The next week.

“Okay. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, I'm just saying I'd rather go live with your ex than watch this complete pile of shit.” You say, as you lean into the armrest of the sofa. You and Loving Care have been watching the heat for the past hour and you were close to cutting your own balls off with a butter knife and using them as earplugs...yeah, the film is that bad.

“Oh come on. It's not that bad.” She says dismissively. Your eye twitches involuntarily. Smart ass rant mode- activated.

“Just look at it! That mother fucker won't stop fucking laughing! What is he laughing at? His own terrible acting?! That guy over there is such a creepy fuck, he should be imprisoned for it! there is always a hoofball somewhere, I mean nobody like hoofball that much! Is that the only prop they could find!? Seriously?! They couldn't just sit around watching TV no there had to be a million hoofball tosses to symbolize the brohood between the male roles. And why isn't anyone concerned about how many people fuck in that guys apartment? Seriously! He just shrugs it off! And that mare tries far too hard to emphasize the fact that she loves butterscotch not Green Star. Jesus H. Fuck! Just break of the marriage for fuck sake and end the film. Seriously who the fuck wrote this!?” Loving Care laughs heavily at your Ranting, but stops to give you a knowing smile.

“Are you sure you're just angry at the movie?” She asks, pausing the film. You sigh heavily and relax into your chair.

“You know, If I was trying to be dramatic and cheesy, I'd probably say no. I'd say I'm anxious about meeting your ex and I'm feeling like the whole world is against me, or some cheesy over-dramatic bullshit like that. But seeing as this isn't a freaking movie, I'm going to say yes, this film is just that Terrible, and I would insist that we stop watching it.” You finish with an arm fold and lean back further into your seat.

“Are you sure?” She asks, with a smile that implies that she knows something.

“What? You expect me to be worried about this. HA! Care, one of two things is going to happen today. You two are going to patch things up or you won't. And if you get hurt, I get to see this bastard get punted by a living protein shake...which, quite honestly, I'm looking forward to.”

“Can you at least try to be nice?” You shake your head.

“I'll be quiet and sit there. I will only speak when spoken to and I will kick his ass if he pisses me off. That's all. No nice talk and no pretending I like him and no trying to be nice. This guy doesn't deserve my nice.” She sighs heavily.

“I already told you...”

“That he wasn't always like that, and he was at one point a good stallion- yadda yadda yadda. It doesn't matter to me. I don't think he deserves my respect and quite frankly I feel I will barely be able to hold myself back from punching the twat in the face when I see him.” She rolls her eyes at your aggressive demeanor.

“When have you ever harmed anypony?” You give her a sly smirk.

“When have you seen me pissed?” She furrows her brows and gives a nervous chuckle.

“Heh, heh, better hope Shippy doesn't buck up then huh?”

“Shippy?”

“Pet name.” You cock an eyebrow.

“That's a terrible pet name!”

“It's better than shapey!” She says with a laugh, that you join in on. It was good to hear her laugh. She was so much nicer when she was happy...but then again, pretty much everyone else is.

“How long until we have to go.” With that the mood suddenly dies. Now everything was silent, like all the happiness was drained from the room, way to go dick-head. Care just looks to the clock on the wall nervously.

“Two hours.” She quietly mumbles, as if it's the time before she gets hanged. The room descends into silence once more, just her staring at her hooves, while you try desperately to think of something to say.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“UUURRRGGG!! Why am I acting like this!? It's just Ship Shape! Why am I so worried about this meeting?!” Care exclaims burying her hooves in her forelegs.

“It's okay Care. Given the circumstances, I think how your acting is perfectly justified.”

“No it isn't! He left just over a month ago! A bucking month! And here I am acting like he's been gone for years! What is wrong with me?! Am I so dependent on others that as soon as someone leaves I fall apart.” She collapses on the chair, pitifully. You have no choice but to pry yourself over to her side of the sofa and comfort her with a gentle patting of her back.

You start off around her shoulders and move further up to her neck, where you start to rub Gently. It get's the desired effect as she coos in satisfaction at your handy work. You move your hand to the back of her ears and give a gentle scratch. She gives off small 'mmm's and 'ohh's as her head tilts to the side to give you better access. You take this opertunity to try and reassure her.

“He left suddenly, without even a 'see ya later' and he never contacted you afterward, other than to make things official. He disappeared without any hinting or even a note, just up and left. He may as well been gone for decades, given the emotional troubles you went through.” You drone out, seriously you've had to comfort her multiple times over the last few weeks, with multiple subjects that got her down. How she was acting was always a favorite of hers. It's gotten to the point where you've got pre-defined phrases at the ready, just to comfort this mare.

