Author's Note
hey I got inspired by the movie smile and wanted to make this, ok bye enjoy
I wanted to post this around Christmas but i was busy but yeah bye
Hearth's warming gift
It had been a typical day at Sugar Cube Corner. The shop was filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked goods, and the air was tinged with the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar. Pinkie Pie, the star of the place, had woken up early to set up shop and get a head start on baking special treats for Hearth's Warming, like Calisson d'Aix, nougat, and Pompe à l'huile brioche. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with flour dusting the counter tops and colorful sprinkles scattered about. Everything was going smoothly; Pinkie was on schedule and even managed to make extra cakes for her friends to share. But Pinkie wasn't done yet. She continued zipping around the kitchen like a master ballerina, mixing, cooking, and frying with the grace and joy she brought to her work every day. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a golden glow on her as she moved. She was the life of every party, the friend everyone wanted, and the effort she put into every celebration was clear evidence as to why.
After about three hours of cleaning up, she heard a knock at the door, her ears perking up. She quickly put the bowl she was cleaning into the cupboard and called out, "Coming!" in a sing-song voice, bouncing joyfully towards the door. Opening it with a hoof, she exclaimed, "Happy Hearth's Warming!" without warning. The visitor, who turned out to be Derpy Hooves, was taken aback by the enthusiastic greeting but soon joined in the holiday cheer.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Pinkie! I'm just here to deliver the mail," Derpy said with a bright smile as Pinkie opened the door wider. Pinkie, with more holiday spirit than the cheeriest of carolers, happily accepted the mail and returned Derpy's smile.
"Hiya, Derpy! How's your super-duper jolly day going?" Pinkie asked. Derpy responded with a smile and a nod, always happy to see Pinkie Pie working hard. A party in the works meant muffins would be involved, after all.
"I'm doing great! The holiday rush is keeping me busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way," Derpy replied with a chuckle.
"Will you and Dr. Hooves be free on Hearth's Warming? I wouldn't want you both to miss out on all the fun and festivities! It’s gonna be a blast!" Pinkie said, bouncing up and down. Derpy followed Pinkie's movements with her head, her smile growing wider at the mention of Hearth's Warming.
"Yep, but I wanted to know if you'll be making those candy cane muffins from last year. They were so good!" Derpy said, her mouth watering at the thought of the holiday treat.
"Oh, you betcha! I’ve got a special batch planned just for you," Pinkie assured with a wink. But after a few more minutes of cheerful conversation, Derpy knew she had to finish her mail route before getting into trouble.
"Okay, well, bye Pinkie! See you then!" Derpy said with a wave of her hoof before flying off to continue her route.
"See you soon, Derpy!" Pinkie called out, waving until her friend disappeared from view. She grabbed the mail and shut the door behind her with a soft click. With a swift motion of her hoof, she tossed the letters and newspapers onto the counter. She knew she would have to sort through them later to check for bills, party invitations, or other important things. But for now, she had more pressing matters at hoof—decorating the outside of Sugar Cube Corner. Deciding that the mail could wait, she grabbed some paint and set off to get started.
The late afternoon sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a serene twilight over Ponyville. Pinkie busied herself with hanging garlands, stringing lights, and adding festive touches to the storefront. She hummed cheerful Hearth's Warming tunes to herself as she worked, the twinkling lights reflecting in her eyes.
About three hours later, Pinkie returned inside, now sporting pink boots and a cozy winter coat. She had somehow managed to get Christmas lights tangled in her hair, but instead of looking messy, the lights added an extra touch of festivity to her already vibrant appearance. As she shook off the snow from her coat and boots, she glanced at the clock on the wall. It was getting late—9 PM to be exact. Realizing she needed to go through the mail before the Pies got upset, she settled down at the table.
Sitting down, Pinkie began sifting through the stack of mail. The rhythmic crackling of the fireplace gave her a rare feeling of calm and relaxation. Normally, she was too busy and scatterbrained to really take a moment to smell the roses. The warmth of the fire seemed to wrap around her like a comforting blanket, allowing her to momentarily forget the day's hustle and bustle.
Nothing seemed particularly special—just a few invitations to other Hearth's Warming celebrations. She smiled at the thought of all the parties and gatherings, already picturing the joy and laughter they would bring. But then, a headline on the newspaper caught her eye. As she took a closer look, her eyes widened in confusion and terror. The words seemed to leap off the page, shattering the tranquility of the moment. The cozy room felt suddenly cold and heavy, the crackling fire now a distant sound.
