>"Hey Anon, need any help?"
>you turn away from the stove to look towards Java.
"Yeah, can you start cutting up the veggies for dinner?"
>you are anon once again.
>and you're currently making dinner for four.
>it's was only yesterday that you brought Mia into the coffee shop to meet Java.
>when you woke up this morning, you had the idea to have dinner with your friends here in the city.
>you called Java and Coco and asked if they would like to come over for dinner.
>after receiving a confirmation from both of then, you went next door and asked Mia if she would join you.
>so now you're in your home cooking for four people.
>Java came over early to help since she didn't work on Saturdays.
>she doesn't have her usual apron on.
>... you kind of miss it.
>she grabs the veggies and pulls them to the cutting board.
>now you were a pretty decent cook back on Earth.
>your specialty dish was spaghetti.
>as Java is cutting the onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, you're making the sauce from fresh tomatoes.
>you'll work on the pasta in a bit.
>while you two are cooking, there comes a knock from your door.
"I'll get that."
>making sure you put the sauce on a lower heat, you head to your door.
>when you open it, you are greeted by Coco.
>"Hi, Anon. I'm not late, am I?"
>you move to the side so that she can enter.
"No, actually. We're just starting to cook it."
>she places her saddlebags next to your door once she is inside.
>"Oh good. I was worried I took to long. Is anyone else here?"
>Java chimes in from the kitchen.
>"Hi, Coco. I'm just helping Anon with dinner."
>you make your way back to the kitchen.
"Just make yourself at home. Mia should be here in another twenty minutes or so."
>Coco gets up on your couch, placing her hooves over the back of it to keep looking towards the kitchen.
>"So, what are we having?"
>you resume your preparation of the sauce.
"Spaghetti. It was one of my best dishes back home."
>"Oh, I look forward to it then."
>at that time, Java brings you all the chopped up veggies.
>"Here you go, need anything else?"
"No, I'm fine. Thanks Java."
>she makes her way to the living room, and gets on the couch with Coco.
>as the sauce is cooking, you pull out a pan to sauté the veggies.
>time passes as you finish up the sauce, and start on the pasta.
>the girls are having a conversation, with you chiming in every now and then.
>pretty soon, everything is ready.
>and just in time, as there is another knock at your door.
>Java gets up off the couch.
>"I'll get it."
>she opens the Dior to let Mia in.
>"Ugh, sorry I'm late. Took longer than I thought to get home. Something smells good."
>she is sniffing the air with a smile on her face.
>Coco gets off the couch next.
>"Hi, you must be Mia. I'm Coco, nice to meet you."
>that pulls Mia out of her food trance and she looks over to Coco.
>"Oh, hi! Anon told me a bit about you. Nice to meet you too."
>they share a quick hoof shake before turning towards you.
>"How's dinner coming along?"
"It's actually done now. You have really good timing, Mia."
>she just grins at you.
>you pull four plates out and start to dish up the food.
>after you get that done, you start bring them out to the girls.
>they are all sitting around your coffee table on the floor.
>you place the first two plates in front of Coco and Java before heading back for the rest.
>after bringing the other two out, you join them by sitting down.
"Well, enjoy."
>"Mmmm, this looks so good, Anon." says Mia.
"Well, thank you. I take pride in my cooking."
>you turn back towards the kitchen to get yourself a drink, when you realize you didn't ask the girls what they want.
"Hey, I'm gonna get myself a drink, anyone else want anything?"
>they reply with their requests.
>in the kitchen, you grab water for Coco, cider for Java and a beer each for Mia and yourself.
>you hand the drinks to the respective ponies, and sit down at your spot.
>you get a thank you from each of them.
>dinner goes by pretty smooth, with everyone chatting away while enjoying your cooking.
>once everyone is done, you grab the dishes and put them in the sink.
>"Ooooh, that was so good, Anon." says Mia.
"Thank you. It's a recipe I made up back home. Unfortunately, there's one ingredient I haven't been able to use since I got here."
>after sitting back down, Coco asks first.
>"What ingredient is that?"
>your attention is currently held by a spot on your table that you're picking at.
>you reply nonchalantly.
"Beef. Or sausage, depending on what I was in the mood for."
>several seconds pass by without a response, so you look up at the girls, curious as to why they're silent.
>each one has a varying look of shock or disbelief on thier face.
>Coco looks like she couldn't believe what she just heard, Java looks confused and Mia just has her eyebrows raises.
"...What?"
>Coco stutters out "Y-you eat meat?"
