Author's Note

First suggestion/request. I shall honor it as best as I can. TruestEclipse; this one's for you.

A Primrose by Any Other Name

Sleep was terrible. At one point in her life, she loved sleep. Dreams were the best. Seeing possibilities, scenarios never thought of before. A well of inspiration. Now? All sleep did was throw the memories of her past into her consciousness, deepening her mental scars.

She had done some research. How to supress memories by any means. It was impossible. Even hypnotherapy could go so far, since ones subconsciousness could cue up what was forgotten.

The relaxing train ride unfortunately led to her dozing off several time, and waking up each time more and more anxious. Finally, it was over, and she could find a way to stay awake.

With a tired stumble, she made her way through this Ponyville. She let out a breath as she spotted exactly what she was looking for. A café. She squinted as she looked at the sign. “Kai's Café” it read. She'd never heard such a strange name…

With a strained yawn, she walked through the doors.

Chapter 20

A Primrose by Any Other Name

The past few weeks had been uneventful… for Kai. Having a regularly frequented business and not having the excuse “I'm an Element of Harmony” meant he couldn't slink off as often as the others. Thusly, he was not involved with everything his friends were. Though it wasn't overbearing, he could still use his job as an excuse to get out of things he didn't want to do.

Such as when Rarity had met Photo Finish—only THE best fashion photographer around—and wanted him and Fluttershy to model for her. He had agreed to the initial shoot, but declined Photo Finish's offer of “Making him into a star”. He… disliked the limelight. At least in this sense. Fashion was where Rarity could shine, and he would stick to making a cup of coffee. Though, there was apparently some confusion, in that Photo Finish only wanted the model, not the stylist. Kai had also resolved himself recently to try to cut back on swearing, because Fluttershy had been so stressed that she had done so. He didn't need to be any worse of an influence on her. The issue settled itself when Fluttershy and Rarity were honest with one another, Rarity being jealous and Fluttershy hating modeling. All's well with that one.

Then there was… something about a tree—he wasn't really listening to Applejack. It was important, he supposed, and she needed help to plant it or something. He wished them well and stayed home. They hadn't liked him for that.

They had tea with Celestia at Sugarcube Corner… then Fluttershy killed her bird. By accident—apparently. It was a phoenix, so it was all good in the end.

Then Pinkie had her birthday. But, everypony was trying to throw her a surprise party, and Pinkie was trying to find out, and got super depressed. Kai didn't know, and for some reason, nopony told him about her birthday, so he just joined the second party dedicated to her pet alligator. …Pinkie cried. He didn't like Pinkie crying. Luckily, everything was set right, and all was cheery and happy with her birthday party.

Now, Kai stood behind his counter as usual, awaiting customers for this slightly chilly morning. He was glad for this decently long period of calm. He and the others needed it. After all, a certain event was only a little while away.

Before his musings could expand, the door opened, ringing the bell to let him know he had a customer. Kai's brow twitched minutely. This mare was not from Ponyville—never seen her around. A unicorn of slightly above average size with a deep green coat and a long grey mane. Strangely, it seemed it was greyed naturally, despite her youthful appearance, as parts of her mane were black. The mare's eyes were wide, but the pupils themselves were much smaller, as if in perpetual shock. Dark lines under her eyes indicated severe sleep deprivation. Lastly of note, her cutie mark was a collection of yellowish-white flowers.

Kai threw on a smile and addressed this mare.

“Welcome.” He was used to the look of surprise she gave him. He wasn't quite used to how quickly it faded, however.

“Hello.” A bit raspy of a voice, like she needed to clear her throat, but oddly melodic. She took slow and methodical steps to the counter and finally took her seat. “Um… do you… have Canterlot blend?”

“Sure do.” Kai reached for the materials from behind the counter. “How do you like it? Little sweet? 'Lotta sweet? Black?”

“Really sweet, please.”

“Got it.” From his peripheral vision, he could see this mare watching every little movement of his. At first, her curiosity seemed to be focused on his hands, but then it was on how he prepared the coffee. He decided on some small talk, as the coffee would have to brew for a while. Folks seldom ordered anything other than the average Ponyville blend.

However…

“You're the only employee… Does that make you Kai?” She beat him to it. He nodded calmly. “It… must get difficult… working alone. Aren't you inconvenienced? Finding days off and time to yourself?” She questioned with concern.

“Sometimes, but I can manage. And most ponies can understand why this place is closed a day or two every week.” Kai gave a calm and professional reply.

