular, jump out the window?...No! If there's one thing you're not, Anon, it's a coward. You'd never kill yourself you're being melodramatic. *knock* *Knock* *Knock* And you had a sneaking suspicion that that knocking on the front door was going to be one of them. Straining your ears to hear what's going on, you try to eavesdrop on the conversation at the front door. “Prench? What are you doing here?-oof!” Thunderlane says. You assume Prench forced her way inside. “I'm here to see Anon. Where is he?” Prench says in her passive aggressive tone. “I Wouldn't do that. He's not in a good mood.” Cloud Chaser says. You could practically feel the hot breath of air Prench lets out as she gives Cloud Chaser a death glare. “He'll be better than he was yesterday.” She says, knocking on your door. “Prench, I wouldn't.” Thunderlane says cautiously. “Well, I'm not you, am I?” Prench snarkily replies, continuing to bang on your door. “Anon! Open up!” To her complete surprise, you do. The door opens to reveal a confused and concerned Prench. Though her expression shifts to relief when she sees you. “Anon, I'm sorry about yesterday and I'll admit that the flirting and the hinting was just cruel and I apologize for that. I really never did mean to hurt you like I did and... I'm sorry.” She rambles off, her gaze averted, trying not to look at you. You sigh and roll your shoulders. “It's fine.” She looks up to you in bewilderment, shock and confusion. “It's fine?” She says, confused. You nod once more. “What you did wasn't that bad anyway.” You say with a sad smile, while you close the door and barricading it again with the chair. “What the buck happened yesterday?!” You hear Prench say to the others. Confusion and worry evident in her voice. She could probably tell you were upset. You tune out the rest of their conversation. It didn't seem important to you any more. You look out of the window sadly as the sun was going down, finally putting an end to this horrible day. The light in the room was dissipating and you decided to try and get some sleep. You should probably try to figure out what you were going to say to Loving Care, next time you see her. “SHE DID WHAT!?!?” Prench screams at the top of her voice. The sound of the front door slamming open, then shut, can be heard as she charged out of the apartment. Oh never mind. It looks like you won't have to see Loving Care ever again after all. “Anon. Come on out now. You've been in there all day.” Thunderlane says through the door. You shrug it off and remain quiet. “Anon, come on. Please. You're scaring us.” Cloud Chaser calls out. Her tone is one of worry and concern. Just like everyone else who's spoken to you today. “I-I'm fine.” You croak, though you make no effort to sound convincing. “Anon. Don't lie to us. We only want to talk.” Thunderlane says. “Yeah. I went to see LC and she feels horrible about hurting you. You should have seen her.” Your stomach starts to lurch forward. You were starting to feel really guilty about this whole thing now. You were handling this like a child, you hurt Loving Care and you were alienating yourself from your friends. You knew all of this and you wanted to stop it, you wanted to get up and forget about this whole thing ever happened... so why couldn't you just open that damn door? “I-I'm fine. Could you just leave me alone... please?” You whimper out struggling to keep your voice from cracking. You can hear the heavy sigh of the ponies on the other side of the door. “We'll be out here if you need us Anon.” Thunderlane says as you curl up tight into a ball and let yourself fall asleep. Why do you feel so hollow? You awoke about ten minute ago, slightly hung over, but aside from that (and the depression) You were fine. You'd only gotten about two hours of sleep, but despite that, you couldn't drift off again. Like you'd taken a few cups of coffee and an adrenaline shot before you went to sleep. Anyone who was outside your room had stopped knocking and you'd assumed they'd finally decided to let you have your wish of being left alone. You'd finished all three bottles of Applejack Daniels and you had nothing to eat and quite frankly, you were starting to need a piss. You sit up in your bed and look around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The place was still a mess and you still had all of your Hearth warming crap lying around. You never did bother to find a place for all of it. How did everything go to shit so quickly for you? Did you insult some all powerful deity and you were being fucked with because of it? Do you just not deserve to be happy?... or are you just a human in a place where he doesn't belong? That last one sounds about right. You don't belong here, among the ponies that is, You never did. No wonder you had trouble finding happiness. It's like enzymes or some shit. It only works on specific environments... or something like that. You don't remember much from human school and you couldn't be fucked trying to remember it. All you knew is you were in a place that you couldn't be happy and you hated that. You gaze back to your hearth warming presents again and sigh heavily. You were being childish. And so, with a heavy sigh and a lot of will power, you crawl out of bed and move towards the door. You could tell from the lighting that the TV was on, so someone was out there. With mild hesitation, you removed the chair you used to keep the door closed and clutch the door handle. Pulling the door open, you see Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser snuggled on the sofa together under a blanket, staring at the TV. At least that was until they say you. They look to you like you were a deer they were trying not to startle into running away. “Heeeyyyy Anon.” Cloud Chaser says calmly. “You okay?” You just shrug and look down at your feet. "um...yeah... look, I'm sorry about today. I-I guess I've just been having a rough couple of days." You say with a sheepish, sad, smile. Thunderlane smiles and nods to the seat next to him. "That's okay buddy. You wanna watch the heat with us?" You look to the TV and see that in fact they are watching terrible movie which you despise. “Sure.” You quietly say as you take a seat on the sofa next to Thunderlane, who looks at you like you were just shot or something. “Anon. Are you sure you're okay?” Instead of answering, you look to the two of them nestled on the sofa together. “You two back together or something?” You ask. They just look to each other and then to you in uncertainty. “It's all right guys. I'm not made of glass.” Cloud Chaser smiles sadly and nods. You genuinely smile and lean back into the sofa. “That's nice...” You state with a breath. Someone needs to be happy. The room falls into silence as you continue to watch the heat. You must have been pretty wasted, because you couldn't give two shits about the terrible writing, acting, effects, filming, budget or even that one creepy bastard who needs to be shot in the dick... but you were thinking too clearly to be drunk. You sit forward and let out a sigh of resignation. “I-I think I'm going to leave.” You say, breaking the silence. Neither of them deciding to look from the TV. Cloud Chaser just offers a grunt, whereas Thunderlane decides to speak up. “Oh? Do you need one of us to go with you?” He says, not averting his gaze from the sheer terribleness of the film. You sigh heavily. “N-No I don't think you understand... I think I'm going to leave... Equestria.” The look you received from them nearly broke your heart... again. Author's Note heh heh... I'm gonna receive soooo much hate for this chapter. Quick question. who saw this coming? (I want to know if I can throw stuff at you you're not expecting. ) yeah, so... not much else to say really just...try not to hurt your fingers angrily typing hate messages. Also stay awesome. Now, Time to log out and get out of the country.
Chapter Twelve: Hellos and Goodbyes.“W-What?” Thunderlane blubbers out. His face is laced with hurt and sadness. Cloud Chaser stays quiet, though her expression is one of extreme shock. The TV has been turned off so they could give you one hundred percent of their attention. “I-I'm... leaving...” You say. “...I'm leaving Equestria... indefinitely.” Thunderlane relaxes a bit and starts to smile, then chuckles, then burst out into full on laughing. “Oh Anon. You are too funny. You nearly got me. I swear man, I was this close to...to...” He stops his desperate rambling when he sees that you're not laughing. His face grows sad once more as he looks at you again. “W-W-Why?” He asks sadly, looking to you like a dog who's being left in the woods. “I...don't belong here. I never did.” You say quietly, hoping that they'd get the idea. “What!? Yes you do. You've lived here for the past seven years! You belong here more than anypony I know!” Cloud Chaser states. You sigh heavily...too much to hope for you guess. “It's not about others. It's about myself. I just don't feel like I belong here.” Thunderlane just looks to you like you're insane. He then gets up off of the sofa, slowly trots into his room and slams the door. Cloud Chaser looks at you in concern. “Are you sure, Anon?” You nod solemnly. You felt horrible about this, but it is something you have to do. Cloud Chaser sighs and touches your shoulder with a hoof reassuringly for a moment, then joins Thunderlane in his room. (More poorly chosen music) Moments later you can hear the muffled music coming from his room. “huh, fitting” You lean back into the chair sighing heavily. You were going to need to get organized soon. Monday This was going to be a hard week... you are leaving on Friday You've decided you're going to leave for the Minotaurian Republic first. You hope that if they have a similar look to you then maybe you could belong there. At least they have hands. On Friday you're going to take a train to Manehattan and then an airship to Ironhelm, the Minotaur capital. You spent the entirety of yesterday arguing with Thunderlane about this... he is still taking this pretty bad... at least he has Cloud Chaser to comfort him. You're about to hand in your notice to Coffee Grain just now. You knock on the door to her office twice, waiting for a response. “Come in.” You hear called through the wood. You open the door and smile at Coffee Grain. “Good morning Mr Unknown.” She smiles when she sees you and looks to the clock on the wall. “You're here early.” Your smile falters as you hand her the envelope, she takes it in her hoof and opens it with a letter opener. You don't say a word as she reads it through, her happy demeanor, falling to a more saddened look. “Oh?” She looks back up to you sadly. “You're resigning?” You nod. “I'm leaving on Friday.” You say solemnly. Coffee Grain just smiles. “Well I hope you enjoy your last week here.” She says with a reassuring nod. You smile and turn to leave. “Thanks.” You say simply. She doesn't say anything as you leave her office. “Anon get your ass up and get to table three!” You head over to table three with your tray. Today was a quiet one. There were about nine people in the cafe today so you didn't have to work too hard... however Muffin Top believed differently. “Table six!” She thrusts a full tray into your hands and shoos you on your way. You roll your eyes and take it, dropping it off at table six and returning to her, this time she just leaves you be. “So... I heard you're leaving.” She says as some form of conversation starter. You nod. “Yes, I'm going to Ironhelm.” You say, bored out of your mind. She nods her head in acknowledgment. “Finally. I Hope you enjoy it. Ya twat.” She says enthusiastically. “Thanks.” You say sarcastically. You both return to silence rather quickly, waiting for someone to need something from you so you have something to do. “Sooo... see any good movies lately?” You ask, trying to dispel the awkwardness. Muffin Top just looks to you in the corner of her eye. “No.” She states, returning her gaze forward. Well, you tried. Since there was nothing to worry about just now, you decided to produce a mental check-list of everything that needs to be done before Friday. You'd need some new clothes for Ironhelm, you'd need to figure out what was going to happen with your stuff that you weren't taking, you needed to figure out what was happening with Button... oh fuck it's going to be hard to tell him. He thinks you're his dad or something and what about Loving Care? You'll have to see her today won't you?... fuck it, you'll cross that bridge when you come to it, but for now- “Anon!” Muffin Top shouts in your face. You look to her to see her peeved off expression. “Yes?” You say irritably. “Shift's over. We can go now.” She says simply and trots off, leaving her post for the next stallion. How long were you in thought? You nod absentmindedly and head back towards Coffee Grains office for you payment. Coffee Grain was a little less talkative than she usually is. She just handed you your slip and sent you on your way. When you leave you see Prench walking towards the office. Fuck, you forgot that she has the shift after you today. You try and avoid eye contact and try and walk past her. She seems to be trying to do the same thing. This is stupid, you need to tell her anyway. “Prench I...” Before you could say anything more, she shoves you into the supply closet and pins you against the wall opposite the door, which closes from the sheer force of it being slammed open. “You're leaving?!” She shouts in your face, her expression is one of dread, disbelief and a little...hurt? She's hoping against hope that it isn't true. You just sigh and look down, ashamed that she found out before you could tell her. “Spoke to Thunderlane, huh?” Her grip on your shoulders tightens, her eyes brimming with tears. “Why?” She whimpers out, you look to your feet in shame. “I-I don't belong here... I should-” She socks you in the stomach. You grunt in pain from the impact as she drops down to all fours, looking to you with hurt in her eyes. “I-Is this because of me?” She whimpers out, stray tears starting to trickle down her face. “Prench I-mrph!” She jumps up again, pins you against the wall and forces her mouth onto yours, your eyes widen in shock from the unexpected gesture. You shove her off of you. She staggers back from the force, desperation in her expression. “What the fuck are you doing!?” You say in a harsh whisper, looking at her in shocked anger. “I can fix this can't I?! I-I just need to...to...” she looks back to the door to check that it's closed and props herself up on you again, leaning in close, Her eyes hopeful. “Anon. I'll be with you! I'll kiss you! I'll sleep in the same bed as you! I'll fuck you! just please...please... don't leave.” She says desperately, tears now freely falling down her face. What the fuck is she saying?! You look at her with disgust and shove her to the side then walk towards the door. “Anon!?” She calls in a last ditch effort to stop you. “Prench. Just... look at yourself...” You say, waving your hand around in her general direction. “...You're embarrassing yourself.” You turn to leave, but just before you do you look back at her, sitting on her rump, tears leaking onto the floor. “And for the record...” She looks up at you again, pleading with her eyes for you to stay. “...It was never about just sex Prench.” You close the door and leave the cafe, a few colleagues watching you with concern. You ignore them. “Dad!” Button runs up to you and clutches to your leg in a hug. You ruffle his hair, pushing his beanie to the side. He just smiles up at you. A few of the other... um...the parents of other children smile at the two of you, whereas others couldn't give a shit. You were worried that Loving Care would have come and gotten him herself, because of what happened between the two of you. You thought she'd assume you'd just not bother to collect him. Fortunately she didn't. She knew you were going to be here to pick him up because you'd never do that to him. You promised. “Hey Buddy. How was school?” You ask as he removes himself from your leg, smiling up at you as the two of you make to leave the school grounds. “It was good. We went over the second Everfree blizzard of Equestria, the transfer of power from the pony council to the princesses and we have an assignment for Thursday and-” “Button!” Someone calls out behind you. Looking around, you see that it is in fact the teacher. Cheerilee, if you remember correctly. She rushes up to the colt and presents him with a piece of paper. “You nearly forgot your assignment, Button. You simply must be more careful when packing up your things.” She smiles down at him as he takes the paper and places it in his right saddle bag. “Thanks Miss Cheerilee!” He beams up at her as she inspects you curiously. “Who's this?” She asks. He bounces around you excitedly. “This is my dad! His