GREEN
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3403 19.05 KB 334
3403 19.05 KB 334
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>You bring up a milkshake and tap it against the one sitting on the table.
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“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?”
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>You bring that triple chocolate mint shake to your lips and chug.
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>By the time you're done, the teeth you have left are aching from the cold, but you ignore it quite well.
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>You set down the glass and look longingly at the other side of the table.
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>On the table is the other milkshake. Vanilla topped with chocolate. Four straws.
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>Just like how your friends always enjoyed them. Together.
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>Well, usually with a much bigger glass, but it's the notion that counts.
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>You were always the odd one out.
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>Odd jobs.
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>Odd life choices.
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>So your friends always called you Odd instead of Anon, but you took it in stride.
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>The sour part was being the last one.
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>They had families, and you had... well...
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>You never got around to it.
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>You were always engrossed in something new, and fun, and interesting.
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>Different jobs all the time. Nothing was out of your reach. You wanted to do everything.
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>So you did.
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>Everything.
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>Except settle down and make a family.
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>And so, here you are.
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>”Heh heh heh! That's not how you eat ice cream silly!”
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>You look to the side, where the voice came from.
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“Hmm?”
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>You can't seem to find anypony that could have said that.
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>”It's all over your muzzle!”
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>You look down to see a pink little filly. Her bright blue eyes looking up to you.
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>She looks like a walking ball of cotton candy.
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>You narrow your focus and see that, well, yes. Your face is covered in whipped cream.
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>You lick it off and smile at the cute little filly.
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“It sure was! Thanks for helping me little one! I must have gotten old and forgot how to eat.”
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>You tussle her hair and she giggles, her bubbly attitude oozing over.
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>”You're silly!”
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“Really? That's a new one. Most call me Odd.” You lean down a bit. “And what's your name, little filly?”
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>”My name's Pinkie Pie!”
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“Pinkie Pie?” You hold your chin. “I haven't heard that name before? Are you new here Pinkie?”
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>”I am! I'm a baker now! And I live here now!”
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“Well that's wonderful. Is your special talent in making the best pies?”
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>She gives that youthful giggle again.
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>Gods above, you wish you could hear that heavenly sound more often.
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>”Nope! I throw parties and bring smiles to everypony! Mr. Cake said you were having a birthday party, and I wanted to help!”
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>You look over to Mr. Cake at the counter, listening to the conversation.
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>He has his forehooves over his head, almost embarrassed by the little one's tact... or lack of.
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>You chuckle.
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“Well, I'm a bit shy. I like to keep it between me and my friends here.”
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>She hops on the table and looks at the photos, then back to you, confused.
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>”I don't get it. They're pictures.”
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>You tussle her hair again.
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“Well, they can't come themselves these days. They're not really around anymore.”
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>”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!”
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>She might be a little too young to... ah, forget it.
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“Well, go ahead and have the shake then. It's not going anywhere.”
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>”Okay!”
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>You grab the pictures you had set up and hastily stuff them in your half-coat's pocket.
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>She hops over and looks at you with those bright eyes of hers, taking a big gulp through all the straws.
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>”So how old are you? I need to know so we can celebrate your birthday right!”
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>You shake your head.
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“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.”
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>She suddenly looks dejected.
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>“B-but... but...”
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“Let's celebrate something better.”
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>”Better?” She asks.
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“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.
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“We could throw you a.... a Ponyville... a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party!”
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>She's jumping in excitement.
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>”Ohmygoshyou'resorightIcan'tbelieveIdidn'tthinkofitIt'ssoobviousthat'ssosmartthankyouthankyounowIcangiveapartytoEVERYPONYthatcomestoPonville-”
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>You're eyes glaze over as you try to keep up with whatever gibberish she's spouting out of that motor mouth of hers.
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>Suddenly, she's at your side and hugging you tightly.
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>”Thank you so much! I promise, I'm going to be your very best friend! I'll throw every party you want!”
