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- >You bring up a milkshake and tap it against the one sitting on the table.
- “Thanks for bringing me out, lads.” You say in a raspy voice. “It's always fun to visit again. It's just not the same without the gang, you know?”
- >You bring that triple chocolate mint shake to your lips and chug.
- >By the time you're done, the teeth you have left are aching from the cold, but you ignore it quite well.
- >You set down the glass and look longingly at the other side of the table.
- >On the table is the other milkshake. Vanilla topped with chocolate. Four straws.
- >Just like how your friends always enjoyed them. Together.
- >Well, usually with a much bigger glass, but it's the notion that counts.
- >You were always the odd one out.
- >Odd jobs.
- >Odd life choices.
- >So your friends always called you Odd instead of Anon, but you took it in stride.
- >The sour part was being the last one.
- >They had families, and you had... well...
- >You never got around to it.
- >You were always engrossed in something new, and fun, and interesting.
- >Different jobs all the time. Nothing was out of your reach. You wanted to do everything.
- >So you did.
- >Everything.
- >Except settle down and make a family.
- >And so, here you are.
- >”Heh heh heh! That's not how you eat ice cream silly!”
- >You look to the side, where the voice came from.
- “Hmm?”
- >You can't seem to find anypony that could have said that.
- >”It's all over your muzzle!”
- >You look down to see a pink little filly. Her bright blue eyes looking up to you.
- >She looks like a walking ball of cotton candy.
- >You narrow your focus and see that, well, yes. Your face is covered in whipped cream.
- >You lick it off and smile at the cute little filly.
- “It sure was! Thanks for helping me little one! I must have gotten old and forgot how to eat.”
- >You tussle her hair and she giggles, her bubbly attitude oozing over.
- >”You're silly!”
- “Really? That's a new one. Most call me Odd.” You lean down a bit. “And what's your name, little filly?”
- >”My name's Pinkie Pie!”
- “Pinkie Pie?” You hold your chin. “I haven't heard that name before? Are you new here Pinkie?”
- >”I am! I'm a baker now! And I live here now!”
- “Well that's wonderful. Is your special talent in making the best pies?”
- >She gives that youthful giggle again.
- >Gods above, you wish you could hear that heavenly sound more often.
- >”Nope! I throw parties and bring smiles to everypony! Mr. Cake said you were having a birthday party, and I wanted to help!”
- >You look over to Mr. Cake at the counter, listening to the conversation.
- >He has his forehooves over his head, almost embarrassed by the little one's tact... or lack of.
- >You chuckle.
- “Well, I'm a bit shy. I like to keep it between me and my friends here.”
- >She hops on the table and looks at the photos, then back to you, confused.
- >”I don't get it. They're pictures.”
- >You tussle her hair again.
- “Well, they can't come themselves these days. They're not really around anymore.”
- >”Well it's rude to leave you here alone! A party of one is never fun! Here! I'll be your friend and celebrate with you!”
- >She might be a little too young to... ah, forget it.
- “Well, go ahead and have the shake then. It's not going anywhere.”
- >”Okay!”
- >You grab the pictures you had set up and hastily stuff them in your half-coat's pocket.
- >She hops over and looks at you with those bright eyes of hers, taking a big gulp through all the straws.
- >”So how old are you? I need to know so we can celebrate your birthday right!”
- >You shake your head.
- “Too old, little Pinkie. Age doesn't matter up here.” You poke her with a hoof, eliciting another giggle. “Besides, I don't really want to celebrate my birthday.”
- >She suddenly looks dejected.
- >“B-but... but...”
- “Let's celebrate something better.”
- >”Better?” She asks.
- “Better!” You say. “Birthdays happen every year. But... you're only new to ponies once. How about we throw a little party for you.” You poke her in the chest, and she's listening intently.
- “We could throw you a.... a Ponyville... a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party!”
- >She's jumping in excitement.
- >”Ohmygoshyou'resorightIcan'tbelieveIdidn'tthinkofitIt'ssoobviousthat'ssosmartthankyouthankyounowIcangiveapartytoEVERYPONYthatcomestoPonville-”
- >You're eyes glaze over as you try to keep up with whatever gibberish she's spouting out of that motor mouth of hers.
- >Suddenly, she's at your side and hugging you tightly.
- >”Thank you so much! I promise, I'm going to be your very best friend! I'll throw every party you want!”
- >You hug her back, holding the precious little girl.
- “Well, thank you Pinkie. I could always use a friend.”
- >”I'll be your very best friend! That's a Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my ey- ouch!”