name is Anon! He's the kindest most bestest dad in all of Equestria! ” She cocks an eyebrow at you, confused, and you just shrug. Cheerilee just shakes her confusion away and smiles at the two of you as she shoos you off. “Well it was nice meeting you Mr Anon and Button, be sure to finish that report by Thursday. It's important.” Button wraps his one of his forelegs around you leg in a show of companionship. “I will Miss Cheerilee! Dad will help me! Won't you dad?” Both Button and Cheerilee look to you expectantly. You shrug your shoulders. “It's for Thursday, so I guess I can help.” The mare nods and leaves the two of you be. Button bounces in place for a moment excitedly. “Come on dad!” He shouts as he starts to go down the street to his house. You follow him slowly, dreading having to go back to that house. Button has been in his room for the past two hours. You told him that the two of you would work on that assignment tomorrow because he had time. That, and you couldn't be fucked right now. Loving Care would be home any minute and that was just going to be awkward. You didn't know how you were going to react and you honestly didn't want to find out at this moment in time, but fate had other plans. The sound of the door opening could be heard throughout the apartment as a set of hooves come slowly down the corridor. You couldn't see her yet, but her walking is slow and lacks any enthusiasm what so ever. You can't tell if she's feeling down or she's just trying to avoid angering you. Like slowly retreating from an threatening dog. She comes into the living room and the two of you make eye contact for the first time since Saturday morning. There's an awkward silence as the two of you try to think of what to say to each other... well she probably is. You're trying to stop the anger that was welling up inside of you from showing. “H-Hello...” She stammers out. That did it! You have to leave now before you say... or do something that you're gonna regret. “He's upstairs.” You say flatly, standing up and walking past her. She turns to look at you with a hurt expression. You open the door and head out. “A-Anon?...” You slam the door shut. You're over reacting, this was stupid, but the amount of pain she caused you... you couldn't just forget that. You don't listen to the other side of the door, you just close the door and walk away. You were going to have to figure out a way to deal with that... but not right now. “Okay, wait. wait. Wait. All of them?” Thunderlane asks, looking over your games that were spread out along the floor. You nod. “Yes. I want you to sift through all of these, figure out which games you don't have. Then from what's left figure out which games Button doesn't have and then what's left can go to charity or something.” He looks to you like you're insane “All of them?” You nod again. “Yes. I'm not going to need them where I'm going and they'll just collect dust otherwise.” You say, looking at all of the different games covers, you weren't going to need these at all in Ironhelm and you might as well give them away to someone who would enjoy them. “Anon... I don't want these.” You cock an eyebrow at him in confusion. He never refused free games. “I-I want you to stay.” He says sadly. You groan and slowly rub hand through your hair. “Thunder, we've spoken about this. I just need to figure some stuff out. It's not gonna be forever.” you say reassuringly, but he doesn't look up. “It sure looks like forever.” He says, nodding towards the pile of games. You had a lot of good memories with him and these covers and now?... You just sigh and place a hand on his shoulder. “Thunder, I have to.” He bats away you hoof angrily. “No you don't! You don't have to go just because of... A fucking mare! You lived here for seven years celibate and you were perfectly fine! And now you screw one. Fucking. Mare. And you're leaving forever!” He shouts, his face portrays pain as he rants on. “Anon. I can be fine without Prench. I could be fine without Cloud Chaser. I could be fine with out Bulk, Lyra, Vinyl, Flitter and especially Loving-Fucking-Care!... But I don't want to loose my best friend... I can't.” He shouts angrily. “Thunder, I told you, it's not forever.” He looks to you confused and angry. “Why aren't you sad? You're getting rid of your old life! You're starting completely from scratch! How are you taking this so easily!?” You smile as you remember a familiar conversation with Loving Care. “What? Oh, I'm fine. I guess it's just...it's finally over. He's gone for good after today...and I guess, even though it's a new chapter to my life, I guess it's kind of sad saying goodbye to the old one. Do you know what I mean?” She asks turning to you. You had to put some thought into it but you could kind of, sort of, understand what she meant. “I think so, Like leaving school or leaving home for the first time?” She nods with a content smile. You smile to Thunderlane. “Of course I'm sad. I'm starting a new chapter in my life. And even though it's sad saying goodbye to the old one, I can still be happy that I'm starting a new one. And I know that you don't want me to leave, but I'm sorry. I feel like this is something I have to do.” Thunderlane just sighs, looks to the floor and picks up a case. “Even if I burn this?” He lifts up a DVD of 'the heat'. that gets a laugh out of you. “It is tempting, but no. Not even if you burn that.” You say as you both start to sift through the games cases quietly. Just content with each others company. “Do you think you could do me a favor?” You suddenly ask, Thunderlane's ears perk up at your question. “Depends what it is.” “Could you maybe watch Button for the last half hour until Loving Care gets home? I don't think I can deal with seeing her right now.” Thunderlane lifts his head up and furrows his brows. “You're not even going to talk to her about this?” You shake your head. “She made her feelings perfectly clear.” Thunderlane just sighs and nods his head. “I guess I could. What's going to happen with Button? After you leave, I mean.” You shrug your shoulders. “I don't know. Maybe I'll ask Prench to watch him or something.” You say lightly. “I wouldn't, she's pretty upset about the whole thing.” Thunderlane says, sifting through the games and placing them in three different piles. “I know. She payed me a visit this morning.” Thunderlane looks up to you curiously. “What did she say?” “It was fucked up. She was saying stuff like she'd sleep with me if I stayed and other bullshit like that. She was pretty desperate to get her way.” He cocks an eyebrow at you in further confusion. “I thought you wanted that?” You give him your 'are you serious' look and continue to go through the games cases. “No Thunderlane. I don't want a mare to be with me because they want something. I want a mare to be with me because they want to be with me. She just wants me to stay so she's desperately trying anything she can think of...it's actually quite insulting.” Thunderlane looks down dejectedly. “So you're really going through with this?” You nod. “Afraid so. Now hurry up. I want to watch a movie before it gets dark.” He smiles sadly at that and returns to sorting the cases into three piles. “The heat?” “Fuck you.” Tuesday “So tell me darling, what is it that you require?” Rarity says, a notepad and quill in her magical grasp. “I'm gonna need some warm weather clothes. Just some lighter shirts and bottoms. Nothing too drastic, but some cold weather clothes as well for winter and if I decide to head to Aviairis instead.” You say. Rarity nods jotting everything down. “That shouldn't be a problem, however I'm not sure I understand why you are leaving this early in the year.” You sigh with a shrug. “It's personal, I guess it's just a soul searching thing or something like that. I don't really know myself. I don't even know whether it's permanent or not.” Rarity nods, though with a furrowed brow. “Well I hope you find what you are looking for.” She says genuinely. “Thank you miss Rarity. I hope so too.” Rarity nods once and sighs sadly. “Well, I will miss you Anon. You are my best customer after all.” She smiles as she hands you the designs, which you just glanced over. They looked fine. “It helps when you're brought up to wear clothes all the time. It's not something you can just grow out of.” You say with a half laugh. Rarity smiles and takes the notepad off of you again. “Your clothes will be ready by Thursday. Pop by anytime.” She says. You hand her the payment for the clothes and make for the door. “I'll see you then.” “Ta ta” Rarity calls out after you in a sing-song voice. “So you're going to the Minotaurian republic?” Frothy Top asks. You nod. “Yep heading there on Friday afternoon.” You say taking a sip of your coffee. You'd finished your shift and decided to grab a cup before you left to pick up Button. “What's the plan?” He asks, taking a sip of his own mug. “Plan? Oh. Yeah I'm going to take a train to Manehattan and then I'm going to grab an airship to Ironhelm. Then I don't know. I'll pick a city where I can get a place and see if I can... start a new life.” Frothy Top looks at you skeptically. “You're just going to start a new life? How?” You shrug. “I don't know. Get a job, make some friends, then... who knows. If it doesn't work out, I'll move onto the next place.” You say simply. Frothy Top continues to look at you skeptically. “How are you going to pay for this?” You chuckle. “Coffee Grain has been overpaying me since I started working here. I'll be good for a couple of months.” You state boastfully. “What happens if you go from country to country looking for a place to belong and you don't find it?” He asks. You say nothing. “Hrmm?” You still don't say anything, opting to just stare at your coffee. “Anon?” “...” “Anon!?” “Then I'm fucked aren't I?!...” You spit. “...If that happens, then I'm destined to never be happy, ever and then I might as well just fucking stop, but until then I'm gonna try to find a place where I belong and where I can be happy.” Frothy Top just stares at you sympathetically. “Then I hope you find it, because you're going to hurt a lot of ponies by leaving us.” You huff in irritation, opting to stay quiet as the two of you finish your coffee. You stand outside of the schoolyard waiting for the bell to ring to announce the end of the school day. You engage in conversation with a few other ponies. You spoke to Rarity, Derpy and a red stallion named Big Mac. Most of the conversations were trivial, but you did speak about your plans to leave to Ironhelm. You wished people would just stop asking about, but you guessed that wasn't going to happen soon. The bell starts to ring out, gracing your ears with its dull ding-donging. The fillies and colts started to stampede out of the school rushing towards their respective family member. Button is trailing behind right at the back, hanging his head low and lacks the enthusiasm he regularly showed. You watch concerned as he walks up to you and then goes on his way to his home, without saying a word. “Button?” You ask, getting nothing out of the poor colt. “Button, is everything all right?” He continues to remain quiet throughout the journey. You just tag along beside him, hoping that he would open up to you. When you finally reach the house, he opens the door and goes in, you following in tow. He's really quiet, you've never seen him this bad and you're starting to worry. “Button, what's wrong?” You ask. This time, Button stops in his tracks, still looking to the floor in sadness. “S-Sweetie B-Belle told m-me that...” He takes a short sniff of air through his nostrils. “...she told me that y-you're leaving.” Oh god. “Button...I-” He turns around and glares at you. “Is it true?!” He says in a tone that sounds accusing. “Yes...Button I-” You didn't have time to say anything. Once you confirmed it, Button charged up the stairs to his room and slammed the door. You let out a heavy sigh and take a seat in the living room. You have nothing to do now. You would go help Button with his assignment, but you have a feeling that would only make things worse. So you just sit there. Thunderlane should be here in about two hours to take over for you and you needed to find something to do. *Knock* *knock* “Button?” You knock on his bedroom door... Nothing. *Knock* *knock* “Button?” ...nothing again. You sigh heavily. This was going to be hard. “Look Button I'm coming in. If you're not okay with this then speak up.” There is no reply. So yo clutch the door handle and push forward. How did ponies use handles anyway? They're pretty much designed for human hands. Never mind you're just stalling now. You enter his room and you don't quiet expect what you see. Button is curled up in his bed, facing the wall, wrapped in his blankets. Occasionally, you could hear soft little sniffles and whimper. The sight tore your heart straight out of your chest. “Button?” You ask quietly. “You okay?” Silence is your only response. You take a seat on the edge of his bed. “Look Button, I'm sorry you found out the way you did. I was going to tell you, I swear. I just never had the right moment. I was probably going to tell you today, but...” You see him tightening his grip on his blanket, but he still remains quiet. “...Button?” “Why?” He squeaks out. You wouldn't have heard it if you weren't focusing on what he says. “I-It's a human thing. I have to go.” You lie. You really didn't want to screw him up with your problems. He doesn't seem to believe your excuse however, because he swivels round in his place and looks right at you. His eyes are red and puffy and his cheeks are matted from his tears. Oh fuck. “Liar!” He shouts, throwing his blanket off of him and standing in your face. “You told Sweetie Belle's sister something different!” So that's how she found out. She must have overheard the two of you talking. “Button I-” “Why!? What did we do to you!? Why would you leave us after everything that's happened?!” “Button just-” “I-I thought you cared! I thought you loved us! Why wo-” “I do love you!” You yell, causing the colt to flinch at your outburst. You sigh heavily, trying to calm down. “I do. I really do, but this is something I have to do, Button.” You say, slumping your body in place. There is a silence for a few moments. Neither of you wishing to break it. It lasts for only a few moments however. “Dad?” Button speaks up. “Yeah?” “I-I don't want you to leave...” He whimpers out. You sigh heavily and wrap your arm around him. “I know buddy. I know.” He clings to your side for what feels like hours, but in actuality, he was probably only there for a few seconds. He detaches himself from you and hops off of the bed. “C-Can we do that a-assignment now?” You smile weakly and move over to his little table. “Sure thing Button. I'll get the paper.” You flop onto the sofa in your apartment, staring at nothing in particular. You feel sick. The look Button gave you when you left him alone with Thunderlane was heart breaking. You're here alone. Thunderlane was with Button, You doubt Prench Roast will stop by, Loving Care can go fuck herself if she thinks she can stop by, any of your other friends are probably too busy to come over, so you were here all alone. This was already one of the hardest weeks of your life and it's only the second day. Prench begging you to stay, Thunderlane's general attitude towards your decision, Button's reaction. Seeing Loving Care again. It was going to be hard to get through the rest of the week. You look to your bedroom door and see the empty boxes for all of your stuff. You would probably need to get started on that. So with heavy feet, you pry yourself from the sofa and pull yourself into your room to start packing. Wednesday Work was quiet again today. It looks like you're gonna have an easy working week if it stays like this. You were hoping that was the case, because it's been hard in terms of everything else. You checked the station today. The Friday tickets to Manehattan are only available from tomorrow morning and the latest time you could get was four o'clock. So you're gonna have plenty of time to get ready and say goodbye. Button was going to Sweetie's after school so you didn't have to get him today. Thunderlane spoke to you when he got home. Apparently Loving Care was heart broken about this whole situation... huh? Really? You'd like to trade hearts with her and see how she feels then. Okay that was a stupid thing to say, but you were pretty pissed at her. You're almost home now. The building comes into view and it's hard to believe that this is probably going to be one of the last few times you get to see it for a long time... at least, you keep telling yourself that last part. You honestly don't know if you are going to ever return to this place. You turn the key in the lock, hearing the bolts inside slide out of place and