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Table for Two 13: Manzo Corso

By: Fillydelphian on Sep 21st, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 33.38 KB | hits: 230 | expires: Never

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>”How's this? Good?”
>Em loosens her grip a little and moves her hoof up and down more quickly
Yeah...Just like that
>She looks at you and smiles
>”Okay, but it's looking sort of dry...should I use the oil now?”
>You take a second to think
No, that's normal. The oil comes later, when we want things to get hotter. For now just keep doing what you're doing
>”If you say so...”
>You lean back and stare at the ceiling for a moment
>”Are you okay, Anon?”
Yeah, I'm fine. Just concentrate on your thing
>She goes back to work, the smile still on her lips as she watches her handiwork
>After another minute you look at her again
Alright Em, that's enough
>A strong smell has filled the room and Em takes a deep breath to take it in before answering you teasingly
>”Thank Celestia. I was getting a little bored, Chef”
Don't worry, next part won't be so repetitive, but the warm-up is important. You know that
>She flashes you a coy look
>”Do I ever”
>You look at her, faking disapproval
Get your mind out of the gutter, Em. We've got curry to make, remember? Now put the spices into the dish over there to crush while I get these vegetables ready
>Em responds mockingly as she takes the pan that she's been shaking and pours its contents, a mix of coriander and cumin, into a small dish
>”Oh, yes, Chef”
Did you take the yogurt out of the fridge yet? We'll need it in about ten minutes
>”On it. Did you start cutting yet? I want to watch”
I thought we'd graduated you from cutting vegetables?
>”Shhhh... Humor me”
>You wait for her to come over before starting
1/x
>”How's that colt been doing in the kitchen, by the way? The one you blew up at last month?”
I put Ginger in charge of him. She tells me he's been improving; managed to finally make a Hollandaise yesterday
>Em huffs at the news
Have I mentioned how much I like this new competitive streak of yours?
>You cast her a sidelong glance as you continue chopping
>”Who says it's new?”
That's true
>You finish cutting the vegetables and push them to the side of the board before reaching for the oil
Coat the pan and put it on a medium heat, then wait a couple minutes and put the vegetables in. I'll make the tomato puree. Think you can handle it?
>”You think I can't?”
We'll see
>She sticks her tongue out at you as you turn around to get the puree going
>Minutes later
>The two of you sit on the couch in the living room
>”Well, at least we know the hoods work...”
Silver lining to everything, I suppose
>You look back into the kitchen
I didn't think it was possible to make that much smoke on that heat...
>”I might have turned it up just a little...”
>Em looks at you sheepishly as you knot your brow
>”They didn't look like they were cooking...”
That's because you didn't wait for the pan to heat up
>You put a hand on her head and ruffle her mane
You'll get the hang of it, just keep practicing
>Em sighs and walks to the fridge as the last of the smoke clears, calling back to you
>”One day I'll be the one making dinner for you, Anon...”
>She returns to the couch with a set of menus
>”Not tonight, though. Takeout?”
Takeout sounds good
2/x
>You return to Em's house an hour later carrying a bag of food from one of the new takeout restaurants that have cropped up around town
>The eager anticipation on her face when she opens the door is immediately shut down when she sees what else you've got
>”Another one?”
Third this week. Somep0ny out there doesn't like me
>You drop the piece of paper onto the table as Em takes the food to put on plates
>It simply reads ”Two-legs go home”
>”Do you want to talk about it?”
>Em looks at you, concerned
No, it's fine. Nothing I haven't dealt with before
>”You don't sound so sure, Anon”
It's just been a while, you know? Thought I'd gotten past the whole 'stranger in a strange land' business
>You hold up the paper again
Guess it's a little too much to ask
>Em grabs the paper and crumples it up
>”It's probably just some colts. You know how they get around Nightmare Night with the pranks”
Now YOU don't sound so sure
>She looks at the window and lets out a sigh
>”We've been getting some complaints at the office about this kind of thing. Ms. Sparkle's assistant has been receiving similar notes, the minotaur couple out south got a few last week...”
Think there's something going on?
>”I hope not. Election season's coming up and I really don't want there to be an issue like this taking the main stage”
Makes sense
>”Let's talk about something else. New takeout place?”
>Em motions to one of the boxes on the counter
Yeah, there are a few new ones opening up. I guess Ponyville's turning into a new food destination. Lots of new faces around here lately
>”I've noticed. It'll be good for the town, all the new business”
3/x
>Em sets some plates on the table and takes a seat across from you. She raises a glass of wine and laughs a little
>”A toast?”
To what?
>”How about... 'To good food, good wine, and good company?'”
Sounds good to me
>You clink your glasses together
So what are your plans for Nightmare Night?
>”You mean after hosting the fair, making sure the permits are all in order, and keeping the festivities from getting out of control?”
>She cocks an eyebrow
>”Wide open. Why? Something in mind?”
I was just thinking it's a unique opportunity to do something together that isn't cooped up in one of our houses and doesn't involve a trip
>Em eyes you with a look of scrutiny
Ginger's having a little get-together at her cousin's place. Apparently she's got a whole haunted house set up. All the guys from the restaurant are going...
>”...And?”
...And since all of us are going to be in costumes, I figured nop0ny would be the wiser
>She thinks for a minute with a smile growing on her face
>”Seems a little risky, don't you think?”
>You raise your glass and smirk
Playing it safe's no fun. It's time to push some boundaries, love
>”Well in that case, I'll have to get a move on. That party's only a couple days away and I haven't a thing to wear”
I'm sure you'll think of something. Egg roll?
>”Please”
>She takes the plate from you and looks pensively into space
4/x
>The next day
Table Seven: Up! Table Fourteen: One risotto, one onion soup, one souffle!
>”Yes, Chef!”
>The restaurant is packed with customers and you strand at the counter, your hands practically a blur
>It's been going like this all night. You can barely see any empty tables in the dining room
Table Twenty: One potage, one risotto, two squash!
>”Yes, Chef!”
Table Sixteen: Up!
>The kitchen has reached a good tempo. Between plates you close your eyes and take in the sounds
>The clattering knives, pans, and plates echo from the back and mix with the murmur of the diners in front of you
>Perfectly balanced chaos. That's the real magic of the kitchen, and what separates Chefs from everyone else is the ability to cut through the noise, embrace that chaos, and make it into something great
>Service wraps up around eleven. You're wiping down your station when Ginger Gold comes up behind you
>”So Chef, am I gonna see you tomorrow night?”
>You look up at the orange mare, who leans casually against the counter
Of course. Why would I miss something like that?
>”Nice! I was afraid you'd find some excuse to come in to work at the last minute! What are you coming as?”
You'll see. Mind if I bring somep0ny along too?
>Ginger perks up
>”Like...a date? You've got a date??”
What? Why is that so crazy?
>”It's not- just- you're- nevermind. Who's the lucky mare? Anyp0ny I kno-”
>Her eyes go wide
>”Is it that mare from the fundraiser? Fleur?”
I-
>”It IS, isn't it? That's why you were so stressed after that! It all makes sense! The screw-ups, the outbursts...”
>She looks at you, smiling
>”Glad to see you've got SOME weaknesses, Anon”
You don't know the half of it...
5/x
>You finish cleaning your area and walk to your office with Ginger in tow
So do you want me to bring anything? Drinks? Snacks?
>”Just bring yourself and your mare friend. You've got no idea how excited I am to meet her now!”
I can tell
>You take out some paper and start doing the shift notes
I'm heading out to get a couple drinks after this, actually. Want to come along? We haven't caught up in a while
>”Sure. I've got some time.”
Alright, I'll get this stuff finished and meet you outside, okay?
>”Yeah. See you in a few”
>Ginger is waiting in the alley when you come out the door
>A chill autumn wind blows as the two of you walk down the street
>”So how'd you get with a mare like Fleur?”
>You smile
Ah, that's a story. You know I used to work in Canterlot, right?
>”Right”
Well, it was right after I got a job at one of the new restaurants up there. I got put on a catering gig...
6/x
>The pub is still crowded when you and Ginger get there
>”So what happened then?”
Ever see an Ursa when something gets between her and her cub?
>Ginger laughs
>”How did you survive?”
Ingenuity
>She looks confused
...I dove to the side. Mare's like a train when she's set on something
>You take a seat with the cook and order drinks
We became a thing right after that
>”She sounds like a character. I can't wait to meet her”
You'll get a chance someday. We're not together anymore, though
>Ginger's look of disappointment is almost unsettling
>”What? But- she- you said-”
No, you said it was Fleur. Never gave me a chance to clarify
>”I...that's...”
>She huffs
>”Fine. So who ARE you bringing?”
Not telling. You'll meet her tomorrow
>”That's just not fair...”
How'd the colt do today?
>Ginger sighs, gossip defeated
>”Really well. He gets the hang of things pretty quickly as long as he stays focused on one job at a time. Right now I think his big problem is that he overreaches himself and tries to multitask”
Good to know. You've got him working on fixing that, right?
>”Of course”
>Ginger casts you a look as if asking a question with her eyes
...What is it?
>”Well, I was thinking that it couldn't hurt him to get a lesson from the Chef, and I don't mean where he screws up and you yell at him. He looks up to you, you know. A lot of us do”
>She takes a sip of her drink before continuing
>”You know when you got suspended a couple months back? Whooves was so angry with the boss that he went into his office and threatened to quit. We could hear him yelling from the kitchen”
7/x
Seriously?
>You can't believe your Sous would go that far
>You'll have to buy him a drink sometime
>”Yeah, I was surprised too. Always took him for a conniver, honestly. Thought for sure he'd be thrilled to have your job”
That makes two of us
>”Hey, I've been meaning to ask. Where'd you go that week? The whole few days before you left you were all over the place, and then you come back with a new menu and you're more focused than I've ever seen. What happened?”
>Her brow is knotted now, her eyes scrutinizing and prying
>Ginger might not be able to read you like Rose or Pinkie, but she certainly tries