“I see.” She looked like she wanted to say something else, but the coffee was done. Kai went to pour it, then added a very generous amount of sugar. “Thank you, Mister Kai.”

Briefly, Kai's mind flashed to someone else who had addressed him as “Mister”, and felt a little sad. He shook it off before his face reflected such, and gave the mare a teasing smirk.

“Oh, come now. I can't look that old.” Her brows rose and she frowned apologetically.

“Oh, I'm sorry. I've never seen someone like you so I wasn't quite sure.”

“I'm just teasing. It's fine.” Kai gave a gesture to the prepared beverage. “Enjoy.”

The mare took a sip of her coffee. She blinked and stared at the cup.

“This is amazing. Just the taste makes me feel like the day will be just fine. How can this place not be packed?”

“The business is pretty new. 'Side, ponies like the sweets from somewhere like Sugarcube Corner a bit more than they like coffee.” The mare nodded, understanding preferences in business.

The rest of the time was spent in silence, Kai cleaning anything that needed cleaning, and the mare finishing her coffee. She smiled at her empty cup, then directed her happiness to Kai.

“You're someone who makes ponies happy. Starting off their mornings with a smile and a perfect cup of coffee. I… wish I could be half as useful.” She stood from the stool. “How much do I owe you?”

“A smile. And you've already paid in full. Thank you for your business.” A bit of color met her cheeks, but her smile did grow.

“Thank you so much.” She turned to leave, but seemed to remember something. “Oh, um… My name is Primrose.”

“Come back soon, Primrose. There's always a cup for you.”

Same time the next day, Primrose entered Kai's Café. However, this time there were more customers on the stools. Two familiar mares, one a unicorn, the other an earth pony. They, and Kai, were staring right at her since the bell had alerted them. The saiyan waved.

“Primrose, hey!” He blinked, then cleared his throat. “Er, I mean, welcome.”

It touched Primrose that he greeted her so casually already. She waved back and took a seat, giving the mares a stool of space.

“Huh?” Vinyl Scratch lowered her glasses to make eye contact. “Pretty sure I showered earlier. I don't bite, y'know?”

“Oh, I meant no offense—”

“Vinyl, she is clearly being courteous. Something we know you could do more often.” Octavia Melody scolded. She addressed Primrose with a smile. “My name is Octavia Melody, and this is my friend…” She shot Vinyl a look, daring her to repeat her actions during their previous introduction. “…Vinyl Scratch.”

“I'm Primrose. It's a pleasure to meet you.” Primrose responded kindly.

“'Pleasure's all yours.” Vinyl received a bump of scolding.

“Likewise, Primrose.”

Kai went through the motions of making Primrose her coffee, though he noticed a repeat of last time. She focused on his technique.

“So, do you live around the area, Primrose?” Octavia tried to start up some small talk.

“…Somewhere close…” Primrose gave a vague, spaced out answer.

“Did you move to Ponyville recently?” Another attempt.

“…Yes…” The same kind of response.

“…Have we lost her, Kai?”

“Nah, she's just a natural.” They gave Kai a confused look, then looked back to Primrose. Kai finished in a few more seconds, and placed the cup in front of Primrose. “Order up.”

“Thank you.”

As usual, Kai went to clean whatever needed cleaning, while his customers drank their coffee.

“What do you do, Primrose?” The mare gave Vinyl a look. “I mean, 'Tavi and me make music and stuff. You do anything like that?”

“Oh, no. I have no musical talent. I only recently moved here for… reasons. I don't do anything in particular yet.”

“Where did you used to live?” Octavia followed up quickly, not wanting her to space out again.

“Manehatten.” Primrose answered with visible discomfort. Octavia tried to rectify this with another question.

“How is it there?”

“…Stuffy. A-anyway…” She stood and set a few bits onto the counter. “I'm sorry but I have to go now. Thank you again for the coffee, Kai. I'll be back tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see you, Primrose.” As she basically ran out, Kai gave Octavia a look of faux disappointment. “You scared her off. I never would have thought you would do something like that.”

“For shame, 'Tavi. For shame.” Vinyl joined in with a shake of her head.

“I had no intentions of scaring her off…” Octavia gloomed for a moment. “…She doesn't seem to sleep much.”

“S'why I asked what she did. Remember when I did like, twenty shows for a week straight, back-to-back? She still looks more tired than I was.” Vinyl mused.

“What's your take, Kai?”