Tragedy Strikes Ponyville as Local Earth Pony Commits Suicide
In a heartbreaking incident that has left the small town of Ponyville in mourning, a local earth pony was found dead last night at approximately 8:00 PM. The pony, identified as Clover Fields, was discovered by the local guard after a witness, Clever Pettles, sought help in a desperate attempt to revive him.
According to the witness, Clover Fields was found lying on the floor of his living room, having allegedly stabbed himself with a kitchen knife. Clever Pettles, who had not seen Clover in over three years following their separation due to an argument, recounted the harrowing experience to Ponyville News Daily. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Clover was always so full of life and energy. When I received a letter from him asking to meet up, I immediately agreed and took the quickest train to Ponyville. But when I arrived, he seemed unstable and paranoid, talking about things watching him. I tried to calm him down, but he seemed to space out whenever I tried. It happened when I went to get drinks, and when I came back, I saw him grab a knife and stab himself right in front of me," Clever Pettles said, visibly shaken. After this point, Clever seemed to have a mental breakdown and refused to continue the interview, only muttering the words "that smile..." repeatedly.
A picture accompanying this article shows both Clever and Clover
Clever Pettels
Clover Fields
The community is reeling from the news of Clover's death, with many residents coming together to mourn the loss of a beloved member of the Ponyville family. Our thoughts go out to Clover's friends and family during this difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
Contact your local guard post if you or a loved one shows signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. Remember, suicide is a real problem, and help is available.
Pinkie with her hair now deflated, felt a deep sadness she rarely experienced. It was a feeling she hated, one that could bring a frown to the element of laughter. Although suicide had been an issue before, it didn't happen often. What hurt most was knowing Clever Pettles personally; she had once helped organize his birthday party. Determined to help him, she decided to bring him a treat and keep him company, believing no pony should be alone during Hearth's Warming.
"I need to do something," Pinkie whispered to herself. With resolve in her heart, she carefully selected a batch of her special cupcakes, decorated with festive icing and sprinkles.
With the batch of special cupcakes nestled in a basket, Pinkie Pie stepped out into the crisp winter air. The sky was tinged with shades of pink and orange as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the snow-covered streets of Ponyville. The fresh snow crunched beneath her hooves with each step, creating a rhythm that matched the distant sounds of carolers singing joyous Hearth's Warming songs.
As she walked, she passed by the closed stores lining the main street. Their windows were adorned with festive decorations – twinkling lights, wreaths, and colorful ribbons. Through the frosted glass, she could see shopkeepers inside, preparing their last-minute holiday displays and enjoying the warmth of the inside.
Pinkie glanced into the windows of the houses she passed, catching glimpses of families gathered around their fireplaces, decorating trees, and sharing laughter and stories. The warmth and coziness inside contrasted beautifully with the chilly, serene winter scene outside. She felt a pang of sadness for Clever Pettles, hoping to bring some of this warmth and cheer to him.
As she neared Twilight's Castle of Friendship, she paused to admire the breathtaking sight. The enormous crystal tree castle stood beautifully, its branches adorned with thousands of tiny lights that twinkled like stars in the early evening light. The castle's facade reflected the colors of the setting sun, creating a stunning kaleidoscope of hues that danced across the snow. Pinkie took a deep breath, feeling a sense of awe and wonder wash over her. The sight of the castle always made her feel hopeful and inspired, and she knew that Hearth's Warming was a time to spread that hope to others.
Continuing her journey, Pinkie spotted Rainbow Dash flying overhead, her signature rainbow mane trailing behind her like a comet. Rainbow Dash was bundled up in a cozy scarf, braving the cold with her usual daring spirit. Pinkie waved energetically, and Rainbow Dash waved back, her smile visible even from a distance before she soared back into the sky, leaving a trail of color in her wake.
With renewed energy, Pinkie continued her trek through the snowy streets. The lights and decorations of Ponyville glowed warmly in the twilight, and the cheerful sounds of the season filled her heart with determination. She was on a mission to bring a little light into Clever Pettles' life, and nothing was going to stop her.
Finally, she reached Clever Pettles' house, a modest cottage nestled among the other homes. The windows were dark, and a blanket of snow covered the front steps. Pinkie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her heart in her chest. Though she did not know why, she felt incredibly put off by the cottage before her. Her Pinkie Sense was going off like crazy for no apparent reason, and the eerie look of the place only added to her unease. But in true Pinkie fashion, she pressed on anyway. As she climbed the front steps, she slipped on some ice, the sudden movement startling a couple of crows perched on a nearby lamppost, they cawed and flew off into the night sky.