I took a little vacation out to Fillydelphia. Got my head together
>”Your marefriend's out there, isn't she?”
>She's got that teasing smile on again
No, I- well...
>”Ah, say no more, Anon, say no more. Glad you're back to normal, anyway. That week you were gone was hell. Kitchen got slammed every night. It was a mess”
I heard you and Whooves held the place together
>”Who told you that?”
Boss did. You've really stepped up recently, and that's saying something
>The bartender rings a bell
>”Last call, folks”
>You turn back to Ginger
I'd better head home. Come in early tomorrow
>Her face falls in disappointment
Don't be like that. I'm still your boss. Nine tomorrow morning. See you then, Ging
>You drop your bits with the bartender on your way out into the cold autumn night air and look up at the stars
8/x
>The alarm clock goes off at eight and you roll out of bed
>There's a strong wind blowing outside. The leaves on the trees, having taken on their fall colors, whip around on the branches like little tongues of flame
>You head downstairs and, as the aroma of coffee fills the kitchen, throw breakfast together
>Given that you've got time to spare, you decide to make scrambled eggs
>You put a put on the stove and let it come up to a medium heat with a pat of butter in it
>After it's melted you crack three eggs into the pot and start stirring
>The eggs break apart and mix with the butter. You stir faster until they turn pale yellow and start thickening
>You take the pot off the heat and keep stirring
>After setting it down on a pad, you let it sit for a minute while you quickly chop thyme and chives
>You drop some bread in the toaster before putting the pot back on the heat and resuming your stirring
>It's more time-consuming cooking eggs this way, but it's the best way
>The eggs thicken more and you take them off the heat once again. You let them cool down before putting them back on, making sure not to vary the temperature too much
>After about twenty minutes of this, the eggs have thickened to the consistency of custard and you take them off the heat for the last time, stirring in a dollop of sour cream with the thyme and chives
>You put the toast on a plate and scoop the eggs onto it before pouring a cup of coffee and taking a seat
>A quick glance at the clock lets you know there's a half-hour until you have to be at work
9/x
>Ginger is waiting in the alley when you arrive
>The wind blows her mane into her face and she scrunches her nose as she tries to brush it away
Morning, Ginger. Were you waiting long?
>”Morning, Chef. Not long. It's my own fault for getting here earlier than you said, I guess”
Glad you see it my way. Means I don't have to apologize
>You unlock the door and head inside
>”So why did you call me in early? I thought I was only scheduled for the lunch shift?”
You are, there are just some things I want to go over with you before you start working. Follow me
>Ginger cocks her head to the side as you walk into the kitchen and pull on your chef jacket
>You get to your office and walk inside. Ginger follows, her expression growing more and more apprehensive
Take a seat
>”What's this all about, Chef?”
You've worked here for a over year now, Ginger. Do you remember what you said to me when you came here looking for work?
>”It was a year ago. You can't expect me to-”
You said that you were 'looking to get a part-time gig while you figured out what to do with your life'
>”You remembered that?”
I make it a point to. I also remember the day you came into my office in a panic a month later asking me to take you on as a full-timer
>Ginger is looking at you, confused
>”Chef, wh-”
>You hold up a hand
You've grown. A lot. You've got to be one of the hardest workers in this kitchen. I can't think of anyp0ny else who's done so much to improve themselves this past year
10/x
>You open one of the drawers and pull out a metal ring with a brass key on it
>Ginger's eyes go wide when she sees you holding it in front of her
The way you've been handling the colt sealed it for me. Usually I'd wait a year or two to give you more kitchen experience, but I think you've earned this. Especially these past couple months
>You put the key on your desk and slide it over to the stunned pony
What do you say, new Sous?
>”I-bu-w-”
>The mare takes a minute to compose herself
>”What about Whooves?”
What about him? It's not like you're replacing him. You'll be working side by side with him for a little while on a provisional basis until you're ready to take on the job solo. I'll give you the run-down on your new hours and scheduling as well as your new duties before tossing you into the ring, but he'll be doing most of the teaching. Plus, there's the raise involved
>Ginger's eyes light up
So that's a 'yes?'
>”I...Yeah...Yeah! When do I start?”
Tomorrow. For now get over to your station and start on the prep. It's a short service today, so we'll be out of here by five as long as we get everything done right. Got it?
>”Yes, Chef”
11/x
>Work lets out around five that afternoon. Ginger hurries to her cousin's to start preparing for her party and you make your way down to Mane Street to see the town decorations going up
>A group of foals runs across your path as they look around with youthful excitement
>You smile to yourself and think how, if you were in Fillydelphia or Manehatten around this time, festivities would be in full swing
>Ponies mill about the main square setting up booths and stringing up streamers and lights. Once the sun goes down, the whole town will be together celebrating
>You'll be at Sugar Cube Corner tonight. Pinkie talked you into doing a haunted house with her this year for the colts and fillies to go through
>She even had Rarity make you a costume. “Slenderp0ny” she called it. You've got to admit, the mask is pretty creepy, though you don't really know how you're supposed to see with it on, being that it doesn't have any eyes
>Pinkie's got a whole setup at the bakery she's been working on. She made a whole series of hidden doors and hatches in the haunted house for you to move through to, in her words, “scare the pants off these fillies”
>Should be a fun way to pass the time before Ginger's party
>You walk to the bakery to see how Pinkie is doing
12/x
>”Hey Anon! You're here early. I'm not opening the haunted house up until eight, remember?”
>Pinkie sticks her head out of an over-sized jack-o-lantern, the cap of which sits squarely on her head
I know, I just wanted to see how you're doing with everything. Need any help?
>”Nope! I've got it all under control. Just a few more lack-o-lanterns here and there, some more paper ghosts in the windows, and then I just have to re-route the power from the generator downstairs into the lighting system and fog machines and calibrate the pneumatic air-puffers!”
>You do your best to keep from looking so shocked at her sudden shift from simple decorations to techno-insanity
Ever think about getting a job in Applewood with special-effects chops like that?
>”Then how would I make everyp0ny smile HERE, silly?”
...Right
>”Actually,while you're here, I could use some help getting a couple of these lights and shakers set up. Have a few minutes?”
Alright, but I'm really only going to be good for lifting and holding stuff. I don't think I'm quite qualified to mess with...whatever it is you've got set up...
>”Okie-dokie!”
>She hops out of the pumpkin with a thick cable in her mouth and tosses it to you
...Was that in there the whole time?
>”Yep! Bring it over here and connect it to the coupling under the walkway”
>You look at the mare blankly
>”...Plug it into the round thing under the boards”
Gotcha
13/x
>”...So once you pop out here, you'll duck into this door, scoot over to the hatch around here, and wait for the light to flash. Then follow the glowy tape over to the door next to the cupboard and step out when you hear your cue. Got it?”
Got it. How am I going to see with the mask on, though?
>”Rarity made it out of one of her special fabrics. You should be able to see just fine”
>Pinkie's eyes flit to the side as she replies
...How are things with her, by the way?
>She stops short
>”Er, fine. They're fine. Why do you ask?”
Dunno, the way you talk about her seems....different
>You shake your head
You know, forget it. I shouldn't be rooting around in your business
>”It's alright. It got a little awkward for a while, but we're good now. I guess it's what I get for not following my own advice”
It's always easier to see the right thing to do when it's not your problem
>”You're telling me”
>Her tone has dropped and her face has fallen. You decide to lighten the mood again
So how did you make this set? I never took you for the engineering type
>You're glad to see Pinkie's face light up at least a little bit
>”It's my hobby. I build stuff like this all the time! The hardest part was getting the shakers set right. Some of the weights have a habit of making the sets shake themselves apart, but once I got those right, it was smooth sailing!”
>You look at one of the shakers seated right under one of your hiding places
...And you're sure these things are safe?
>”Yup! Gummy tested them himself!”
>...You're screwed...
14/x
>What Pinkie called 'A few minutes' turned out to be 'A few hours' and by the time you make your way home to get your costume on, it's nearly seven-thirty
>The sun is just barely peeking over the horizon when you get to your house and you can see groups of fillies and colts starting to make their rounds in search of candy
>Foregoing food for the time being, you go upstairs and don your Slenderp0ny costume; a dark gray suit with sickly patches of matted fabric stained with dark dyes giving an unsettling sheen to the ensemble
>In addition to the mask that covers your whole head, rendering you featureless and pale, Rarity has made a set of pale gloves that accentuate your fingers and give them an exaggerated claw-like effect
>The whole set is impressively grotesque in a subtle, visceral way
>You carry the mask with you out the door and head back to Sugar Cube Corner to await your performance
15/x
>Pinkie Pie's haunted house is just opening when you arrive
>You take your place for the first group of fillies and listen to Pinkie as she tells the gathered young ponies the background story
>”Welcome to the tour little fillies and colts, are you ready for Auntie Pinkie to show you around?”
>A chorus of excited yelps echoes through the bakery as the tour starts
>”Do you all know the story of Slenderp0ny?”
>There come a few nervous responses followed by an ominous chuckle from Pinkie, who has straightened her mane and put on a dark cloak for her role
>”Slenderp0ny is a monster who hunts little fillies and gobbles them up when they wander into his woods”
>You stand behind a screen in a picture frame. When you move on to your next station, one of the fillies notices the motion and tries to point it out to her friends
>As the group passes a hanging cobweb, the floor starts to shake lightly, making a couple of the foals jump
