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.