“You'll be fine. I promise. I'll be here there the whole time.”

“You're hands are too nice for your own good.” She says qietly “But he's not going to hurt me Anon, we were married for ten years. He just wants to talk. I'm just worried about...well...What if I screw things up? What if he just leaves again.” You were really starting to get irritated by this.

“If he leaves again, then he never deserved you in the first place.” Finally, she seems climbs out of her pit of nerves. She looks up to you and nuzzles into your shoulder.

“T-Thanks Anon. I don't think I could do this without you.” You were starting to feel awkward now...too much fuzzy, feely shit. But you should maybe keep going with this atmosphere. Maybe a nice gesture to show her you mean it.

“Wanna watch the rest of The heat?”

“WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU ASK THAT?!?!”

Care just smiles and nods, resuming the movie and making your life hell on earth for another two hours.

“Do you think we could jump out that window without her noticing?” Given the fact that she was currently clutched to your side, you highly doubted you could.

“fuck”

“Care do you have any butter knives?”

Two hours later

“Ooooohhh...where is he? Where is he? He said to meet him here at the cafe right? What if he's not coming? Or he's been held up or he's been...”

“Oh dear god does this mare ever shut the fuck up?”

You were currently seated outside the cafe, waiting for the infamous bastard to show up. Loving Care was worrying about not seeing him immediately and you were trying super hard not to shove one of these coffee stirrers into your eye, joker style.

“Care he said to meet him at three...it's two, fifty.” You deadpan through your hands, which were currently rubbing your face in frustration.

“Yes but...” She was cut off when you hold up a hand, seeing a white stallion with a black mane come round the corner. He had a weird blue sweater on and his cutie mark was a ships anchor and chain. A sailors cap resting on his head finishing the image.

“Oh yeah, that's him.” To your surprise he walks past the cafe and into town. “huh... I guess that wasn't him.”

“Loving?” You hear behind You. Whipping your head around to see a lanky brown earth pony stallion standing at the head of your table.

“Ship Shape.” Loving Care says quietly, refusing to make eye contact. Ship Shape just looks to you curiously.

“Who's this?” He asks, eying you up and down. He wasn't really what you were expecting when you heard 'sailor'. He was a lot skinnier than you imagined, but that wasn't going to stop you from kicking his head in, if he tried something.

“This is Anon.” Loving care says, finding her voice.

“Didn't take long to replace me then huh?” He asks, in a horrible attempt at a joke.

“Oh no. Anon and I aren't together. He's just a friend.” You lean back in your chair and fold your arms.

“Yeah so she doesn't have quite as much control over me as you would hope...tread lightly.” You state with a sly grin. You notice him swallow loudly, but he remains relatively still.

“good job pussy.”

“Anon!” Loving Care harshly whispers to you. You just keep giving this guy the death stare, as he seems to locate his ball.s

“I'll assure you that none of that will be needed, this is just a talk.” He says, taking a seat, looking to Loving Care.

“How've you been?” He asks.

“Fine.” She replies.

And just like that it goes quiet. Wow, awkward much. Desperately trying to get things moving you try to pick up the conversation. “So Ship Shape. Where have you been this past month?” He awkwardly coughs and clears his throat.

“well...ermm...I've been staying in vanhoofer with my brother. A quaint little place on northern avenue. How have you been care?” You couldn't even look this guy in the eye as he acted like everything was okay.

“It's been tough...but I'm fine now.” You cock an eyebrow at her. Understatement of the fucking millennium.

“I'm glad to hear that.” He says, casting a quick glance your way. Okay, this was starting to get to you. This whole pretend everthing was okay was starting to get to you. Time to get straight to the point.

“So Ship Shape, Why did you come back now?”

“Yeah . W-what is this all about Ship?” Loving Care asks. Ship Shape just sighs, shifts in his hooves and looks to Care.

“I-I'm here to collect my things.” You cock an eyebrow.

“Your things?” He nods. You still couldn't wrap your head around this.

“You came out here to collect your things?” He nods again. You can't believe this. You look to care, who looks absolutely destroyed.

“B-But what Ab-bout...us? Is that all you really came here to do? To get your stupid stuff?”

“Oh shit.”

“I'm sorry Loving.” He says...at least he says it like it's hurting him to do so..you guess he could have that one.

“D-Did you ever love me?” She asks, tears threatening to break free from her eyes. Ship Shape just recoils.

“Of course I did! I loved you more than anything!” The fur around her cheeks starts to matte from the tears trickling down her face.

“T-Then why?! Why would you just leave?!” She's broken down again...that has to be a new record, almost instantly, he's reduced her to tears. You have been completely forgotten by the other two at this point in the conversation and you don't plan on changing that.