- “I'm sure you will, Pinkie. So, tell me...”
- “Why'd you come to Ponyville?”
- - - -
- >You sit in your humble little home.
- >The record player is running, playing some cheerful ambiance of bird chirps and wind blowing.
- >It helped you have pleasant dreams on tired days like these, when you're laying in your recliner through the afternoon.
- >But you aren't sleeping today.
- >You're looking through the photo album again.
- >You had to get a bigger one, actually.
- >You've been putting more and more photos in the back these days.
- >You're getting older. You're already older than most of the old folk around.
- >You've seen how some ponies go as they age, and some part of you wants to be sure you don't end up the same.
- >But you're not senile.
- >Not yet.
- >As long as you've got your memories, you're still you. You're still here.
- >The past isn't gone yet.
- >The doorbell rings, and you whip your head up.
- >You close the book and place it on the coffee table, wiping your eyes before getting up.
- >You get to the door and fiddle with the handle for a second, then open it up.
- “Pinkie!”
- >”Grampa 'Non!”
- >You pull eachother into a tight hug.
- >Little Pinkie is now well past your withers. She's grown a lot since you first met her.
- >And so has her love for making ponies smile.
- >You can tell she's going to make some young stallion very happy one day.
- >You break the hug.
- “Come on inside, Pinkie.”
- >”But the party is at Sugarcube corner!” She says, but comes in anyways.
- >You smile at her, leading her into the kitchen.
- “I've got a little birthday present for you.”
- >She snickers.
- >”You silly stallion. I'm supposed to get YOU presents!”
- “Heh heh. Well, we both know how 'Odd' I am.”
- >”Yep!” She giggles again.
- >You bring her to the little table in the corner and put your hoof on the unwrapped gift.
- “Here it is.”
- >”It's a book!”
- “Not just any book. It's a-”
- >”Oh! It's all your adventures around the whole world when you were younger!”
- “No.”
- >”A journal of all the times you met the princess!”
- “No, it's-”
- >”A secret diary with the prophecy of the return of Queen Meanie!”
- “No.”
- >You shut her up with a hug before you goes on.
- “It's my recipe book.”
- >She stops shaking and gasps.
- >”Recipe book?!”
- >She flips it open and starts pouring through the pages.
- >”Oh my gosh, this all looks so good!!”
- “Yep. I made pictures so you'd know what you're making.”
- >She keeps reading through and through. For once, she seems completely focused on one thing.
- “It's mostly baked goods. There's some other recipes in the back, but I wanted it to be more of your interests.”
- >”These are all YOUR recipes?!”
- “Well, sort of. I've worked at a lot of restaurants and food...places. I collected a lot of recipes over the years for myself. Couldn't just hoof them out to anypony. I wanted to keep them, for, well...”
- >You sigh.
- “I wanted to give them to somepony very special to me. And I think you're it.”
- >You give her a little kiss on the forehead, and she whips out of the book and squeezes you tight.
- >really tiGHT- WAS THAT A RIB?
- >Wait, no. Your back popped. False alarm.
- >”Thank you grampa 'Non! I'll make everypony the bestest best treats ever! With this-” She puts the book on her back. “-no pony will ever be unsatisfied with their sweets again!”
- “Pinkie, you spoil me. I just wanted you to have that. In case I forget. Also, I made some of your favorites!”
- >”Cupcakes?”
- “Ugly cupcakes!”
- >”Ugly cupcakes!”
- >You grab a plate from the counter and take off the paper wrap, revealing what looks like muffins.
- >Pinkie instantly tears into one, getting the cream filling all over her muzzle.
- “Messy girl.” You mutter.
- >She sheepishly giggles and licks it clean.
- >”Thanks Grampa 'Non. But we should really get to your party.”
- “Okay, okay. I guess we've lingered enough.”
- >She grabs your hoof and you grab your things while she drags you off through the door.
- >”Oh, and 'Non?”
- “Yes Pinkie?”
- >”I hope you have a very happy birthday.”
- “It already is, Pinkie.”
- - - -
- >You roll over in your hospital bed as best you can.
- >The uncomfortable sheet is abrasive against your fur, but it's too cold in the room for you not to cover up.
- >And the pillow is too stiff and thick to lay on without getting a crick in your neck.
- >All in all, you aren't a very happy pony right now.
- >A broken hoof will do that to you.
- >But, today is that special day again.
- >Well, one of them.
- >Pinkie Pie is coming to visit again.
- >She's been visiting more often these days.
- >And you're thankful for it.