>”They say that he follows his victims no matter how far they go to get away”
>You find yourself impressed again as a mirror rotates out into the hallway, stopping with a click and showing your reflection to the group for a split-second before snapping shut and eliciting screams from the foals who looked back and saw it
>A colt pipes up with a wavering voice
>”I heard about him at camp! He finds you at night and takes you to the woods to suck out your eyeballs!”
>Pinkie chuckles again
>”That's right. But I bet you didn't know that he's not just out in the woods. Slenderp0ny is wherever lots of ponies are thinking about him. You could say he's wherever you THINK he is...”
16/x
>Pinkie's line is accompanied by a puff of air and more floor shaking. You walk along a hidden path past the group to take your place ahead of them, passing a light along the way to cast a faint shadow on the wall
>The pink mare has certainly shown herself to be a capable storyteller. Despite the lack of things jumping in their faces, the foals are terrified and whispering to themselves as they go
>You take your place behind a two-way mirror with a strobe light aimed at you and wait
>Pinkie wraps up her tour narrative and the group comes to the room with the mirror
>”...And that's the story of the Slenderp0ny. Now remember, it's just a st-”
>The lights go out. The fog machines turn on and Pinkie lets out a yelp just before disappearing into a hidden hatch. One of the fillies screams as another calls for Pinkie
>That's when the strobe goes off
>Your pale, featureless visage flashes again and again through the mirror, sending the foals yelling and running out of the haunted house into the final room, where Pinkie waits laughing with a big bowl of candy
>This mare is a genius...
17/x
>Pinkie walks to the mirror laughing after the fillies leave
>”Good job, Anon. Did you have fun?”
Oh yeah. You're a genius, Pinkie. I didn't think that two-way mirror trick would work but that was brilliant!
>She smiles happily
>”Thanks! Now get ready. The next group is coming in a minute. Try to make a little more noise when you cross, too. Grab their attention, you know?”
Got it
>Pinkie calls after you as you leave the bakery a couple hours later
>”Thanks for the help! Couldn't have done it without you!”
No problem. Happy Nightmare Night!
>The mare leans on the doorjamb while you go
>”Have a good time at your party, Anon, and say hi to you-know-who for me”
>You look back at her as she smiles teasingly
Not ever going to let me forget you know about that, are you?
>”Probably not, no”
Alright. I'll be sure to give your regards to Fleur next time I talk to her, by the way
>Pinkie nearly loses her balance in surprise and you walk down the street laughing
18/x
>After you pick Em up at her house the two of you walk to Ginger Gold's party
>Em oversaw the street fair earlier that night dressed as a pirate before changing costumes to avoid prying eyes
>Now she's wearing a white nurse's uniform with bandages covering most of her face, both flecked and stained with fake blood
>Shocks of pink mane hang out over her head and neck
>You look at the mare and joke
Please tell me that's your natural mane color, Em
>Her one exposed eye looks around shiftily
...So you've dyed your mane gray to hide the fact that it's normally pink, and now you've dyed it pink to hide the fact that it's normally dyed gray. That right?
>”...Maybe...”
That's my girl. How did you come up with this costume anyway? It's downright gruesome
>Your lips curl into a grin
...I like it
>”You do? It's not too much, is it?”
Never seen you in a skirt that short, not that I'm going to complain
>You'd swear you can see her blush through the bandages
>”It was the only way to cover up my cutie mark... the bandages make me look like a mummy...”
Like I said, not going to complain
>”Dirty old man”
>She jumps in surprise with a yelp that hides an enthusiastic laugh when you reach down and grab her waist
You love it
>The two of you reach Ginger's party right as the town clock rings ten
>Thumping music comes from the back yard as you knock loudly on the door and pull your mask on
>”Just a sec! Just a sec! Jeez, latecomers always knock lou-”
>Ginger jumps back when she sees your costume
>”Gah! Anon?? Celestia, you scared the Tartarus outta me! Get in here!”
19/x
Happy Nightmare Night, Ging
>”Likewise. I was almost afraid you'd chickened out, Anon”
>Ginger leads you and Em down the hallway as you talk
>She's wearing a burlap sack with “COOK” spray painted on it
>Some kind of jab at her old position's pay-grade?
>Probably
>”So you going to introduce me, Chef? Who's the mystery mummy?”
Oh, yeah, yeah. Ginger, this is-
>”Not a mummy”
>Em steps forward and extends a hoof
>”...Rhubarb Joy...”
>What...
>Ginger squints and looks at the gauze-wrapped mare quizzically
>”Hippie parents?”
>”Nailed it. Ponies just call me Joy”
>”Well Joy, welcome to the party! Follow me and I'll introduce you to the girls! Anon...go...do...whatever. Everyp0ny's out back”
Uh-
>”I'm stealing your mare for a while. Deal with it. You can have her back later”
>You can see Em smiling deviously beneath the gauze
>”What's the matter, Anon? Can't do without me?”
>Ginger laughs
>”Joy, I think you and me are going to get along just fine”
>Defeated, you leave the two in order to find the backyard and mingle
>The yard is full of waiters, busp0nies, and cooks
>A few of them turn when they hear you coming over the loud music, raise their drinks, and wave you over
>The Sous pushes a drink into your hands as you come into his circle of stallions
>”You gonna keep that mask on all night? It's creepy as buck. Besides, it's gonna be hard to dri-”
>You lift the bottom half of the mask over your nose, leaving your eyes covered
>”...Okay, that's actually a lot creepier...way to go”
Thanks, Whooves. How're you guys doing?
20/x
>You spend a half hour milling around with Whooves and a couple of cooks before you see Em and Ginger walk out to the backyard giggling
>”...freezing cold out, but he's acting like it's not even cool. Then he gets all serious. You've seen him when he gets serious, right? It's adorable. So anyway...”
>Whooves jabs your ribs
>”That your date, man?”
Yep
>”She have a name?”
>You pause and think for a second, trying to remember the fake name Em gave
Yeah, her name's... Rhubarb Joy...
>Whooves looks at you with utter confusion
...Hippie parents. Am I right?
>”I guess so...I'm sorry, that's a buckin' WEIRD name, man...”
>”Yeah, I know. I just go by Joy”
>You and Whooves whip around to see Em and Ginger standing right behind you
>Em is loving this act
>”Nice to meet you...”
>”Whooves. And the pleasure's all mine. Nice costume, by the way. Mummy nurse?”
>You see an eye twitch
>”...Close enough”
>The group shares a laugh before Ginger, who looks like she's dying trying to contain some question, pipes up
>”So you've got to tell me, Joy. How on earth did you manage to get under this guy's skin? Where'd you guys even meet?”
Fillydelphia
>”Baltimare”
>You and Em answer simultaneously before looking at each other, wide-eyed
Baltimare
>”Fillydelphia”
>Whooves and Ginger look at you like you've got two heads
>”...Right...how long have you been together?”
>Em shoots you a “let me handle this one” glance
>”Oh, a couple years now. Sometimes it feels like forever, you know?”
>Ginger nods knowingly
>”I sure do. Must be hard, you living all the way in Fillydelphia”
>You decide to chime in
It was a little harder when I was up in Canterlot. For the capitol, it's sure out of the way...
>”True”
21/x
>Ginger thinks for a second before narrowing her eyes at you
>”Say...didn't you tell me you were with Fleur de Lis when you were in Canterlot?”
>Em looks at you sternly
Er, yeah, yeah! We went out for a while there. Met Joy a couple of months before I left and moved to Manehattan. I was on business in Fillydelphia, we ran into each other, just clicked...you know the drill...
>She seems satisfied with your cobbled-together alibi
>You're beginning to think that coming up with a fake identity and backstory for Em on the fly might not have been the most prudent way of doing this
>Luckily, Ginger doesn't pry any further
>She seems content to just talk to Em and get stories about you out of her, and Em seems happy to oblige
22/x
>The party wraps up an hour or so after that. Ginger sees you off and thanks you again for the promotion. Em walks next to you through the darkened streets as the two of you make your way to her house
>She leans on you as you go, a redness in her cheeks and a soft smile on her lips
>”This was a good idea you had...”
I take it you liked mingling?
>”I had fun. Ginger is fun”
I think you're slightly drunk, my little monster nurse
>”Shhhhhaddap...”
>A thought strikes you
You know? I don't think you've ever told me what “Em” is short for. That's ridiculous
>”You never asked. That's ridiculous...er”
>She giggles and half-trips into you
>”It's short for Chrysanthemum Blossom”
Chrysanthemum Blossom?
>She stares up at you, looking embarrassed
>”It's such a mouthful, isn't it? I don't know what my parents were thinking...”
>You brush her mane and put a hand under her chin
Bit of a mouthful, but it suits you just fine. Even more so when you go pink like this
>The mare snuggles up to your hand
>”Flatterer”
>You open the door and walk Em inside, leading her to the bed where she flops into the pillow with a contented sigh
>”I could get used to this...”
Me too, Em
>You slip under the sheets next to the sleepy mare and put an arm around her, eliciting another happy sigh
>Without even bothering to change out of your costumes, the two of you are asleep within a minute
23/x
>It's not to last, though
>You awaken suddenly to a tremendously loud crack at the front door
>Now totally alert, you look at the clock
>4:30
>”...What was that noise?”
I don't know. Stay here, Em. I'm going to check it out
>She looks nervous. Scared, almost
>You don't like that look one bit
>You slowly descend the stairs and enter the darkened living room
>The moon shines faintly through the window, casting a silvery glow over the furniture as you walk through the room to the door
>With recent events, you're more on-edge than usual when it comes to noises in the night
>It could be paranoia, but you can't help feeling a slightly hostile vibe in some parts of town nowadays
>You shake the thoughts from your head and go to the door
>Looking through the peephole shows nothing but an empty street. Whatever made that knock is gone, clearly
>You decide to open the door to make sure nothing is outside
>As you look out into the cold autumn night, something on the door catches your eye
>It looks like a piece of paper with a nail driven through it, pinning it to the door
>You tear the paper off the nail to take a closer look
>Your heart skips a beat before dropping into your stomach
>Even in the faint light of the moon, you can make out the photo of you and Em outside the restaurant in Fillydelphia
>Scrawled on the back of the photo is “Monkey Lover!”
>You're about to go back inside to get Em when you smell the smoke
End