granting you access to your home. When you enter, everyone is sat around the room in chairs laid out in a circle. And you mean everyone. Prench, Thunderlane, Cloud Chaser, Flitter, Bulk Biceps, Frothy Top and Vinyl Scratch are sitting there as well as that pink mare from Sugarcube Corner is also here. The fuck is going on? “Hello Anon. Can you take a seat please?” The pink mare says, pointing to a vacant spot on the sofa. “What's going on?” You ask, taking a seat in said spot. “Before we begin, I want you to know that we all love you and we're here for you.” The fuck?! “Oh fuck no. we are not doing this!” You say, standing up. “Aww why not?” The pink mare says, pouting. “Because I'm leaving and that's that! I'm not having a drug problem and I'm not hurting anyone. This is not intervention worthy!” “Anon. Please would you just listen to what we have to say.” Vinyl calls before you can leave. “Why. I get the gist of it. You don't want me to leave. I get it, but you guys have to understand that this is something I have to do.” You say, flopping back into your seat. “No it isn't Anon.” Bulk chimes in. “You're just taking this whole thing with LC too far.” You glare at him for a moment before shifting your gaze to Thunderlane. “So everyone knows now?” You ask, irritated. Thunderlane just looks around before smiling sheepishly. “Kind of.” You roll your eyes in frustration.. “Fine. I'll admit that this whole thing with Loving Care has something to do with it, but that's not the only reason I'm leaving.” “Why then?” Flitter asks curiously. You groan and look to the group. “Because ever since I came her, I've had a hard time fitting in, for obvious reasons. Sure it's gotten better over the years, but I've never shaken it. I've never belonged here, no matter how welcome people make me feel.” They all look at you blank faced. “I guess a simple analogy would be: You're at a friends house. Sure your friend wants you there and you feel welcome, but it's not your home. You don't live there and you don't belong there. Do you understand?” They continue to give you their blank faced looks. There's nothing you could do to make it more clear. “But you do live here. You've lived here for seven years.” Cloud Chaser says sadly. The pink mare scribbling down everything that is being said. You stare at everyone with a 'what the fuck' expression, baffled by the situation. “That's another thing. I've lived here for seven years and I've only seen Canterlot and Ponyville. I'm the only human, as far as I know, to meet a completely alien race and I've spent seven years doing nothing with it.” Prench stands up, walks over to you and slaps you across the face with her hoof. And it fucking hurt. “Gah!” “Nothing?! You call this...” She gestured to the group around you. “...nothing?! Anon, wake the buck up and look around! If you'd done nothing worthwhile, then you wouldn't have so many ponies sitting in this room just now, begging you not to leave them behind. You can't do this. Not after everything we've all been through.” She says, anger welling up within her. You look around the room at all of the faces that are present, each one silently confirming what Prench said. “I-I'm sorry. This is just something I have to do.” You say, looking down in shame. “Then I hope that it's the right choice.” Prench says, sitting on the floor in resignation. Everyone else says something along the same lines. Mostly that you're making a mistake and that you're letting your emotions dictate what you do. You acknowledged them, but you couldn't take them to heart. Once everyone left, it was just you, Thunderlane and Prench. Thunderlane left to his room to reflect on your situation, leaving you and Prench sitting by your selves. The silence was killing you. You hadn't seen Prench since Monday and you hadn't had a proper talk about what happened between the two of you. You needed to break this silence... “I'm sorry.” Prench says suddenly, catching you off guard. “I'm sorry about everything. This is all my fault.” You look to her sympathetically. “Prench, it's my choice to leave. It's not your fault.” She smiles and looks to the floor in shame. “Had I not... flirted with you, hinted, or kissed you. You would have never fallen for me...then I wouldn't have hurt you, driving you to go out drinking with LC, then none of this would have happened. The two of you would never have hooked up. She wouldn't have broken your heart and you wouldn't be leaving us... How is this not my fault.” You couldn't answer. She had a point, but you would never tell her that. She just needed the right words. Words that you can use to help her through this. One of your predefined phrases t deal with these situations. But which one?... fuck. You have nothing to say. For the first time ever, you have nothing to say to help a friend. So you just sit there in silence before you lean over and wrap your arms around Prench as she leans into your side and wept. She cried and cried. She didn't wail, or scream or shout. She just silently wept into your shoulder as you wrapped your arm around her comfortingly. To be honest, you were pretty close to tears yourself. Thursday “So you're actually doing this.” Thunderlane says as you stand in the line, besides the booth. “Yep. Once I do this, it's official.” You say, moving one more place forward in the line. You hear Thunderlane whisper something about 'one fucking mare', but you couldn't be bothered responding. It finally came to your turn and the mare behind the booth looks you up and down once. “Yes?” She asks dryly. “Hi...um. I'd like a four o'clock ticket to Manehattan... tomorrow please.” You say. That was a little harder than you thought. “Return or one way?” The mare asks. “One way.” Once you said that, Thunderlane had to dismiss himself, finding this a little too hard to take. Did so many ponies really get that attached to you in only seven years? It was oddly humbling that they'd feel this way about you leaving, but it still hurt you to know that you were the cause of their pain. You couldn't even give them a valid reason. Hell, you didn't even know why you were doing this... but you have to. It just feels like you need to do this. “Here you go sir. Next please!” You take the ticket and go and join Thunderlane by the road. “You okay buddy?” You ask, moving to stand next to him. “What? Yeah, yeah. I'm good. Just... a little overwhelming. That's all.” He says, looking at all of the ponies passing by. “I know. It's weird isn't it?” You say, taking a seat on the dirt road. “Shouldn't you be heading into work?” He asks. You shake your head. “Nah. I've got today off. Frothy Top is covering. I need to sort some final things before tomorrow.” Thunderlane nods. “What kind of things.” You open the door to your room. Thunderlane looks around nostalgic. “Anon?” “Everything you see here, I'm leaving, except the clothes. Do you think you can find somewhere it can all go?” He looks around all of the surfaces and walls. “The posters, the stereo, the lamps? You're not taking any of it?” You nod. “I'll help you move it all to storage tomorrow, but I need to know if you can find a place for it all. I don't want it going to the scrap.” He nods solemnly, walking into the room. “What are you going to do?” He asks, looking around. You lean against the door frame. “I don't know. I'll head to Manehattan first, spend the night and then take an airship to Ironhelm in the morning. After that, I don't know.” “What will you do after that?” You shrug. “Get a job and then see where that takes me.” You say uncertainly. “Will you ever come back?” Thunderlane asks.You shrug again. “At some point, maybe.” He sighs heavily. “You're not coming back are you?” ...what? “What?” He looks up to you again. “You're not coming back. Not until you find what you're looking for, but when you find what you're looking for, you'll stay there and forget about us won't you?” You furrow your brow in shame. “I don't know... but I'd never forget you Thunder, you're my best friend.” He nods solemnly “You'll keep in contact right?” You smile warmly at that. “Of course I will.” You say, nodding. “Oh and before I forget, what are you going to do about Button?” You sigh heavily. “I'm going to say goodbye tonight. I won't have time tomorrow. I'll be working, going home, getting the last of my stuff packed and heading into the station. I won't have time to see him tomorrow. He's going to his friend's house anyway.” Thunderlane nods. “What do you need to do now?” You nod your head in the direction of the boxes full of your stuff. “If I'm going to get them shipped to Ironhelm, I need to drop them off tonight.” He nods. “Well you should probably do that then.” You sigh heavily and leave him to it. “Creeper! Creeper!” You shout, slashing your sword into the green fuck, but it explodes in your face and you die instantly, dropping all of your shit. Button bursts into laughter at your predicament. “Oh laugh it up little man, but I can still build some pretty cool-” You're house explodes from creeper cluster fuck of 'For fuck sake' brigade. You groan as Button explodes into even heavier laughter. Despite you're problems, Button's laughter makes it hard for you to stay mad for long. “Well, your turn.” You say shifting the laptop over to him. He shakes it off and smiles. “No thanks. I'm bored. What do we do now?” Before you can answer the sound of the doorbell rings through the house “It's Thunderlane.” You say, standing up. The look on Button's face is saddening, but understandable. It was time to go. You'd stalled as long as you could and Loving Care was going to be home in about ten minute and that was a little too close for comfort. “Don't you want to say goodbye to mom?” He asks, looking at you with puppy dog eyes. You lean down and ruffle his mane. “I've already said goodbye buddy.” You say, getting on one knee and spreading your arms wide. Button wastes no time rushing into your arms. Clutching at your neck tightly in a hug. “Please don't go.” He whispers into your ear. You sigh heavily and pat his back. “I'm sorry bud, but I have to.” He clutches onto you even tighter and you return the gesture, holding the hug for a few more moments. Eventually you have to reluctantly break the hug and let him down to the ground. You go downstairs to open the door and Thunderlane is standing there with his saddle bags on. “Hey Anon. I brought the games.” You nod and turn to see button was following you to the door. “Hey Button, come here.” He trots up to the two of you slowly, saddened by your imminent departure. You reach into Thunderlane's bags and remove four games cases that you knew Button didn't have. “I'm not gonna need these any more where I'm going. Do you think you can take care of them for me?” He takes the cases from your grasp and clutches them tightly, nodding his head vigorously. You smile at his attitude and ruffling his mane. “Atta boy.” You say. You expression falters however as you realize that you have to go now. “I'm sorry Button, but I have to go now.” You say, voice cracking, your emotions getting the better of you. Button drops the games and rushes forward, clutching your leg in his hooves, burying his face into your jeans. “No dad! Please don't go!” You lean down and stroke his mane gently. “I'm sorry Buddy.” He clutches your leg tighter and he's not going to let you go soon. “Come on Button, I need to go.” He remains attached, clutching at your leg tightly. You have to pry him off of you. You get him off your leg and he retreats down the hall slowly. “Goodbye dad.” He says sadly, disappearing up the stairs. You had to wipe your eyes, tears threatening to spill. Thunderlane puts a hoof on your shoulder reassuringly. “Take care of him. Please.” You say. Thunderlane just nodding. “I will.” *knock**knock**knock* “Come in!” You hear called in a singsong voice. You open the door to see the alabaster unicorn you came to see. “Ah Anonymous. Over here please.” She leads you over to a workbench where all of the clothes you'd ordered where folded neatly on top in two separate piles. You lift the first item, a small tee-shirt. Then you inspect the cargo shorts and everything else on the table. It all looks great. “Miss Rarity. I am impressed. These are exactly what I was looking for.” You say genuinely. They all felt comfortable and soft. These would do nicely. Rarity looks to her work and then back to you bashfully. “You are too kind Anonymous really.” You smile warmly. “It's true though. These are great.” Rarity giggles and hoofs you a small bag for carrying your clothes home. “Thank you.” You say as she holds her legs out for a hug. “um...” “Oh come on. It's just a hug darling. I want to give a proper farewell to my best customer.” You shrug and move in, wrapping your arms around her and giving a light squeeze, before returning to your previous stance. “I better get going.” You say awkwardly. “Well, Anonymous. I guess this is goodbye, hrmm?” You nod “Well I wish you all the luck in the world.” She says with a legitimate smile, which you return. “Thank you, Miss Rarity.” and without another word, you leave the boutique forever. That evening, you found it difficult to get to sleep. You kept staring at the roof, thinking about everything that wouldn't leave your thoughts. This was going to be the last night you sleep under this roof. The last night you will hear Thunderlane's muffled snoring through the walls, the last night's sleep that will be ruined by that fucking alarm clock. And the last night of this chapter of your life... yeah you were trying to be poetic, but it wasn't working. There's only so many times the 'last chapter' thing can be used before it get's annoying. But it was true, this was the final night of this chapter. After tomorrow, you won't have to worry about Thunderlane, Prench, Bulk, Frothy Top, your job, Button... or Loving Care. You'd never have to see her again. And that gave you the slightest bit of relief. Friday. This was it. It was finally Friday. The day you have been both anticipating and dreading for the past week. Today, you leave for your new life in the Minotaurian republic. “Anon, table four.” Prench says, half heartedly. You grab the tray and bring it over to the table, leave the items and walk off. It was rather quiet today and you were almost finished with your final shift. “You sure there's nothing I can say to keep you here?” Prench asks. You nod sadly. “Afraid not.” You say, looking out over the cafe one last time. “I'm really going to miss this place.” You say nostalgically. “Yeah. A lot of memories.” Prench smiles. “Remember when we put antidepressants in Muffin Tops coffee?” You laugh at the memory. “She trashed half of the supply closet, looking for the nachos.” Prench laughs harder. “Oh my Celestia. Her face when you said 'We don't serve nachos'! I could have sworn she was going to cry! HAHAHA!” You lean back against the wall and gaze out towards the cafe as the two of you share a laugh. now that you think about it, you don't think those were antidepressants... The ringer goes off, signaling that you're now jobless as your final shift has ended. The thought makes you smile at least. But it was still sad leaving this place. You really enjoyed working here. You follow Prench into Coffee Grain's office. “Hello Mr Unknown. It's finally here I guess.” She says, reaching into her drawer to grab your payments. “I guess it is huh?” You sadly say. It was all nearly over. Coffee Grain stands up and trots over to Prench and gives her her payment for today. She turns to you and holds her hoof out, which you shake. “We will miss you here, Anonymous. All of us. And it is from the bottom of my heart that I wish you luck in the future.” She hands you two envelopes. One is your payment and one is your career bonus. You smile warmly at her and nod. “It's been a pleasure working for you Mrs. Grain. And the same wishes go to you as well.” She bows her head in a show of gratitude and you do the same. You take of your apron, throw it into the laundry on the way out as you walk out of the cafe one final time. “So it's over?” Prench asks. You simply nod once. “Yes Prench, It's over. Just a few more hours now and I'll be leaving and you'll never have to deal with my bullshit again.” You say solemnly. “You can always back out you know?” She suggests. “Nopony will think less of you.” You smile sadly. “It's not about what others think it's about-” “Yeah yeah I heard you the first time. Celestia, you're like a broken record.” She remarks and you nod. How many times have you said why you're leaving? And you barely believe your reasoning yourself. “Okay, sorry.” You say, walking towards the apartment... Prench following you. “What are you doing?” You ask. Prench just looks to you with faux hurt. “What? My friend is leaving, so I can't be with him before he goes?” You smile and continue