- >No one else except your neighbor has visited.
- >You're sure she felt compelled, since she was the one that found you writhing on the floor.
- >She's so nice, but you can tell she doesn't ever want to linger.
- >Still. You should make something for her. You know how busy she is with her shop, and she still went out of her way to help...
- >Oh, you lost track of yourself.
- >”Grampa 'Non?”
- >The door creeks open, and you shift to look.
- “Pinkie Pie.” You say weakly.
- >She trots on in and produces a wrapped package, holding it within your reach.
- >”I brought you a present.”
- >But you couldn't find much more strength than to sit up.
- “Thank you, Pinkie. Maybe... on the counter.” You gesture.
- >She sets it down on the nightstand and looks over you.
- >”Sorry I haven't been able to visit so much, 'Non.”
- >You boop her nose.
- “Don't worry about me, dearie. I'm happy you came at all. I know how busy you are these days with the whole becoming famous bit and your trips away from town.”
- >”I know; I just don't want you to think I forgot about you is all.”
- “Well of course you haven't!” You poke her chest. “You are THE Pinkie Diane Pie. The mare who never forgets a happy birthday, cute-ceanera, or friend. I know that you'd never forget me.”
- >She comes in for a hug, and you hold her there the best you could.
- >You both embrace it for a while; You didn't want to let go. She... well, she's nice enough to let you have it, you supposed.
- >You feel up her muscles before you end it.
- “Pinkie, you've got such big muscles. How did you ever get those?”
- >She snickers playfully.
- >”Partying is a lot of hard work, 'Non. I have to lift lots of stuff all the time.”
- “Well it shows. You're going to make some stallion very happy one day.”
- >She blushes and stands back.
- >”Uh, thanks, 'Non.”
- >She turns around and grabs a cupcake with a little candle already lit. She presents it to you.
- >”Hrr. Thr mrsht imprr...” She sets it on the gift. “The most important part of any birthday party. The cake!”
- “Thanks. I'll have it in a bit.”
- >You glance at the delicious pastry. You can tell just by looking at it that it's your favorite. A recipe you gave her that she somehow made even better.
- >”You don't want to make a wish? Just real quick?”
- >You smile at the girl.
- >She's such a kind soul. Trying to get you to enjoy yourself when you've obviously been quite... expended.
- “Pinkie, I want to hear about you. How are you doing?”
- >She waves her hoof.
- >”Oh, I'm fine.”
- “Really? No new stories of adventure?”
- >”Well.” She snickers. “Remember when everything went whackco for a while? Everything weird and clouds were cotton candy and stuff?”
- >That, you most certainly do.
- “Sure do. My house was floating sideways. Tea time was very difficult to have.”
- >She giggles. “Well, turns out this guy named Discord caused all of that. He does chaos and jokes and stuff. He was a little fun but, well... he's gone again.”
- “Well I'm glad to be saved again by my hero.”
- >”Oooh.” She says bashfully.
- >She looks over at the cupcakes and drops the smile.
- >”'Non, I think you should, you know...” She points.
- >Oh, the candle's just about to start getting wax on the icing.
- >Better take care of that.
- “Whoops.”
- >You blow out the candle, then grab it and spit it into the nearby trash can.
- “Almost wasted a perfectly good cupcake.”
- >She snickers again.
- >”Yep!” She pauses.”So...”
- “So....”
- >”Whatchya wish for?”
- >You smile, gesturing her to come closer.
- >She does and you pull her into a hug.
- “Can't tell you.” You whisper.
- >She shrugs and holds you close as well.
- >You wish...
- >You wish this moment could last forever.
- >It took a lifetime to get to this very moment, and... it was worth it.
- - - -
- >It's Hearts and Hooves day, but you aren't smiling.
- >Maybe later, but not right now.
- >Grampa Anon... he passed away last week.
- >The doctors said it was in his sleep; so, you know it was painless at least.
- >You're sad to see him go, but, well... you were the only one that talked to him regularly at this point.
- >And he couldn't stay forever.
- >It didn't make it hurt any less, though.
- >He was a friend. A good one at that.
- >One of the very first ones you made here in Ponyville.
- >And he's gone.
- >...
- >Mr. Willis and a pony from some company gave you some paperwork when you got here.
- >And 'Non's photo album that he liked to look through all the time.
- >You weren't paying great attention when they gave them to you, but you did catch that 'Non named you in his will.
- >You can imagine why, but it still isn't a great feeling.
- >It almost feels a little perverse. You just wanted to see him smile. You never cared for... this.
