Sweetie Belle Serves Lunchby David SilverChapters1 - Just a Few Bits2 - Things Get Loud3 - Spoiled Meal4 - Meeting the Top5 - From Hooves, Burgers1 - Just a Few BitsSweetie had mastered that expression. She fluttered her lashes before her eyes went wider than any pony had a right to have them. "Please?" Rarity shook her head, unmoved by the display. "I'm afraid not, Sweetie darling. I'd love to oblige you, but that simply isn't happening today." She leaned forward. "Say, now that you have your cutie mark, you could get a job." She rolled a hoof even as her horn glowed, sewing what looked like a fancy drape. "You could learn some useful life skills, and earn those bits you want so badly. Wouldn't that be delightful?" Sweetie made a face as she wandered off in failure. A job? She wandered out onto the street and started to wander the town, thoughts jumbled and confused as she considered. What kind of job would she even get? Cutie Mark Crusading didn't pay anything, unfortunately, so that was out. The smell of crispy hay fries wafted past her little snout. Mmm, maybe a snack? That would also need bits. She kicked a rock a few inches in impotent fury. But then she saw it, there in the window! 'Help Wanted,' it read bright as day. 'No experience required.' Perfect! She didn't have any experience, at least not working for the fast food place. How hard could that be? She'd be the best waitress ever! With a huge grin, Sweetie moved inside, opening the door with developing unicorn magic. She moved straight up to the counter where a bored earth pony stood. "Hello?" He looked down towards her. "Hello and welcome to Hay Burger, what can I get you?" He paused only half a moment. "Oh, almost forgot. We're having a special toy with the little foal meals. You want one of those?" Sweetie pinkened a little. She was no filly! She was gonna get a job, like an adult! "Excuse me, sir, but I'd like to inquire about the offer of employment." She pointed out to the sign in the window. The pony brightened right up. "Finally!" He reached over the counter, plucked up Sweetie even as she squeaked, and before anyone could react, he had her in a little outfit suited for the Hay Burger and set her gently behind the counter. "Do you have any experience?" "No?" She looked down at herself in the bright colors of Hay Burger. "That's alright. It's easy." He reached for her again and set her down on the counter so she could see the register and started going over what each button did what with dizzying speed. Sweetie shook her head violently. "That's too much too fast! Can you slow down a little?" He blinked at her. "You get used to it, just takes practice, or would you rather make the food?" Sweetie thought back to the last time she had tried to make food and the singe marks that were still in Rarity's house as a result. "Uh... nah. I'll do this." She smiled brightly. "I'll be super nice and make ponies feel welcome." "Good spirit." The clerk bobbed his head. "I'll be in the back. Just get the orders to me and I'll have it cooked up in a jiffy. Good luck!" He swatted Sweetie across the withers and trotted into the back, looking quite pleased with life. Sweetie looked around quickly and spotted a stool not far away. With a glow of her horn, she tried to tug it closer, but couldn't quite pull hard enough. It tipped over and clacked loudly against the floor. The customers all looked up at her with sour expressions. She let out a little half-hearted laugh before she hopped down and moved the stool the earth pony way, then hopped up so she could see over the counter without sitting on the same counter. That seemed a bit better. She was ready! She hoped. A colt came in. It was Snails! Snails saw her and tilted his head. "Heya Sweetie Belle. Where's the stallion that usually takes the orders, eh?" Sweetie put a hoof to her puffed-out chest. "That's me! I mean, not a stallion, but I will take your order. What can I get for you?" She remembered something. "We have a special on foal meals today." She looked around in a panic before she saw a dangling slip of paper that specified the meal came with an extra special toy. "It has a special toy!" Snails gave one of his trademarked slow blinks. "Oh... wow. I'll have one of those then." Sweetie grabbed a pen nearby and scribbled it down. "Anything else?" Snails tapped his chin in what seemed like slow motion. "I'll have a soda, and an extra large hay fries." He smiled at Sweetie. "Wow, you're really good at this. I'm surprised you didn't get a cutie mark in serving, eh?" Sweetie blushed a bit at that. She was quite happy with the mark she did get. What would a serving mark look like? She didn't want it. She wrote down the order though, nice and quick! She was good at reading and writing and wasn't shy putting that to work. "Go ahead and have a seat and I'll call when it's ready." "Alright." Snails walked off in no particular hurry. Sweetie grabbed the paper full of the order and spun on the stool. "I have an order!" The stallion that had been tending when she came in emerged from the back and reached for the order, but paused. "This isn't the usual receipt." Sweetie blinked. "I just wrote it down." He pointed back at the register. "Did they pay for it?" Oh... right. Sweetie giggled embarrassedly. "Oh yeah! Snails!" Snails turned slowly back around and came towards the counter. "Yeah?" Sweetie leaned forward over the counter. "I forgot to actually charge you for it." "Oh... yeah. How much?" Sweetie looked over the register and all its buttons. She saw three side by side that looked like the horse shoe fries. Sizes! She pressed the largest one and it made a little 'ding'. Alright, she was getting somewhere. That one looked like a drink. She moved to press it when another hoof came in and warded hers away. The senior employee was still there. "That's for a shake," he corrected, then pointed to the ones that were for a soda. "That's what you want." Sweetie blushed deeply as she pushed the right button. But what was the foal meal?! After she looked for a few moments with increasing desperation, the senior employee reached over and pushed the last button. "You get used to it. Now you just hit the button on the bottom and the receipt comes out with the total. Go ahead." She pushed down the big lever on the bottom and a little slip of paper came out. "Oh! Thanks. That will be five bits." Snails produced the currency and floated it up into Sweetie's reach. It was dropped into the register and the receipt handed over to the senior employee. He nodded approvingly. "That's how you do it. I'll be cooking this up. Keep it up." He walked back into the back out of sight. The door chimed as another pony came in. It was another pony she knew. Her heart went cold. It was Twilight! She wasn't doing anything Twilight would be proud of! She'd probably lecture her for not using her brain more instead of just... that... With a bright red face, Sweetie hopped down behind the counter with sudden terror. Twilight walked to the counter with some confusion. Where was anypony to take her order? "Hello? Anypony here?" Sweetie trembled out of