walking. “Oh, come on then.” She smiles quickens her pace. “Last one there is a hydra penis!” “Oh fuck. no.” You double your speed towards the apartment. “So when are you leaving for Manehattan?” Prench asks. “Four o'clock today. I've only got three and a half hours before I have to go.” You say lightly as you slide the key into the lock. Prench Sighs dejectedly as the bolts slide out of place and the door opens. “SURPRISE!” Everyone bursts out and freak you the fuck out, causing you to almost collapse from shock. Everyone is here. Thunderlane, Vinyl. Frothy Top, Lyra, Bonbon, Cloud Chaser, Bulk, Flitter, Noteworthy and of course, Prench Roast. “Ha Ha Ha, We got you Anon!” Thunderlane shouts. “Jesus H. Fuck! What's going on?” You say, trying to catch your breath. “It's your leaving party. Can't have you go without us saying goodbye.” Flitter says, gesturing around the room. You smile warmly at the sentiment. “Thanks guys... really” This was too much. “Can we stop the mushy stuff. I think I'm gonna be sick.” Noteworthy says, going over to the drinks table that was set up nicely. You subtly nudge Prench and nod your head in his direction. She looks over and sighs, shaking her head at you and leaves to mingle with the others. You decided to take a seat on the sofa and grab a beer. You'd only be able to spend a few minutes, because you still needed to pack your overnight bag. You take a long drink of the bitter liquid and stand up and leave to your room. You don't close the door to at least remain somewhat social for the party. “What's going on Anon?” Lyra questions, peeping into your room. “Last of the packing. Just need these clothes and some other necessities.” She nods and continues to look around your room awkwardly. “Well, come through when you're done.” And she leaves, that was one way to do it. “You shovel a few shirts, bottoms, and a spare pair of shoes, as well as a small bag of underwear and socks into your rucksack. The rest of your stuff goes into your suitcase and you're done with your clothes. You just had to get your toothbrush, toothpaste and a few food and drink items and you were ready to leave. Finished with the packing, you walk out into the living room and see everyone mingling. You lean up against a wall and rest. If anyone wanted to speak to you then they could. “Anon?” You look to your right to see Prench standing there shyly. “Yes?” “Can I speak to you?...in private?” You look around at the other ponies. You didn't understand why she wanted to speak to you in private, but you guess you should. “Sure.” You move into your room, leaving the door open for Prench and sitting on the bed. She closes it quietly and sits on the bed next to you. She doesn't say anything for a few moments, just letting everything sink in. “Anon?” She looks up at you sadly. “We've been friends for a long time now.” You nod. She doesn't say anything else to you. “And...?” “Give it a minute, I'm trying to figure out what to say... okay, we've been friends for a long time and I always thought I could count on you... and I could... but for the last week, I've been trying to find a way to convince you to stay. To try and keep you here... and I realize that I'm being selfish. I've been trying to keep you here for my own sake, because you're my best friend Anon. I never wanted you to leave and so I...I...” You wrap her in a hug as she hugs you back. “I-I don't think I've ever cried more in my life than I have in this last week.” She says as you stroke the back of her mane and she lets it all out. “I-I'm s-sorry Anon. I-I...” “Shh, Shh, it's okay.” You say, clutching her tighter in your embrace. You hold her there for what feels like hours, but in actuality, it was just a few minutes. “I-I think I'm good now.” She says, letting go of you in turn. Once she is detached she moves over to the door and looks you over once before leaving. “Celestia, I wish you were a pony.” She says with a sly grin before leaving. … … … Well what the fuck did she mean by that?! “Anon?” You look over the crowd to see Thunderlane holding the apartment phone. "You have a message... it's from LC.” You roll your eyes exaggeratedly. “Delete it.” You say sternly. Thunderlane walks over to you and thrusts the phone into your face. “You should listen to it.” He says, just as sternly. “why should I give that mare the time of day?” “Because at some point, she was your friend and you should give her a chance.” You sigh and clutch the phone out of his hoof and go into your bedroom once more. You close the door, sit on your bed and press the play button on the bottom of the phone. “Hello?... Anon?... I know you're there pick up the phone... please? I just need to talk to you... I know I hurt you, but this is important...Anon? Please... pick up the phone...” You can hear the small cracks in her voice as she says all of this. “huh...I'm gonna look so stupid if you're not actually there huh?... Anon, Please...If you're there... pick up the phone.” despite what she did to you, you can't help but feel a little heartbroken from her tone. It's just like when you first met her. Hurt, pained and depressed every syllable accompanied by a crack in her voice. “B-Button told me that you were leaving...he was pretty upset... now, I-I'm not stupid... I know why. It's because of what happened between us isn't it?... I-I know I hurt you...I really did and I shouldn't have, but Anon... this is not the way to go about things... but I know you're not going to listen to me...heck, I wouldn't even listen to me... so I'm just going to say this...I'm sorry...” her voice breaks and you can practically hear the tears streaming down her face “...I-I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry Anon... and I-I don't deserve it, but I think you should know that...I-I...I think I lov-” *click* You hung up the phone. It was getting too hard to bare. You sighed heavily and stood up, clicking a specific button on the phone. "Message deleted.” You walk out of the bedroom, not daring to look back at the phone. “It looks so...empty.” Thunderlane says, looking at your bedroom walls. “I know...but you'll find another roommate, right?” Thunderlane sighs and looks back to you. “I guess I'll have to. This place is pretty pricey for just one pony.” The bedroom was completely blank. The posters were off of the walls, the closet was empty the drawers were empty and the bed was just a frame and a mattress. It was kind of depressing seeing it like this, but you needed to see your room one last time before you leave. “I guess I should go now.” You say, hefting your rucksack onto your back. “You know, it wasn't intend for this to be what that is used for.” Thunderlane says, gesturing to your rucksack. “It's funny how things work out, huh.” You say, closing the door to the bedroom. Thunderlane sighs dejectedly and turns to the mingling ponies. “Okay everyone! Anon has to go now.” Thunderlane calls to the group. They all look at you saddened. “Are you sure you have to leave now?” Bonbon asks. You just nod once. “I'm cutting it pretty close as it is.” You say sadly. They sigh sadly and move towards the door. “Okay everyone get in line.” Prench says at the front door. “Eh...what?” You ask suddenly. “You're leaving, so you're gonna say goodbye.” Frothy Top says sitting in front of you. The rest of the ponies getting into a straight line between you and the door. Frothy Top right at the start. “Goodbye man.” He says, holding his hoof out. You shake it tightly, a little confused at the sentiment. “See ya Frothy Top.” You say sadly. He steps to the side to let Lyra have hr goodbye. “Lyra.” “Anon.” “...” She leans up and wraps herself around your waist. You pat her head and scratch her ears a little bit. She detaches and looks up at you. “I'm gonna miss you two legs.” She says, barely fighting back tears. You ruffle her mane lightly and wriggle your fingers in front of her face. She cheers up a bit, but only a bit. Bonbon is up next. It was pretty much the same after that. Flitter gave you a hug, Cloud Chaser bumped her hoof with your fist. Bonbon shook. Vinyl hugged you, Noteworthy just wanted a hoof shake and Bulk squeezed the life out of you. For a few moments, you thought you'd died there. And then you came to Prench... She sits on the floor, looking at you with pleading eyes. “A-Anon...I...” “I know.” She wraps herself around you and hugs you tightly. Sniffling into your neck. You pat her back reassuringly. Letting her down again, you turn to Thunderlane, who is holding your suitcase. He nods once and you turn back to the other ponies in the room, feeling emotional. “This is harder than I thought.” You say, your voice cracking horribly. They all smile sadly. “Goodbye everypony.” You say quietly turning to leave and close the door. Everyone in the room offers their own goodbye of some form as the door closes. “Come on Anon.” Thunderlane says, walking down the hallway. You follow him to the stairway, looking at the door to your apartment one. Last. Time. The walk to the station was uneventful, so you used it to take one last look around at Ponyville before you left. You could think of a memory for each location that you would hold dear. But now you were at the station, the conductor to the train calling for the final boarding to your train. Thunderlane sits next to you staring at the metal beast that would take you away to a faraway land, to your new life. “It's not too late, you could always just... not get on it.” Thunderlane says. “I'm sorry Thunderlane. I can't do that.” you turn to him and hold out your arms. He accepts the hug for a few moments, before looking back down at the ground. “I'm gonna miss you.” He says. You scratch his ears lightly and smile. “Not as much as I'm gonna miss you guys.” He sighs, tears starting to well up in his eyes. “Damn it. I told myself I wouldn't cry.” You smile down at him and scratch his ears one more time for old times sake. “G-Goodbye Anon.” He whimpers out. “All Aboard!” The conductor calls. “Better go.” You say, picking up your suitcase. “Yeah. See ya later...” You nod once and head for the train, but you turn to look at your best friend once more. You're eyes meet and you know you have to say something. Something cool? Something funny? Something witty? Something profound? No. You can only think of one thing that feels right at the moment. “Goodby Thunderlane.” You step onto the train, just as the door closes. You hand the conductor the ticket, he stamps it and directs you to the cart at the back. The cart was completely empty. Not a single pony in sight. You look out the window to see Thunderlane sitting on the platform. He waves when he sees you, though you can see the tears in his eyes. You wave back, a similar expression on your face. You take a seat on one of the seats at the very back. They were quite comfy and the bonus of using pony seats is, they might as well have been beds for you. The train lurches forward trailing out of the station. You wave to Thunderlane as he disappears out of your sight forever. You half expected someone to chase you down the station and beg you to stay while simultaneously declaring their love for you, like in one of those crappy romance movies. Where you would change your mind and go home with them and everyone would live happily ever after... But this isn't a cheesy romance movie, or a crappy novel, or even a video game. This is real life and things like that don't happen in real life... So with a heavy heart, you lean back in your chair and close your eyes. It was going to be a two hour journey to Manehattan and you had nothing to pass the time, except sleep. You were finding this whole thing harder than you thought. Maybe you'd find love somewhere... just not in Equestria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *GASP!* “What the fuck!?” Your suitcase had burst open and a certain little foal broke out of it, wheezing for breath. “Dad!” “Button?!” The little foal proceeds to latch onto you and cling tightly. “Please don't go dad! Please!” What the fuck?! “Button?! What the hell are you doing here?!” “I came here to bring you home!” He says, clinging tighter to your chest. “You hid in my suitcase to surprise me?!...When did you even...URG!...couldn't you have done that before the train left the station?!” Button looks out of the window to see that the train is, in fact, moving. “Heh, heh... Whoops.” “Button I'm leaving and that's final.” You say sternly. Button looks back to you desperately. “You can't go, You're my dad!” Oh for fuck sake. “Button, you do realize I'm not actually your dad right?” You say. It probably wasn't a good idea, but you needed him to understand. “Well duh! You're a human and I'm a pony.” Oh for god's sake. “Well why are you calling me dad?!” You ask. He looks at you like it's totally obvious. “Because you are. You're the one who takes care of me. You're the one who picks me up from school everyday, you're the one who took care of me and mom when my old dad left and your the one who loves my mom.” He says matter-of-factly. You sigh heavily and lean into your chair dejectedly. “Even so, she doesn't love me.” “Oh horse apples.” “What?!” You look at him shocked. He never used language like that. “What you just said, it's horse apples.” You stare at him wide eyed. He groans and sits in his chair. “When dad left, he didn't give us any warning, he just left. I was fine, because I had Video games to distract myself... Mom... She didn't...” He says solemnly. “...She cried and cried, to the point that I couldn't even stop her... But one day she did stop. She stopped crying, and the first thing she said to me was... she met a stallion. That was the day she met you, dad. you stopped her from crying. Not me, not my old dad, not any of our other family members, you did.” he punctuates this by jabbing you in the chest. “You made her happy for the first time since rage quit died. You made her laugh and cry and you gave her her life back. she was never sad after that... until last week. She started crying again. When I asked her, she just screams you name and then... cries some more... Dad...if she doesn't love you, then I don't know what love is.” He said, sitting on his rump and leaning back in his chair. “Button, I think you're mistaken.” You say simply. “Your mother made it perfectly clear that she didn't feel that way about me.” Button says nothing, he just sits there. “Can you at least come back and see for yourself.” You're blood turned Ice cold. You didn't know if you could deal with Loving Care again. But the foal in the seat next to you sort of forced you to. “I guess I'll have to now that you're here.” You say frustrated. “Can't we just stop the train?” He asks, looking around. “No. We can't. The train won't stop because of me asking it to and the emergency brake is for emergency only. He nods once and hops into one of the chairs opposite you and goes down for a nap. Shortly later the conductor returns to check up on the passengers. He notices Button asleep on one of the chairs and looks to you questioningly. “He sneaked on. I'll pay for his ticket.” He furrows his brows, but takes your bits and hands you a ticket, after stamping it. You look to Button and immediately think about Loving Care. She was probably worried sick about this little hellion...Fuck... you have to call her don't you? You look into your suitcase and see Button's phone. Fucking hell. Going through the contacts you stop on the contact, 'Mom' and press the green button. It rings Once, Twice, Three times... “Button?!” Loving Care says panic ridden. “Hey LC” You say calmly. “Who is this?!” Fuck... “It's Anon, Look I know this looks bad, but Button sneaked onto the train and he's with me now. He's fine. Don't worry. I'll get him back to you around nine tonight okay?” Her heavy breathing is kind of worrying. “A-Anon I-I wish...I-” “I'll see you then.” You hang up the phone, before she can say anything. You didn't want to have to listen to her. You lean back in your chair and let yourself rest. You were not looking forward to this. This day was already hard enough. You stepped onto the station at Manehattan, the frantic bustling of ponies rushing up and left and back and forward, made it difficult to make your way through the busy train station. With your case slumped over your back and Button silently snoozing on your shoulder, you wade through the little ponies, trying not to step on anything...fragile. The sun is just beginning its decent into the horizon, leaving a slight orange glow on the ground as the shadows were cast long across the floors. You could just put Button on a train and ask the conductor to watch over him. After all, Equestria doesn't seem like a place where something like that can go wrong, You just leave him in a cart and pay the conductor to watch him. It'd be simple... but you'd never forgive yourself. Button