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>”How's this? Good?”
>Em loosens her grip a little and moves her hoof up and down more quickly
Yeah...Just like that
>She looks at you and smiles
>”Okay, but it's looking sort of dry...should I use the oil now?”
>You take a second to think
No, that's normal. The oil comes later, when we want things to get hotter. For now just keep doing what you're doing
>”If you say so...”
>You lean back and stare at the ceiling for a moment
>”Are you okay, Anon?”
Yeah, I'm fine. Just concentrate on your thing
>She goes back to work, the smile still on her lips as she watches her handiwork
>After another minute you look at her again
Alright Em, that's enough
>A strong smell has filled the room and Em takes a deep breath to take it in before answering you teasingly
>”Thank Celestia. I was getting a little bored, Chef”
Don't worry, next part won't be so repetitive, but the warm-up is important. You know that
>She flashes you a coy look
>”Do I ever”
>You look at her, faking disapproval
Get your mind out of the gutter, Em. We've got curry to make, remember? Now put the spices into the dish over there to crush while I get these vegetables ready
>Em responds mockingly as she takes the pan that she's been shaking and pours its contents, a mix of coriander and cumin, into a small dish
>”Oh, yes, Chef”
Did you take the yogurt out of the fridge yet? We'll need it in about ten minutes
>”On it. Did you start cutting yet? I want to watch”
I thought we'd graduated you from cutting vegetables?
>”Shhhh... Humor me”
>You wait for her to come over before starting
1/x