“I-I-I just couldn't handle it Loving. Everything that had happened, I just couldn't take it!”

“Why couldn't you?!” She practically screams in his face.

“BECAUSE IT WAS TOO MUCH!” He shouts back, earning the attention of the other patrons. His own eyes were brimming with fresh tears.

“When rage died...I had to carry this family, I had to go on like nothing was wrong. I had to go to work, provide food and shelter...and then I had to come home every night and act strong for you and Button...Do you know how soul crushing that is? To have to comfort your own family while you're not allowed to grieve as well? That is why I left. I couldn't take it any more. I had to leave or I would have done something even more stupid!” He finishes by hanging his head in shame, Silent tears trickling down his cheek.

Care, who had remained silent during Ship's rant, speaks up. “D-Do you still love me?” He remains silent for a few moments.

“No...I'm sorry.” And with that the only sound present was the sound of Loving Care crying her eyes out. You lay a hand on her back reassuringly.

You had to say something...and you knew exactly what to say.“You just left.” You say in a quiet tone. “You didn't talk it out, you didn't say goodbye, you didn't even leave a note, you just left. You didn't even have the balls to ask for a divorce in person. You just sent a letter with the documents, no letter, not even a post it note, just a sign here. Then you have the audacity to come back and asks for your stuff back...You've been through a lot, more than I can ever imagine...but that doesn’t excuse what you did. Not even slightly.” He just furrows his brow at you.

“Who do you think you are? You don't get to say anything about me. You don't know what I've been through and you don't get to say anything about me or my family. You're nothing but a freak who thinks-”

“HIS NAME IS ANONYMOUS! And he's a better stallion than you ever were!” Your eyes widen and you have to blink rapidly for several seconds to fully register what was just said. Loving Care had stopped crying and was now on full attack.

“You are nothing compared to him! He could have left me sitting right over there to fester in my own depression! He could have just walked away! But he didn't, because he's a good person!” She points to the table where you first met her, it felt like years ago, but at the moment you were starting to feel awkward, everyone was looking at you now. It's not that you didn't appreciate the sentiment. You just wish she didn't make a scene in a public place...or just not in a public place at all.

“What were you doing at the cafe anyway.” Oh you knew the answer to this one, she was looking for...

“I came here to surround myself with ponies so I wouldn't end it.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“What?” You ask, disbelievingly. Ship Shape's eyes were probably just as wide as yours.

“I-I was going to end it...that night. I would have too, if you hadn't given me that drink.”

“Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!Whatthefuck!”

“So that's is who he is Ship Shape. He's the kindest Man I have ever met, and if you buck with him. I'll have your hide!” Your mind is so full of fuck right now, it's unreal. The fuck is going on?! Everything is moving too fast right now.

“I-I'm sorry.” He blubbers out. Loving Care just huffs and stands from her seat.

“You will get your stuff. I'll make sure of it. But don't be surprised if there is cat crap in some of the boxes, I can't tell it from your usual stuff anyways.” And with that she walks away with one final word. “Anon was right, You never deserved me.”

Now you were left alone with this scumbag of a stallion. You just look to him with your wide eyes and raised eyebrows. He just holds up a hoof.

“I know. She's right. You should probably go after her.” Oh you were, you were going to go to her place and talk about everything that was said today. But first., you had something to do.

“I like my knees.” You say in a chipper voice. He just cocks an eyebrow and stares at you like you've lost it.

“Your knees?” You nod excitedly.

“Yes you see...” You pull out your leg and display it to him. “...the knee bends forward, unlike most animals where it bends backwards. Though this results in a loss of speed, it allows for more maneuverability.” You replace your leg under the table.

“And what has this got to do with anything.” Ship Shape asks.

“Oh you see, because my knees bend forward, it allows for me to kick ponies in the balls under tables.” Before he can react you launch your leg forward. And given by his head falling to the table or the pained yelp and groan he gives off, you can tell you hit your mark. You decide to drop your coins on the table and walk away.

Okay, now everything was fucked. You had walked in to find Loving Care wrapped up on the sofa, crying her eyes out. The TV was off, Button was at Sweetie Belle's and it was just the two of you.

"Care? Are you okay?" Stupid question but you needed to say something.

"I-I'm sorry. I-I never meant for you to find out. It's just I-I..."

"Hey...hey...it's okay." You sit besides her and stroke her mane the way she likes it.

"It's true though. I would have sent Button to my mothers and..." You quickly shush her. you didn't want to hear this. "But why does this keep happening. Why can't I be happy? Do I not deserve to..." She breaks down in fresh tears. You needed to get her out of this rut quickly, before she relapses to the point she was at a few weeks ago, and you're gonna have to fix her all over again...no pressure. How are you going to do this.