sight, hoping Twilight would leave. But she didn't. Twilight leaned over the counter with a neck that had only gotten longer with her princesshood. "Hello?" She looked down and was looking right at Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie?! What are you doing here?" Sweetie was caught and there was nothing for it... unless... "Oh, um, I just... I was looking around." Twilight tilted her head faintly. "How'd you end up with a Hay Burger uniform?" Sweetie gave a brief strained titter. "Funny thing, isn't it?" Twilight lifted a brow. "Sweetie... Are you hiding something?" She peered at Sweetie as the filly seemed to shrink with discomfort. "Allow me to be clear, you are my friend and my student. Even if you did something wrong, tell me and we can work it out." Sweetie blinked at that. This was Twilight. She was a reasonable pony, usually, until she freaked out. Was Hay Burger worth freaking out about? Probably not... "So... It's like this." She hopped up onto her stool. "Welcome to Hay Burger. How can I help you?" Twilight seemed surprised at the sudden swerve in the conversation, but the gist of it struck her. "You work here?" Sweetie's ears flipped back. "Y-yeah?" Twilight smiled brightly. "That's very mature of you, Sweetie Belle. It's good to see you taking on such a responsibility. You are taking it seriously, I hope?" Sweetie blinked with confusion. Twilight was happy, even proud? "Y-yeah! I only just started, but I'm gonna be the best they ever had." Twilight nodded. "I don't doubt it." She glanced left and right. "I don't suppose I get a discount?" Sweetie waved a hoof up at the larger pony. "You know that wouldn't be right. Now, what can I get for you?" Twilight let out her own strained giggle. "Of course... Just testing you. Now, I'll have..." It wasn't the perfect job, but Sweetie would make it work. She at least knew her friends would be proud with her in a job well done. The bits wouldn't be awful either. Author's Note So... How was it?! Really, let me know. It was a fluffy bit of slice of life, served straight from the oven. I think a lot of us have had similar situations, yeah? First jobs can be quite intimidating. 2 - Things Get LoudSweetie started to get into a little groove. She'd smile and greet each pony, press the buttons for each thing they wanted, and put the resulting receipt on a little spinning thing that let the cook on duty get to it. It was nice and simple, really, and she felt accomplished doing it without making... too many... mistakes. Then Cranky came in. He was already muttering as he came up towards the counter. He looked Sweetie up and down even as she enthusiastically greeted him. "Can it and take my order. I'm not here to make friends." He looked away a moment, grumbling, "Sometimes it's like all the ponies take after that pink menace." He looked back to her. "Ready?" "Y-yes sir!" Sweetie gave a sharp salute before hovering a hoof over the register. "Ready." "I'll take..." He started droning off his order. It seemed just a bit much for one donkey. Unfortunately, Sweetie didn't contain her curiosity. "Getting some for somepony else?" He raised a shaggy brow at her. "That's a rude thing if ever I heard. Whether I am or not is none of yer business!" Sweetie went red with shame and annoyance. Was that really so bad a question? "O-okay. Um, anything else?" He pointed up at the menu over both of their heads. "What's that?" Sweetie turned and began to explain, but he cut her off, "Nevermind that! How much?" Sweetie found her teeth were clenched. She didn't like being talked at like that, but she tried to let it go. She depressed the big finish lever. "That'll be seven bits" Cranky grumbled as he fished out the coins and surrendered them. Finally, Sweetie was left with a measure of peace. She sank back after hanging the receipt and let out a loud sigh. "This can be hard..." The door swung open, admitting the next pony in. A small pony. A familiar small pony. Applebloom came trotting in, her bow bouncing with every step. Part of Sweetie lifted. It was good to see a friend, but what would she think of it? Sweetie darkened in her cheeks, going warm. She had freaked out when Twilight showed up, and that worked out alright... right? She cleared her throat softly. "Hey Apple Bloom! Welcome to Hay Burger." Bloom blinked with some surprise. "Oh hey, Sweetie. What'ya doin' back there?" She reared up and stood against the register, getting a better look at Sweetie. "Wow! Is that an Hay Burger uniform?" Sweetie started to blush all over again. "Cool!" Really? "I didn't know you were gettin' no job. Ah mean, ah already got a job, ya know, workin' the farm with mah family, but this is cool! Now ahm not the only Crusader that works fer a livin'." Sweetie blinked with wide eyes at her friend. She hadn't even started to look at it that way. "Huh, I guess that's true. Do you think Scootaloo might get a job too?" Bloom shrugged. "Maybe. Ah ain't forcin' her or nothing." She pointed up at the menu. "Ah'm ready to order." Sweetie sat up, tall and proud. "And I'm ready to take it. What would you like?" Apple Bloom ordered a reasonably hefty meal, but ordered two oat burgers. Sweetie knew she didn't usually eat two oat burgers. "Extra hungry today?" She asked as she pushed down the finalize lever. Apple Bloom grinned wide. "The second one's fer you. Us workers gotta stick together." Sweetie felt a sudden flood of giddy warmth. It was so good to have real friends. "You're the best." She reached out a hoof and they met in a loud clop of camaraderie. When the meal was complete, she passed it down to Apple Bloom and kept one of the burgers, putting it beside her for when she got her break. "What's that?" It was her senior employee. He was pointing at the lone wrapped burger. "Did somepony forget their order?" Sweetie blinked at him and the burger. "My friend bought one for me for my break." He tilted his head. "You shouldn't accept that. I know you're new, so I'll let it go this time, but you can get in real trouble having Hay Burger food anytime besides during your break or off-duty." Sweetie felt her blood rushing into her ears. Was he implying she might have taken it without asking? "I'm not a thief!" He shook his head. "I'm not calling you one. Look, Sweetie, you seem super nice, but rules are rules. I don't want you to get in trouble, alright?" She hung her head a little. "Alright," she said in a sullen tone. What was wrong with accepting a gift from a friend? He reached for the burger and snatched it from the counter. Sweetie gasped loudly and reached for it, but he was already walking away. "I'll put this in the break room." Oh... She put a hoof behind her head. That was a logical enough place for food to go. She tried to put it out of her mind, taking a few soft breaths before she looked up. Oops! There were two more hungry ponies waiting for her. "Welcome to Hay Burger. What can I get for you today?" She smiled bright and focused on the job. She wouldn't mess it up! She got the line moving with cheerful smiles and a recovering spirit. At least she didn't have another Cranky to deal with that