>”How's that colt been doing in the kitchen, by the way? The one you blew up at last month?”
I put Ginger in charge of him. She tells me he's been improving; managed to finally make a Hollandaise yesterday
>Em huffs at the news
Have I mentioned how much I like this new competitive streak of yours?
>You cast her a sidelong glance as you continue chopping
>”Who says it's new?”
That's true
>You finish cutting the vegetables and push them to the side of the board before reaching for the oil
Coat the pan and put it on a medium heat, then wait a couple minutes and put the vegetables in. I'll make the tomato puree. Think you can handle it?
>”You think I can't?”
We'll see
>She sticks her tongue out at you as you turn around to get the puree going

>Minutes later
>The two of you sit on the couch in the living room
>”Well, at least we know the hoods work...”
Silver lining to everything, I suppose
>You look back into the kitchen
I didn't think it was possible to make that much smoke on that heat...
>”I might have turned it up just a little...”
>Em looks at you sheepishly as you knot your brow
>”They didn't look like they were cooking...”
That's because you didn't wait for the pan to heat up
>You put a hand on her head and ruffle her mane
You'll get the hang of it, just keep practicing
>Em sighs and walks to the fridge as the last of the smoke clears, calling back to you
>”One day I'll be the one making dinner for you, Anon...”
>She returns to the couch with a set of menus
>”Not tonight, though. Takeout?”
Takeout sounds good
2/x

>You return to Em's house an hour later carrying a bag of food from one of the new takeout restaurants that have cropped up around town
>The eager anticipation on her face when she opens the door is immediately shut down when she sees what else you've got
>”Another one?”
Third this week. Somep0ny out there doesn't like me
>You drop the piece of paper onto the table as Em takes the food to put on plates
>It simply reads ”Two-legs go home”
>”Do you want to talk about it?”
>Em looks at you, concerned
No, it's fine. Nothing I haven't dealt with before
>”You don't sound so sure, Anon”
It's just been a while, you know? Thought I'd gotten past the whole 'stranger in a strange land' business
>You hold up the paper again
Guess it's a little too much to ask
>Em grabs the paper and crumples it up
>”It's probably just some colts. You know how they get around Nightmare Night with the pranks”
Now YOU don't sound so sure
>She looks at the window and lets out a sigh
>”We've been getting some complaints at the office about this kind of thing. Ms. Sparkle's assistant has been receiving similar notes, the minotaur couple out south got a few last week...”
Think there's something going on?
>”I hope not. Election season's coming up and I really don't want there to be an issue like this taking the main stage”
Makes sense
>”Let's talk about something else. New takeout place?”
>Em motions to one of the boxes on the counter
Yeah, there are a few new ones opening up. I guess Ponyville's turning into a new food destination. Lots of new faces around here lately
>”I've noticed. It'll be good for the town, all the new business”
3/x

>Em sets some plates on the table and takes a seat across from you. She raises a glass of wine and laughs a little
>”A toast?”
To what?
>”How about... 'To good food, good wine, and good company?'”
Sounds good to me
>You clink your glasses together 
So what are your plans for Nightmare Night?
>”You mean after hosting the fair, making sure the permits are all in order, and keeping the festivities from getting out of control?”
>She cocks an eyebrow
>”Wide open. Why? Something in mind?”
I was just thinking it's a unique opportunity to do something together that isn't cooped up in one of our houses and doesn't involve a trip
>Em eyes you with a look of scrutiny
Ginger's having a little get-together at her cousin's place. Apparently she's got a whole haunted house set up. All the guys from the restaurant are going...
>”...And?”
...And since all of us are going to be in costumes, I figured nop0ny would be the wiser
>She thinks for a minute with a smile growing on her face
>”Seems a little risky, don't you think?”
>You raise your glass and smirk
Playing it safe's no fun. It's time to push some boundaries, love
>”Well in that case, I'll have to get a move on. That party's only a couple days away and I haven't a thing to wear”
I'm sure you'll think of something. Egg roll?
>”Please”
>She takes the plate from you and looks pensively into space
4/x

>The next day

Table Seven: Up! Table Fourteen: One risotto, one onion soup, one souffle!
>”Yes, Chef!”
>The restaurant is packed with customers and you strand at the counter, your hands practically a blur
>It's been going like this all night. You can barely see any empty tables in the dining room
Table Twenty: One potage, one risotto, two squash!
>”Yes, Chef!”
Table Sixteen: Up!
>The kitchen has reached a good tempo. Between plates you close your eyes and take in the sounds
>The clattering knives, pans, and plates echo from the back and mix with the murmur of the diners in front of you
>Perfectly balanced chaos. That's the real magic of the kitchen, and what separates Chefs from everyone else is the ability to cut through the noise, embrace that chaos, and make it into something great
>Service wraps up around eleven. You're wiping down your station when Ginger Gold comes up behind you
>”So Chef, am I gonna see you tomorrow night?”
>You look up at the orange mare, who leans casually against the counter
Of course. Why would I miss something like that?
>”Nice! I was afraid you'd find some excuse to come in to work at the last minute! What are you coming as?”
You'll see. Mind if I bring somep0ny along too?
>Ginger perks up
>”Like...a date? You've got a date??”
What? Why is that so crazy?
>”It's not- just- you're- nevermind. Who's the lucky mare? Anyp0ny I kno-”
>Her eyes go wide
>”Is it that mare from the fundraiser? Fleur?”
I-
>”It IS, isn't it? That's why you were so stressed after that! It all makes sense! The screw-ups, the outbursts...”
>She looks at you, smiling
>”Glad to see you've got SOME weaknesses, Anon”
You don't know the half of it...
5/x

>You finish cleaning your area and walk to your office with Ginger in tow
So do you want me to bring anything? Drinks? Snacks?
>”Just bring yourself and your mare friend. You've got no idea how excited I am to meet her now!”
I can tell
>You take out some paper and start doing the shift notes
I'm heading out to get a couple drinks after this, actually. Want to come along? We haven't caught up in a while
>”Sure. I've got some time.”
Alright, I'll get this stuff finished and meet you outside, okay?
>”Yeah. See you in a few”

