“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.

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*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!