The Looking Glass.

One of the finest bars Equestria has ever seen, now all yours. Right in the center of Ponyville it stood proudly amongst the variety of shops and homes beside it. When you first got the place, it was a bit of a wreck. Old rusted pipes that had completely corroded in places, a battered bar that had seen better days, not to mention the glass all over the place from the shattered windows. Salvageable is the word you used when you bought it a few months ago, now it was the most popular bar in Ponyville. But from the look of the place today, you wouldn't think that.

It was dead.

A lazy Sunday afternoon had rolled in and most ponies had stayed at home. This much was clear to you. You were used to quiet days, Mondays were usually quiet, the odd few people coming in as a stop off from work, but this place was lifeless. In the corner by the windows were Strikeout, a grey earth pony and Blocked Lane, a yellow pegasus, two stallions who were both very adamant about bowling, more than once their arguments have had them thrown out, more often than not by Sturdy Shield, the retired royal guard who spends every other day here. As you were observing the two bowlers, you were interrupted by a large red stallion approaching, carrying 3 big wooden barrels in both his hands.

"Been busy?" the stallion asked sarcastically, placing the barrels down next to the bar,

"Nnnope," you replied back, reaching into the cashier and extracting many bits. Handing him the bits you continued, "Applejack out of town Big Mac, she usually makes the deliveries?"

"Eeeeeyup," was the only response you got from him as he turned to leave, having other errands to run.

"Make sure Cheerilee can walk in the morning this time!" you yelled after him. You weren't sure how many other ponies heard you, but you know Mac definitely did. His cheeks flushed a bright pink while he increased his pace, you knew he'd make you pay for that, but the moment was too good to pass, so you could live with it.

Big Mac was a quiet one. He'd developed a bit of a reputation amongst Ponyvilles residents for his short responses, and a reputation amongst the mares for his large 'responses'; at least that's what Rainbow told you. None the less, Mac was probably your first real friend in Ponyville. You met him shortly after arriving here, as the friendship police led by one Twilight Sparkle decided you needed to meet some of the residents. Sweet Apple Acres was a quaint little farm on the edge of Ponyville, which is where you met Mac, and the two of you hit it off from there.

The hours passed by and customers came and went, until it was just you and a certain mare left in the establishment. A plum coloured mare you knew all too well. A mare notorious not only for her drinking habits, but also for being one of the best connoisseurs of fine wines and ciders from here to the Badlands.

Berry Punch.

She taught you everything you know about Equestrian mixology. She had guided you through the ups and downs of bartending from the day after you met her, having drunk her under the table the previous night. From then on the two of you have been close, not in a romantic sense, but in a teacher and student sense. Throughout the year you knew her the two of you went from master and apprentice to friends, which made a lot of the resident of Ponyville wonder if there was something between you two. More than once ponies had asked if it was more but sadly you always gave the same response, 'Just friends'. The mare certainly had her charms though. She was smart, honest and caring. You had even met her daughter, Pinchy, when you went to her house for lessons in management, and she was the most hyperactive and adorable filly you'd ever met.

"I must say," Berry said away from you, interrupting your train of thought, "this certainly has been a quiet day, I could almost hear your internal monologuing." She then waved an empty cocktail glass in your face, to which you gave a confused face. "Suprise me," was the only answer you got. You took the glass, a small grin on your face. You knew what she was doing, your knowledge of earth based cocktails had made this place quite popular, and she wanted something that was not on the regular menu. You turned around to the under bar and got to work.

"Cranberry juice, raspberry juice, amaretto and bourbon," you said to no one in particular. Turning back around, you placed the concoction in front of her. "Berry, I present to you the Big Mac." She looked between you and the glass, her face very slowly contorting to a smile.

"Seriously?" she sniggered. "Is it because it's red, like a certain stallion we know." She ogled the drink before smelling it, recoiling slightly at its strong smell.

"No," you answered, partly laughing as well, "it's because it kicks like a mule." Berry began to drink, which quickly became an attempt to down it. After a few seconds, she slammed the glass down, which earned a strained look from you. She licked her lips, and smiled slightly.

"Not bad, certainly has a pleasant aftertaste, I'd say I've taught you quite well." she said, "but don't get ahead of yourself, you have a while yet before you're on my level." She leaned forward slightly, her ample breasts pushing against the counter top. Her eyes were staring into yours as the taller mare leaned over you, "now be a good boy and make me another." You were blushing furiously, Berry has never done anything like that before to you. Regaining your composure, you turned to the pumps, red still present on your face. You poured Berry some cider, whilst doing the same for yourself.

The two of you idly chatted for quite some time, the darkness of the outside world slowly seeping in through the window. Looking at the clock above the door, you saw that it was 10:30. "I think I'll close early tonight," you thought to yourself with a smile.

Author's Note

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed it so far.
Let me know what you guys think as I appreciate feedback.