The Support of a True, True Friend
Pinkamena Diane Pie - or much more preferably Pinkie Pie. The extraordinaire baker and one of the premier party planners of her generation.
Pinkie Pie has always been a bit of a... "unique case" even to her closest friends. Not to say this is a bad thing, but Pinkie certainly had traits no other creature could be capable of surpassing.
With a seemingly endless supply of energy, the ability to literally materialize herself and random objects into appearance, a near photographic memory when it came to events, anniversaries, or a creature's favorite kind of parties, and most importantly - the ability to turn almost any frown upside down with her contagiously bubbly demeanor, Pinkie's truly a one-of-a-kind presence. She loves making new friends wherever she goes and her devotion to cheering up others made her a welcomed sight to the citizens of Ponyville, and of course, her best friends in the whole wide world.
Though that's not to say there are some disadvantages to Pinkie's persona. While she often tried to make others smile or laugh, there was also a lack of awareness when someone didn't want to be bothered by her. If a creature was sad or angry and didn't want a party, Pinkie would often go to the well-beyond extreme to pour her heart out to them - which had admittedly backfired on several instances. In addition to that, Pinkie also seemed to lack a lot of the social cues and boundaries that others possessed - even she herself could tell you that she often spoke whatever was on her mind without really thinking through it. Be it through accidentally hurting one of her friends when they were upset, her sometimes scatterbrained quirks causing annoyances, or just simply not knowing what the definition of "the right place at the right time is", her extroverted personality could be both a blessing and a curse.
That doesn't mean Pinkie's a bad pony though - furthest thing from the truth as a matter of fact. As her closest friends could attest, even though Pinkie had the ability to frustrate and baffle them at the worst of times, they knew that she had one of the biggest hearts in Equestria. Always having the best intentions, her positives outweighed her negatives every day.
For every antic and prank she pulled, there were cleverly well-crafted parties catered to every creature she met; for every slip of the tongue she made, there was those decadent pastries and desserts she would bake specifically for anyone, anytime they asked; for every invasion of personal space, there were genuine apologies and a desire to learn and grow.
Pinkie Pie wasn't perfect - not by any stretch of the imagination she carried, but she was the bubbly, over-affectionate mare that came to be loved by so many. Still, others often were curious as to the reasoning for her spontaneous spirit - a mystery she herself couldn't explain.
Until about a week or so ago.
As Pinkie began cleaning the counters of the ever so sweet and charming confectionery landmark that was Sugarcube Corner, she began remembering her recent examination with a brand new doctor - and boy oh boy was it an experience not even a twitchy tail could predict.
Her trusted physician having retired, this new stallion wanted to get to know his new patient better by having her fill out a long self-evaluation survey. Pinkie didn't know what the test was for specifically, but she knew there was a LOT of questions - a task that the bouncy and impatient mare regretted doing. Still though, he seemed nice enough, so she figured the least she could do was fill out each of the painfully boring questions as honestly as she could.
Having handed the results back to the receptionist and undergoing the standard routines a normal doctor would go through during a check-up - though he seemed absolutely shocked by the number of sweets she told him she consumed daily ("What? 15 cupcakes a day isn't normal?! Where has this guy been living?" she thought), she was prepared to thank him for his time before he stopped her, glancing over her survey with an intrigued expression. She could still hear his fascinated voice.
"Well Pinkie, it seems... huh. Oh... well, I'll be... that explains.. huh."
"What? Is something wrong? Am I going to die?! How many more eclairs can I have? What about the Cakes?!" she began panicking.
"No, no. Pinkie. You're perfectly... well, healthy for a mare who consumes nothing but sugar." he reassured, giving her a slightly warm smile.
"Phew." she sighed, thankful she would live to see another pie.
"But I must ask... you filled out these questions truthfully?" he wavered.
"Yepperooni," she smiled before she prodded a hoof to her chin. "At least as best as I could."
He smiled before glancing back at a large folder with her name on it. She guessed it was so big because she was such an excellent patient.
"Well, Pinkie... looking at your test here, observing your previous examinations and medical history, and going over this brain x-ray your previous doctor did years ago... I'm surprised he never told you this, but..."
"Pinkie, I'm here to say that you are autistic."
Pinkie tilted her head in confusion before she giggled at him, prodding him with a hoof.
"Well, I don't wanna toot my own mane, but I can draw a pretty good cat."
The doctor shook his head.
"No Pinkie, not 'artistic', you have Autism."
Pinkie's smile fell as her bewildering face met his once again.
"Autism? What's that?"
The doctor sighed, wondering why her previous physician never spoke this news towards his patient. Though seeing the over-abundance of her cheerfulness combined with her sometimes oblivious nature was probably a pretty good clue. Not a good excuse mind you, but a clue nonetheless.
"Autism is a mental disability that someone is born with. It causes a creature to perceive social situations and communication practices differently."
Being speechless for once, Pinkie allowed the doctor to continue as she took this in.
"Tell me Pinkie. Have you ever felt like you've said the wrong thing at the wrong time? Like you've spoken without thinking?"