You could try introducing her to some of your guy friends...no, too soon.

You could take her to rarity and ask her to 'pretty her up'...no, that only works in movies

You could see if you could get Button back to help her...no, that would cause more problems than it would solve.

There was nothing you could think of that could- Then it hit's you like a tonne of bricks. You rush into the kitchen, grab the phone and dial your apartment. It rings four times before Thunderlane picks up.

“Hello?” He says through the line.

“Hey Thunder.”

“Oh hey Anon. How'd it go with LC's ex?” You sigh heavily.

“Not good. She's pretty upset.” You says, rather downtrodden.

“You want me to go get Bulk.”

“No, I dealt with it. I need you guys for a different reason. I have an Idea to cheer her up and I need you to...”

You are sitting on the sofa quietly. It has been half an hour since you called Thunderlane and now you were just waiting for him to get here. Loving Care had her head rested on your lap while you played with her mane. She had stopped crying, but she was still upset. She didn't speak, or move or anything. In fact, the only reason you knew she was alive was because of all the dejected sighs and sniffles she let out.

“Come on Thunderlane. Don't bail now.” You just hum little, tunes to try and soothe her, like a parent to their child and it was kind of gay and cliche but who gives a shit, it was working.

*Rap**Rap**Rap*

The sound of hoof on wood, gathers your attention. “Who could that be?” Loving Care asks, lifting her head from you lap for a moment. You just shrug and lift yourself off the sofa, care returning her head to the seat where you previously were. You go to the door and open it, revealing pretty much every one of your friends.

“Good, you're here.” You smile. “Come on in.” They all trot into the living room. Loving Care's expression turning from despair to bewilderment at the spectacle. In front of her was Flitter, Cloud Chaser, Vinyl Scratch, Derpy, Noteworthy, Bulk, Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon, Prench Roast, Time Turner and Frothy top. Each of them carrying some device ranging from games devices to televisions to connector cables. Loving Care's mouth just open and cloeses for a few moments before...

“W-What's going on.” She asks confusion taking place instead of her depression.

Vinyl steps up. “We all heard you were in a rough mood so we all came here to have a LAN party!” Loving Care just furrows her brows.

“LAN party?” You nod.

“Thunderlane's got a cart out back, with some blankets, food and drink. We set up multiple games stations, with different TVs and play against each other. It's a lot like playing online, but a lot more personal.” You finish with a smile, one Loving Care can't help but join in on.

“This is all so nice, but I don't really think I'm in the mood.” She says shyly.

Flitter smiles and sits besides her. “That's okay. We can just all hang out here, while they play their games. Come on, it'll be better than what you were doing. And if that doesn't cheer you up, I'm sure we could get Anon drunk again. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to." That earns and barely contained snort of laughter as the group has a laugh at your expense. Oh why not.

"She's not wrong you know." You say.

“YEAH!!!” Bulk screams at the back of the group. You smile hopefully.

"Okay then, go ahead." Loving Care finally gives permission and everyone mobilizes.

“Okay everyone. Get the TVs in a triangle shape to avoid screen watching and get into teams. We need to set up the connector cables in the center and make sure everything is labeled for afterwards.” Cloud Chaser calls out. You just laugh at the military level of organization being put into this. you take a seat beside Loving Care who watches in amazement at the transformation of her living room, from regular family home to Gamer Nerd Headquarters. (Or GNHQ for short.)

As instructed there were three stations set out. Each opposite the others in a triangle shape. Thunderlane had set out blow up mattresses, blankets sleeping bags and all other manners of pieces to comfort the players. there was a food table set up in the corner and a few pillows here and there.

As instructed you all got into teams. In team A you had: Vinyl, Noteworthy, Derpy, Cloud Chaser and Flitter. On team B you had: Bulk Biceps, Lyra, Bonbon and Prench. And finally on team C you had: Time Turner, Frothy Top, Thunderlane, Loving Care and yourself.

The rules were simple. Each team had a two-player split screen. When someone dies, another player takes over. No screen-watching and no mother-fucking tea-bagging. And with that the games were underway.

“OH FOR BUCK SAKE!” Lyra yells at her screen. Yep...This was going to be a fun night.

Your knight was running through the back alleys of Canterlot, trying to remain hidden from the other players. He had his signature bow equipped and was currently making his way towards a perfect crows nest.

“Anon. Where are you?” Time Turner asks quietly. You shake your head.

“Third quadrant. Northern side.” You whisper to you partner.