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>You hug her back, holding the precious little girl.
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“Well, thank you Pinkie. I could always use a friend.”
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>”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!”
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“I'm sure you will, Pinkie. So, tell me...”
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“Why'd you come to Ponyville?”
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- - -
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>You sit in your humble little home.
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>The record player is running, playing some cheerful ambiance of bird chirps and wind blowing.
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>It helped you have pleasant dreams on tired days like these, when you're laying in your recliner through the afternoon.
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>But you aren't sleeping today.
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>You're looking through the photo album again.
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>You had to get a bigger one, actually.
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>You've been putting more and more photos in the back these days.
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>You're getting older. You're already older than most of the old folk around.
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>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.
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>But you're not senile.
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>Not yet.
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>As long as you've got your memories, you're still you. You're still here.
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>The past isn't gone yet.
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>The doorbell rings, and you whip your head up.
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>You close the book and place it on the coffee table, wiping your eyes before getting up.
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>You get to the door and fiddle with the handle for a second, then open it up.
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“Pinkie!”
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>”Grampa 'Non!”
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>You pull eachother into a tight hug.
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>Little Pinkie is now well past your withers. She's grown a lot since you first met her.
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>And so has her love for making ponies smile.
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>You can tell she's going to make some young stallion very happy one day.
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>You break the hug.
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“Come on inside, Pinkie.”
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>”But the party is at Sugarcube corner!” She says, but comes in anyways.
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>You smile at her, leading her into the kitchen.
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“I've got a little birthday present for you.”
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>She snickers.
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>”You silly stallion. I'm supposed to get YOU presents!”
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“Heh heh. Well, we both know how 'Odd' I am.”
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>”Yep!” She giggles again.
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>You bring her to the little table in the corner and put your hoof on the unwrapped gift.
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“Here it is.”
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>”It's a book!”
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“Not just any book. It's a-”
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>”Oh! It's all your adventures around the whole world when you were younger!”
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“No.”
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>”A journal of all the times you met the princess!”
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“No, it's-”
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>”A secret diary with the prophecy of the return of Queen Meanie!”
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“No.”
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>You shut her up with a hug before you goes on.
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“It's my recipe book.”
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>She stops shaking and gasps.
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>”Recipe book?!”
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>She flips it open and starts pouring through the pages.
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>”Oh my gosh, this all looks so good!!”
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“Yep. I made pictures so you'd know what you're making.”
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>She keeps reading through and through. For once, she seems completely focused on one thing.
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“It's mostly baked goods. There's some other recipes in the back, but I wanted it to be more of your interests.”
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>”These are all YOUR recipes?!”
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“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...”
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>You sigh.
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“I wanted to give them to somepony very special to me. And I think you're it.”
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>You give her a little kiss on the forehead, and she whips out of the book and squeezes you tight.
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>really tiGHT- WAS THAT A RIB?
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>Wait, no. Your back popped. False alarm.
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>”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!”
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“Pinkie, you spoil me. I just wanted you to have that. In case I forget. Also, I made some of your favorites!”
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>”Cupcakes?”
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“Ugly cupcakes!”
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>”Ugly cupcakes!”
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>You grab a plate from the counter and take off the paper wrap, revealing what looks like muffins.
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>Pinkie instantly tears into one, getting the cream filling all over her muzzle.
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“Messy girl.” You mutter.
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>She sheepishly giggles and licks it clean.
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>”Thanks Grampa 'Non. But we should really get to your party.”
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“Okay, okay. I guess we've lingered enough.”
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>She grabs your hoof and you grab your things while she drags you off through the door.
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>”Oh, and 'Non?”
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“Yes Pinkie?”
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>”I hope you have a very happy birthday.”
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“It already is, Pinkie.”
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- - -
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>You roll over in your hospital bed as best you can.
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>The uncomfortable sheet is abrasive against your fur, but it's too cold in the room for you not to cover up.
