Picnic with a Former Emperor

You still remembered the first time you had really met Sprout. You didn't treat yourself to pizza often, but when you did, that bitter little stallion was usually working at the cart--or at least, he seemed bitter on the surface. But you had witnessed how his eyes would light up whenever anypony said something nice to him, however rare that was. It had happened the first time you interacted with him. While walking up to the pizza cart, you had noticed his stiff frown and glowering stare; he looked as if he would rather be anywhere in Equestria besides doing his job. You felt pity in response to seeing him so unhappy. Sure, you had heard of his past...mistakes, but you couldn't resist making an attempt to brighten his day.

And so, after placing your order, you had casually added, "I like your eyes! They're really pretty."

It was no lie, of course. They were a vibrant emerald green, creating a striking contrast against his scarlet coat.

A giddy smile had slowly spread across his face, and you caught a glimpse of his tail swishing behind him as he happily responded. "Th-they are?"

From that moment on, you realized that Sprout was simply a pony starving for attention and praise. It seemed to bring him innocent yet blissful glee, and you found that adorable. And so, whenever you went for a pizza and happened to be served by him, you would remember to shoot at least one compliment his way. His reactions were always worth it, and you began to think of him as cute by some definition--especially since, as of late, he brightened right up whenever he saw you.

Today, however, you were feeling quite lazy. You were about to rewatch one of your favorite TV shows, and though your stomach was rumbling periodically, you didn't possess the desire to head out for food while it was getting dark outside. You could always cook something up in the kitchen, but you were short on decent ingredients. The most logical course of action was to order a pizza!

You grabbed your phone, ordered a medium-sized pizza with all your favorite toppings, and leaned back on the couch in front of the television. You started playing the first episode of the show to occupy your mind while you waited for your food to be prepared and delivered.

About twenty minutes later, during the ending credits of the first episode, you were alerted by the sound of a hoof knocking at your door. You hopped off the couch and trotted over to answer it. Once you swung the door open, you froze in surprise to see Sprout standing on your doorstep. He was wearing a signature cap from the pizza cart he worked for, and was balancing a pizza with one of his forelegs. He hadn't expected to see you either, his eyes widening as he took one hesitant step back.

You were the first to speak up. "Sprout! I didn't know you helped with deliveries too."

His gaze darted left and right as if he were anxious about something, but you couldn't imagine what there was to be afraid of. "Erm, yeah. I never got your name before, so I didn't realize this pizza was for you..."

You carefully took the warm pizza box from Sprout. "I'll pay for it, just wait here a sec!"

As you brought the pizza inside and set it on the edge of your couch, you noticed that the weight of the box seemed off somehow. Quickly deciding that you were just imagining things, you grabbed enough money to pay for the pizza (as well as some extra) and headed to the doorway again. Sprout was shuffling a hoof on the ground nervously.

You approached him with a smile and handed him the payment. "I've included a tip 'cause I think you deserve it. You're super awesome, so don't forget to buy something nice for yourself!"

Sprout quickly glanced at the money in his hoof and then shoved it into a saddlebag strapped to his side. "Um... thanks? You really didn't have to."

You tilted your head to one side and frowned. That reaction lacked the usual fervor that occurred when you bathed Sprout in attention. He looked away and took a few steps backward, abstaining from meeting your concerned gaze.

"Anyway, I should be heading back. Have a good evening!"

You slowly shut the door as he turned around and gallopped off. You hoped there was nothing tragic going on in his life, but why else would he be acting so strange? Your brow creased with worry even as you settled down on your comfy couch and picked up the box full of hot, mouth-watering pizza. You would have to go and check on him sometime. In any case, perhaps digging into your delicious meal would help steer your mind away from these worries...

You lifted the lid of the box, and your jaw fell open in horror to see that half of the pizza was missing!

You remained as stiff as stone for a few moments while your brain whipped up a possible explanation, and then you clenched your teeth in annoyance. That rascal Sprout must have eaten some of your pizza, and that was why he had been acting so suspicious! You really regretted giving him a tip.

Setting the sabotaged pizza aside, you picked up your phone and called the pizza place again. Shortly afterwards, an unfamiliar voice rasped out of the speaker. "This is Maretime Pizza. How can I help you?"

You briefly considered spilling the beans to whoever this pony was, but you deduced that you probably shouldn't get Sprout in trouble without knowing for certain he was the culprit. You cleared your throat and responded, "Hey, could you get Sprout to ring me back when he gets there? It's important."

"Not sure why you need to speak to him, but sure..."

When it was all said and done, you continued to watch your show as the minutes ticked by. You fumed for a while, forelegs crossed, but you couldn't bring yourself to waste the remainder of the pizza. So, you picked up a slice and began to dig in before it grew too cold.

Soon enough, your phone vibrated as it started to ring. You swiftly snatched it up and answered the call.

"Hi..." You could practically hear the sheepishness squirming in Sprout's voice.

"Did you steal some of my pizza?" you growled into the phone.

"W-what? Nooo! I uh..." Sprout fumbled with his words for a moment as he conjured an explanation. "Th-the cook must've forgot to make the rest of your pizza!"

"Seriously? That's your best excuse? I ought to tell your boss what you did!"

"NO!" After his outburst, Sprout immediately dropped his voice to a harsh whisper. "Fine, I admit it! I ate half your pizza on the way because I was really hungry. B-but I wouldn't have done it if I knew it was you. Please don't report me, this job is all I have after failing as an emperor. I'll do anything to make it up to you, I swear!"

"Hmm..." You were still disappointed by his misbehavior, but you felt compassion sinking in. And then a sly smirk claimed your face as you considered his offer. "How about this: You can make up for stealing my food by treating me to a picnic date."

"A picnic WHAT?"

"Just set up a picnic for us and bring all the food and drinks. Daisy Fields. I'll be there at lunchtime tomorrow. Deal?"

You heard a heavy sigh from Sprout. "You didn't have to call it a date! But f-fine... And this better mean you won't tell anypony what I did!"

You grinned to yourself. "Not a soul."

The smile lingered on your face long after you ended the call. You were amused by how flustered Sprout had sounded over the phone, but you could feel a hint of warmth forming on your cheeks too. You hadn't meant anything serious by the word 'date', but the idea of spending time with Sprout did encourage your heart to beat at a more rapid pace. It would be nice to actually get to know him outside of your brief interactions at his job, and he was quite the cute stallion... Not conventionally charming, but still distinctly endearing.

One thing was for certain; you were really looking forward to tomorrow!