shifts on your shoulder a little before settling in again. You assumed he was having a bad dream, or something along those lines, so you just take a seat on a nearby bench and wait for the commotion to die down. During your wait, Button awakens and looks around groggily. “Huh? Where are we?” He asks, yawning. “Manehattan.” You state. “Why are we here?” It's taking every fiber of your being to not face palm right now. “Because this is where I was going before you showed up.” You say irritated. Button does not notice and proceeds to hop out of your grasp and takes the seat next to you. “What are we going to do now dad?” You roll your eyes and have a quick look around again. “We're going to wait until this commotion dies down and then we're going to get a ticket back to Ponyville.” Button gasps and smiles up at you hopefully. “Does that mean you're staying?” “No. It means that I can't just leave you on a two hour train ride on your own.” You say flatly. Button looks down at his hooves. “Can you at least talk to mom?” He asks dejectedly. You really didn't want to. You just wanted to go to a hotel and sleep, maybe grab something to eat and then catch an airship in the morning to Ironhelm, but now you had to go back to Ponyville and back to everyone you left behind. You weren't going to lie, you felt bad about this. Everyone was begging you to stay and you just left and that was the reason you didn't want them to see you when you got back to Ponyville... because you didn't want to get their hopes up. “I-I can't...” You say, quietly. “...I don't know if I can deal with another 'we're just friends' speech... I just want to get this whole thing over with and be on my way.” Button looks to the booth in the corner and prods your arm. “The ticket booth is free...” You nod solemnly and stand up, leaving Button to watch your bag. Maybe this won't be as bad as you think it will be. Maybe you're just over reacting... ...like you always do. “Next stop, Ponyville!” The conductor shouts down the cabin. The two of you had taken the back cabin again and there were no ponies occupying it, besides you and Button, who was currently sleeping beside you. You sigh and slouch in your seat, a feeling of dread overwhelming you. “Are we nearly home dad?” Button says, looking up at you with sleep in his eyes. What was wrong with him? You've never seen him sleep this much in... ever? Must be the train. “Yeah buddy. We're almost there.” You gaze out of the window at the passing trees and fields. The sun had long since set, leaving the lights of the train cart and the moon as the only source of illumination to the outside world. You tried to will yourself up to this. You were probably going to be forced to see Loving Care and you hadn't spoken to her since Monday, when you stormed out of her house. You've been a complete asshole to her and, even though you know that, you can't bring yourself to speak to her normally, without malice. “Are you okay dad?” Button asks, looking up at you concerned. You exhale heavily. “Yeah...” You say with a breath. “...I'm just thinking about your mother.” You say sadly. What if he was right and she did love you? Would that change anything? Would it make you stay?...you didn't know...you guess you'd just have to wait and see. “Five minutes until we reach Ponyville!” The conductor shouts. You look to Button and then out the window again. The whole area was starting to get familiar again, the trees, the fields and the few scattered houses on the outskirts of town. There was only a few minute left where you get to think about this and then you'd have to face your fears. God you hoped Loving Care wasn't at the station. The Train Squealed into Ponyville station, steam gushing out of the sides. The doors opened to allow you to leave quickly. It was around nine o'clock. The journey to Manehattan was two hours, an hour there and then another two hours back again. You stepped off of the train, Button in tow, gazing at the ground in dejection. Loving Care was nowhere in sight “Cheer up Button.” You say, trying to brighten him up. He just sighs heavily and looks up to you again. “Why? You're leaving... just like my first dad.” It hurt to hear him say that...but were you any better than that scumbag?... maybe not. He left Button and Loving Care because he couldn't take it any more. You left because it hurt to much to stay. He planned never to speak to the two of them. You probably also have that thought in the back of your head somewhere. You shake your head of those thoughts as you trek through the empty streets of Ponyville. The streetlamps illuminated the roads eerily as the only sound heard was that of hooves and shoes on ground. You come into contact with the door as a feeling of dread washed over you again. It was only now do you understand what is happening... Why you are feeling like this... you don't want to knock because... You're afraid. You're afraid that if you knock on that door, you're just going to get hurt again, you're gonna get hurt and you're going to act out and hurt everyone else. You're going to hurt Loving Care...again But what choice do you have? Just drop Button off and ding dong ditch him there? And what then? You couldn't just go on your way to Manehattan, because that was the last train today. You'd have to wait until tomorrow. Where do you stay tonight? Do you go back to Thunderlane's? would he even let you back in? Do you go rent a room at the hotel? Do you just turn around now and grab the first train out of here to anywhere? Or do you man the hell up and knock on this fucking door?! The door to her house was right in front of you now. You couldn't take this anymore. You had to finish this now. Tonight. You've been over thinking everything you do. What will happen? will everything turn out all right? Will everyone approve? well no! You're going to do this now! For your own sake! You raise your hand to the hard wood of the door. Letting it hover there for a few moments. Should you do this? “Just! Fucking! Knock! *knock* *knock* *knock* . . . . . . . . . . . . . “A-Anon?” You look down to see Loving Care, standing in the doorway. Her mane is disheveled, her eyes bloodshot and puffy, the fur under her eyes matted with tears and her general demeanor implied 'upset'. This whole image caused your gut to sink in guilt, knowing that it was you that caused all of this. You're the one that hurt her, you're the one that walked out on her. You really are a bastard. “LC?” She winced when you didn't use your pet name for her. “...I-I...uh... brought Button home.” You say, awkwardly gesturing the little colt standing behind you. She looks to the foal in question who is sitting behind the two of you rubbing his hooves in circular motions on the ground. She just looks at him for a moment before asking. “...B-Button...could you leave us alone please?” Loving Care says quietly. Button nods his head and trots past the two of you into the house and up the stairs into his room, hanging his head low. You look to Loving Care, who is trying not to look you in the eye. “Anon, I-” “I-I... I have to go.” You turn to leave, but Loving Care tries to stop you. “Anon.” She positions herself in front of you, blocking your way. “Anon, just wait.” “Get out of my way, LC.” You try to maneuver around her, but she still blocks your way. “No Anon. Not until you hear me out.” “You made yourself perfectly clear before.” You speak through gritted teeth. Your fists clenched into balls. “Anon, I-I-” “What?! You're sorry? Well, I'm sorry LC, but I don't think you understand how much you hurt me.” “Anon just speak to me.” “Why?! So you can just hurt me again!? So you can-” “Anon you're acting like a child!” “Yeah, I'm acting like a child! It's totally unreasonable for me to be like this after what you-” “Oh Anon, would you just bucking listen to yourself!!!” She shouts, bringing one of her forelegs down onto your foot... hard. “Ah! What the hell!?” You bring your hands down to grab your aching foot as you fall back on your ass. She pins you onto the floor, places both of her hooves over your shoulders and looks you in the right in the eyes, her expression desperate and her breathing strained. “Anon! Listen to me!” “Oh my god. What?! What the fuck do you want?!” “...” “...” “...” “You gonna say something?” You ask sarcastically. Loving Care just blushes and looks away sheepishly. “Just give me a minute.” You cock an eyebrow as she brings her gaze back up to yours. “...” “...” “Do you want me to go stand behind a curtain or something?” You ask. She struggles to say anything. “I-I-...” She sighs in resignation. “Anon... I-I'm sorry... I-I was a fool...about what I said before... it was stupid, okay?...” She looks at you pleadingly, tears freely falling from her eyes. She takes a sniffling breath before continuing. “I-I.. do...like you... I just didn't realize it at the time... I-I can't say how... just... please... Please don't go.” She begs, searching your eyes for... something. You just stare back at her wide eyed in bewilderment. What the fuck? Button was right?! Jesus... “LC...I...I can't...” Her expression turns to sadness as you gently push her off of you. You sigh painfully as you look her in the eyes “... You... really hurt me and I don't know if I can-” “I know! And I know it was wrong of me to hurt you, but I was confused okay. I didn't realize how I felt... and then you when you were gone and... I-I was an idiot! A total fool, to believe that you... and I...that we couldn't be together...I was wrong...and...and... I love you, Anon....I love you....please.” You cock an eyebrow at her accusingly as she pleads with you to stay. “How much have you had to drink?” You couldn't help, but say that with as much spite as you could muster. However, she begins to shake her head frantically as she positions herself onto you. “I haven't had a drop! I swear! I mean it! I-I mean every word! Please! I-I don't want to loose you like I lost Ship Shape! I wouldn't be able to handle it! Please!? I-I-I mean it! I love you Anonymous Unknown! I-I-I...please...please...please...please...” Fresh tears were cascading down her face as she silently cried onto your shoulder... great another shirt that needs to be washed due to the salty menace... Not that one! Does she mean it? What if she's- Of course she means it! Look at her!... you're just over thinking things again! “I-I don't know if I can stay, LC.” You say sadly, gentling pushing her off of you. “I've already burned a lot of bridges here. My friends, my job, my home.” She places her hoof on you leg, pleading with you silently. “You can get those back!...Y-You could-” You hold up a hand to stop her. “Care...I-” “C-can't we at least discuss this over coffee?...” You sigh heavily. “No thanks...I've had so much of the stuff that I've grown sick of it.” You say regrettably. Loving Care whimpers as her head falls to look at the floor as she begins to silently weep on the spot. You can't do this to her! Do something! You reach your hand under her chin and lift her head up, bringing her eyes to look at yours. “A cup of tea would be nice, though.” You smile at her as her expression turns hopeful and she jumps back of of you. “...O-O-Of course.” She says, hopping off of you and trotting towards her door. Should you follow her? What What if it doesn't work out? Or... You stop thinking for a moment as she stops at the door and turns to look at you. Her teal eyes meet yours, her smile is warm and welcoming. It's like she was never upset. Sure her mane is disheveled, her eyes are a little puffy and her nose has that little dibble, that everyone gets when they cry, but that smile shines through it all. Like the glow of a lighthouse, cutting through the fog on a rocky coast. And just like that, all of your worries disappear. What was there to worry about? You were never able to just stop and think about this were you... Your thoughts go back to that night... everything that the two of you have been through over these past few months... how you've treated everyone this last week... you don't deserve this mare's affection... She deserves someone who won't flip out like you have, when they don't get what they want. She deserves someone who will hear her out, when she tries to explain themselves. She deserves someone who will care for her util they are both old and grey. She doesn't deserve you... but she still wants you... why?...a second chance maybe?...a second chance to be that someone?... So why are you still hesitant? You slowly bring yourself to stand up and move towards her front door, closing it behind you with a *click*. What can you say... you always have a soft spot for crying mares. The End. Credits Music used: Zebrahead: Back to normal (Link) Drinks On Me (Link) Emili Sandé: Clown (Link) Pink: Please don't leave me. (Link) Cover Art: "Button And His Mom" By RustyDooks (source) Be sure to check out his other work. It's amazing. Author's Note Well we're done here. Loving Care is finished. ... I hope Credit goes to yolopony for help with the adjusted ending. I'm gonna make an alternate ending. (for those that wanted everyone to be depressed and heartbroken.) A lot of people are requesting a sequel and though I'm a little hesitant, I shall... it just might take a while. Feel free to point out mistakes. (longest chapter I've ever written so there's going to be mistakes) For this chapter I tried to be emotional(if you couldn't tell) So seeing as I'm trying something new, could you tell me how that went...please? and finally I'd like to thank you for giving this fic a chance (I know it got off to a rocky start.(and end.)) And I am stunned by it's popularity. (I never expected this much positive feedback.) So in short. How did it go? report mistakes, thank you and STAY-FUCKING-AWESOME!
EpilogueAuthor's Note I'll make a sequel. You can stop asking now. Thanks for all the support, praise, criticism, likes, faves and pretty much any other way in which you have inflated my ego. I'll see you in another fic somewhere. Stay awesome! Epilogue So... here you are again... You never thought you'd come back here today, especially after what happened yesterday, but this is something you have to do if you want to start you're new life... fuck, this is so much harder than you thought... With a heavy sigh, you resign yourself to your decision and will your body into doing your bidding. *Knock**Knock**Knock* “... Whatever it is, come back later.” The voice comes from the other side of the door. Opting to just say nothing, you knock again. *Knock**Knock**Knock* “...go away!” You You huff in frustration at the voice on the other side of the door and knock on the door a little harder. *Thump**Thump**Thump* “For the love of Luna! What the fuck do you...!” The door swings open and Prench promptly stops talking when your eyes meet. The two of you stare at each other for what feels like an eternity. She looks you up and down once, still not talking. Deciding to break the ice, you say the first thing that came to mind... “Surprise?” You say awkwardly. The humorous expression probably wasn't a good idea. Prench's expression turns sour as she grabs your shirt and pulls you into the apartment, slamming the door behind her. You had little time to react before she punched you hard in the stomach. “Ah!” You wrap your arms around your stomach, wheezing from the blow. “WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!” She shouts, rearing up on her hind legs, kicking her forelegs around in a sign of aggression. “What's wrong with me?! What's wrong with you?! Fuck! I thought you'd be happy after what happened yesterday.” She stomps her hooves onto the floor. “She's pissed because she thinks the whole thing about you leaving was a joke.” A new voice says from the sofa. After a quick glance, you see it's Thunderlane, sitting on the sofa, reading the newspaper. When has he ever read the newspaper? “What? Why would that be funny?” You ask as Prench punches you in the arm again. “I don't know. Why don't you tell us.” She says with as much malice as possible. “It wasn't a joke!” You try to reason, but Prench was not going to be outsmarted so easily. “Then why are you here!? You seemed so eager to fuck off yesterday! What changed your mind!?” You groan heavily as you brush your hand through your hair irritably. “Prench, If this whole thing was a joke, why did I go through the effort of shipping all of my stuff, spending a shit load of my money and quitting my job? That seems a little too much for a freaking joke.” You say as Thunderlane lowers his paper and looks at you confused. “Then, Why are you here?” The room goes silent as you awkwardly stand there, nobody saying a thing. Prench and Thunderlane look on with accusing expressions as you tried to formulate a response. “...I-I...” You sigh, defeated. “...I spoke to LC...” You stammer out. Prench