day. The ponies of Ponyville were good folk, by and large. At least until a pony she didn't even think would ever eat at Hay Burger stepped in. She looked down her upturned nose at Sweetie Belle as if she just smelled something nasty. Spoiled Rich had arrived. Author's Note One rough customer, and one to lift her spirits. Sweetie is learning lessons, perhaps? And the Crusaders certainly aren't being torn apart for it. So, didn't plan to continue this, but folks wanted it, so here it is. 3 - Spoiled MealMany other eyes darted up, other ponies just as surprised to see Spoiled Rich there, but they looked back to their food and conversations quickly enough. Sweetie was alone. She flashed her biggest smile, praying it would help. "Welcome to Hay Burger! What c--" "Let's keep this brief." She shook her head slowly as she approached. "I wouldn't normally be found dead in such a place." That got a few sour looks. "Our butler is ill today." Her eyes lifted to the menu, scanning swiftly before she directed a hoof at the most expensive item, the triple hay burger with extra Brussels sprouts. "You will furnish two of those. What drinks do you have?" Her eyes scanned quickly across the counter. "I fail to see any wine menu." Wine menu? Sweetie's left ear quirked off to the side a moment. "I'm afraid we don't have one of those." She pressed the button to order the triple twice. "We have a selection of soda pop!" Spoiled looked offended at the very idea. "We also have coffee?" That got a hint of a smile back. "Two?" Spoiled nodded. "Very good." Without asking how much it was, she set down a hundred bit coin. Sweetie had never seen a coin so valuable before. Well, that wasn't true. Rarity got to handle bits like that before, but Sweetie didn't! She picked it up in her magic carefully as she quickly tapped coffee twice and pushed down on the finish bar. "That'll be 14 bits." Even as she made to start counting change, a hoof came over the register, blocking the view. "You needn't waste my time," she sternly informed. "It's still beyond me how you made such a mess for my daughter." She raised a brow down at Sweetie. "Good to see you've found your... proper place." Sweetie felt blood rushing into her cheeks and ears. Just what was Spoiled implying?! "We're friends now." She pushed the drawer back in with a tiny little bell of a noise. "I'll call when your order's ready." Spoiled gave a light nod. "See that you do, and Diamond Tiara does not require... friends... such as you. Find somepony else to bother with your chicanery." She turned away, tail flicking up behind her in a rude gesture as she trotted a short distance away. "Break time," came the familiar voice of the senior employee. Sweetie jerked in place. "Oh! Okay, thanks." She realized something. "We've been working together and I never got your name. That was rude of me. I'm--" "Sweetie Belle," he finished for her with a bit of a smile. "Most ponies know you, part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, little sister of Rarity? You're practically famous in Ponyville. Nopony cares about me so much." Sweetie hopped to the floor and reached up a hoof at him. "Aw! Don't be sad. I care about you. You're my mentor, and I really appreciate what you've done for me so far. What's your name?" He gave a little chuckle as he sat on his haunches. "Little Fry." "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Little Fry." Sweetie dipped her head in a bit of a bow before she hopped back upright. "See you after the break, alright?" "You talk a little funny," he noted. "I like it." Sweetie wasn't sure if she was being complimented or not, but decided to accept it as one. "I'll be back after break." She waved and retreated into the back, letting out a massive sigh of relief. She had weathered the Spoiled storm without losing too much for the adventure. She hopped up onto the stool provided in the mostly-bare break room and reached for the burger that was waiting for her. She smiled as she held it between her hooves. "Thanks, AB." She peeled it free as her eyes wandered around. There were little legal posters about, and one motivational one done in Hay Burger fashion, with a pony reaching for a burger just out of reach. "You can do it!" it read along the bottom, and Sweetie snickered at it. She wouldn't ever be that desperate for a burger. She chomped down into the burger that was perfectly in her reach. Mmm. She had chosen a delicious job! "Sorry to bother you," came a female voice. Sweetie spun in place to see a mare dressed in a business suit and wearing a genuine-seeming smile. "I hear you're my new employee." Sweetie froze. That was her boss?! She wasn't ready! The mare held up a hoof. "Easy there. I'm sorry for just barging in on your lunch. You're not in trouble. In fact, from what I'm hearing, you've been showing some real Hay Burger spirit with the customers. It's great to see." She approached Sweetie at a sedate walk. "My, aren't you a young one? Is this your first job?" Sweetie set down the burger, rubbed her hooves together in a frantic effort to have them dry and stood up on the stool. "Yes ma'am! I'm Sweetie Belle, ma'am." She smiled gently. "You remind me of my own filly, but she'd probably smack me over the head for calling her that. She's gone and moved out now, you see." She reached up and patted Sweetie right on the head. "You just call me Mom." The senior employee's voice drifted in from the front, "You made me work for months before you let me call you that." Mom made a dismissive wave. "I'm afraid I'm biased towards little fillies with good spirits. Now, tell me about yourself, Sweetie. You're still in school, right?" Author's Note Is this good news, great news, or bad news? Sweetie meets her boss, and falls right into maternal lock-on. Fawning missiles, fire! Maybe the explosion will take out a few typos. 4 - Meeting the TopThe older mare sat beside the small table of the break room. "My name's Fair Shake. A pleasure to meet you, Sweetie Belle." She seemed to remember something. "You're Rarity's daughter, aren't you?" Sweetie blinked widely. "Rarity's my sister!" she squeaked defensively. Fair raised a hoof. "My apologies. I just saw you two together so often and made a poor guess. You two must be very close." At that, Sweetie bobbed her head. "Uh huh. We're best sisters, except maybe Apple Bloom and AJ." She tapped her chin. "But it's not a contest, usually." She sat back down, feeling a little less on-edge around the mare. "Do you have a sister?" Fair gave a gentle smile. "No such luck. I have a brother. He's a good stallion, retired now." Sweetie's eyes wandered over her boss mare. How old was she, exactly? It seemed quite rude to outright ask, considering how Rarity acted whenever the topic was broached. Her eyes darted to the hanging clock on the wall. "I should get back to work, Miss Shake." Fair rose to her own hooves. "Mom will do just fine. I heard you've tried the register, but have you had a spin around the kitchen yet?" Sweetie managed to pale in even her already white fur. "I'm not sure that's a good idea..." Fair nudged Sweetie along