“I heard that Human! Time to be converted! ” Lyra shouts and she makes her way towards your position.

You switch to your sword and ready for your ambush. “You should have joined our team at the start Anon, now you shall be converted to the Bonbon alliance!” Lyra taunts. As her unicorn mage dives out of cover and blasts you with an ice spell. Your health drains to just a sliver, so you charge her, hoping to get to her before her attack recharges, You swing your sword, slicing at her head and decapitating her character.

“Aww yeah! The conversion bureau will never defeat the humans!” You taunt her.

“The what?” Flitter asks.

“I don't know, something that came to mind.” You say dismissively. You turn back to your screen to see a tall furry wolf-like creature coming into your field of vision and clawing into your face. “What?!” Prench looks up from her screen with a cocky smile.

“Marewolf Easter-egg.” She smiles. Before you can do anything...

“My turn!” Loving Care yanks the controller from you grasp and begins to explore the map.

“well I guess she's better.” You smile internally. You watch as the character in the game goes on -what can only be described as- a killing spree. She moves through the alleyways firing arrow after arrow at both team A and team B alike, getting headshot after headshot.

"Aww come on!" Prench yells across the room.

"What's up Prench, Marewolf see sunlight?" You reply childishly.

"Bite me Anon!" She calls over to you. You just give her a sly smile and an eye waggle.

"Come over here and I just might." The room escalates into a chorus of OOOOoooOOOhs as Prench's cheeks light up red. That's a blush! I fucking won that one.

Your attention returns to the screen as the kill count on Loving Care's side is spazing out.

“Care? Are you sure you're not aimboting?” Loving Care just waves her hoof dismissively.

“Anon. Skill comes with experience.” She says, not breaking eye contact with the game. She then turns looks you right in the eye and gives a cocky smile. The screen lights up and you can hear Flitter's 'Come on!' as her Character dies...Okay that was impressive.

"BOOYA! That's what I'm talkin about!"

“Mom?” The game is paused as everyone turns to the door, no one making a sound as Button just stands there rooted to the floor, in awkward silence.

“DIBS ON BUTTON!” Bonbon screams out.

“Yaaaaay!” He gleefully cheers as he runs over to team B's TV and grabs a controller.

“Shit.” You say loudly, earning a cuff on the back of the head by Loving Care.

"Language!"

The rest of the night went by smoothly there were a few capture the flag games, attack and defend, that sort of thing. You all even had a massive cooperative campaign game, which was really fun. However there came a point, where everything must come to an end. And now was that point. Everyone had gone home, leaving their stuff here to be collected tomorrow. Button had gone to bed about an hour ago and it was just you and Loving Care. She was lying on the sofa and you were doing your best you tidy up what you could. So far you'd sorted all of the wires, blankets, devices and other miscellaneous objects into piles based on their owner. You'd also placed most of the left over food and drink in her cupboards and are now finished picking up all of the crap that littered the room.

“Well That's me, Care. I think I'll head out now.” Care Looks down, as if she's going to cry again. “What's wrong?” She looks up to you again.

“Nothing...it's just...can you stay here?” You furrow your brows and give a cocked smile.

“How do you mean?” You asked skeptically.

“Just stay here...with me...I don't want to be alone.” You sigh as you sit down on the sofa.

“You're not alone and you never will be alone.” You wrap your arms around her in a hug.

“I know. Tonight was amazing Anon. I don't think anypony's ever done something like that for me before. It's just...I could still use some company.” She blushes and tries to hide behind her mane, just like that certain yellow mare down the road. “Thank you Anon...I think I've finally done it.”

“Hrmm?”

“I think I can finally move on...completely. after today, there is nothing left holding me back. I think I can finally let go.” She finishes that with a nod and a slow blink. “Thank you Anon. You're a true friend.” You pull her into your side into a hug. one which she doesn't seem to want to let go.

"Uh...care?" You ask.

"Hrmm?"

"You...uh...gonna let me go now?"

"Nope." She says, as she nuzzles into your side. You shrug and kick your legs over the other end of the sofa, allowing you to lie down comfortably. Loving Care quickly falls asleep clutched onto your side, not that you have any objections to this. You decide to follow suit and allow yourself to fall into a blissful sleep. A sleep where you realized you have work in the morning and you've left your uniform at home...

"Fuck."

Author's Note

Okay, Chapter seven....I really don't know what happened with this one.

(Might have something to do with me Finally discovering playing skyrim...yeah.)

this chapter was done a little last minute and was a little rushed. (I'm Reeaally glad I looked over this before Publishing it.)
So if you could just point out any mistakes in any form that I've made. I'd be grateful.

So until next time. Stay awesome (I really haven't said that enough.)