huffs in confusion and bewilderment, whereas Thunderlane lets out a loud irritated groan. “When?...What?...How?!” Prench asks, her pissed off demeanor fading due to her curiosity. “...you left yesterday afternoon! Did you come back!?” You nod an affirmative. “Button...hid in my suitcase.” Their looks of bewilderment would be hilarious, if not for the rising suspicion that you had a buck to the balls awaiting you, if you weren't careful. “...When?! The suitcase was here the entire time...we saw you pack it and-” Prench is silenced by you shaking your head. “Don't look under that rock... I barely understand it myself and quite frankly, I don't want to know.” You say a little freaked out. “...Anyway, I couldn't leave him on his own in Manehattan, so I brought him to LC's place and...we talked.” “Oh sweet Celestia! You bucked her didn't you?” Prench says, exasperatedly. You shake your head frantically, desperately trying to formulate a defense. “What? No! We just talked! Why would you think that!?” She flings up her hooves in defense. “Okay, Okay! You have done stupider things recently, so can you blame me for thinking that. Like that time you were about to...” You're glare is enough to stop her current mindset. “...Fine. What did you talk about.” With a huff, you take a seat on the sofa. “She ...said she loved me.” You say quietly. “...and you told her to buck off, I'm assuming?” Prench asks, taking a seat next to you. Your silence is enough for her as she throws his hooves in the air in frustration. “Aw come on! You got together didn't you?!” She shouts angrily “Not exactly.” You sheepishly say. “What do you mean by that?” Thunderlane asks, cocking his eyebrow. “I told her that I didn't know whether I was ready to forgive her yet... but I'm not going to do something as stupid as leaving the country... I don't know...we'll work something out.” Prench groans as her hoof meets her face in frustration. “So...what? You're just friends?” Thunderlane asks. You shrug your shoulders. “I think so...I don't know.” Thunderlane groans in irritation. “Are you going to see her today?” You nod. “Good. Ask her about all of this and figure it out because–.” “How is any of this your business?” You ask. “Because you're to much of a retard to manage your own decisions.” Prench says, grabbing the remote and flicking through the channels on the TV. “Oh come on. I said I was sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen.” You say. Prench just crosses her forelegs and harrumphs exaggeratedly. You flinch at the scene. “The thing is, Anon, you were about to leave because of this mare and we don't want you fucking this up again.” Thunderlane says, idly sitting back onto his seat and grabbing the paper. Seriously, when has he ever read the newspaper? “I appreciate the sentiment, but isn't this my choice?” You say irritably. “Nope.” Prench states. You give her an irritated look, which she either ignores or doesn't notice. You then bring your gaze back to Thunderlane. “Anyway, you need to determine where the two of you are –” You cut Thunderlane of with one of your 'shut it' stares. “Can we please just drop this? It really isn't any of your business.” You say with a level stare. “Well, that depends: Are you going to throw a tantrum and try to fuck off somewhere if this doesn't work out?” Prench asks with a smart ass tone and a smart ass look. You don't say anything. You just remain silent. “Probably not.” You say through clenched teeth. “Are you sure?” Thunderlane asks. You let out a heavy sigh and sink further into your chair, probably due to the amount of shame weighing you down. “Look guys, I know I fucked up. I overreacted, I pretty much threw away my entire life over one stupid moment. I don't know why I did it, but –” “Probably for attention.” Prench mutters under her breath. “Oh fuck off. You know that's not why.” You say, legitimately hurt by her comment. “Just saying.” Prench says with a half assed shrug. “Prench, that's not fair.” Thunderlane says calmly. “It's fine, Thunder...” You say dismissively. “...I understand.” To be honest...you didn't. You didn't understand why Prench was giving you so much flak for this, especially after everything she said, and did, to stop you from leaving. You thought she'd be the happiest one of the lot, now that you're back. “...So what are you going to do now, Anon?” Thunderlane asks absentmindedly. “I guess I'm gonna fix up my fuck up and get things back on track.” You say. “I'll see if I can get my job back this afternoon and I'll see about getting my stuff back from shipping and I'll need a place to live...” You smile at Thunderlane sheepishly. “I don't suppose you've filled the vacancy?” You ask. Thunderlane gives you a deadpan stare. “It's been a day, Anon. What do you think?” He says sarcastically. Well...better safe than sorry you guess. “Do you think I could move back in?” You ask, just as awkwardly as before. Thunderlane smiles widely and throws his hooves into the air happily. “Of course you can!” You smile at his enthusiasm, but Prench's attitude to this whole thing was starting to drag you down. “Yeah, I'm going to go.” Prench says, spitefully. She crawls off of the chair and makes for the door. “Prench, don't be like that.” Thunderlane calls. A slamming of the door is his response. You couldn't help, but feel hurt by her actions. Sure, what you did was stupid, but did it merit this sort of reaction?... Fuck, you hate it when you screw up. “Don't worry Anon. She'll come around sooner or later.” Thunderlane says reassuringly. You nod solemnly, but you couldn't shake the hurt and the shame left by Prench's departure. “So you need to get your stuff back?” He asks, slightly excited. “I'm sorry Mr. Unknown, but there's simply nothing I can do.” Coffee Grain says, sadly. “Nothing at all?” “No. I'm sorry. Had we known that you would be coming back, then we'd happily to accept your return, but we've already hired your replacement and it would just be unfair to her to let her go so soon after hiring. I hope you understand.” You nod solemnly. “I understand Miss Grain. Thanks anyway.” You raise out of your seat and turn to leave, but Coffee Grain stops you for a moment. “Anonymous, I hope you understand that there simply isn't anything I can do...” You nod. “...however if a position opens up here, I'll be sure to keep you in mind.” You crack a smile at that. “Thanks.” And with that, you bid farewell to Coffee Grain and leave the cafe. What were you going to do now? You don't have a job, you're pretty sure you've fucked things up with Prench and you had nowhere to go. You were lucky Thunderlane was willing to take you back, but how long until he simply can't afford to keep you? With no income, the two of you wouldn't be able to pay the rent...oh you're so fucked. *ding**dong* “Just a sec.” Loving Care calls through the door as you wait for it to open. The gentle sound of clopping hooves progressively getting closer. She opens the door and smiles warmly when she sees you, moving to the side to let you in. “Anon! Come in, come in.” She says, closing the door behind you and directing you into the living room, nervously shuffling and straightening items around the rooms. “Is everything okay?” You asks as she inches the TV about an inch, clockwise. “What? Oh everything is fine....Just cleaning.” she starts to wiz around the room, desperately trying to find something to occupy her time with. It was obvious what she was doing. She was trying to distract herself from you, because she was nervous. Nervous that it wouldn't work out and she was trying to delay that from happening. As cute as this was, you felt that you should just put her out of her misery. You reach over and place your hand on her back. She freezes in place, nervously fidgeting from the contact. “Um...sorry, It's just –” You shush her, patting the seat next to you on the sofa. With some hesitation, she hops onto it, placing a little distance between the two of you. She's sitting completely rigid, like a child at their posh aunts house who gets a reward for good behavior. You don't think you've ever been that nervous. “S-So how did it go?” She asks quietly, trying to find something to break the ice. “Not so good. Thunderlane is letting me move back in, but Prench is pretty cold about the whole thing.” You say with a groan. “...I don't think she's gonna forgive me so easily.” “W-What about the cafe?” She stutters out. This was getting to be a little annoying. Her nervous attitude was cute, but you couldn't really talk to her when she stutters and is generally nervous like this. “Care, Relax. I'm not going to run off again.” You say calmly, but she doesn't seem to take it on board. “I-I know it's just...” You reach a hand over and scratch her ear lightly, electing a coo of pleasure from Loving Care. “It's fine...really. I'm thinking clearly now... I won't hurt you.” She smiles contently as she finally relaxes and leans over laying her head down in your lap. “You never answered my question.” She says happily. “They couldn't take me back.” She jolts her head up to look at you in shock. “What?! Why not?” And now it's ruined. “They didn't have any places, so they couldn't hire me.” You say with a shrug of your shoulders. “But that doesn't make sense. You just left a week ago.” You chuckle, lightly patting her on the head. “That's why they needed a weeks notice... so they could get a replacement.” “S-So what are you going to do now?” She asks quietly. You shrug as she places her head back in your lap. “I don't know. I'll have to find a job I guess.” Loving Care sighs contently. “You can still watch Button for me if you like.” “I thought that was a given.” You say as the two of you descend into silence once more. Contented with the others presence. You could tell she was wanting to tell you something by the way she was fidgeting, but she wasn't able to– “A-Anon, I love you.” Or maybe she was. “I know.” You say simply as the two of you fall into silence once more before she decides to ask the question that was on both of your minds. “So...what are we going to do about this?” She asks curiously... Huh? You always guessed if you ever did start a relationship with a mare, you'd know what to do. Like you'd both just... be together or something like that... but you didn't know what to do. You didn't have a freaking clue what to do... but you were okay with that. You lean back into the sofa, idly stroking Loving Care's mane. “I don't know.” You say simply. Loving Care lifts her head up to look at your face once more. A blush spread across her cheeks. “D-D-Do you want to...go see a movie or something?...with me?” She asks sheepishly. You smile warmly and her blush spreads further across her face as you stroke stray strands of hair out of her face. “I'd love to.” You whisper as she slowly closes her eyes and inches her face closer to yours. You couldn't help but get caught up in the moment as you follow her example, moving your lip closer and closer hers. “YAAAAY!!!” Button shouts, bouncing on the coffee table, startling the two of you. “Button?” The two of you ask simultaniously. “I knew it! I knew it! I knew you loved each other!” Button cheers, bouncing around the room ecstatic. “Button, we're just–” Loving Care tries to reason, but Button begins to chant a very familiar rhyme you remembered from your early school years back on earth. “Mommy and Daddy, sitting in a tree! F-U-C-K-I-N–” “BUTTON!” …well, maybe not quite as you remembered. You smile as Button rushes up the stairs in hysterics, where Loving Care rushes up following him with murderous intent. It is at this moment that you realize.... you keep the most messed up company: A video game loving man child best friend, a pissed off and unpredictable co-best friend, an equally video game loving small foal who gets into the weirdest shenanigans and, for some reason, thinks you're his dad, and an emotionally unstable yet completely level headed marefriend who never knows what she wants until she's on the brink of losing it. and it seems you're the only sane one of the bunch. A tall, bipedal, alien freak with a passion for excessive drama and fixing other peoples problems... and you know what?... you never should have wanted it any other way.
Chapter one: New Acquaintances .You are Anonymous Unknown. You are Nineteen years old and you are an exactly average Human. That statement is one hundred percent accurate, because you are the only human in this world of magical talking equines. Like literally, the only one. You've checked. Anyway you have been in Equestria for seven years now and you've gotten so used to life here that you can't imagine yourself anywhere else. You went to school here, which is so much easier than school back home, You got a job here and you have friends here. Your Job is at the local cafe. Where you work for five hours a day, five days a week. It's a pretty good job all things considered. You could think of worse jobs in the world. Plus the manager is really nice...to an extent. Because you are the only human in existence, you brought in more customers from the freak-show effect, making more money, making the manager happy, making her want to keep you, making her be more nice to you. You realized this very quickly. You saw that she was a lot more lenient on you than the other, equally hard working, staff. She also payed you more, which made you look like an asshole. The staff didn't really care however, none of them really hating you...well except Muffin top, but she hates everyone so it's fine. You have friends, so many friends it was hard to account for them all. Your best friend was a stallion named Thunderlane, He had your back at school and since then. He transferred to your school in Canterlot on the third year from Cloudsdale because he was being bullied. He and you hit it off pretty quickly. He was rather shy at first, like a certain yellow mare in town. You had to make the first move. You saw him there sitting at a table on his own looking depressed. So, Being the good guy that you were, you decided to go say hello. He barely spoke to you at first, he was barely able to tell you his name. But he kept following you around, not in the creepy way, more like the 'You're the only person I know' way. You eventually got him to speak to you in a flowing conversation, kind of. You had to tell him when you were finished and when he could speak, but you got there. He was a very shy colt. It's a good thing he's grown out of it, unlike a certain yellow mare in town. You and him now share an apartment on Saddle Way and you two are pretty close, always there for each other when needed. It's a good thing you've never been needed. You spend most of your free time playing video games and hanging out at the weekend, but mostly video games. You do have other friends of course. dome of the staff at work, Lyra Heartstrings, Cloud Chaser and a fine young steroid overdosed stallion named Bulk Biceps are among them. They come round and hang out from time to time. Cloud Chaser especially, her being Thunderlane's marefriend and all. But it would take you all day to describe all of your relationships with them...like, literally, all day. There were a lot of funny stories for later. So, some might say that's a pretty full Life. That you have everything a man could want, A well paid job, a home, friends? well no. You still felt empty inside. Despite having so many friends you were still painfully lonely. You are ashamed to admit that you are still a virgin. You've never had a marefriend, you've never even kissed a mare. You've kissed a human back on earth so you didn't completely miss out. It's not that you had reservations about inter-species relationships, come on you spent most of your teenage years here, you're gonna stop caring what she is, as long as she's a she. You were even sure that a lot of mares wouldn't be so reserved about the issue, it was just that with you being so different, you were too afraid to ask a mare out. So that was the only problem with your life. You considered yourself lucky that was it. It could have been worse, a lot worse. “Table seven Anon.” Prench Roast, the till operator, calls. You move over and collect the tray, sitting on it is an espresso with a dove made into the foam and a scone. You carry it over to table seven, with as much enthusiasm ad you can muster, where a young filly and her mother are sitting. You lay the tray down and gesture to the mother. “I'm assuming the espresso is for you?” She shakes her head. “No actually it's for my daughter, Turtle Dove. She's having her first coffee today to celebrate her getting her Cutie Mark.” The filly in question is beaming with pride and you don't blame her. A Cutie Mark is a ponies rite of passage into adulthood, a symbol of maturity that shows you your purpose in life. You turn to the young filly. “Well