towards the dreaded kitchen. "You learn by doing. I'll give a hoof to get you started. If it really doesn't fit, we'll get you back out front, I promise." Sweetie swallowed audibly as she took uncertain steps into the intimidatingly large fry kitchen. She could hear the fryers softly bubbling and feel the heat rolling off of them, to say nothing of the open grills awaiting the chance to cook a patty. The older mare grabbed a stool in her mouth and pulled it over. "Here we are, hop up." After Sweetie made the bound to it, Fair began pointing out what the various things in the kitchen did. "But I could ramble all day and you'd probably forget most of it, so let's get started by making something." She reached out with her neck and snatched one of those receipts from a hanging spinning rack, the same she'd feed from the front of the store. She set it down and nodded. "Alright, one order of hay fries and a basic burger. We can do this." Sweetie began looking around manically and spotted a bag that had a big horseshoe on it that looked kind of like a hay fry. She tried to lift it with her magic, but it was a bit too heavy for her developing skill. Fair gave a soft laugh. "There I go, forgetting you're a unicorn." She crouched a little and grabbed the bag in her teeth. "You found it, dearie. Now you just have to open it." She showed how the bag could be peeled open. It seemed to have a sealing top if the flaps were pressed together. She pointed at one of the fryers. "Now, be careful with this. I wouldn't want a single hair on your little body being singed." She set the bag just beside the fyer. "Tip it over, gently." Sweetie stuck out her tongue a little with intense focus and her magic wrapped around the top of the bag, slowly pulling it over until the horseshoe-shaped contents began to spill out into the waiting basket. "Stop," called Fair, and nudged the bag upright. "Now we just lower it in." She grabbed the handle and lifted it off its hook before lowering it into the bath of hot oil. It hissed and began bubbling fiercely. "It'll make a little ringing sound when it's done. While that's going, let's make that burger." Sweetie had to smile. She was cooking! She was really cooking, and nothing had caught fire yet. Maybe it wouldn't be so awful. Filled with timid hope, she turned to follow Fair as she moved to begin the process of making a hay burger. Sweetie had never seen one actually made before and leaned forward off her stool to see the process. "Don't look like you're ready to watch a show," chided Fair gently. "You're the one that's going to make it. I'm just here to help." Author's Note I felt the itch, so the story continued! Do typos burn in oil or just turn a golden brown? 5 - From Hooves, Burgers"Use what destiny gave you," instructed Miss Shake with that kindly smile. Sweetie took a hay patty from the neat stack and floated it over to the stovetop. "Last time I tried to cook, I wasn't as good with my horn." "You're growing up," agreed Fair Shake. "Now put it down gently and let it cook a moment. Even with your magic, you shouldn't try to flip it directly. Grab a spatula." She pointed at the named tool. "I've seen unicorns singe their poor horns. Not sure how that works, exactly, but let's avoid it." Sweetie grabbed up the implement and swung it through the air like a sword before she caught herself and brought it down to gently lift the patty and turn it over. "How do you know when it's done?" "Just do what you just did there, minus the theatrics. When both sides have darkened a little to a gold color, you're done." She couldn't believe how easy it seemed to be to cook properly. What had changed since her first time? She could still remember all the smoke, and all the mess. It came to her suddenly. She wasn't trying to show off, or do ten things at once. It was her, and the burger. The fries were bubbling away and didn't need her attention. She was one with the patty. She lifted it with the spatula and set it on a plate, only for Fair Shake to slip a bun in the way just at the last minute. "A burger without a bun is barely a burger," she sang. "They didn't order anything fancy on top, so let's just put the usual." She pointed to the condiments as Sweetie grabbed and applied them to the burger. "In the future, we keep a guide right here." There was a nice chart that showed which condiments to use for which orders. "Don't think we always remember it all." The fryer began ringing and Sweetie jumped with surprise. She came down facing the sound and reached to grab the handle of the fry basket. "I got it!" As it turned, she didn't. The basket raised from the oil, wobbling dangerously. Fair's teeth clenched in worry, but she let Sweetie try. Sweetie hadn't even cleared the lip when she tilted it to the side as if to pour it out. "Stop!" The basket splashed back down into the oil, making a bit of a mess. Fair hurried over and grabbed the handle, lifting the basket up and hanging it just above the oil. "This is where you want to put that. Let the oil come out of it, give it a shake if you like, but only after that do you pour it out." "Oh..." Sweetie was blushing with shame. "I didn't mean to make a mess." "I've seen worse first tries," assured Fair Shake with a smile. "Let's get this order out. Go ahead and pour the fries over there." She pointed the way and Sweetie soon emptied the basket, then grabbed the scoop that let her get the fries into the serving bag, which joined the burger on the plate. Fair nodded at the assembled meal. "Excellent. Put it over there and we'll have a happy customer." Sweetie didn't trust her horn to lift the result of her cooking. She grabbed it in her jaws and set it on the counter where it could be taken, which is was almost immediately. Fair reached to pat Sweetie on the head. "And there you are. That wasn't so bad, right?" "No, it wasn't... What about when you're overwhelmed with orders?" Her voice squeaked as she imagined the apocalyptic situation. "Then they have to wait." Fair pointed to the griddle. "You can cook what you can cook. As you get practiced, you'll get comfortable having more patties on at once, but don't rush it. If things get that busy often, then I'll just have to find another pony to help the two of you out." Sweetie nodded as she plucked the next receipt off the hanging tray and checked it. A cheeseburger with extra onions. She could do that! She grabbed a patty and set it on the grill. Fair nodded softly. "It looks like you've got this under control. Just call if you need anything at all." "Yes ma--" She caught herself, coloring. "Thanks, Mom." Fair's smile was radiant as the aged mare walked off, content with her life. Sweetie took a soft breath as she turned the patty over. It crumbled a little with her poor spatula management. Part of her wanted to freak out, but she didn't. She would cook that patty, and the one after it. She would earn her bits, like a grown pony, and then be guilt-free when she spent them. She smiled to herself. Working there wouldn't be where she'd work forever, but as first jobs went, she could think of worse. Author's Note Sweetie fails to set a single fire. Was that the typo all along? Thanks for reading!