>Ginger is waiting in the alley when you come out the door
>A chill autumn wind blows as the two of you walk down the street
>”So how'd you get with a mare like Fleur?”
>You smile
Ah, that's a story. You know I used to work in Canterlot, right?
>”Right”
Well, it was right after I got a job at one of the new restaurants up there. I got put on a catering gig...
6/x

>The pub is still crowded when you and Ginger get there
>”So what happened then?”
Ever see an Ursa when something gets between her and her cub?
>Ginger laughs
>”How did you survive?”
Ingenuity
>She looks confused
...I dove to the side. Mare's like a train when she's set on something
>You take a seat with the cook and order drinks
We became a thing right after that
>”She sounds like a character. I can't wait to meet her”
You'll get a chance someday. We're not together anymore, though
>Ginger's look of disappointment is almost unsettling
>”What? But- she- you said-”
No, you said it was Fleur. Never gave me a chance to clarify
>”I...that's...”
>She huffs
>”Fine. So who ARE you bringing?”
Not telling. You'll meet her tomorrow
>”That's just not fair...”
How'd the colt do today?
>Ginger sighs, gossip defeated
>”Really well. He gets the hang of things pretty quickly as long as he stays focused on one job at a time. Right now I think his big problem is that he overreaches himself and tries to multitask”
Good to know. You've got him working on fixing that, right?
>”Of course”
>Ginger casts you a look as if asking a question with her eyes
...What is it?
>”Well, I was thinking that it couldn't hurt him to get a lesson from the Chef, and I don't mean where he screws up and you yell at him. He looks up to you, you know. A lot of us do”
>She takes a sip of her drink before continuing
>”You know when you got suspended a couple months back? Whooves was so angry with the boss that he went into his office and threatened to quit. We could hear him yelling from the kitchen”
7/x

Seriously?
>You can't believe your Sous would go that far
>You'll have to buy him a drink sometime
>”Yeah, I was surprised too. Always took him for a conniver, honestly. Thought for sure he'd be thrilled to have your job”
That makes two of us
>”Hey, I've been meaning to ask. Where'd you go that week? The whole few days before you left you were all over the place, and then you come back with a new menu and you're more focused than I've ever seen. What happened?”
>Her brow is knotted now, her eyes scrutinizing and prying
>Ginger might not be able to read you like Rose or Pinkie, but she certainly tries
I took a little vacation out to Fillydelphia. Got my head together
>”Your marefriend's out there, isn't she?”
>She's got that teasing smile on again
No, I- well...
>”Ah, say no more, Anon, say no more. Glad you're back to normal, anyway. That week you were gone was hell. Kitchen got slammed every night. It was a mess”
I heard you and Whooves held the place together
>”Who told you that?”
Boss did. You've really stepped up recently, and that's saying something
>The bartender rings a bell
>”Last call, folks”
>You turn back to Ginger
I'd better head home. Come in early tomorrow
>Her face falls in disappointment
Don't be like that. I'm still your boss. Nine tomorrow morning. See you then, Ging
>You drop your bits with the bartender on your way out into the cold autumn night air and look up at the stars
8/x

>The alarm clock goes off at eight and you roll out of bed
>There's a strong wind blowing outside. The leaves on the trees, having taken on their fall colors, whip around on the branches like little tongues of flame
>You head downstairs and, as the aroma of coffee fills the kitchen, throw breakfast together
>Given that you've got time to spare, you decide to make scrambled eggs
>You put a put on the stove and let it come up to a medium heat with a pat of butter in it
>After it's melted you crack three eggs into the pot and start stirring
>The eggs break apart and mix with the butter. You stir faster until they turn pale yellow and start thickening
>You take the pot off the heat and keep stirring
>After setting it down on a pad, you let it sit for a minute while you quickly chop thyme and chives
>You drop some bread in the toaster before putting the pot back on the heat and resuming your stirring
>It's more time-consuming cooking eggs this way, but it's the best way
>The eggs thicken more and you take them off the heat once again. You let them cool down before putting them back on, making sure not to vary the temperature too much
>After about twenty minutes of this, the eggs have thickened to the consistency of custard and you take them off the heat for the last time, stirring in a dollop of sour cream with the thyme and chives
>You put the toast on a plate and scoop the eggs onto it before pouring a cup of coffee and taking a seat
>A quick glance at the clock lets you know there's a half-hour until you have to be at work
9/x

>Ginger is waiting in the alley when you arrive
>The wind blows her mane into her face and she scrunches her nose as she tries to brush it away
Morning, Ginger. Were you waiting long?
>”Morning, Chef. Not long. It's my own fault for getting here earlier than you said, I guess”
Glad you see it my way. Means I don't have to apologize
>You unlock the door and head inside
>”So why did you call me in early? I thought I was only scheduled for the lunch shift?”
You are, there are just some things I want to go over with you before you start working. Follow me
>Ginger cocks her head to the side as you walk into the kitchen and pull on your chef jacket
>You get to your office and walk inside. Ginger follows, her expression growing more and more apprehensive
Take a seat
>”What's this all about, Chef?”
You've worked here for a over year now, Ginger. Do you remember what you said to me when you came here looking for work?
>”It was a year ago. You can't expect me to-”
You said that you were 'looking to get a part-time gig while you figured out what to do with your life'
>”You remembered that?”
I make it a point to. I also remember the day you came into my office in a panic a month later asking me to take you on as a full-timer
>Ginger is looking at you, confused
>”Chef, wh-”
>You hold up a hand
You've grown. A lot. You've got to be one of the hardest workers in this kitchen. I can't think of anyp0ny else who's done so much to improve themselves this past year
10/x

>You open one of the drawers and pull out a metal ring with a brass key on it
>Ginger's eyes go wide when she sees you holding it in front of her
The way you've been handling the colt sealed it for me. Usually I'd wait a year or two to give you more kitchen experience, but I think you've earned this. Especially these past couple months
>You put the key on your desk and slide it over to the stunned pony
What do you say, new Sous?
>”I-bu-w-”
>The mare takes a minute to compose herself
>”What about Whooves?”
What about him? It's not like you're replacing him. You'll be working side by side with him for a little while on a provisional basis until you're ready to take on the job solo. I'll give you the run-down on your new hours and scheduling as well as your new duties before tossing you into the ring, but he'll be doing most of the teaching. Plus, there's the raise involved
>Ginger's eyes light up
So that's a 'yes?'
>”I...Yeah...Yeah! When do I start?”
Tomorrow. For now get over to your station and start on the prep. It's a short service today, so we'll be out of here by five as long as we get everything done right. Got it?
>”Yes, Chef”
11/x

>Work lets out around five that afternoon. Ginger hurries to her cousin's to start preparing for her party and you make your way down to Mane Street to see the town decorations going up
>A group of foals runs across your path as they look around with youthful excitement
>You smile to yourself and think how, if you were in Fillydelphia or Manehatten around this time, festivities would be in full swing
>Ponies mill about the main square setting up booths and stringing up streamers and lights. Once the sun goes down, the whole town will be together celebrating
>You'll be at Sugar Cube Corner tonight. Pinkie talked you into doing a haunted house with her this year for the colts and fillies to go through
>She even had Rarity make you a costume. “Slenderp0ny” she called it. You've got to admit, the mask is pretty creepy, though you don't really know how you're supposed to see with it on, being that it doesn't have any eyes
>Pinkie's got a whole setup at the bakery she's been working on. She made a whole series of hidden doors and hatches in the haunted house for you to move through to, in her words, “scare the pants off these fillies”
>Should be a fun way to pass the time before Ginger's party
>You walk to the bakery to see how Pinkie is doing
12/x