congratulations! May I see it?” She isn't the slightest bit hesitant to jump off of her seat and walk out into your view and there you see it. On her rump is a picture of a two doves flying in a circle. You didn't know what it meant, but you guess it was probably something to do with animals or flying...she's a unicorn...It's not flying. You internally face palm at your unspoken stupidity. “Wow! -” You exaggerated. She was still young. It still hurt to act all baby talk. “- Tell you what, to celebrate, the coffee's on me.” You pat the pocket on your apron for emphasis. She lets out a cute little squee. The mother thanking you and paying for her scone. and with slightly lighter pockets you head over to Prench, picking up a tray with used plates and cups on the way there. You throw a two bit coin, and the money given by the mare, into the till and lean against the wall behind Prench. “You know Coffee Gain doesn't like it when you do that, Right?” Prench Roast remarks. Without braking her stature. She was tending to some customer, a red stallion, Big Mac if you were correct. “Well, what Coffee Grain,Doesn't know, wont hurt her. Besides, if she doesn't like it, then she shouldn't pay me so much.” She smirks. “You know Anon, I think You're the only stallion in existence to ever complain about being payedtoo much.” “Hey it's a lot worse than you think. If I didn't actively try to be a good guy to you all, you'd all probably hate my guts.” She looks to you and mocks shock. “What!? And loose one of my best friends? Ha never!” You roll your eyes. “You know, we wouldn't be friends if I was like how I am in my head, right?.” She snickers. The clock buzzing signalling the end of your shift. The next pony comes in and takes Prench's place, Another one does the same for you. You and Prench head through the back and over to the back, where Coffee Grain would give you your paychecks. "I think you are laying it on a bit thick Anon. I don't think you're that bad in your head. You're just saying that." "Kick her! Kick her in the head!" "I'm pretty sure I'm not." She just smiles and looks your way. “Anon. I think I would still be friends with you. -” Her tone becomes sultry as she walks closer beside you. “- In fact, -” She stands on her hind hooves and slams you against the wall. Pinning you. “- I kind of like a bad boy?” She leans in close, really close, to the point where you can feel her hot breath on you lips. “I-I...Uh...Er...” You can feel her breath on you face as she leans in closer and closer. Until...she bursts into laughter. “HA HA HA, Anon, You are just so funny when I do that.” She says letting you off of the wall. She knew about you and your...problem. She often played these jokes. The only real reason it got to you the way it did was because, for a mare, she was pretty hot. She had a light brown coat and dark brown mane and tail. She had these golden eyes that bore into your being and the cutest freckles dancing across her nose. She was beautiful, but you would never Try anything. You were just friends. “How many times do I have to say? I hate it when you do that.” You snap. . “Do you have any idea how cute you look when you blush like that? How could I resist?” She pouts You glare at her. She did this a lot, the casual flirting. Sometimes it was cute, other times it was annoying. So, sometimes, you had to get her back. “I can imagine I look like you, when Note Worthy Comes in for his daily muffin.” Her face goes straight and her cheeks blush. “I told you, I don't have a thing for Note Worthy.” She says through gritted teeth, while lifting her nose in the air, still blushing. “Awww, Look at wittle woasty bwush.” You say in baby talk. Of course, this only made her blush more. "I told you I hate that name." She says, irritation laced in her voice. "If you're gonna throw shit, be prepared to take shit." “Shut up Virgin.” You deflate slightly. But remain smiling. “Sssooo, I won that one?” She huffs and returns walking down the hallway. “Yeah totally won that one.” You walk proudly into the office at the back of the building. Coffee Grain. your boss, is sitting behind an over-sized desk. She reached into a drawer and grabbed two envelopes. Handing them to you. She didn't look up once. “Good afternoon, Mr Unknown and Miss. Roast. Your payment.” Coffee Grain, your boss says. Prench takes them off of her. “Don't come in tomorrow, we're doing renovations and we're closing the cafe. You will be payed because it was a last minute decision.” She states, rather dryly. You could understand why, but she didn't have to be so pissed about it. “Thanks.” Prench says looking at the envelopes. She hoofs one to you. “I want you both here at seven on Thursday.” Grain says. “Have a good evening Mrs. Grain.” You say automatically. “You too Anonymous.” Once you leave her office Prench gives you a look. “Kiss Ass much?” You smile. “The only ass I'm kissing is your sweet subtle tush.” She gains a sly grin “Hee Hee, How about now? In the supply closed? I wanna see you squirm monkey.” You laugh. “Sorry, not tonight gotta play Battle Stallion with Thunderlane.” She huffs. “You're gonna turn down this! -” She stands on two hooves and rubs her front seductively. “- to play video games?” You laugh. “Well, when you put it like that...Yes! ha ha.” She laughs as well as you walk out off into the main cafe. “You plan on paying for some fun tomorrow with those extra bits ya got?" She says waggling her eyebrows. She did this a lot too, mooching off of you. "What makes you think I don't want to keep it?" "You try to Please people too much." She says matter of factly. You snort. "Did I win that?" She asks, with a cocky tone. Your gaze remains straight ahead. "No." You state sternly. "Yeah I won that." She says mimicking your earlier comment. You both enter the main cafe area. Customers quietly conversing. "Hey I gotta go, I'll see you later, okay?” Prench says hovering into the air in preparation to fly home. “See you later.” She flies out the entrance. You were about to leave as well, but you saw a heartbreaking sight. A mare was sat alone at a table, her eyes were red and puffy, her hair a little messy and she looked like she was trying desperately not to cry again. The sight broke your heart. “Hey Frothy Top, Who's the mare at table Five?” You ask the stallion. “I don't know, She just showed up and sat there, she didn't even order anything, just sat there.” You look to her. She was a young looking mare possibly a bit older than you. She looked devastated, Properly devastated. "Just leave her alone. She'll probably be fine. Just leave her alone. just leave her alo- FUCK!" “Hey make me up an espresso with a heart top, would ya please?” You ask the barista. “Sure thing.” After a few minutes, he hands you the coffee, you pay for it and you head over to the mare. You place the cup in front of her. Her depressed appearance suddenly shifts to confusion then she looks to you. “I didn't order this.” “It's on the house. You okay miss?” She nods. “Y-Yeah...just fine....” You nod, she clearly wasn't but you weren't going to push the issue further. You did what you could. You begin to walk away... “Wait.” Fuck...You stop and look to her again. “I'm not...I'm really not.” She looks like she's going to cry again. You pull the chair opposite her out and take a seat. “Do you want to talk about it?” She smiles at you. “You don't know me. Why would you care?” She sounded more grateful, than accusing. “I have a soft spot for crying mares.” She laughs and takes a sip of her coffee. You really wanted to go right now. “This is good.” She says. “You can thank Perfect Mix for that.” She smiles “Thank you.” You chuckle. “Not me, I'm Anon.” She smiles back. “I know but I also know those stallions at the counter were just avoiding eye contact with me before you came out. So, thank you.” You smile. "What's your name?" You ask trying to break the ice. "I'm Loving Care. Though not many ponies call me that." She replies taking another sip of her coffee "What do they all you?" She doesn't lift her gaze from her cup. "Button's mom." You snort with laughter. "Seriously?" She nods. "Well. I think Loving Care is a nice name." You say, getting her to smile and look to you. "So. you have a kid?" "Yes I have a son. his name is Button Mash, he's eight years old...So...you come from another world?" She asked. You were expecting that one. "I came from another world called Earth and no, I don't know how. Just sorta happened." You drone. It was your practiced phrase for those questions. They were asked so many times. "Can you tell me about your world?" She asks. That you weren't expecting, so few ponies really gave a crap about your world, except for the science weirdos. "I guess, where do you wan't to start?" And so you spoke to this complete stranger about Earth, humans, everything you could remember, TV and other Basic information. You couldn't describe too much of it in detail because you were twelve the last time you saw Earth. But it was enough to get her interested. But, unfortunately, you had to address the elephant in the room eventually. “Do you want to talk about what's got you down?” She looks down, all of her face turned from an expression of interest to oone of sadness.She was almost about to cry again. You lean over the table and hold her hoof in your hand. “Shh, Shh, It's okay. You don't have to if you don't want to.” She regains her composure. "T-thank you. I think it would be best if I went home." "I think that would be a good idea." She climbs out of her seat and walks out of the cafe. You follow. "Don't you have work?” She asks. "I got off work an hour ago and I should probably head home too.” You walk through the town. She was still looking a bit down but not too bad. You come to a quaint little house in the middle of town. She takes a small key out of a basket and unlocks the door. “Thank you...again, really, you don't know how much that helped.” You smile. “Of course. I'll see you later. Are you sure you're going to be okay?” She nods. At least that emotional roller coaster was done with. You hope you'll never have to... “Yes, I'll be fine...though... could you...come round tomorrow. I think I'm going to need a friend.” Oh fuck nuggets. “What about your other friends. Wouldn't they be better suited?” She looks down. “They're out of town.” You sigh. There goes your day off...Convenient. “Of course then. Thunderlane's gonna be pissed when he finds ou- .Oh shit Thunderlane!” She flinches. "I said I'd be back an hour ago!" You turn and leave. "I'll see you tomorrow." You call as you sprint down the road. you didn't hear anything else, too busy trying to get home. You walk into the apartment Thunderlane already at the console playing Love and Tolerate, an ironically violent video game. “About time, dude. Come on I got your controller right here.” You sigh and take a seat on the sofa. “Thanks.” “Right, Ready to get your flank kicked!” You laugh, your head whipping back to look at the ceiling. “Only if I feel like going easy on you!” You jest. He sets up a lobby and starts the match. “Alright! 'Bout time.” He shouts. “Bring it on.” the match starts and you grab a load out. "You owe me an hour tomorrow." He says, eyes glued to the screen. "Can't, Gotta see someone." He doesn't seem convinced. "All day?" "Well, I don't know how long." on the screen you see your character get stabbed in the back with a small hidden blade. The person who killed you currently squatting over your corpse. "rgg. fucking tea-baggers." You swear under your breath. Thunderlane just offers a small grunt of laughter. "So who is it?" "A mare I met at work." "All Right! about time." He hold up his hooves for a bump. "Not like that you moron!" You shout currently spamming every button on your controller. "Oh? well what is it like?" "She was needing a friend...I only just met her today." You say with confusion and frustration. He looks to you, a grin on his face. "Well, that just proves it then. She has the hots for you." You deadpan. "She has a son and I'm pretty sure that means she has a husband." His grin remains on his face. "Not all the time." He waggles his eyebrows. "Dude! It's not. like. that." "Pfft . Whatever Anon. Are you sure you're not gay?" You huff. "Positive. You're dying by the way." He looks to the screen and notices his character is dying. "Oh shit!" You were laughing at his vain attempt to rescue his character by slamming buttons on his controller. "Oh it is on now, bitch!" You move in and avenge his character by slamming an arrow through his face. Thunderlane revived and joined you as you both double-teamed the enemy. The rest of the evening happened with nothing out of the ordinary. just you and your bro enjoying an extremely violent video game. With Nothing else on the forefront of your mind.
Chapter Six: Old Acquaintances. Chapter Six: Old Acquaintances. “So tell me again why you want to change your shifts?” Coffee Grain asks, sitting behind her desk with a cocked eyebrow. “I kind of took on a second job and I need to work here to be during school hours.” You say rubbing your neck, sheepishly. “And that's the part where you lost me. -” She says propping her...Elbows?...on the table. “-What is this second job?” You just smile weakly. She didn't really need to know, but hey, why not? “A friend of mine took a job and she wants me to watch her foal while she's away, so I need to have the afternoon off, while he's not at school.” You inform her. She raises both of her eyebrows. “Fine, it should be harmless enough. I would have to see who would be willing to switch shifts with you...” She opens a book on her desk. “...I believe Muffin top should be able to trade, your Monday and your Wednesday. Frothy Top can work your Tuesday and Thursday and your Friday is fine as it is.” She says. “I hope this is all necessary. You will be altering the entire schedule. That's a lot of work to do and a few employees will be a little irritated.” You just raise your eyebrows in bewilderment. “Well if it's not possible, I would have to find a different job. I need to do this for my friend and...” Her frantic hoof waving and shaking of her head was hilarious to watch. You had to refrain from laughing. “No No No. I'm sure it won't be a bother!” She says in a panic. She really wanted you to stay. God you loved this job. “Well...if you say so...Thanks.” You say with a genuine smile, which she returns. “Well. If that's everything, I would appreciate it if you left me alone. I have a lot of work to do now. I'm assuming you can work regular hours tomorrow?” You just nod your head. “I'll see you tomorrow Mrs Grain.” She gives a humble smile and returns to her work. “See you then Mr Unknown.” And with that you close the door and leave. You open the door and walk in. Thunderlane was at work so you had the apartment all to yourself. Just you and your games for the next few... “Hey Anon!” Prench says from the sofa. Her appearance shocking the shit out of you to the point that you leap behind the other sofa. “Jesus Christ on a bike! Are you fucking living here now?!” You shout trying to calm down from your sudden, unwelcome, almost heart attack. “Nope, just stopped by to say hi, Thunderlane said you went to work. Seeing as it's a Sunday. I'm assuming that either A, you are a freaking moron, which I can believe. Or B, you were speaking to Coffee grain. Something you want to tell me?” You just roll your eyes and shoulders. For someone who was only on this world to make your life awkward, she sure was pretty good at figuring out when you were up to something. “I need to switch shifts at the cafe.” You say, as you watch her face turn from one of accusation to hurt and betrayal. “What!? Why?!” “Care got a job at the hospital and wanted me to look after Button, after school. To do that I needed to switch my shifts around so I was available. I'm sorry Prench.” To be honest you were kind of glad for this. Your thoughts kept coming back to her, and it was starting to get to you. But even that reassurance couldn't make you feel better about all of this. “W-When?” You sigh. “All days, except Friday.” She just looks down. “Fine, but you owe me real big for this.” Aaand she's back. “What do you want?” She just grins. “What don't I want?” She says in a seductive manner, licking her lips...Oh fuck. You sit down with a blush on your face, trying desperately not to do, or say, something stupid. It's just one of her jokes, just let it pass. She however uses your new sat position to position her font hooves by your head and positions her body dangerously close to you crotch...Oh fuck, Oh fuck. “You know Anon. You're kind of hurting my feeling with this. Maybe you should show me how much you value our friendship. “Fuck...Do something now!” “Could you get off of me please?” You say in a calm and collected tone. She just pouts and jumps off. “Awww...no