1 - Just a Few BitsSweetie had mastered that expression. She fluttered her lashes before her eyes went wider than any pony had a right to have them. "Please?" Rarity shook her head, unmoved by the display. "I'm afraid not, Sweetie darling. I'd love to oblige you, but that simply isn't happening today." She leaned forward. "Say, now that you have your cutie mark, you could get a job." She rolled a hoof even as her horn glowed, sewing what looked like a fancy drape. "You could learn some useful life skills, and earn those bits you want so badly. Wouldn't that be delightful?" Sweetie made a face as she wandered off in failure. A job? She wandered out onto the street and started to wander the town, thoughts jumbled and confused as she considered. What kind of job would she even get? Cutie Mark Crusading didn't pay anything, unfortunately, so that was out. The smell of crispy hay fries wafted past her little snout. Mmm, maybe a snack? That would also need bits. She kicked a rock a few inches in impotent fury. But then she saw it, there in the window! 'Help Wanted,' it read bright as day. 'No experience required.' Perfect! She didn't have any experience, at least not working for the fast food place. How hard could that be? She'd be the best waitress ever! With a huge grin, Sweetie moved inside, opening the door with developing unicorn magic. She moved straight up to the counter where a bored earth pony stood. "Hello?" He looked down towards her. "Hello and welcome to Hay Burger, what can I get you?" He paused only half a moment. "Oh, almost forgot. We're having a special toy with the little foal meals. You want one of those?" Sweetie pinkened a little. She was no filly! She was gonna get a job, like an adult! "Excuse me, sir, but I'd like to inquire about the offer of employment." She pointed out to the sign in the window. The pony brightened right up. "Finally!" He reached over the counter, plucked up Sweetie even as she squeaked, and before anyone could react, he had her in a little outfit suited for the Hay Burger and set her gently behind the counter. "Do you have any experience?" "No?" She looked down at herself in the bright colors of Hay Burger. "That's alright. It's easy." He reached for her again and set her down on the counter so she could see the register and started going over what each button did what with dizzying speed. Sweetie shook her head violently. "That's too much too fast! Can you slow down a little?" He blinked at her. "You get used to it, just takes practice, or would you rather make the food?" Sweetie thought back to the last time she had tried to make food and the singe marks that were still in Rarity's house as a result. "Uh... nah. I'll do this." She smiled brightly. "I'll be super nice and make ponies feel welcome." "Good spirit." The clerk bobbed his head. "I'll be in the back. Just get the orders to me and I'll have it cooked up in a jiffy. Good luck!" He swatted Sweetie across the withers and trotted into the back, looking quite pleased with life. Sweetie looked around quickly and spotted a stool not far away. With a glow of her horn, she tried to tug it closer, but couldn't quite pull hard enough. It tipped over and clacked loudly against the floor. The customers all looked up at her with sour expressions. She let out a little half-hearted laugh before she hopped down and moved the stool the earth pony way, then hopped up so she could see over the counter without sitting on the same counter. That seemed a bit better. She was ready! She hoped. A colt came in. It was Snails! Snails saw her and tilted his head. "Heya Sweetie Belle. Where's the stallion that usually takes the orders, eh?" Sweetie put a hoof to her puffed-out chest. "That's me! I mean, not a stallion, but I will take your order. What can I get for you?" She remembered something. "We have a special on foal meals today." She looked around in a panic before she saw a dangling slip of paper that specified the meal came with an extra special toy. "It has a special toy!" Snails gave one of his trademarked slow blinks. "Oh... wow. I'll have one of those then." Sweetie grabbed a pen nearby and scribbled it down. "Anything else?" Snails tapped his chin in what seemed like slow motion. "I'll have a soda, and an extra large hay fries." He smiled at Sweetie. "Wow, you're really good at this. I'm surprised you didn't get a cutie mark in serving, eh?" Sweetie blushed a bit at that. She was quite happy with the mark she did get. What would a serving mark look like? She didn't want it. She wrote down the order though, nice and quick! She was good at reading and writing and wasn't shy putting that to work. "Go ahead and have a seat and I'll call when it's ready." "Alright." Snails walked off in no particular hurry. Sweetie grabbed the paper full of the order and spun on the stool. "I have an order!" The stallion that had been tending when she came in emerged from the back and reached for the order, but paused. "This isn't the usual receipt." Sweetie blinked. "I just wrote it down." He pointed back at the register. "Did they pay for it?" Oh... right. Sweetie giggled embarrassedly. "Oh yeah! Snails!" Snails turned slowly back around and came towards the counter. "Yeah?" Sweetie leaned forward over the counter. "I forgot to actually charge you for it." "Oh... yeah. How much?" Sweetie looked over the register and all its buttons. She saw three side by side that looked like the horse shoe fries. Sizes! She pressed the largest one and it made a little 'ding'. Alright, she was getting somewhere. That one looked like a drink. She moved to press it when another hoof came in and warded hers away. The senior employee was still there. "That's for a shake," he corrected, then pointed to the ones that were for a soda. "That's what you want." Sweetie blushed deeply as she pushed the right button. But what was the foal meal?! After she looked for a few moments with increasing desperation, the senior employee reached over and pushed the last button. "You get used to it. Now you just hit the button on the bottom and the receipt comes out with the total. Go ahead." She pushed down the big lever on the bottom and a little slip of paper came out. "Oh! Thanks. That will be five bits." Snails produced the currency and floated it up into Sweetie's reach. It was dropped into the register and the receipt handed over to the senior employee. He nodded approvingly. "That's how you do it. I'll be cooking this up. Keep it up." He walked back into the back out of sight. The door chimed as another pony came in. It was another pony she knew. Her heart went cold. It was Twilight! She wasn't doing anything Twilight would be proud of! She'd probably lecture her for not using her brain more instead of just... that... With a bright red face, Sweetie hopped down behind the counter with sudden terror. Twilight walked to the counter with some confusion. Where was anypony to take her order? "Hello? Anypony here?" Sweetie trembled out of sight, hoping Twilight would leave. But she didn't. Twilight leaned over the