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>And the pillow is too stiff and thick to lay on without getting a crick in your neck.
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>All in all, you aren't a very happy pony right now.
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>A broken hoof will do that to you.
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>But, today is that special day again.
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>Well, one of them.
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>Pinkie Pie is coming to visit again.
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>She's been visiting more often these days.
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>And you're thankful for it.
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>No one else except your neighbor has visited.
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>You're sure she felt compelled, since she was the one that found you writhing on the floor.
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>She's so nice, but you can tell she doesn't ever want to linger.
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>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...
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>Oh, you lost track of yourself.
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>”Grampa 'Non?”
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>The door creeks open, and you shift to look.
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“Pinkie Pie.” You say weakly.
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>She trots on in and produces a wrapped package, holding it within your reach.
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>”I brought you a present.”
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>But you couldn't find much more strength than to sit up.
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“Thank you, Pinkie. Maybe... on the counter.” You gesture.
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>She sets it down on the nightstand and looks over you.
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>”Sorry I haven't been able to visit so much, 'Non.”
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>You boop her nose.
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“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.”
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>”I know; I just don't want you to think I forgot about you is all.”
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“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.”
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>She comes in for a hug, and you hold her there the best you could.
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>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.
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>You feel up her muscles before you end it.
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“Pinkie, you've got such big muscles. How did you ever get those?”
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>She snickers playfully.
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>”Partying is a lot of hard work, 'Non. I have to lift lots of stuff all the time.”
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“Well it shows. You're going to make some stallion very happy one day.”
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>She blushes and stands back.
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>”Uh, thanks, 'Non.”
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>She turns around and grabs a cupcake with a little candle already lit. She presents it to you.
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>”Hrr. Thr mrsht imprr...” She sets it on the gift. “The most important part of any birthday party. The cake!”
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“Thanks. I'll have it in a bit.”
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>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.
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>”You don't want to make a wish? Just real quick?”
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>You smile at the girl.
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>She's such a kind soul. Trying to get you to enjoy yourself when you've obviously been quite... expended.
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“Pinkie, I want to hear about you. How are you doing?”
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>She waves her hoof.
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>”Oh, I'm fine.”
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“Really? No new stories of adventure?”
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>”Well.” She snickers. “Remember when everything went whackco for a while? Everything weird and clouds were cotton candy and stuff?”
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>That, you most certainly do.
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“Sure do. My house was floating sideways. Tea time was very difficult to have.”
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>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.”
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“Well I'm glad to be saved again by my hero.”
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>”Oooh.” She says bashfully.
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>She looks over at the cupcakes and drops the smile.
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>”'Non, I think you should, you know...” She points.
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>Oh, the candle's just about to start getting wax on the icing.
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>Better take care of that.
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“Whoops.”
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>You blow out the candle, then grab it and spit it into the nearby trash can.
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“Almost wasted a perfectly good cupcake.”
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>She snickers again.
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>”Yep!” She pauses.”So...”
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“So....”
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>”Whatchya wish for?”
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>You smile, gesturing her to come closer.
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>She does and you pull her into a hug.
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“Can't tell you.” You whisper.
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>She shrugs and holds you close as well.
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>You wish...
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>You wish this moment could last forever.
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>It took a lifetime to get to this very moment, and... it was worth it.
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- - -
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>It's Hearts and Hooves day, but you aren't smiling.
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>Maybe later, but not right now.
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>Grampa Anon... he passed away last week.
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>The doctors said it was in his sleep; so, you know it was painless at least.
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>You're sad to see him go, but, well... you were the only one that talked to him regularly at this point.
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>And he couldn't stay forever.
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>It didn't make it hurt any less, though.
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>He was a friend. A good one at that.
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>One of the very first ones you made here in Ponyville.
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>And he's gone.
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>...
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>Mr. Willis and a pony from some company gave you some paperwork when you got here.
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>And 'Non's photo album that he liked to look through all the time.