Pinkie nodded her head rapidly. "Yeah. My friends tell me I do that a lot."
The doctor continued.
"Have you noticed yourself invading others' personal boundaries or rapidly trying to push them into a conversation?"
Pinkie nodded again. "Uh huh. Though... sometimes my friends get angry when I do that." she looked down in a sad display.
The doctor sympathetically nodded, before asking one more question, this time in a much softer tone.
"Have you noticed that you're sometimes different from the way others interact?"
Pinkie felt her gaze lower even more as her ears fell flat.
"Yeah... but I always thought it was because I'm special. Because I'm Pinkie Pie."
The stallion offered a reassuring hoof over the pink pony's sulking form, encouraging her to perk up ever so slightly.
"Pinkie Pie, you are a special pony, very special indeed. I've heard about your parties and your smiles from my co-workers and I can tell you that very few creatures, if any, can do what you do best. Just because you have Autism doesn't change who you are, rather it compliments it."
Pinkie sniffed weakly. "Really?"
"Certainly so. Everyone has different things about them. From disorders and disabilities, to other quirks and unique characteristics, it doesn't change that we are all living beings. We all have things we have or go through, so you're not alone or any less important."
Pinkie gave off a small appreciative smile, liking this new doctor more and more by the minute.
"So... what should I do?" she questioned.
"Well, others with Autism often seek counseling or therapy if they are having a rough time, though seeing how high-functioning you seem to be, it's totally up to you - I'll just offer you a reference to a counselor should you ever want it. If I were you, I'd let your closest friends know what's going on so they can help you as well."
The pink pony visibly recoiled a bit at that, not too keen on that last suggestion.
"But what if they don't like me anymore because of my Autism?"
The stallion could only give a hearty hum as he looked at the pony with a reassuring smile.
"If they're your real friends, they wouldn't love you any less."
Now Pinkie was sure she'd want to see this doctor again; though, she now knew in her head that there was a reason why she was so hyper and occasionally awkward - and she had to break this news to her friends.
"Thank you Doctor." she said somberly as she exited her way out of the room.
He merely chuckled in response.
"You can do it, Pinkie Pie."
Now as she was polishing off every tabletop she could find in the establishment, she reflected on her newfound discovery and the responses it gave.
To say she was petrified at first would be an understatement. "What if they think I'm weird? Or crazy? Or that I'm not the real Pinkie?". While she took very little time to quell that last suggestion, those first two were very much prominent in her mind - though her doctor did say she should confide in her bestest friends, so that's what she was going to do.
Despite her very real worries, her friends proved to take the news...positively. Scratch that, they went beyond positive! They were actually very caring and supporting - better than the best possible outcome she could've asked for.
When she had told Twilight and Spike, the alicorn gave her a big hug, offering to go to counseling with her whenever she wanted. Meanwhile, the dragon was equally supportive as he also dished out a hug while also finding a book detailing facts, trivia, and even a list of several famous creatures with Autism. While her typical reading experiences didn't stem too far away from a cookbook, she found the piece of literature to be both fascinating and reassuring - thanking them both profusely as she brought the book home and went through it for hours.
When she told Rainbow Dash, the normally brash (and sometimes insensitive) pegasus swore she would protect the earth pony should she catch anyone or anything making fun of her. While Pinkie didn't want the tomboy to simply go around and fight others on a simple reason like that, the fact that she allowed herself as a personal bodyguard was very touching. Goes to show how loyal she is to her friends.
Rarity - the generous mare she was - offered any services the earth pony could think of if she ever needed it. Whether it be all the fainting couches and giant gallons of ice cream she wanted (she wasn't sure about the couches but who could say no to 'Cookies and Cream'?), a comfort blanket or some other form of fabric material that would help her, or just simply offering a friendly hoof whenever she needed her, Rarity indeed went above and beyond for the soon happy crying pony.
Applejack, practically being like family to her, was quick to embrace her (possibly) related brethren with open hooves. Aside from the standard "ah'm here whenever ya'll need me", she reassured her by going over the family tree - showing her that many apples have had Autism or some similar mental disability. It relieved a tense Pinkie Pie knowing that she wasn't and would never be alone through such endeavors.
Pinkie smiled at the now squeaky-clean surfaces with a warm smile. While she didn't tell too many others outside of her best friends - still apprehensive about the whole ordeal - she could rest easy knowing she had expressed herself openly to the best creatures she knew. They would always love her no matter what and she couldn't think of anything that could change that. She now had unconditional support from those who were closest to her.
Though, Pinkie soon developed a contemplative frown, glancing into her own puzzled reflection.
"Why do I feel like I'm forgetting someone?"
Almost as if the universe was responding to her, the door to the bakery opened as a soft, gentle voice pierced her soul like a dagger... or a very sharp stalk of broccoli.
"Pinkie Pie! There you are."
With a hopefully not too audible squeak, Pinkie quickly ducked down beneath the counter, shaking slightly in a fetal position.
"Shoot, now I know why! It's Fluttershy!"