counter with a neck that had only gotten longer with her princesshood. "Hello?" She looked down and was looking right at Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie?! What are you doing here?" Sweetie was caught and there was nothing for it... unless... "Oh, um, I just... I was looking around." Twilight tilted her head faintly. "How'd you end up with a Hay Burger uniform?" Sweetie gave a brief strained titter. "Funny thing, isn't it?" Twilight lifted a brow. "Sweetie... Are you hiding something?" She peered at Sweetie as the filly seemed to shrink with discomfort. "Allow me to be clear, you are my friend and my student. Even if you did something wrong, tell me and we can work it out." Sweetie blinked at that. This was Twilight. She was a reasonable pony, usually, until she freaked out. Was Hay Burger worth freaking out about? Probably not... "So... It's like this." She hopped up onto her stool. "Welcome to Hay Burger. How can I help you?" Twilight seemed surprised at the sudden swerve in the conversation, but the gist of it struck her. "You work here?" Sweetie's ears flipped back. "Y-yeah?" Twilight smiled brightly. "That's very mature of you, Sweetie Belle. It's good to see you taking on such a responsibility. You are taking it seriously, I hope?" Sweetie blinked with confusion. Twilight was happy, even proud? "Y-yeah! I only just started, but I'm gonna be the best they ever had." Twilight nodded. "I don't doubt it." She glanced left and right. "I don't suppose I get a discount?" Sweetie waved a hoof up at the larger pony. "You know that wouldn't be right. Now, what can I get for you?" Twilight let out her own strained giggle. "Of course... Just testing you. Now, I'll have..." It wasn't the perfect job, but Sweetie would make it work. She at least knew her friends would be proud with her in a job well done. The bits wouldn't be awful either. Author's Note So... How was it?! Really, let me know. It was a fluffy bit of slice of life, served straight from the oven. I think a lot of us have had similar situations, yeah? First jobs can be quite intimidating.
2 - Things Get LoudSweetie started to get into a little groove. She'd smile and greet each pony, press the buttons for each thing they wanted, and put the resulting receipt on a little spinning thing that let the cook on duty get to it. It was nice and simple, really, and she felt accomplished doing it without making... too many... mistakes. Then Cranky came in. He was already muttering as he came up towards the counter. He looked Sweetie up and down even as she enthusiastically greeted him. "Can it and take my order. I'm not here to make friends." He looked away a moment, grumbling, "Sometimes it's like all the ponies take after that pink menace." He looked back to her. "Ready?" "Y-yes sir!" Sweetie gave a sharp salute before hovering a hoof over the register. "Ready." "I'll take..." He started droning off his order. It seemed just a bit much for one donkey. Unfortunately, Sweetie didn't contain her curiosity. "Getting some for somepony else?" He raised a shaggy brow at her. "That's a rude thing if ever I heard. Whether I am or not is none of yer business!" Sweetie went red with shame and annoyance. Was that really so bad a question? "O-okay. Um, anything else?" He pointed up at the menu over both of their heads. "What's that?" Sweetie turned and began to explain, but he cut her off, "Nevermind that! How much?" Sweetie found her teeth were clenched. She didn't like being talked at like that, but she tried to let it go. She depressed the big finish lever. "That'll be seven bits" Cranky grumbled as he fished out the coins and surrendered them. Finally, Sweetie was left with a measure of peace. She sank back after hanging the receipt and let out a loud sigh. "This can be hard..." The door swung open, admitting the next pony in. A small pony. A familiar small pony. Applebloom came trotting in, her bow bouncing with every step. Part of Sweetie lifted. It was good to see a friend, but what would she think of it? Sweetie darkened in her cheeks, going warm. She had freaked out when Twilight showed up, and that worked out alright... right? She cleared her throat softly. "Hey Apple Bloom! Welcome to Hay Burger." Bloom blinked with some surprise. "Oh hey, Sweetie. What'ya doin' back there?" She reared up and stood against the register, getting a better look at Sweetie. "Wow! Is that an Hay Burger uniform?" Sweetie started to blush all over again. "Cool!" Really? "I didn't know you were gettin' no job. Ah mean, ah already got a job, ya know, workin' the farm with mah family, but this is cool! Now ahm not the only Crusader that works fer a livin'." Sweetie blinked with wide eyes at her friend. She hadn't even started to look at it that way. "Huh, I guess that's true. Do you think Scootaloo might get a job too?" Bloom shrugged. "Maybe. Ah ain't forcin' her or nothing." She pointed up at the menu. "Ah'm ready to order." Sweetie sat up, tall and proud. "And I'm ready to take it. What would you like?" Apple Bloom ordered a reasonably hefty meal, but ordered two oat burgers. Sweetie knew she didn't usually eat two oat burgers. "Extra hungry today?" She asked as she pushed down the finalize lever. Apple Bloom grinned wide. "The second one's fer you. Us workers gotta stick together." Sweetie felt a sudden flood of giddy warmth. It was so good to have real friends. "You're the best." She reached out a hoof and they met in a loud clop of camaraderie. When the meal was complete, she passed it down to Apple Bloom and kept one of the burgers, putting it beside her for when she got her break. "What's that?" It was her senior employee. He was pointing at the lone wrapped burger. "Did somepony forget their order?" Sweetie blinked at him and the burger. "My friend bought one for me for my break." He tilted his head. "You shouldn't accept that. I know you're new, so I'll let it go this time, but you can get in real trouble having Hay Burger food anytime besides during your break or off-duty." Sweetie felt her blood rushing into her ears. Was he implying she might have taken it without asking? "I'm not a thief!" He shook his head. "I'm not calling you one. Look, Sweetie, you seem super nice, but rules are rules. I don't want you to get in trouble, alright?" She hung her head a little. "Alright," she said in a sullen tone. What was wrong with accepting a gift from a friend? He reached for the burger and snatched it from the counter. Sweetie gasped loudly and reached for it, but he was already walking away. "I'll put this in the break room." Oh... She put a hoof behind her head. That was a logical enough place for food to go. She tried to put it out of her mind, taking a few soft breaths before she looked up. Oops! There were two more hungry ponies waiting for her. "Welcome to Hay Burger. What can I get for you today?" She smiled bright and focused on the job. She wouldn't mess it up! She got the line moving with cheerful smiles and a recovering spirit. At least she didn't have another Cranky to deal with that day. The ponies of Ponyville were good folk, by and large. At least until a pony she didn't even think would ever eat at Hay Burger stepped in. She looked down her upturned nose at Sweetie Belle as if she just smelled something nasty. Spoiled Rich had arrived. Author's Note One rough customer, and one to lift her spirits. Sweetie is learning lessons, perhaps? And the Crusaders certainly aren't being torn apart for it. So, didn't plan to continue this, but folks wanted it, so here it is.
