Quick side note: This is just my interpretation of what happened exactly after that game ended. This isn't canon.

I've put the episode up above if you wanna refresh your memory, but the ending is the crucial part.

Lastly, this is a prequel, so you might catch little details here and there that were present in my other book.

Warning: Tad mentions of swears in here.

Aftermath

Captain dismisses the group one by one with invitations to his upcoming picnic festivities, all except Veteran, who he still held a steady grudge at, bitter over his platonic rivalry.

Shortly after, Veteran found himself to be the only one in the lobby and shook his head while chuckling.

Veteran: Classic Captain. You'd think he'd move on from this, but he still persists. Dude needs to learn boundaries, that's for sure.

At the blink of an eye, Player flashed in a bright light signalling his return to the usual dreary lobby.

Veteran was just about to exit, when that familiar sound caught his attention.

Veteran: Player?

Veteran rushed over to him and started to relay any information he might have missed.

Veteran: Man, you're never gonna believe what just happened after that recent game! Mr. Cheese went on a bloody massacre and went absolutely ham on that mini robot, Qwop, or whatever his name was!

Player remained silent in response and gave a blank stare, much to Veteran's obliviousness and he continued on.

Veteran: Fists were flying and he kicked the ever-living shit out of it, all the while saying "How's it feel to be trash, huh, midget Wall-E ripoff!?"

Veteran howled with laughter while Player was still motionless barely giving any thought to the news.

Veteran: The best part is that he wielded the Impostor knife and just started stabbing him at light speed. It got so bad that TheGentleman eventually had to step in and restrain him by slap-

Veteran, recovering from his fit of wheezing, finally noticed the almost lifeless Player.

His smile wore off almost completely as he glanced and inspected him in greater detail.

Veteran: Buddy? You doing okay?

No response.

Veteran: Hey, if you wanted me to stop talking, you could've just said. I know violence isn't the most humourous topic discussion. You can talk to me, as your best friend, right?

Immediately after, tears began to well up in Player's visor, and Veteran's expression turned into that of concern for his ketchup fellow.

Veteran: Wait...are you...cry-

Veteran was interrupted by a blaring shriek coming from Player, no longer able to hide his pain from his previous experience with Qwerty.

He flopped down to the floor and curled up into a tiny red dot, emitting a large puddle of salty liquid.

Veteran felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching his poor best friend breakdown in a complete mess and felt compelled to help in a more endearing tone than normal.

Veteran: Hey, hey, hey, buddy! It's gonna be oka-

Player: NO IT'S NOT, VETERAN! IT NEVER WILL BE!

Veteran: That's obviously not true.

Player: HOW DO YOU KNOW!? MY DREAM OF WINNING EVEN A SINGLE STUPID GAME WAS CRUSHED AGAIN, AND I WAS SO CLOSE! IT WAS PRACTICALLY DANGLING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

Veteran: I thought you were used to losing, though.

Player: NO, I NEVER WAS! ESPECIALLY WHEN BULLSHIT LIKE THAT STARTED SCREWING ME OVER LONG BEFORE THIS!

Veteran knew that it probably wasn't best to engage further and left him to release any more steam built up within him.

It took a good few minutes, but Player eventually regained his composure, still sniffling every now and then accompanied by a tear prickling and falling down his cheek.

Veteran: Hey, dude. I'm sorry if I pressured you like that. I'm not experienced when dealing with people who are upset, y'know?

Player: It's honestly fine, man. I'm sorry if I overreacted, back there.

Veteran: Don't get worked up about me. It's you that I'm worried about!

Player: Really?

Veteran: Of course! Why did you think I stayed behind and be the last one to say goodbye? That's what best friends are for, right?

Veteran knelt down beside Player and he gave a genuine smile in return, wishing to discuss further about his arising issue.

Player: Yeah, I guess they are.

Veteran: Man, I had no idea you were so agitated about every single time you failed!

Player: I kinda over-exaggerated in my outburst, back there. Maybe aside from one little detail.

Veteran's curiosity peaked at Player's statement and he wondered for a brief moment.

Veteran: Which is?

Player: Being extremely close to winning this time. I believe that was the closest I ever came to actually doing it. And it was probably the reason I burst into tears.

Veteran's interest gradually grew and he decided to let Player continue his lament.

Player: I was absolutely golden at the home stretch, just one kill away. My heart pounding at the thought of finally coming in first place. Then Qwerty caused havoc because of a malfunction and tricked me into thinking that Hornsly was right in front of me. That, right there, sealed my fate as he launched me off The Skeld and exploded Navigation. One kill, Veteran. One bastarding kill and that would have been it.

Veteran: Player, I-

Player quickly interrupted Veteran and continued on.