Of course Pinkie didn't hate Fluttershy! She couldn't even attempt to dislike the sweet angel that was the pegasus for as long as she lived. Her caring, very much motherly nature that could warm her heart in a matter of seconds; her soft, soothing voice that could tuck her into a sweet blissful state; the way she was always worried about her and their other friends that let her know she was willing to do anything for them. Fluttershy was the equivalent of the perfect dessert (even if Pinkie still hadn't discovered such a prize) - she was a treasure that none rightly deserved, yet were basked with her presence.
But Pinkie also knew the quiet mare was also very sensitive. Heck, even she was surprised at times that the butterscotch pegasus could be friends with someone like her when she was always rambunctious and spontaneous. Fluttershy loved tea but Pinkie knew those two words were cups of tea she wouldn't normally drink.
What if the sweet pegasus found Pinkie and her Autism to be a bad thing? What if she suddenly thought she was weird or crazy or stupid or some other negative adjective she couldn't think of right now?
That was the reason why Pinkie had been avoiding the mare like the plague (or a vegetable). She didn't want her precious friendship with the pony to end because of a disability. It was a tough task - avoiding her supposed best friend on purpose - especially considering Pinkie loved to visit her cottage every few days, the tea and stories they'd share always put Pinkie in a bright mood - but she had managed. She hid from her when she saw her in the streets, she avoided get-togethers she could possibly attend, heck she even resisted the urge to throw a "Fluttershy's my friend" party and she almost never rejected the idea of a party.
Perhaps her "hide from Fluttershy" plan worked a bit better than expected. She hid so well, she forgot all about hiding from the mare - and now here she was, in the bakery slowly making her way to the counter. Pinkie wanted to tell her the truth, she wanted to believe the doctor's words that her friends loved her, but what if the timid pegasus didn't? What if she hated her because she was 'loud and strange'?
"Pinkie?" Fluttershy called, making her way to the hiding spot. "Pinkie, please come out. You haven't visited me at all in the past week. I'm really worried about you, is everything alright?"
The earth pony could hear the overwhelming concern in her friend's voice. That sweet, sweet voice that now felt like a poisoned cupcake to the stomach. She had to think of something quick - some way out of this.
"Uhhh... Pinkie Pie is not here right now, please leave a message after the beep.... beep?" she huffed in an obviously fake accent, hoping to throw the mare off just enough to get her to retreat.
Though Pinkie thought this was a clever idea, Fluttershy obviously didn't.
"Pinkie, I know you're behind the counter. I-I didn't do anything to upset you did I?" she asked.
Now Pinkie felt sick. She could practically hear the sorrowful drooping of her head and the watering of her eyes.
"She thought she did something wrong. Not good. Not good at all." she panicked.
"Uhhh... even though Pinkie is not here at the moment, she can assure you that your sweet little face did nothing wrong........beep." Pinkie continued the charade.
"Pinkie, please! If there's something bothering you, I want to help you. Rainbow said you have something to tell me."
Pinkie grumbled under her breath. "Rainbow's getting one less doughnut the next time she comes in... nah that's too cruel, maybe 1/2 of a doughnut."
"Well Rainbow is a big liar!" Pinkie screamed before realizing she forgot the fake accent. "....please leave a message....beep."
The pink pony gave a small panicked smile hoping the persistent pegasus was finally gone until she heard the flapping of wings hover a yellow pony over the counter and directly onto the floor across from her.
As her wings folded back to her sides, Fluttershy merely used her gigantic pupils to stare at the pink form of sorrow.
While the pegasus's appearance wasn't that of an angry or frustrated variety, it still sent the party pony's mind into a frenzy. This wasn't a mad pony, this was a hurt pony. A pony who wanted nothing more than to be with her friend, yet found out she was hiding from her. The way the pony's eyes glistened in concern, her frown quivered ever so slightly, and her ears folded behind her head made Pinkie wince in guilt.
"H...hey Fluttershy." Pinkie nervously smiled. "I've just been...restocking below the counter. Boy, those answering machines these days, huh?" she offered.
Fluttershy only sighed as she placed a hoof onto her friend's shoulder.
"Pinkie, what's going on? This isn't like you at all. I miss you Pinkie. You never go a couple days without at least saying 'hello' unless something comes up. I love you, but I can't help you if you hide from me."
Pinkie quickly turned her head away, fearing to see the pegasus's disheartened expression a second longer.
"I can't talk to you about it."
"Why not?" Fluttershy sadly asked before she dejectedly looked down at her hooves. "Is it because you don't trust me?"
This was enough to make Pinkie forget about her nerves, quickly turning back around and startling the other mare in the process.
"Of course not! Don't say that! I trust you with everything! It's just..." she rubbed a hoof in anxiety.
"...I don't know how you'd react."
To her surprise, the pegasus latched onto her, capturing her in a powerful hug as she slowly nuzzled her poofy mane.
"Pinkie Pie, no matter what you tell me, I promise we can work this out together! I love you, Pinkie! I really do. I don't want to see you upsetting yourself like this. "
The normally upbeat pony found a few tears rolling down her eyes, no longer able to hold in her emotions.