3 - Spoiled MealMany other eyes darted up, other ponies just as surprised to see Spoiled Rich there, but they looked back to their food and conversations quickly enough. Sweetie was alone. She flashed her biggest smile, praying it would help. "Welcome to Hay Burger! What c--" "Let's keep this brief." She shook her head slowly as she approached. "I wouldn't normally be found dead in such a place." That got a few sour looks. "Our butler is ill today." Her eyes lifted to the menu, scanning swiftly before she directed a hoof at the most expensive item, the triple hay burger with extra Brussels sprouts. "You will furnish two of those. What drinks do you have?" Her eyes scanned quickly across the counter. "I fail to see any wine menu." Wine menu? Sweetie's left ear quirked off to the side a moment. "I'm afraid we don't have one of those." She pressed the button to order the triple twice. "We have a selection of soda pop!" Spoiled looked offended at the very idea. "We also have coffee?" That got a hint of a smile back. "Two?" Spoiled nodded. "Very good." Without asking how much it was, she set down a hundred bit coin. Sweetie had never seen a coin so valuable before. Well, that wasn't true. Rarity got to handle bits like that before, but Sweetie didn't! She picked it up in her magic carefully as she quickly tapped coffee twice and pushed down on the finish bar. "That'll be 14 bits." Even as she made to start counting change, a hoof came over the register, blocking the view. "You needn't waste my time," she sternly informed. "It's still beyond me how you made such a mess for my daughter." She raised a brow down at Sweetie. "Good to see you've found your... proper place." Sweetie felt blood rushing into her cheeks and ears. Just what was Spoiled implying?! "We're friends now." She pushed the drawer back in with a tiny little bell of a noise. "I'll call when your order's ready." Spoiled gave a light nod. "See that you do, and Diamond Tiara does not require... friends... such as you. Find somepony else to bother with your chicanery." She turned away, tail flicking up behind her in a rude gesture as she trotted a short distance away. "Break time," came the familiar voice of the senior employee. Sweetie jerked in place. "Oh! Okay, thanks." She realized something. "We've been working together and I never got your name. That was rude of me. I'm--" "Sweetie Belle," he finished for her with a bit of a smile. "Most ponies know you, part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, little sister of Rarity? You're practically famous in Ponyville. Nopony cares about me so much." Sweetie hopped to the floor and reached up a hoof at him. "Aw! Don't be sad. I care about you. You're my mentor, and I really appreciate what you've done for me so far. What's your name?" He gave a little chuckle as he sat on his haunches. "Little Fry." "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Little Fry." Sweetie dipped her head in a bit of a bow before she hopped back upright. "See you after the break, alright?" "You talk a little funny," he noted. "I like it." Sweetie wasn't sure if she was being complimented or not, but decided to accept it as one. "I'll be back after break." She waved and retreated into the back, letting out a massive sigh of relief. She had weathered the Spoiled storm without losing too much for the adventure. She hopped up onto the stool provided in the mostly-bare break room and reached for the burger that was waiting for her. She smiled as she held it between her hooves. "Thanks, AB." She peeled it free as her eyes wandered around. There were little legal posters about, and one motivational one done in Hay Burger fashion, with a pony reaching for a burger just out of reach. "You can do it!" it read along the bottom, and Sweetie snickered at it. She wouldn't ever be that desperate for a burger. She chomped down into the burger that was perfectly in her reach. Mmm. She had chosen a delicious job! "Sorry to bother you," came a female voice. Sweetie spun in place to see a mare dressed in a business suit and wearing a genuine-seeming smile. "I hear you're my new employee." Sweetie froze. That was her boss?! She wasn't ready! The mare held up a hoof. "Easy there. I'm sorry for just barging in on your lunch. You're not in trouble. In fact, from what I'm hearing, you've been showing some real Hay Burger spirit with the customers. It's great to see." She approached Sweetie at a sedate walk. "My, aren't you a young one? Is this your first job?" Sweetie set down the burger, rubbed her hooves together in a frantic effort to have them dry and stood up on the stool. "Yes ma'am! I'm Sweetie Belle, ma'am." She smiled gently. "You remind me of my own filly, but she'd probably smack me over the head for calling her that. She's gone and moved out now, you see." She reached up and patted Sweetie right on the head. "You just call me Mom." The senior employee's voice drifted in from the front, "You made me work for months before you let me call you that." Mom made a dismissive wave. "I'm afraid I'm biased towards little fillies with good spirits. Now, tell me about yourself, Sweetie. You're still in school, right?" Author's Note Is this good news, great news, or bad news? Sweetie meets her boss, and falls right into maternal lock-on. Fawning missiles, fire! Maybe the explosion will take out a few typos.
4 - Meeting the TopThe older mare sat beside the small table of the break room. "My name's Fair Shake. A pleasure to meet you, Sweetie Belle." She seemed to remember something. "You're Rarity's daughter, aren't you?" Sweetie blinked widely. "Rarity's my sister!" she squeaked defensively. Fair raised a hoof. "My apologies. I just saw you two together so often and made a poor guess. You two must be very close." At that, Sweetie bobbed her head. "Uh huh. We're best sisters, except maybe Apple Bloom and AJ." She tapped her chin. "But it's not a contest, usually." She sat back down, feeling a little less on-edge around the mare. "Do you have a sister?" Fair gave a gentle smile. "No such luck. I have a brother. He's a good stallion, retired now." Sweetie's eyes wandered over her boss mare. How old was she, exactly? It seemed quite rude to outright ask, considering how Rarity acted whenever the topic was broached. Her eyes darted to the hanging clock on the wall. "I should get back to work, Miss Shake." Fair rose to her own hooves. "Mom will do just fine. I heard you've tried the register, but have you had a spin around the kitchen yet?" Sweetie managed to pale in even her already white fur. "I'm not sure that's a good idea..." Fair nudged Sweetie along towards the dreaded kitchen. "You learn by doing. I'll give a hoof to get