>”Hey Anon! You're here early. I'm not opening the haunted house up until eight, remember?”
>Pinkie sticks her head out of an over-sized jack-o-lantern, the cap of which sits squarely on her head
I know, I just wanted to see how you're doing with everything. Need any help?
>”Nope! I've got it all under control. Just a few more lack-o-lanterns here and there, some more paper ghosts in the windows, and then I just have to re-route the power from the generator downstairs into the lighting system and fog machines and calibrate the pneumatic air-puffers!”
>You do your best to keep from looking so shocked at her sudden shift from simple decorations to techno-insanity
Ever think about getting a job in Applewood with special-effects chops like that?
>”Then how would I make everyp0ny smile HERE, silly?”
...Right
>”Actually,while you're here, I could use some help getting a couple of these lights and shakers set up. Have a few minutes?”
Alright, but I'm really only going to be good for lifting and holding stuff. I don't think I'm quite qualified to mess with...whatever it is you've got set up...
>”Okie-dokie!”
>She hops out of the pumpkin with a thick cable in her mouth and tosses it to you
...Was that in there the whole time?
>”Yep! Bring it over here and connect it to the coupling under the walkway”
>You look at the mare blankly
>”...Plug it into the round thing under the boards”
Gotcha
13/x

>”...So once you pop out here, you'll duck into this door, scoot over to the hatch around here, and wait for the light to flash. Then follow the glowy tape over to the door next to the cupboard and step out when you hear your cue. Got it?”
Got it. How am I going to see with the mask on, though?
>”Rarity made it out of one of her special fabrics. You should be able to see just fine”
>Pinkie's eyes flit to the side as she replies
...How are things with her, by the way?
>She stops short
>”Er, fine. They're fine. Why do you ask?”
Dunno, the way you talk about her seems....different
>You shake your head
You know, forget it. I shouldn't be rooting around in your business
>”It's alright. It got a little awkward for a while, but we're good now. I guess it's what I get for not following my own advice”
It's always easier to see the right thing to do when it's not your problem
>”You're telling me”
>Her tone has dropped and her face has fallen. You decide to lighten the mood again
So how did you make this set? I never took you for the engineering type
>You're glad to see Pinkie's face light up at least a little bit
>”It's my hobby. I build stuff like this all the time! The hardest part was getting the shakers set right. Some of the weights have a habit of making the sets shake themselves apart, but once I got those right, it was smooth sailing!”
>You look at one of the shakers seated right under one of your hiding places
...And you're sure these things are safe?
>”Yup! Gummy tested them himself!”
>...You're screwed...
14/x

>What Pinkie called 'A few minutes' turned out to be 'A few hours' and by the time you make your way home to get your costume on, it's nearly seven-thirty
>The sun is just barely peeking over the horizon when you get to your house and you can see groups of fillies and colts starting to make their rounds in search of candy
>Foregoing food for the time being, you go upstairs and don your Slenderp0ny costume; a dark gray suit with sickly patches of matted fabric stained with dark dyes giving an unsettling sheen to the ensemble
>In addition to the mask that covers your whole head, rendering you featureless and pale, Rarity has made a set of pale gloves that accentuate your fingers and give them an exaggerated claw-like effect
>The whole set is impressively grotesque in a subtle, visceral way
>You carry the mask with you out the door and head back to Sugar Cube Corner to await your performance
15/x

>Pinkie Pie's haunted house is just opening when you arrive
>You take your place for the first group of fillies and listen to Pinkie as she tells the gathered young ponies the background story
>”Welcome to the tour little fillies and colts, are you ready for Auntie Pinkie to show you around?”
>A chorus of excited yelps echoes through the bakery as the tour starts
>”Do you all know the story of Slenderp0ny?”
>There come a few nervous responses followed by an ominous chuckle from Pinkie, who has straightened her mane and put on a dark cloak for her role
>”Slenderp0ny is a monster who hunts little fillies and gobbles them up when they wander into his woods”
>You stand behind a screen in a picture frame. When you move on to your next station, one of the fillies notices the motion and tries to point it out to her friends
>As the group passes a hanging cobweb, the floor starts to shake lightly, making a couple of the foals jump
>”They say that he follows his victims no matter how far they go to get away”
>You find yourself impressed again as a mirror rotates out into the hallway, stopping with a click and showing your reflection to the group for a split-second before snapping shut and eliciting screams from the foals who looked back and saw it
>A colt pipes up with a wavering voice
>”I heard about him at camp! He finds you at night and takes you to the woods to suck out your eyeballs!”
>Pinkie chuckles again
>”That's right. But I bet you didn't know that he's not just out in the woods. Slenderp0ny is wherever lots of ponies are thinking about him. You could say he's wherever you THINK he is...”
16/x

>Pinkie's line is accompanied by a puff of air and more floor shaking. You walk along a hidden path past the group to take your place ahead of them, passing a light along the way to cast a faint shadow on the wall
>The pink mare has certainly shown herself to be a capable storyteller. Despite the lack of things jumping in their faces, the foals are terrified and whispering to themselves as they go
>You take your place behind a two-way mirror with a strobe light aimed at you and wait
>Pinkie wraps up her tour narrative and the group comes to the room with the mirror
>”...And that's the story of the Slenderp0ny. Now remember, it's just a st-”
>The lights go out. The fog machines turn on and Pinkie lets out a yelp just before disappearing into a hidden hatch. One of the fillies screams as another calls for Pinkie
>That's when the strobe goes off
>Your pale, featureless visage flashes again and again through the mirror, sending the foals yelling and running out of the haunted house into the final room, where Pinkie waits laughing with a big bowl of candy
>This mare is a genius...
17/x

>Pinkie walks to the mirror laughing after the fillies leave
>”Good job, Anon. Did you have fun?”
Oh yeah. You're a genius, Pinkie. I didn't think that two-way mirror trick would work but that was brilliant!
>She smiles happily
>”Thanks! Now get ready. The next group is coming in a minute. Try to make a little more noise when you cross, too. Grab their attention, you know?”
Got it

>Pinkie calls after you as you leave the bakery a couple hours later
>”Thanks for the help! Couldn't have done it without you!”
No problem. Happy Nightmare Night!
>The mare leans on the doorjamb while you go
>”Have a good time at your party, Anon, and say hi to you-know-who for me”
>You look back at her as she smiles teasingly
Not ever going to let me forget you know about that, are you?
>”Probably not, no”
Alright. I'll be sure to give your regards to Fleur next time I talk to her, by the way
>Pinkie nearly loses her balance in surprise and you walk down the street laughing
18/x