- >Still. If he wanted you to have it, then you guess it's yours.
- >You open up the album to the first of the photographs.
- >It was a handsome little colt. Green coat and dark hair with those big eyebrows of his. Surrounded by his friends, all making silly faces.
- >The next was each of his friends with their cutie marks. And finally his own.
- >Then they were older. And, er... the picture quality suddenly took a dive.
- >In the margins 'Non wrote 'bought my first camera here', pointing to a picture of him and his camera in a mirror shot.
- >The pictures improve again after a few more and you can see 'Non with all his friends in suits. Everypony had a date except 'Non.
- >Then some pictures of his friends at parties... in graduation gowns...
- >Then, the group was suddenly one less.
- >Nothing seemed to really change in the group at first. It was one less pony.
- >And then it was two. And the smiles were a little melancholy.
- >Then three. One of the ponies didn't really smile after that.
- >Then four...
- >Then five.
- >It was just 'Non and this one pony for a while. Two older stallions enjoying their time together. Some of the pictures are with what you can only assume is the other stallion's family.
- >They were young and full of life in the pictures, while 'Non and his friend were more muted.
- >And then, it stopped being a pair.
- >For several pages, it's just 'Non taking pictures of himself in nice places.
- >Canterlot, Manehatten, Apploosa, Las Pegasus...
- >But his eyes were all wrong. Like something wasn't right.
- >They were empty, almost. Dull. And the smile... looked unnatural.
- >And you hit an empty page in the middle. For a second, you thought you'd hit the end of how far he'd filled it, but you knew that couldn't be.
- >You turned again, and this beautiful hoof-drawn graphic on the pages read out 'my new best friend'.
- >You turn it over and... hey, that's you! When you first moved here!
- >You had wanted to throw him a birthday party but instead he threw you your very own 'Welcome-to-Ponyville' party!
- >He took a photograph of you chugging that shake.
- >And his eyes. They had that spark.
- >The smile was real again.
- >The next few photographs... when he took you and Applejack to the bowling alley.
- >Oh, there's the time you all built carts for the derpy!
- >A-and when helped you bake cakes for the Cakes' own wedding anniversary!
- >He has the biggest smile in these pictures. Looking at them, you don't think you've seen anypony smile that big or bright.
- >There's the time a bunch of rabbits ruined his garden and you helped plant everything again.
- >He was pretty upset at the bunnies that year. You're pretty sure that's the same year Fluttershy found Angel, too.
- >Then there's when he took you hiking up to the top of Canterlot mountain!
- >You pour through the pictures, nearly reliving each of the memories yourself.
- >You finally reach the end, and the very last one is another copy of that first picture. It's center top of the page, with a red note filling up the rest of the page.
- >'Dear Pinkie,
- >'I want you to know what these times we've had are some of the best of my life.
- >'When you first came to Ponyville, I saw a bright little filly with a sense of wonder and opportunity.
- >'To this day, I still see that little filly. With those bright blue eyes and wild pink hair.
- >'I've watched you grow up into the beautiful young mare, trying so hard to make this world a brighter, happier place.
- >'So please, believe me when I tell you; You're the very reason I smiled for so many years.
- >'Every time you walked through the door, no matter what mood I was in, you brought me to life again.
- >'I can only pray that you know just how invaluable you are. You're the very definition of a blessing.
- >'So I wrote you into my will with one small request.
- >'I have no heirs, so I would have given my things to charity, but I feel you deserve something for all the effort you put into helping me.
- >'The one thing I want to ask, Pinkie, is a promise; You'll keep doing as you do. That you'll use what I give you to give smiles to everypony.
- >'I want the world to be able to feel the happiness I felt when you came through that door on those lonely days.
- >'And I want you to know that you are the very best friend I've ever had.
- >'Your friend,
- >'Anon Y. Mous
- >You can hardly read through the tears in your eyes.
- >You knew you meant a lot to 'Non, but... it seems like you never knew just how much.
- >From the looks of it, you were the only one holding him up at all.
- >And that meant the world to him.
- >That is exactly what you wanted to do. To bring smiles to everypony. Especially those that need it the most.
- >You know what, 'Non? Pinkiemena Diane Pie is going to take what you give and make sure that everypony gets the real smile they deserve.
- >You close the book and grab one of the pieces of paperwork.
- >Let's see... this is a... life insurance policy. Whole life. You're the benefactor and you're supposed to go to Canterlot and see their representative to... claim...
- [spoiler]>H- HOW MANY ZEROES IS THAT?[/spoiler]
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