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>You weren't paying great attention when they gave them to you, but you did catch that 'Non named you in his will.
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>You can imagine why, but it still isn't a great feeling.
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>It almost feels a little perverse. You just wanted to see him smile. You never cared for... this.
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>Still. If he wanted you to have it, then you guess it's yours.
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>You open up the album to the first of the photographs.
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>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.
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>The next was each of his friends with their cutie marks. And finally his own.
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>Then they were older. And, er... the picture quality suddenly took a dive.
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>In the margins 'Non wrote 'bought my first camera here', pointing to a picture of him and his camera in a mirror shot.
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>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.
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>Then some pictures of his friends at parties... in graduation gowns...
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>Then, the group was suddenly one less.
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>Nothing seemed to really change in the group at first. It was one less pony.
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>And then it was two. And the smiles were a little melancholy.
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>Then three. One of the ponies didn't really smile after that.
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>Then four...
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>Then five.
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>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.
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>They were young and full of life in the pictures, while 'Non and his friend were more muted.
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>And then, it stopped being a pair.
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>For several pages, it's just 'Non taking pictures of himself in nice places.
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>Canterlot, Manehatten, Apploosa, Las Pegasus...
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>But his eyes were all wrong. Like something wasn't right.
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>They were empty, almost. Dull. And the smile... looked unnatural.
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>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.
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>You turned again, and this beautiful hoof-drawn graphic on the pages read out 'my new best friend'.
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>You turn it over and... hey, that's you! When you first moved here!
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>You had wanted to throw him a birthday party but instead he threw you your very own 'Welcome-to-Ponyville' party!
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>He took a photograph of you chugging that shake.
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>And his eyes. They had that spark.
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>The smile was real again.
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>The next few photographs... when he took you and Applejack to the bowling alley.
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>Oh, there's the time you all built carts for the derpy!
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>A-and when helped you bake cakes for the Cakes' own wedding anniversary!
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>He has the biggest smile in these pictures. Looking at them, you don't think you've seen anypony smile that big or bright.
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>There's the time a bunch of rabbits ruined his garden and you helped plant everything again.
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>He was pretty upset at the bunnies that year. You're pretty sure that's the same year Fluttershy found Angel, too.
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>Then there's when he took you hiking up to the top of Canterlot mountain!
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>You pour through the pictures, nearly reliving each of the memories yourself.
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>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.
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>'Dear Pinkie,
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>'I want you to know what these times we've had are some of the best of my life.
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>'When you first came to Ponyville, I saw a bright little filly with a sense of wonder and opportunity.
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>'To this day, I still see that little filly. With those bright blue eyes and wild pink hair.
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>'I've watched you grow up into the beautiful young mare, trying so hard to make this world a brighter, happier place.
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>'So please, believe me when I tell you; You're the very reason I smiled for so many years.
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>'Every time you walked through the door, no matter what mood I was in, you brought me to life again.
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>'I can only pray that you know just how invaluable you are. You're the very definition of a blessing.
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>'So I wrote you into my will with one small request.
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>'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.
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>'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.
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>'I want the world to be able to feel the happiness I felt when you came through that door on those lonely days.
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>'And I want you to know that you are the very best friend I've ever had.
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>'Your friend,
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>'Anon Y. Mous
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>You can hardly read through the tears in your eyes.
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>You knew you meant a lot to 'Non, but... it seems like you never knew just how much.
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>From the looks of it, you were the only one holding him up at all.
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>And that meant the world to him.
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>That is exactly what you wanted to do. To bring smiles to everypony. Especially those that need it the most.
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>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.
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>You close the book and grab one of the pieces of paperwork.
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>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...
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[spoiler]>H- HOW MANY ZEROES IS THAT?[/spoiler]
by NewFagAlphaCentauri
by NewFagAlphaCentauri
by NewFagAlphaCentauri
by NewFagAlphaCentauri
by NewFagAlphaCentauri