>After you pick Em up at her house the two of you walk to Ginger  Gold's party
>Em oversaw the street fair earlier that night dressed as a pirate before changing costumes to avoid prying eyes
>Now she's wearing a white nurse's uniform with bandages covering most of her face, both flecked and stained with fake blood
>Shocks of pink mane hang out over her head and neck
>You look at the mare and joke
Please tell me that's your natural mane color, Em
>Her one exposed eye looks around shiftily
...So you've dyed your mane gray to hide the fact that it's normally pink, and now you've dyed it pink to hide the fact that it's normally dyed gray. That right?
>”...Maybe...”
That's my girl. How did you come up with this costume anyway? It's downright gruesome
>Your lips curl into a grin
...I like it
>”You do? It's not too much, is it?”
Never seen you in a skirt that short, not that I'm going to complain
>You'd swear you can see her blush through the bandages
>”It was the only way to cover up my cutie mark... the bandages make me look like a mummy...”
Like I said, not going to complain
>”Dirty old man”
>She jumps in surprise with a yelp that hides an enthusiastic laugh when you reach down and grab her waist
You love it
>The two of you reach Ginger's party right as the town clock rings ten
>Thumping music comes from the back yard as you knock loudly on the door and pull your mask on
>”Just a sec! Just a sec! Jeez, latecomers always knock lou-”
>Ginger jumps back when she sees your costume
>”Gah! Anon?? Celestia, you scared the Tartarus outta me! Get in here!”
19/x

Happy Nightmare Night, Ging
>”Likewise. I was almost afraid you'd chickened out, Anon”
>Ginger leads you and Em down the hallway as you talk
>She's wearing a burlap sack with “COOK” spray painted on it
>Some kind of jab at her old position's pay-grade?
>Probably
>”So you going to introduce me, Chef? Who's the mystery mummy?”
Oh, yeah, yeah. Ginger, this is-
>”Not a mummy”
>Em steps forward and extends a hoof
>”...Rhubarb Joy...”
>What...
>Ginger squints and looks at the gauze-wrapped mare quizzically
>”Hippie parents?”
>”Nailed it. Ponies just call me Joy”
>”Well Joy, welcome to the party! Follow me and I'll introduce you to the girls! Anon...go...do...whatever. Everyp0ny's out back”
Uh-
>”I'm stealing your mare for a while. Deal with it. You can have her back later”
>You can see Em smiling deviously beneath the gauze
>”What's the matter, Anon? Can't do without me?”
>Ginger laughs
>”Joy, I think you and me are going to get along just fine”
>Defeated, you leave the two in order to find the backyard and mingle 
>The yard is full of waiters, busp0nies, and cooks
>A few of them turn when they hear you coming over the loud music, raise their drinks, and wave you over
>The Sous pushes a drink into your hands as you come into his circle of stallions
>”You gonna keep that mask on all night? It's creepy as buck. Besides, it's gonna be hard to dri-”
>You lift the bottom half of the mask over your nose, leaving your eyes covered 
>”...Okay, that's actually a lot creepier...way to go”
Thanks, Whooves. How're you guys doing?
20/x

>You spend a half hour milling around with Whooves and a couple of cooks before you see Em and Ginger walk out to the backyard giggling
>”...freezing cold out, but he's acting like it's not even cool. Then he gets all serious. You've seen him when he gets serious, right? It's adorable. So anyway...”
>Whooves jabs your ribs
>”That your date, man?”
Yep
>”She have a name?”
>You pause and think for a second, trying to remember the fake name Em gave
Yeah, her name's... Rhubarb Joy...
>Whooves looks at you with utter confusion
...Hippie parents. Am I right?
>”I guess so...I'm sorry, that's a buckin' WEIRD name, man...”
>”Yeah, I know. I just go by Joy”
>You and Whooves whip around to see Em and Ginger standing right behind you
>Em is loving this act
>”Nice to meet you...”
>”Whooves. And the pleasure's all mine. Nice costume, by the way. Mummy nurse?”
>You see an eye twitch
>”...Close enough”
>The group shares a laugh before Ginger, who looks like she's dying trying to contain some question, pipes up
>”So you've got to tell me, Joy. How on earth did you manage to get under this guy's skin? Where'd you guys even meet?”
Fillydelphia
>”Baltimare”
>You and Em answer simultaneously before looking at each other, wide-eyed
Baltimare
>”Fillydelphia”
>Whooves and Ginger look at you like you've got two heads
>”...Right...how long have you been together?”
>Em shoots you a “let me handle this one” glance
>”Oh, a couple years now. Sometimes it feels like forever, you know?”
>Ginger nods knowingly
>”I sure do. Must be hard, you living all the way in Fillydelphia”
>You decide to chime in
It was a little harder when I was up in Canterlot. For the capitol, it's sure out of the way...
>”True”
21/x

>Ginger thinks for a second before narrowing her eyes at you
>”Say...didn't you tell me you were with Fleur de Lis when you were in Canterlot?”
>Em looks at you sternly
Er, yeah, yeah! We went out for a while there. Met Joy a couple of months before I left and moved to Manehattan. I was on business in Fillydelphia, we ran into each other, just clicked...you know the drill...
>She seems satisfied with your cobbled-together alibi
>You're beginning to think that coming up with a fake identity and backstory for Em on the fly might not have been the most prudent way of doing this
>Luckily, Ginger doesn't pry any further
>She seems content to just talk to Em and get stories about you out of her, and Em seems happy to oblige
22/x

>The party wraps up an hour or so after that. Ginger sees you off and thanks you again for the promotion. Em walks next to you through the darkened streets as the two of you make your way to her house
>She leans on you as you go, a redness in her cheeks and a soft smile on her lips
>”This was a good idea you had...”
I take it you liked mingling?
>”I had fun. Ginger is fun”
I think you're slightly drunk, my little monster nurse
>”Shhhhhaddap...”
>A thought strikes you
You know? I don't think you've ever told me what “Em” is short for. That's ridiculous
>”You never asked. That's ridiculous...er”
>She giggles and half-trips into you
>”It's short for Chrysanthemum Blossom”
Chrysanthemum Blossom?
>She stares up at you, looking embarrassed 
>”It's such a mouthful, isn't it? I don't know what my parents were thinking...”
>You brush her mane and put a hand under her chin
Bit of a mouthful, but it suits you just fine. Even more so when you go pink like this
>The mare snuggles up to your hand
>”Flatterer”
>You open the door and walk Em inside, leading her to the bed where she flops into the pillow with a contented sigh
>”I could get used to this...”
Me too, Em
>You slip under the sheets next to the sleepy mare and put an arm around her, eliciting another happy sigh
>Without even bothering to change out of your costumes, the two of you are asleep within a minute
23/x

>It's not to last, though
>You awaken suddenly to a tremendously loud crack at the front door
>Now totally alert, you look at the clock
>4:30
>”...What was that noise?”
I don't know. Stay here, Em. I'm going to check it out
>She looks nervous. Scared, almost
>You don't like that look one bit
>You slowly descend the stairs and enter the darkened living room
>The moon shines faintly through the window, casting a silvery glow over the furniture as you walk through the room to the door
>With recent events, you're more on-edge than usual when it comes to noises in the night
>It could be paranoia, but you can't help feeling a slightly hostile vibe in some parts of town nowadays
>You shake the thoughts from your head and go to the door
>Looking through the peephole shows nothing but an empty street. Whatever made that knock is gone, clearly
>You decide to open the door to make sure nothing is outside
>As you look out into the cold autumn night, something on the door catches your eye
>It looks like a piece of paper with a nail driven through it, pinning it to the door
>You tear the paper off the nail to take a closer look
>Your heart skips a beat before dropping into your stomach
>Even in the faint light of the moon, you can make out the photo of you and Em outside the restaurant in Fillydelphia
>Scrawled on the back of the photo is “Monkey Lover!”
>You're about to go back inside to get Em when you smell the smoke
End

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