you started. If it really doesn't fit, we'll get you back out front, I promise." Sweetie swallowed audibly as she took uncertain steps into the intimidatingly large fry kitchen. She could hear the fryers softly bubbling and feel the heat rolling off of them, to say nothing of the open grills awaiting the chance to cook a patty. The older mare grabbed a stool in her mouth and pulled it over. "Here we are, hop up." After Sweetie made the bound to it, Fair began pointing out what the various things in the kitchen did. "But I could ramble all day and you'd probably forget most of it, so let's get started by making something." She reached out with her neck and snatched one of those receipts from a hanging spinning rack, the same she'd feed from the front of the store. She set it down and nodded. "Alright, one order of hay fries and a basic burger. We can do this." Sweetie began looking around manically and spotted a bag that had a big horseshoe on it that looked kind of like a hay fry. She tried to lift it with her magic, but it was a bit too heavy for her developing skill. Fair gave a soft laugh. "There I go, forgetting you're a unicorn." She crouched a little and grabbed the bag in her teeth. "You found it, dearie. Now you just have to open it." She showed how the bag could be peeled open. It seemed to have a sealing top if the flaps were pressed together. She pointed at one of the fryers. "Now, be careful with this. I wouldn't want a single hair on your little body being singed." She set the bag just beside the fyer. "Tip it over, gently." Sweetie stuck out her tongue a little with intense focus and her magic wrapped around the top of the bag, slowly pulling it over until the horseshoe-shaped contents began to spill out into the waiting basket. "Stop," called Fair, and nudged the bag upright. "Now we just lower it in." She grabbed the handle and lifted it off its hook before lowering it into the bath of hot oil. It hissed and began bubbling fiercely. "It'll make a little ringing sound when it's done. While that's going, let's make that burger." Sweetie had to smile. She was cooking! She was really cooking, and nothing had caught fire yet. Maybe it wouldn't be so awful. Filled with timid hope, she turned to follow Fair as she moved to begin the process of making a hay burger. Sweetie had never seen one actually made before and leaned forward off her stool to see the process. "Don't look like you're ready to watch a show," chided Fair gently. "You're the one that's going to make it. I'm just here to help." Author's Note I felt the itch, so the story continued! Do typos burn in oil or just turn a golden brown?
5 - From Hooves, Burgers"Use what destiny gave you," instructed Miss Shake with that kindly smile. Sweetie took a hay patty from the neat stack and floated it over to the stovetop. "Last time I tried to cook, I wasn't as good with my horn." "You're growing up," agreed Fair Shake. "Now put it down gently and let it cook a moment. Even with your magic, you shouldn't try to flip it directly. Grab a spatula." She pointed at the named tool. "I've seen unicorns singe their poor horns. Not sure how that works, exactly, but let's avoid it." Sweetie grabbed up the implement and swung it through the air like a sword before she caught herself and brought it down to gently lift the patty and turn it over. "How do you know when it's done?" "Just do what you just did there, minus the theatrics. When both sides have darkened a little to a gold color, you're done." She couldn't believe how easy it seemed to be to cook properly. What had changed since her first time? She could still remember all the smoke, and all the mess. It came to her suddenly. She wasn't trying to show off, or do ten things at once. It was her, and the burger. The fries were bubbling away and didn't need her attention. She was one with the patty. She lifted it with the spatula and set it on a plate, only for Fair Shake to slip a bun in the way just at the last minute. "A burger without a bun is barely a burger," she sang. "They didn't order anything fancy on top, so let's just put the usual." She pointed to the condiments as Sweetie grabbed and applied them to the burger. "In the future, we keep a guide right here." There was a nice chart that showed which condiments to use for which orders. "Don't think we always remember it all." The fryer began ringing and Sweetie jumped with surprise. She came down facing the sound and reached to grab the handle of the fry basket. "I got it!" As it turned, she didn't. The basket raised from the oil, wobbling dangerously. Fair's teeth clenched in worry, but she let Sweetie try. Sweetie hadn't even cleared the lip when she tilted it to the side as if to pour it out. "Stop!" The basket splashed back down into the oil, making a bit of a mess. Fair hurried over and grabbed the handle, lifting the basket up and hanging it just above the oil. "This is where you want to put that. Let the oil come out of it, give it a shake if you like, but only after that do you pour it out." "Oh..." Sweetie was blushing with shame. "I didn't mean to make a mess." "I've seen worse first tries," assured Fair Shake with a smile. "Let's get this order out. Go ahead and pour the fries over there." She pointed the way and Sweetie soon emptied the basket, then grabbed the scoop that let her get the fries into the serving bag, which joined the burger on the plate. Fair nodded at the assembled meal. "Excellent. Put it over there and we'll have a happy customer." Sweetie didn't trust her horn to lift the result of her cooking. She grabbed it in her jaws and set it on the counter where it could be taken, which is was almost immediately. Fair reached to pat Sweetie on the head. "And there you are. That wasn't so bad, right?" "No, it wasn't... What about when you're overwhelmed with orders?" Her voice squeaked as she imagined the apocalyptic situation. "Then they have to wait." Fair pointed to the griddle. "You can cook what you can cook. As you get practiced, you'll get comfortable having more patties on at once, but don't rush it. If things get that busy often, then I'll just have to find another pony to help the two of you out." Sweetie nodded as she plucked the next receipt off the hanging tray and checked it. A cheeseburger with extra onions. She could do that! She grabbed a patty and set it on the grill. Fair nodded softly. "It looks like you've got this under control. Just call if you need anything at all." "Yes ma--" She caught herself, coloring. "Thanks, Mom." Fair's smile was radiant as the aged mare walked off, content with her life. Sweetie took a soft breath as she turned the patty over. It crumbled a little with her poor spatula management. Part of her wanted to freak out, but she didn't. She would cook that patty, and the one after it. She would earn her bits, like a grown pony, and then be guilt-free when she spent them. She smiled to herself. Working there wouldn't be where she'd work forever, but as first jobs went, she could think of worse. Author's Note Sweetie fails to set a single fire. Was that the typo all along? Thanks for reading!