"I...I love you too, Shy-Shy." she sobbingly stated.
At that response, the warm pegasus found a teary smile on her own face as she continued to nuzzle her friend.
"You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that." she spoke as she brought the two out of the embrace.
"I'm afraid I have to go soon and do a round of chores at the sanctuary, but why don't you stop by my place after your shift and we can talk this out?" she pleaded with her nurturing smile. The smile that could vanquish any evil by its strength alone.
"I...I don't know." Pinkie hesitatingly stated. She wanted to confide in her friend, she really did, but what if this was too good to be true? What if there was still a chance this nice pony no longer loved her? She was honest when she said she loved Fluttershy and she didn't want her to leave her.
"I'll make cookies." the pegasus lightly prodded with an ear-splitting grin on her face.
"Curses! Fluttershy AND cookies? That's too much, I can't refuse that! You play a mean game Flutters - a game with the brightest smile and the crunch of chocolate chip cookies, but a mean game nonetheless. "
"I-I'd love that." the pink pony offered truthfully, a slow genuine smile creeping up on her face.
Fluttershy gave a heavenly giggle as she nuzzled the earth pony one more time. "Great! I'll see you then."
And with that, the pegasus took off through the exit, leaving a now standing Pinkie to view her reflection once again.
"If they're your real friends, they wouldn't love you any less." the doctor's voice echoed in her head, leaving her to give out a hopeful sigh.
"I hope you're right."
True to her word, once Pinkie's shift had ended mid-afternoon, she found herself crossing over the small bridge to Fluttershy's front doorstep. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way ever closer. She really didn't want to do this - if things went south, how could she go on knowing this kind-hearted pony had turned her away? Then again, she promised she'd do this and she was no promise-breaker. That and who could turn down the combination of Fluttershy and afternoon refreshments? An absolute monster she hoped never exists, that's who.
Taking a long, deep breath to focus her resolve, she lightly knocked on the door. She could've done her "Signature Super Pinkie Knock" but she knew Fluttershy would've been easily startled; she was here to confess to her friend after all, not send her to the hospital for a heart attack.
"Coming." a voice sung out before a yellow hoof opened the door moments afterwards.
"Pinkie! I'm glad you made it. Please, make yourself at home!" the gracious host offered, mentally dragging the normally ecstatic earth pony in.
"Thanks Flutty-Buddy." she offered in reply, with more of her trademark perkiness as she made her way over to a chair directly across from the couch.
As the pegasus made her way back into the kitchen, Pinkie steeled herself for the conversation ahead.
"Alright Pinkie - you've made it this far, you just need to tell her the truth and hope everything works out super hunky dorrey! You've faced off against greater foes than this - Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra, Tirek, that batch of raw cookie dough you ate that one time... this is nothing compared to them! You've got this."
Just then a warm, radiant, yellow pony made her way back into the common area with a teaset and a plate of chocolate chip cookies on her back, setting the trays down neatly on the large table in the middle of the room.
"Coooooookies." Pinkie dreamily thought, before an angelic murmur snapped her out of it.
"Wouldn't you like to sit here with me over on the couch?" she asked innocently enough, patting the plenty of available real estate next to her.
Pinkie however felt herself regarding the mare cautiously. "Why?"
"Well, how am I supposed to hug you if you're across from me?" she offered.
Pinkie snapped her mouth shut as she found the new suggestion bounce around in her head. The pegasus had indeed made a very valuable observation - hugs were going to be difficult to do with trays of tea and cookies in the way and there was plenty of room on the couch. She tried to find fault with the pony's logic but alas she couldn't fine anything. Plus, who would take the chance to refuse hugs from Fluttershy? Probably the same monster who would lie to her when she offered baked goods.
"Huh... can't argue with you there." Pinkie said with a spring in her step as she made her way next to her friend. "No wonder you're super smart." she beamed with a toothy grin.
The pegasus blushed, placing a dainty hoof over her cheek. "Awww, thank you Pinkie. Please, help yourself!" she gestured to the assortments in front of them, earning an excited squeal from the pink pony.
Pinkie soon found herself happily munching on cookies and drinking warm jasmine tea as her mind fell into a state of bliss. Nothing could ruin this moment.
"So, Pinkie. Are you ready to talk?"
And just like that the moment was gone. Her face fell into a state of dread, silently wishing a plate of raw cookie dough pounced on her instead.
Pinkie sighed as she placed the treats down. This was going to happen whether she liked it or not.
A comforting yellow hoof rubbed its way on her shoulder, making her slightly less anxious to spill.
"Well..." she began. "There is something important I have to tell you, something I've already told the other girls but..."
"Take your time. I'm right here." Fluttershy gently reminded, encouraging the pony to go on.
The way her friend seemed to be comfortingly guiding her along, the look of unfiltered concern on her face; Pinkie began questioning why she was so nervous to talk to this pony in the first place. She was super kind and friendly, how could she...
Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. What if she lost this super kind being?
The earth pony suddenly found a few stray tears leave her eyes. "Here we go."