stammering? No embarrassed bumbling? Just the blush?...Hrm I need to up my game.” She says wiggling her rump an your direction. “Fuck she has no idea how much of an affect that had.” “Okay! For the whole 'ditching me at work thing', I want you to give me a day.” Prench asks. “A day?” She nod. “A day.” “A whole day?” She gives you that 'just get the freaking picture' look that people give you when you're acting stupid.. “A whole day, just you and me hanging out. You up for that?” “Sure!” You say, a little too enthusiastically. Prench, for her part, just cocks an eyebrow and walks towards the door. “Good. Come on. I know an awesome place to hang out.” “Couldn't we just hang out here?” She shakes her head. “We always hang out here and I want to go swimming.” It was Your turn to cock an eyebrow. “You? Swim?” She huffs in mock hurt. “Yes me. Swim. now come on, let's go.” You furrow your brows in confusion. "When have you ever swam?" "There's a lot about me that you didn't know Anon." She says with a sly grin. "Now hurry the buck up!" You sigh defeated. “Fine, but let me grab my swim shorts.” She just huffs. “You and your clothes. Can't you go naked for once?” You decide to ignore her comment. “Cannon ball!” She shouts as she lands right next to you in the water, drenching you. When she emerges, you you were glad your lower half was under water because if it wasn't...well...Let's just say that she's really hot normally, now she's wet, so...yeah. “So ready for Hearth Warming?” She asks. You furrow your brows in confusion. “That's two months away.” You say, confused by her question. “Yeah, you need to get your presents out of the way.” You just smile, knowingly. “What do you want?” She mocks hurt. “Anon! You think that I am just trying to get you to buy me something, just because I mentioned Hearth-okay! I want something shiny and nice...you can think about the rest. Okay?” You roll your eyes. “Fine. Jewelry it is.” she splashes you. “Too cliche.” “Okay. A lump of zinc it is.” She splashes you again. “That's not nice enough!” You give her a mock-death glare. “Don't. Splash. Me. Again.” You say, through lightly clenched teeth. She, predictably, splashes you again. “That's it!” You move your legs up and splash the largest tsunami splash you could muster. Her high pitched squeal is music to your ears. “Oh it is on now, virgin!” Well, you think it would be best to say, you both lost. You nearly drowned, and Prench got kicked in the face...You're laughing at the her pain probably didn't help. After her kick to the face, she then proceeded to try and drown you...And here you were, ten minutes later trying desperately not to speak to each other, while changing into your normal clothes, behind a tree. “You coming?” Maybe not desperately. “Where we going?” You ask. “I don't know. Maybe just a walk around the town?” You cock your brow at her. “Can't we just go home?” she gives you a level stare. “Excuse me? Who's ditching who to piss off and screw another mare.” You gran loudly. “For the love of fuck. I'm not doing this to wet my dick. I'm doing this because If I don't, button will be home alone and neither Care nor I want him to be left alone. The kid's train set spontaneously combusted when he was playing with it for Christ's sake! Would you leave him alone?! Now stop implying that I'm just trying really hard to get laid...and while you're at it, stop calling me virgin. It's getting rather overused.” You let out. Prench just looks you up and down. “Woooowww. When did Nonnie grow a pair?” You give her your best death glare. “Since I've had enough of your bullshit. Now do you want to go for a walk or what?” You walk past her and she just giggles and follows in your path. “I'm liking the new you. More assertive, more resistant to my teasi- wait...You got laid didn't you?” You give her a serious expression. “No I didn't. I've just realized I can't get around if I keep...” “Yeah yeah yeah...okay I get it. So...wanna bitch about our friends?” The sounds of laughter echo through whitetail woods as you and Prench enjoy your conversation. “Okay okay. Cloud Chaser?” Prench asks, snorting through her laughter. “She's alright I guess. Never really...connected, but she's alright. She has a habit of getting me in trouble for her own amusement.” “Are you talking about the Party?” Just the mention of that night, resurfaces all of your conflicting feelings and memories. You really hoped you had a good poker face right now. “Well, that was one of the instances. You should hear the story of the time the three of us were at the zoo. I'll give you a hint, it involves an elephant, some peanuts and a fire extinguisher.” You smile at her confused look. “What happened with the...” You hold up a finger for her to stop. “Another time maybe, How about Thunderlane?” She scoffs at your interruption. “He's obsessed with those video games, but he's a good guy. Okay my turn. LC?” You shrug your shoulders. “She's a nice mare, but she has had some emotional issues, but she's gotten better since I met her.” She just nods and averts her gaze. “Yeah she told us about that at the party when you were passed out.” You cock an eyebrow at her. “She was happy to have you as a friend. She feels she owes you a life debt or something and I don't blame her. The way she described you was like a saint. It was kind of sweet.” You sigh heavily “That's nice.” You say. “That's nice?” Prench says, rather sharply. “Dude she was pouring her heart out over you.” You just roll your eyes. “What do you want me to say?” She stops at that. “Fine. But tell me this, do you like her?” You shrug. “Well of course I do, she's my friend.” She face hoofs. “Oh. My. Celestia. How is that the reply of every stallion in existence ever, to that question?” You smile a shit eating grin. “Sorry. Couldn't resist.” Prench stares you down, threateningly. You were a little scared...just a little. “Answer my question.” She demands. “No. I don't have feeling for Loving care. Besides, what would it matter? Even if I did. There would be no way she would.” You sigh and stop walking, taking a seat on a nearby rock. "What do you mean?" “I'm just a freak. And nobody would want to be with me.” You hang your head in pity. “Oh Anon, come on. You're not a freak. You're the best friend anypony could ask for. Don't let me ever hear you say otherwise.” She wraps her legs around you tenderly. “Thank you.” You say pitifully. “I-I don't know what came over me...what about Bulk?” She laughs. “Are you kidding?! He's clearly over compensating for something.” You both chuckle as you sat there in her embrace, not daring to move from fear of ruining the moment. Your chest felt like it was going to burst, with how fast your heart was beating. Your palms were drenched in sweat and your breathing was becoming slightly quicker with each passing second. You needed to end this soon...maybe just a few more minutes. “Prench?” You ask. “Yes Anon?” “I'm going to miss you at work.” “heh heh. Yeah...*sigh*...we still have Friday right?” You nod. “Do you know who will be working instead of you?” “Muffin Top on some days, Frothy Top on others.” You can hear her groan in irritation. “Muffin Top!? Crap she is such a bitch. I think I might just hang myself.” You roll your eyes. "Please don't. The guilt would kill me." She laughs. "It's what you deserve for abandoning me." You smile “You wanna keep going?” She shakes her head. “It was nice but I think I should get going. I need to do something productive today.” And with that she released you from her embrace and backs off a few feet. Your body felt cold now without your living blanket. “I thought you wanted the whole day?” You say, a bit of disappointment in your voice. “That was before I remembered how little I can stand of you.” She says, jokingly, though still hurt a little. “I think I have stuff to do now anyways.” You say dismissively. “I'll be working normal time tomorrow, so I'll see you then.” She smiles happily. “See you then Anon.” And with that she trots off somewhere. You decided to go home, there was nothing for you to do, Thunderlane was still at work...maybe you could go see how Loving Care is doing...yeah you might just do that. So you do, you head off in the direction of Loving Care's place. *rapraprap* You knock on her door and wait for her to answer. You were a little shocked to see the door open so suddenly. And Loving Care is there, mane disheveled, Eyes bloodshot and just generally not okay. “Care? Whats wrong?” She looks to you painfully. “Where were you?!” You recoiled from her shout, you couldn't answer so you blinked, several times. She gets the message. “I've left Celestia knows how many massages on your machine, I've even gone round to your place! Where were you.” Still a little shocked by her frantic attitude, you hold up a hand for her to stop. “I was out with Prench. What's wrong?” She just breaks down on the floor. “I got a letter...” You still weren't getting the picture. “umm...what was is?” She was wailing something out that you couldn't hear over her sobs. “Okay. What was that.” “It was from ship shape!” Wow. this mare can really paint a picture, cant she? “Who's that?” She gives you the scariest death glare you've ever seen. “Button's father!” “...” “...” “...” “...” “Shit.” You gesture for her to get up and lead her into the house. You lead her into the kitchen, where you sit her down and start a batch of coffee. “What was in the letter?” She doesn't respond, just sniffing. “Care?” She shakes her head. “H-He wants to meet up. H-He says he needs to talk.” You pour the coffee into the cups and hand one to her. “Aaaaand I'm assuming you said no?” She doesn't look up. “I haven't responded yet.” “Good. Then tell him to fuck off.” “Anon. Language.” She says with quiet irritation. “I think it's justified.” She sighs. “I was thinking, I'd go.” You almost spray the coffee all over her kitchen table, if it wasn't for the coffee cup you would have. “You're kidding right?” She doesn't look up. “Care! You can't be serious.” “I think I should hear him out.” She says dejectedly. “Care! This is the same stallion who left you without the slightest hint of a goodbye, just because it got a little tough. This is the stallion who left you and button to fend for yourselves. Care. This is the stallion who divorced you over mail! Doe he sound like the kind of despicable bastard who deserves a hearing out?!” She finally looks up and slams a hoof on the table. “You think you know sooo much Anon!? Well let me tell you, You don't! He was a good Stallion before. He cared and provided for us well before you came along! You think you can judge him. Why don't you go through exactly what he did!? Why don't you go through loosing your own foal, then having to deal with the depression of yourself and those around you! It was more than a little tough Anon! YOU! CAN! NOT! BUCKING TALK! You have no right to judge him! You don't know what he went through and I don't want you saying such horrible things about him.” You had shrunk down into your chair as she had lifted out of hers. “I-I'm sorry Care. It's just...when he left...I had to pick up the pieces...and I'm just afraid he'd just hurt you again.” Wow. This was not what you were expecting when you decided to come here. Loving Care's expression softens. “Anon. I'm not made of glass. I can take care of myself. I need you to understand that he was always a good pony. He just gave into his weaknesses.” You sigh heavily. “I know...I think...it's just hard to imagine that, when all I know is him now. It's like trying to imagine Celestia as a shy littlechild.” She places a hoof on your leg comfortingly. “I want to give him a chance. So I'm going to...Do you think you could come with me?” Oh fuck no! “What? I don't want to meet him.” You say rather sternly. “I know Anon, but I'd feel safer if you were there by my side. I'd find it easier to face him and maybe you would see him for who he is.” You furrow you brows. “What do you mean safer?!” She sighs again. “I would feel like I'm less likely to be hurt if you're there.” You sigh and lean back in your chair, defeated. “Fine. I'll go, but I will not try to be nice and if he does something I don't like, I'm gonna rip his dick off and shove it up his ass.” Despite the genuineness of your threat she giggles. “That's why I want you to come.” She embraces you in a hug. You just smile. “I mean it. I will.” “I know.” She says happily. “When is this meeting?” “Next week.” “I'm gonna hate this guy aren't I?” She just chuckles. “I think it's been established that you already do.” “Hey Anon I'm home.” Thunderlane calls out as he enters the apartment.” “HA HA! Take that you tea-bagging hunk of hydra shit!” You scream into the TV, as you killed one of the enemy players. “Uh...Anon?” He asks concerned. “What's that? You think you can kill me? FUCK! NO!” You stab another player in the face. “Anon? Are you okay.” Thunderlane comes into your peripheral vision. “Yeah I'm fine why?-OH YOU HACKING CHUNK OF FUCK!” Your character got an arrow in the face. “It's just...I've never seen you play...any game this...aggressively.” “Just in the moment. -HA HA YOU LIKE THAT YOU ABORTED PIECE OF KNOB CHEESE?” You get revenge on the player who just killed you. “Anon. I think you should stop.” You shake your head. “The match is almost over. I just need to- OH COME ON!” Your player died again. “Anon. This is worrying. I've never seen you like this. What is going on?” “I already said, nothing.” “Anon!” Finally getting the message, and the fact that you can't hide it. You leave the game, place your controller down on the table and lean back with a groan. “You know LC's husband?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Not personally?” “Yeah well he's wanting to see her and she's wanting to see him.” Thunderlane just smiles pats your shoulders. “Dude this is great. They might get back together.” You sigh. “Yeah, or she's going to get even more hurt, leaving me to pick up the pieces again.” You rest your head in your palms, rubbing your face, as if that would clear away your problems. “I really don't want to deal with that again.” You say irritated. “Anon. You said that she wanted to go.” You shrug. “She does.” “Then aren't you being a little selfish? You only want her not to go because you might have to deal with her depression again. Even if it's possible she might be happy. That's not in her best interests” You groan. “I care about her well being Thunder, I don't trust this guy and I don't want her to get hurt. For her sake and mine.” He pats you on the shoulder. “I'm sure she would be fine.” “She wants me to go too.” He smiles. “Then everything is going to be fine.” He says “You were always good at these situations.” You sigh dejectedly. “Since when?” You asks skeptically. “I don't recall ever being in a situation like this?” He chuckles and bats your shoulders again. “I'm talking about these situations in general. Heck Anon, I doubt I would be able to talk to ponies without you.” “You grew out of it. I had nothing to do with it.” He punched your arm again...hard. “Yes you did! You were the only one to ever speak to me when I came to Canterlot High. You were my only friend for about a year. Without you there, I probably would have been sulking in the bathroom.” You cock an eyebrow at him. “Thunder. I'm honored that you think of me like that. But I would like you to stop now because I think this conversation is about to get really gay. And I think you're a little mistaken.” He punches your arm again! “It's true! You were my friend when nopony else was. Do you think I would be with cloud chaser if I hadn't met you?” “Probably.” “NO I wouldn't I would have been too shy to even talk to her.” “Look I'm flattered, Really I am. But I think you're giving me too much credit.” “Then there's all of the-” “Thunder. Please stop. I get your point.” He smiles warmly. “Well then. I was going to go on about how you're a good friend and I owe you a lot, but seeing as you, clearly, aren't one for heartfelt speeches, I'll just end on this.” Thank god “You were always there for me. And Loving Care is our friend too. So I'm just saying that if she gets hurt by this scumbag We'll be there for you guys.” You cock an eyebrow. “We?” You ask curiously. Thunderlane just grows a sly, sinister smile. “I always wanted to find out how hard bulk could punch a dude.” Author's Note Sorry this took so long. I don't know why and I really don't have an excuse. I don't know why, but I found it rather difficult to get around to writing this. I just kept getting distracted I guess. I was going to make a Hearth Warming Chapter, but I realized that all of the stuff I wanted to put in wouldn't make sense and I was jumping ahead in a few relationships. So I Filed that one away for a later date. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me how it went.