Steadying herself, Pinkie approached the door, her hoof trembling. Her breath caught in her throat as she knocked gently, the sound echoing ominously throughout the house. From inside, she heard a muffled yelp, followed by the clatter of something being knocked over—perhaps a pot or a piece of furniture. The sound of hooves on hardwood floors quickly approached the door. A few clicks of the lock mechanism echoed in the still night air as the door slowly opened with a creak, revealing the head of Clever Pettles. He looked quite tired and, in a way, very nervous. His glasses hung on his nose, seemingly ready to fall off at any moment. After a moment of silence, Clever recognized his visitor and used his magic to adjust his glasses.
"O-oh hi, Pinkie. What b-brings you here?" Clever stammered, looking Pinkie up and down.
Pinkie forced a bright smile, despite the heaviness in her heart. "Hi, Clever! I heard about what happened, and I thought you might need some company. I brought some of my special cupcakes to cheer you up."
"Oh... thank you," Clever replied, a small smile appearing on his face. But as he looked at the cupcakes, his smile slowly faded into a blank stare, his eyes unfocused. Pinkie didn't need to see his expression to know that his smile had been fake.
"Um? Hello? Equis to Clever Pettles?" Pinkie said, waving her hoof in front of his face, trying to snap him out of his daze.
Clever blinked and shook his head slightly, his eyes refocusing on Pinkie. "Sorry, Pinkie. I just... got lost in thought for a moment. Thank you for coming. It means a lot. Um... would you like to come in? The place is kind of a mess..." Pinkie gave him a reassuring smile and nodded stepping inside and placing the basket of cupcakes on a nearby table.
Now inside the cottage, she could see the terrible shape it was in. The windows were boarded up, and the place was a mess, with knocked down furniture, broken glass, and trash scattered everywhere. There were even holes in the walls. It was deeply disturbing to see the dire state Clever was living in.
"Can I eat one now?" Clever asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
Pinkie blinked in confusion. "Why couldn't you, silly? Dig in!"
Clever nodded slowly, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and despair. "Thanks, Pinkie. You always know how to brighten my day," he said with a small laugh. They found a somewhat clear spot to sit, and Pinkie handed him a cupcake. Both Pinkie and Clever sat in awkward silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. It was clear that Clever was regretting letting company in, but they both ate their cupcakes in silence. The only sound was the faint crackling of the fireplace.
After a few moments, Pinkie broke the silence, her usually vibrant hair deflating slightly. "I'm sorry about Clover..." she said softly, her voice filled with genuine sorrow.
Clever let out a deep sigh, staring off into the distance, avoiding Pinkie's eyes. The pain and loss were evident in his expression. "It's just... so hard to believe he's gone," Clever finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. Pinkie set down her cupcake and, after a few seconds, began speaking.
"I know I'm not the best at having serious conversations with others, but as the super-duper smiley pink pony I am, I know I need to try. If having my friends by my side has taught me anything, it's that it's never too late to try." Pinkie's eyes darted back and forth, still feeling tense for reasons she couldn't quite explain.
"What I'm trying to say is, if you want to talk, I'm here for you." Pinkie offered a nervous smile, hoping to provide some comfort. Clever continued to look into space, but he soon would start to speak
"Do you ever feel like everything is fake... or that this is all just a dream or nightmare?" Clever asked, his blank expression sending a chill through Pinkie.
"What?" Pinkie responded, confused.
"Pinkie, do you ever get those thoughts when you hold a foal or a puppy and a tiny voice in your head tells you to do something terrible?" Clever's voice trembled, his eyes wide with fear. Pinkie wanted to comfort him, but she was frozen in place.
"I keep having bad thoughts. Nothing makes sense. Nowhere feels safe, Pinkie!" Clever's voice grew desperate as he stood, breathing heavily. The room seemed to darken, shadows twisting around them. Pinkie could only stare in terror, her heart racing.
"STOP SMILING!" Clever's sudden outburst made Pinkie jump in fear, her eyes filling with tears. The raw intensity in his voice sent shivers down her spine. Clever shook his head violently, blinking rapidly as if trying to shake off a nightmare.