"...I went to the doctor last week. A new doctor who looked through my history and..."
"Yes?" the pegasus prodded. "Were they a mean doctor?" she asked fearfully.
Pinkie quickly shook her head. "No, no. He was a nice doctor, a great doctor in fact! But... he told me..."
The mare said nothing, allowing her to continue.
This was it. The moment has arrived.
With her eyes clenched shut in fear, she blurted out the three words that could either make or break this friendship.
"I have Autism!"
Pinkie felt more tears leave her as her eyes slowly opened up - wondering when she was going to be kicked out of the cottage - before she suddenly felt a warm body pressed against her own. Curiously, she peeked to see the pegasus had wrapped around her frame, her head nested on her shoulder as she patted her back.
"Pinkie! I-I didn't know. I'm so glad you told me though. That must've made you nervous - revealing something like that - but you did it."
Pinkie blinked rapidly at the pleasant voice that crowded her eardrums. She wasn't expecting this shy bundle of fluff to go out of her way to comfort and praise her like this. Not that she didn't love it or wasn't glad to hear her positive words, but still... a linger of doubt pushed through her mind as she batted a few more tears.
"Y--you mean... you don't hate me?"
Just like that, the embrace came to a screeching halt as Fluttershy re-positioned herself, staring directly at Pinkie with a horrified expression. Pinkie almost wondered if she had unintentionally slapped her with the way her body shuddered.
"Hate you?! Pinkamena Diane Pie, how could you ever think such a thing?! What reason would I ever have to hate you?!"
Pinkie winced at Fluttershy's increased volume. Like before, she wasn't angry but she was very easily upset.
"...because I'm autistic?" she slowly guided, much to the other mare's increasing shock.
"Pinkie, how could I ever hate you for something you're born with?! Even if there was ever a reason to hate you, that'd be an incredibly ridiculous one."
Pinkie paused, trying to find a way to explain her fears. Somewhat fortunately, Fluttershy beat her to the punch.
"Is...is that why you've been avoiding me?" Fluttershy haphazardly asked, placing a hoof back on her frame as her eyes continued to sparkle.
Pinkie nodded.
"I know how sensitive you are and I know how different our personalities are normally..."
"...and I guess I got it stuck in my head that if you found out I had this disability, you'd find me weird or crazy or stupid..."
Suddenly, Fluttershy brought her into a full body hug with all her strength, easily catching the pink pony in her grip by surprise.
"Please stop! I don't want to even hear those nasty words! I would never say any of those things about you Pinkie and I never will. You're one of my best friends!"
"But...but I'm different..." Pinkie cautioned.
Fluttershy slowly brought Pinkie's face to her own as she cupped her cheeks with a hoof. Pinkie had done that to her before, but never the other way around.
"So what?! That doesn't matter. Everyone is different - it doesn't change who you are. In fact, I love you because of your differences. Who can make me smile with her loud voice even though I tend to shy away from loud noises? Who can make me laugh whenever I'm upset? Who can make me feel like an amazing pony just by being around her?"
Pinkie sniffled. "Me?"
Fluttershy gave a warm smile as she nodded. "That's right. You can, Pinkie Pie."
Pinkie tilted her head (well, as much as she could) as an eyebrow peaked ever so curiously up.
"So... my disability doesn't bother you?"
Fluttershy quickly shook her head in retaliation.
"Not at all! Everyone has things that make them stand out, and we should appreciate those differences, not divide because of them."
Pinkie felt herself getting choked up for another reason. Her heart fluttered as her quivering smile focused on the source in front of her. This pony didn't hate her at all - she loved her just like she always had and nothing would change that. She could feel this pony's warmth, dedication, and admiration for her. She really was her best friend.
"I'm often skittish around others because of my anxiety and I'm known to have panic attacks - does that mean you find me weak or stupid or foolish?"
Pinkie quickly gasped as she nuzzled the top of Fluttershy's mane.
"OF COURSE NOT! I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT! NOTHING..." she then paused, seeing Fluttershy with a slight smirk on her still crying face.
"...ooooooooohhhhhhh. I see what you did there." she drawled out, earning a round of giggles from her friend.
"So even though I sometimes scare you by bouncing everywhere, or sometimes I say the wrong thing without thinking, or..." she trailed off before a pegasus adorably nuzzled her cheek.
"No matter what, I'll always love my friend Pinkie Pie just the way she is."
Pinkie couldn't hold in the rest of her bank of tears any longer, embracing her friend once more as she felt the hot sting of liquid joy pour down her face.
"I love you too, Shy-Shy."
Fluttershy nuzzled her way deep into Pinkie's shoulder.
"I'm sure the rest of our friends have already told you this, but this goes especially for me. I want to help you and support you anyway I can, so if you ever need anything, I'll be right here. Whether to talk, to listen, whatever. You're amazing Pinkie."
The earth pony found herself deep in thought for a moment before a simple wish made itself known.
"Right now, I just want to be loved. That's all I want."
The pegasus in return gave the biggest smile imaginable as she petted her friend's mane.