Player: That's not the only time this has happened. Even before I invited you to join, I was in a game with Mother and Bro ready to vote one or the other out for the win. Unfortunately, just as luck would have it, Mr. Cheese, who was already voted out, gave away my identity by flinging himself back on The Skeld, breaking all kinds of logic.

Player emitted a shaky sigh. He was almost ready to breakdown again, but kept his composure.

Player: Just think, 150 losses and counting, ending tonight, with one legendary victory. I would have cheered like crazy and screamed with pure joy and delight, knowing my goal had finally been achieved. I would have told you, Captain, all my friends about it with excitement. Hell, I'd volunteer to return to the Cheater's Lobby and tell Sir Clogsworth and Angel the good news. We probably would've even celebrated with a pizza party, knowing Captain. What a perfect ending, don't you agree, pal?

Veteran: Oh, geez man...I'm flabbergasted and speechless...I'm sorry for all the pain you're going through, right now.

Player: It's totally fine, like I said, Vete-

Veteran: WE COULD HAVE HAD AN AWESOME PIZZA PARTY! DAMNIT!

Player somewhat cheered up with a slight giggle, knowing Veteran's insane eating habits, with Veteran soon to follow with a hearty guffaw.

Veteran: Besides that, I sympathise with you all the way to the end.

Player: Thanks, bestie.

Veteran quickly looked to see if a certain marshmallow coloured bean hadn't suddenly appeared out of thin air.

Veteran: Careful, dude. You'll anger Captain if you say that next time he's here.

Player wholesomely laughed alongside his best bud, once more, coming out from his depressed state before Veteran broke the amusing tone, with a rather serious tone, but still somewhat calm and composed.

Veteran: Y'know what strikes me as odd about you?

Player: Hm?

Player's eyes widened at his upcoming revealing take on him at that moment, and he listened attentively.

Veteran: You never give up! Even in the bleakest and darkest of times, you always get back up off the ground and fight to the end. I haven't seen anyone as diligent or resilient as you are, dude! That's certainly a trait that comes in handy especially when playing video games. Most people I know just pussy out and quit because they can't take the pressure of losing. But, you're completely different from them. It's what makes you stand out from the rest of this crew. It's what makes you who you truly are. If no-one has told you that, then I will!

Player: My dad already did...

Veteran hung his head in embarrassment at that point not knowing that information was already brought to light.

Veteran: Oh...

Player: ...but, hearing it from you really brightens my day.

Veteran broke out of the disappointment and continued on with a pleasant smile across his oval face.

Veteran: Even if you have this 'curse' of a losing streak, you'll break it eventually; somehow. I can't predict the future, none of us can, let's be real. It might not be tomorrow, it might not be next week, next month, hell, even the next year. But, I can guarantee that if you continue with that knowledge of fighting for the good stuff in life, you'll be able to show your true colours and achieve that sweet victory you so desperately desire. I promise. I'm so confident that if it doesn't happen and you leave for good, I'll forever change my username to be called 'Loser' or 'Noob', so...please don't let me change it.

Tears began to form underneath Player's visor again from hearing such a heartfelt speech from the Mustard Menace, and Veteran held his arms out for a well-needed heartwarming hug to which Player returned the favour.

Player: I'm so glad you're in my life, buddy. I honestly have no idea what I'd do without you.

Veteran: Whatever happens, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Player smiled once again, knowing his relationship has blossomed ever since they first met. Veteran took a moment to grasp his surroundings and was disgusted by the scenery.

Veteran: God, this place couldn't get any more depressing, could it?

Veteran clicked his fingers at a brilliant idea to cheer Player up. Patting Player's back, Veteran stated his plan.

Veteran: Tell you what, I'll book us a reservation at Outback Steakhouse tonight at 6pm. I'll pay for the entire thing!

Player: No way! That's my favourite restaurant! How did you know?

Veteran simply tapped his forehead with his index finger bearing a cheeky grin.

Veteran: I may have a goldfish memory, but I certainly can't forget about you.

Player: But won't it seem like a date if we're together?

Veteran: Trust me, if anyone says that, I'll knock their lights out! (Sorry, GalaxRavenSkies)

Veteran punched the palm of one his hands with his fist at the moment he mentioned the word, 'knock'.

Player felt satisfied and was prepared to exit out of the lobby, but he decided to inquire Veteran about a certain topic that was on his mind.

Player: I was so out of it, back there. Do you mind telling me about what happened with Qwerty after that last game?

Veteran: Oh, yeah, sure thing! Anyways, Mr. Cheese laid absolute waste to the mini robot and then-

Their conversation was cut off by them finally exiting the lobby for good.

A/n: Sorry it's not longer, but I didn't intend for this to go longer honestly.

One reason I wanted to do this is because this is my 2nd favourite episode behind the No-Visor Finale. I'll wait until the No-Visor Epilogue releases before I make a decision as to come up with a new story.

Hope you enjoyed, anyways.