Just then, Clever's expression shifted. He stared back at Pinkie with a huge, unnatural grin spreading across his face. Tears continued to fall from his eyes, but they did nothing to soften the sinister look. This smile wasn't like any Pinkie had ever seen before. It wasn't the fake, polite kind, nor the genuinely happy kind. This smile was something else entirely—it was malevolent, twisted. Pinkie's heart raced, and a deep sense of dread filled her.
Pinkie prided herself on knowing how someone felt from their smile—whether they were mad, sad, or anything else. But this smile was different. It sent chills through her, making her feel an overwhelming sense of unease. The best description her mind could muster was... evil.
The room seemed to darken around them, the flickering light from the fireplace casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. The air grew colder, and the oppressive atmosphere pressed down on Pinkie, making it hard to breathe. She could feel her Pinkie Sense tingling like never before, warning her of something she couldn't fully comprehend. once again Clever would shake his head breathing heavily. Looking back at Pinkie, Clever's twisted smile vanished, replaced by pure fear. Without a word, he bolted from the room, fleeing into the bathroom.
Pinkie sat there, frozen in terror, trying to comprehend what she had just witnessed. The room felt colder, the shadows darker. Her first instinct was to leave, but as she reached the door, she stopped. She told herself that Clever just needed help, but the terror she felt was overwhelming.
"Come on, Pinkie, when somepony needs you, you help them no matter what! Even if this whole situation is really scary." Determined to help her friend, Pinkie took a deep breath and steeled herself, she couldn't abandon Clever now.
Taking a hesitant step towards the bathroom, Pinkie called out softly, "Clever? Are you okay?" The only response was the sound of muffled sobs from behind the bathroom door. Pinkie didn't know what to do. Should she force herself in or wait in the living room? She was torn, unsure of the right course of action.
Suddenly, the muffled cries stopped, and a voice that sounded both like Clever's and not answered back, sending a chill down her spine. "I'm sorry, everything is fine, Pinkie. You can come in..."
Pinkie felt the urge to run, but she didn't listen to it. Instead, she opened the door, her heart pounding. Waiting for her was Clever, the unnerving smile ever present on his face. Tears streamed down his cheeks once more, but this time, Clever had a razor blade ensnared in his magic, hovering just inches away from his throat.
Pinkie gasped in shock, her heart pounding in her chest. Never in her wildest nightmares had she imagined seeing one of her close friends pushing a blade slowly into his neck right before her eyes.
"Clever, no!" she cried out, her voice trembling with fear and desperation. She reached out, her hooves shaking, unsure of what to do. The sight of the blade so close to Clever's throat filled her with deep, paralyzing dread. She couldn't move no matter how hard she tried; she couldn't look away. Tears streamed down her face as she gasped for air, falling like a waterfall. Soon, Clever's blood would do the same.
"Pinkie, keep your eyes on me, please..." Clever's voice was filled with desperation. Pinkie couldn't look away even if she wanted to. Her eyes were pinpricks, slowly following the blade as it pushed deeper, blood gushing out, the skin ripping. The sound of the blade slicing through flesh was sickening, echoing in her ears. Finally, the blade dropped, leaving a clean, crimson cut on Clever Pettles neck.
Pinkie's heart pounded in her chest, the weight of the situation crashing down on her. The room seemed to close in, the shadows darkening, and the air growing colder. She felt a mix of terror and helplessness, knowing she needed to act but paralyzed by fear. Her mind raced, filled with a whirlwind of emotions—shock, sorrow, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Clever's eyes, once filled with fear, now held a haunting emptiness. He collapsed to the floor, the blood pooling around him. Pinkie forced herself to move, her hooves trembling as she knelt beside him. "Clever, please, stay with me," she pleaded, her voice breaking with emotion.
As she pressed her hooves against the wound, trying to stop the bleeding, the reality of the situation hit her like a tidal wave. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to swallow them both, and yet, despite everything, the twisted smile remained on Clever's face, his eyes locked onto hers as he began to say his last and final words.
"Pinkie, thank you." Pinkie heard this, but she was in too much shock to fully comprehend any external stimuli.
A wave of nausea overcame her, and she couldn't hold it back any longer. She threw up, the sight and smell only adding to the horror. Looking back at the now lifeless body of Clever, she felt lightheaded, her vision blurring. The room spun around her, and she could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Overwhelmed by the terror and grief, Pinkie couldn't fight it any longer. She collapsed to the floor, her mind slipping into unconsciousness.