"Anytime at all, Pinkie."
A familiar doctor walked to the lobby of his waiting room, examining a clipboard of all the patients he had so far today, mentally going through each and every one of their reports before a high-pitched voice captured his attention.
"Hiya Doc!"
He glanced up from his clipboard to see a happily waving pink pony sitting alongside a much more relaxed yellow pegasus.
"Pinkie Pie." he smiled, "It's been a while. Glad to see you. Looking much more jolly than last time I see."
"Absolutely!" she beamed. "I have to thank you for your advice by the way. I told all my friends about my high-functioning Autism and they were all super supportive..."
The yellow pegasus then nudged her friend with a hoof, a well-knowing smirk present on her face.
"...even though I was super nervous and thought the worst of my best friends like a silly pony." she sheepishly admitted, earning a grin from the pegasus.
The doctor chuckled as he was thankful to have such a happy client. Two screaming foals and one callous unicorn were his unfortunate run-ins for the day and he was pleased with this change of pace.
"I'm glad to hear that Pinkie. But were you just here for a visit or...?"
"Well actually..." she suddenly sparked in realization, "I'm here because Fluttershy here is super concerned about my hoof for some reason." she gestured to her pegasus friend before revealing a hind hoof with a surprisingly sharp twig embedded in it.
"For some reason?!" Fluttershy scolded, sending the pink pony a light glare. "Pinkie, there is a piece of wood lodged in your hoof!"
"I can still walk on three hooves." countered Pinkie, seemingly oblivious to the most-likely painful presence.
"Maybe so, but I love my Pinkie with four working hooves if she can use them." retorted Fluttershy in a playful pout, folding her front hooves in front of her chest.
"Fine..." Pinkie rolled her eyes. "Let's go get it fixed."
At that, Fluttershy beamed as the Doctor found it impossible to keep himself from chortling.
"Come along then Miss Pie. We can have your hoof fixed in no time."
"Okey dokie lokie." jumped Pinkie Pie as she bounced on three hooves... somehow?
The doctor shook his head at the mare's antics as she happily made her way to the room, awaiting her treatment.
As the pegasus made her way to follow her friend to the room, the doctor caught her attention with one simple remark.
"We're lucky to have someone like Pinkie Pie around."
At that, she flashed him a caring smile as the two made their way to his next patient.
"Yes." she said. "Yes we are."
"The only disability in life is a bad attitude." - Scott Hamilton
Besides this being a warm, fluffy hurt/comfort fic, I hope this story helps those who are struggling or know someone who is struggling with any obstacle. Be it a disability, a rough patch, or just simply a bad day, you're stronger than any obstacle that comes your way. Show those you care about how much they mean to you, and make a difference in their lives. We all have struggles, some sort of limitations or forms of hurt within us, but love and kindness can help you prevail through all of it.
(*Cheesy I know but it's the truth. We are all human beings after all.*)
Before someone potentially addresses me on the topic of me writing about Autism, this is by no means in any way, shape, or form me trying to make fun of or inaccurately portray Autism or any physical or mental disability.
Let's just say I may or may not have experience with Autism and I'm doing my best to portray the subject in as healthy and an appropriate manner as I can. (For those of you wondering about Asperger's, I've actually heard someone once say that term is bad based on the history of the person it was named after so I'm trying to stay as respectful as I can.) Autism isn't what defines someone though, it's our responses to the challenges it throws at us that make the real impact.
Heavy subjects aside, make sure to treat others the way you want to be treated and live your life to the fullest no matter what. I hope you enjoy this heartwarming fic and I'll see you all whenever next time is.
Sincerely,
-frenettek314
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
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Not saying something bad will happen, but please make sure you keep any and all comments respectful. If your comments are mean or hurtful, you will make Pinkie sad. Pinkie does not like being sad.
Thank you and enjoy!
64.media.tumblr.com/4043cbcec620b6dcf128cff07ef32187/6ca28ddde73a9433-37/s500x750/13d4879f53221507569071483636e2d27849bb05.jpg
I've been looking for some FlutterPie friendshipping so I'll be checking this out.
I enjoyed reading this one. Thank you for writing it!
As a diagnosed neurodivergent myself, this story made me really happy and I related to Pinkie's struggle on a very personal level. It would be an insult to my favorites list if I left this fic off.
/)
10396193
For some reason, Fluttershy/Pinkie Pie shipping and/or friendshipping is super rare and I'm not sure why. Honestly, besides the fact these two are probably my favorites, I feel like they could've had a fun chemistry in the show - though it was never really thought of in the show or even the fandom.
What I'm saying is there's a reason I've done multiple stories involving these two. Fills the void in what I've always wanted to see. Makes my softie heart smile.
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Thank you so much!
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If you watch s1, they have a lot of moments, but it gets rare as time went by. Buckball Season is my favorite for later seasons.
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Agreed. Buckball Season was a great episode in general.
Interesting. Could be genetic. More proof the Pies and Apples are related?
This was lovely and heartwarming. Pinkie's insecurities were painful to read, poor thing. Well done.
