>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]