“Mine? Well…” Kai chuckled. “I think I may have just found my first employee.” The two traded a confused glance.

“Um… No disrespect is intended toward Primrose, but… how can a sleep deprived pony possibly be a candidate for employment?”

“I want to test it tomorrow, but I think she's already picked up on how to make coffee like me.” He smirked, even as the duo gave skeptical stares. “Time will tell.”

Seven-thirty would be the time Primrose arrived, Kai noticed. Today she entered and looked to see another two ponies sitting. She bit back a grimace. The last ones probed too much… She hoped these two wouldn't.

“Welcome, Primrose.”

“Thank you, Kai.” Primrose was about to take a place with a stool's distance from the other mares, but she was stopped.

“Hey, Primrose. Come here for a sec'.” She stared for a moment, then nodded slowly. She hesitantly shuffled behind the counter next to Kai and looked up at him, confused. “Rarity, Fluttershy, this is Primrose. Primrose, this is my sister and my close friend.”

“A pleasure, darling.”

“It's nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Kai smiled at the brief interaction.

“Primrose, tell me. When you stand here beside me, looking out at the shop, what do you see?” Primrose was even more confused, but she analyzed everything as best as she could.

Her brow twitched.

“Um… Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy don't have a cup in front of them. Should we… I mean, were you going to take their orders?” The grin only grew on Kai's face when he heard her verbal slip-up.

“Why don't you?”

“Me? But I…” But his expression towards her was one of complete belief. It made her feel… special. Looking towards the two customers, she took a breath. “Um… W…welcome! Is there anything I can get for you two?”

“Why yes. I do believe a cup of Canterlot Blend would be perfect right about now. What about you, Fluttershy?”

“I agree. I'll have the same, please.” Primrose smiled.

“Wonderful choice. It will be ready shortly.” She looked up at Kai, who looked back at her with his arms crossed. He quirked an eyebrow. “…You want me to… make it as well?” The saiyan simply nodded.

Primrose looked at the shelves and counters, and quickly found everything she needed to make their order, going through the steps in her head. It never quite occured to her where she knew these steps. After all, before now, she had never even made a cup of genuine coffee. She just bought it at other cafés.

Not long after, the coffee was ready, and she poured some into clean cups.

“Oh! I never asked how you wanted it. I'm sorry.” Primrose bowed her head slightly as an apology.

“That's perfectly alright, darling. We both like just a touch of sugar.”

“Okay, just a touch.” Primrose added the sufficient amount, or at least, what she believed to be ‘just a touch’. Mixed and ready, she lightly pushed their cups closer to them. “Here you go. I hope you two enjoy.”

The two smiled at her gratefully, and went to take a sip. They were rightfully surprised at tasting it.

“Goodness, me!”

“Oh my…” Their reaction formed a pit in Primrose's stomach.

“I-I'm sorry. I should have just left it to—”

“Kai. I believe you should try this coffee.” Rarity's stern tone didn't help.

“No, please. I-I've already embarrassed myself. May I be excused?” But Kai had already taken Rarity's cup and sipped at the coffee. He assessed the taste with all of his expertise, clicking his tongue a few times with his eyes closed.

Then, he hummed.

“Primrose. When we met a few days back, you said you wanted to be useful like you think I am. Starting others' mornings off well.” Kai set the cup back down and opened his eyes to look at Primrose. “You can make a great cup of coffee, and you're hospitable. I think you would be the perfect pony to help represent this café. To ask officially, Primrose, would you like to work for me at my café?”

Primrose stared. She stared for a long time. She wasn't frozen per se, as she still moved her mouth inaudibly, and her body shook ever so slightly.

Then, all at once, she broke down; tears brimming and covering the dark marks of sleep deprivation. Her mouth hung open as her jaw quivered.

“Y-y-you r-really th-th-think so…?” She sobbed out in disbelief.

“Of course. Come on, this isn't a time to cry, Primrose. It's a time to celebrate.” But Kai understood these tears. After all, he had cried them before.

“Nopony's ever… b-believed in me before.” Rarity and Fluttershy understood just as well, so they traded smiles before smiling at the unicorn silently. “What if I fail? And disappoint everypony, including you?”

Kai shook his head.

“That won't happen. And even if it did, just try again. As long as you keep trying, what's there to complain about?” Primrose sniffled and wiped her tears. Sufficiently convinced, Primrose gave her answer.

“It would be my honor to work for you.”

Sleep… wasn't so bad that night.