Wait, I thought Twilight was the one with high-functioning Autism, with Pinkie being Bi-Polar.
...eh, one of the oldest debates has been which of the Mane Six matches up with which flavor of Neural Divergent. Given that there is no right answer beyond all of them having something, I look forward to reading this fic.
Since I myself have high-functioning autism, I decided to read this as soon as it entered my sight. You have earned my respect, a favor, an upvote, and a follow.
Holy shit. You just put like all my anxieties into one story and then proceeded to blast them out of the water like that. But at least this had a happier ending than my own personal stories, with all her friends being accepting of her. I've definitely had to burn a few bridges and cut ties before because of how people treated me differently after learning of my issues. Some of them definitely had a hand in me becoming a recluse with extreme social anxieties.
I don't view this as a "mental disability"; just a different way to see the world. I would know; I've been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome since late primary school, and thus don't act like most others. I've always loved reading, for example, and Nintendo/Sony gaming consoles (except for the dysfunctional Wii with its dysfunctional, garbage motion gimmick and lack of Classic Controller backup for most of its games); during recess and lunch in primary school, I'd be reading Horrible Histories/Science/Geography, etc., whereas in high school that changed to Harry Potter.
These days, when I used to actually travel to university (remember doing that, folks? Back when dinosaurs roamed the almost-spherical Earth?), I'd spend my free time in the Sydney city reading fanfiction on my phone. Mostly Harry Potter stuff, yes, but also a bit of Danny Phantom, My Hero Academia, and Star Wars.
Low-functioning autism, yes, that's a disability; but high-functioning? Just a different filter, with a tendency to develop obsessions on a handful of things.
"A lot" is two separate words.
*Any.
Again, twoseparate words.
Considering there's at least one mirror pool survivor out there...this is always a possibility.
I like broccoli, though...
Equestria doesn't have phones, though. Odd.
"Girls," Pinkie Pie started, eyes nervously scanning the room and forelegs fidgeting, "I have something super-de-duper importanto to tell you all. I talked to a doctor and they said that I'm high functioning autistic."
There was a tense silence as the other five ponies in the room glanced at each other, each of them unsure who should speak first.
Rainbow Dash decided to break the ice, "Yeah no shit Pinkie, everyone already knows. I mean have you met you?"
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As someone with a high-function Autistic sibling, this is me so hard.
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I am so sorry to hear about some of your rather unfortunate experiences, but as my good friend the no-named Doctor (for some reason I don’t even know) said, “If they were your real friends, they wouldn’t love you any less.”. Yeah it sucks that you have to cut ties but hopefully the friends who stood by you can make up for some of the pain. There are lots of people out there though - some kind and some not so much - but I know there can always be someone for you.
(Now if only I listened to my own motivational speeches...)
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That’s actually a great way of putting it and your hobbies and interests sound awesome to me.
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*Fluttershy proceeds to wrap Pinkie in an over-affectionate embrace, turning her head away from the rest of her friends.*
Fluttershy: “I’m sure what Rainbow meant to say was that it doesn’t matter to us because we’ve always have and always will be your best friends, RIGHT?!”
*Unbeknownst to Pinkie, Fluttershy is sending a spine-chilling glare at Rainbow, making the others wince as Rainbow lets out a fearful gulp.*
Rainbow: “Y———yeah. Of course that’s what I meant. We all love you, Pinkie.”
*The hug ends as Fluttershy returns to her sweet smile, Pinkie boasting a cheerful grin.*
Pinkie: “Okie Dokie Lokie!”
Fluttershy: “Come on Pinkie, let’s all go get some Ice Cream!”
*Pinkie excitedly squeals as she zips out of the room, her friends soon following. Fluttershy proceeds to happily follow everyone before she catches up near the front of the pack and sends Rainbow one more warning dagger on her way out.*
*The others turn to face a much paler Rainbow Dash as they all walk in silence.*
Rainbow: “I don’t care what anyone says, that pony scares me.”
😂
I had the idea of Pinkie having Autism literally this morning so seeing this come across my feed really made me think that it's meant to be. Fantastic work, and I hope more comes to pass!
Reading the comments makes me think people are weird.
A doctor telling you that you match the signs of a mental illness/malady/whatever-pc-term doesn't... actually mean anything when it refers to something nobody knew you had. Like- take Pinkie here. If everyone's basically just already accepted her mannerisms, then why should sticking a name to them matter? I mean I know why it does (because people put way too much stock in labels, and have a knee-jerk reaction to certain ones) change anything?
If someone accepts who you are and what you're like, then names and labels are less than meaningless when it describes what's already there.
Yeah I know, people aren't rational, but liking someone OK and accepting that they're kind of dorky and maybe a little dense socially, shouldn't change to suddenly disliking them or time around them because of a word that can be applied to them. Like I said, weird.
I don't understand why her friends would change their opinions of her when literally none of her behavior changes, just an external label.
10397154
^ Yes, this.
10397154
The simple truth is that for some people there really is a stigma against mental health issues like autism, which is not helped by the fact one of the biggest organizations talking about it is more of a hate group that deliberately demonizes the disorder and those who have it.
I have literally been told that there is something wrong with me and that I am lying when I say I am happy with the way I am, autism and all.
And also told that all people with autism are permanently mentally children and incapable of functioning or succeeding.
Though hearing that I am a college student studying for a biology degree shut that one up pretty fast.
You're perfectly... well, healthy for a mare who consumes nothing but sugar."
A gross exaggeration! Pinkie also consumes flour, eggs, cream, butter, nuts, chocolate, strawberries (with chocolate), marshmallows...
Meanwhile, the dragon was equally supportive as he also dished out a hug
"Heck, most of us dragons are at least a little sociopathic!"
10396848
it's pinkie being pinkie. Phones don't exist, but she'll somehow know they do in the human world
10397641
they do have rotary phones in mlp
vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/f/f8/Ponies_resembling_Mad_Men_characters_in_an_office_S4E08.png/revision/latest?cb=20140107230744
10397659
Okay; never mind. Thank you for correcting me!
It always warms my heart to see stories with autistic ponies.
And reminds me to stop procrastinating on my own such story.
10397154
You scared me in the first half, not gonna lie.
Do you mind if I turn yor story in a real life head back book when I'm dune I will send you a copy
So, Pinkie's on the spectrum, too? I knew it... Knew there was a reason I didn't like her, she's too like me!
...At least, the part of me that I tied up, chained up, and locked up in the deepest, darkest pit of my mind. Wish it would stay there, but... It's too like Pinkie!
10398175
Your comment also scared me in the first half, not gonna lie.
Now we need a Twilight acceptance fic. ^^
10398742
Shameless self plug -- been working on one!~
This is super sweet and relatable. As one myself, I really understand where Pinkie is coming from. It can be hard to tell people because your afraid they will think of you differently, or blame you for lying for attention, or making up excuses for odd behavior. I hope you do more stories like this in the future.
After reading just the intro, I imagine it would go something like
"I have autism."
"... okay."
I mean, just because the reason for her being the way she is has a name now, doesn't mean it's something different, right? She's still the same pony - she was born with it, it's not like it developed overnight... Shocking news indeed... ;)
"Um... is this the important thing you wanted to tell me?"
I guess reading the story was redundant to the above. ;]
Still, nice. ;)
To quote probably the best sentiment I've heard about my condtion: "The 'cure' for autism is understanding." Thank you for this.
Also, I can't help but notice... well, I know it's meant entirely platonically, but with how many references there are to Pinkie and Flutters 'loving' each other, I do have to wonder exactly how much this friendshipping has of the 'friend-' part. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.
10397195
I've had a similar experience as you've had, people will say some straight up nasty stuff if you're "visibly" autistic in any way. I'm considered lower functioning by label standards (I don't usually use them though), and jeeze the stuff they'll say right in front of someone is kind of appalling.
10402028
Word of advice.
If you have not already seen it then never look up the Autism Speaks "I Am Autism" campaign video or anything else from them.
10402033
God, yeah, that company shouldn't even be allowed to call itself a charity.
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Holy cow, guys! To say this is my most popular story would not be doing itself enough justice!
This story has 91 likes and is still climbing! I... I don't even know what to say. Thank you for enjoying this fic so much - seeing all the positive feedback and the friendly discussions/ stories shared in the comments section... it's awesome to see and I couldn't be happier.
I honestly couldn't ask for anything more. If this ever reaches 100 likes, I'm going to be truly speechless.
Thank you for such a positive community - and just like Pinkie Pie - I know through the many warm sentiments expressed in the comments that no one here will ever truly be alone.
Thank you! - frenettek314
I have autism too
Having Autism myself, this touched my heart and made my day. Thank you.
I haven't read this yet but I want to provide some information. I'm autistic myself.
First of all high functioning and low functioning are labels forced on us by neurotypicals and are highly inaccurate. Better terms are high support needs, moderate support needs, and low support needs. High functioning suggests that the person doesn't need supports when the very well could, and low functioning suggests that the person doesn't deserve self agency and aren't capable of things. People deemed low functioning are treated badly and talked about as though they aren't people deserving of respect. As an autistic person who's support needs vary widely I can assure that they are highly inaccurate. People who where to see me out while I'm nonverbal and overwhelmed would say I'm low functioning, but those who see me at home on a good day would say I'm high functioning. High and low functioning as terms are used by neurotypicals to judge how we as autistic people affect them, not how we are affected by the world.
Second of all autism isn't a mental disorder, it's a neurodivergency. Mental disorders are generally acquired where are you are generally born with neurodivergency. I am of course going to read this.
I just wanted to share some important information.
Functioning labels are harmful and overall as a community we don't use them, not to mention their outdated we use support me, so instead this might say given how few support needs you have instead of using a functioning label which like I said is harmful
Oh also the preferred terminology is the autistic, pinky just found out so at this stage she might prefer to say that she has autism just letting you know that we prefer identity first language, I don't speak for the entire community but most of the community agrees on this