"Uh, yeah. Humans are omnivorous. Didn't I tell you that?"
>"N-NO!" Coco looks like she is about to faint.
>seeing the fear you instilled into your friend, you decide to try and calm her.
"Now Coco, I know it sounds bad, but trust me when I say this. I haven't have a single piece of meat since I got here to Equestria. Trust me."
>that seems to have done the job.
>"O-ok Anon. I trust you."
>the other girls look at you with smiles.
>you smile back at them.
"Besides, I wouldn't eat you three even if I wanted to. You're just to damn cute."
>Coco and Java blush at your remark.
>Mia is just nodding her head and smiling.
>you keep looking right at her.
>what you said finally clicks with her, and she blushes harder than the other two.
>"W-what? Do you really think we're cute."
"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"
>All three girls blushes get even redder.
>you start chuckling at their apparent shyness.
>you decide to change to subject so that they have a chance to recover.
"So girls, how have your day's been?"
>the next half hour or so goes by, all four of you switching between telling tales of your not so magical adventures in Manehattan.
>the subject of the conversation turns towards jobs.
>"Have you found one yet, Anon?" Coco asks.
"No, not yet. But I am still looking. Why?"
>She walked over to her saddlebags and pulls out a piece of paper.
>she turns and holds it out to you.
>you take it, and see that it has an address on it.
>Coco walks back to her spot and sits down.
>"A friend of my boss just lost one of his employees. I heard them talking about it today and asked if he was still looking for someone."
>you look up from it towards her.
>Coco continues speaking.
>"I told him how you're looking for a job, and asked if he'd give you an interview. He agreed and said to be there at noon tomorrow."
>she then pokes your arm and gives you a mock serious look.
>"So don't be late."
>you look back down at the paper.
"Wow. Thank you, Coco. I hope this works."
>"You're welcome. So, Mia, what do you do?"
>Mia looks to her.
>"Oh, you know. Stuff, and things."
>you look up towards her.
"Huh?"
>she brings her hoof up to mouth, giggling lightly.
>"I'm just kidding. I work at Manehattan General. I'm a nurse."
>images of Mia in a nurses uniform start going thru your head.
>...unf
>Mia must have noticed your current thought process.
>"And no, Anon. I will not dress in a nurses uniform for you."
>the other two girls give you skeptical looks.
>once you're the center of attention, Mia gives you a small grin.
>"Well, unless you ask real nice, then I might consider it."
>your face starts burning at her comment.
>all three girls start giggling at your reaction.
>after they all calm down, Coco stands up and stretchs.
>"Well, I think I better be getting home soon. It was a long day at work, and I want to get some sleep."
>she walks over and puts on her saddlebags.
>once she has them on, she turns towards you.
>"Thank you for dinner, Anon. It was really good. And it was nice to meet you, Mia."
>"It was nice meeting you too, Coco. Have a good night."
>Coco turns to you once more.
>"And remember, Anon, don't be late."
"I won't."
>"Good. Bye Java."
>Java waves to her.
>she turns and opens the door to leave.
>once Coco has left the apartment, the other two get up as well.
>Java looks towards you.
>"Hey, can I use your bathroom?"
"You don't need to ask, but go ahead."
>she trots into your room.
>once you hear the door shut, Mia walks up to you.
>she looks you right in the eyes.
>"You know, I wasn't kidding about asking real nicely."
>she winks at you and turns to the door.
>as she turns, she lifts her tail and brushes you under the chin with it.
>you tense up at the touch.
>it's a foreign, yet welcome sensation.
>"Well, I better go too. You have a good night, Anon. And thanks again for dinner."
>not having fully recuperated from the tail brush, you just nod.
>she giggles once more before heading out.
>"Bye, Anon."
>your door closes, and you hear her open and close her door.
>hmm, when Java leaves, it might not be a bad idea to see if Mia meant that.
>you kind of like this flirtatious side of her.
>still rubbing your chin where her tail touched you, you hear Java come out of the bathroom.
>she walks into the living room and sees you rubbing your chin.
>"Deep in thought?"
"Huh? O-oh, yeah."
>she looks around the room.
>"Did Mia already leave?"
"Yeah, about a minute ago."
>she looks towards the door, then starts walking to you.
>"Well, I guess since everypony already left, I should head home too."
>you notice her expression fall slightly, but it quickly turns to a smile.
>she stops and sits right next to you.
>"Thank you for dinner, Anon. It was really good."
"You're welcome."
>she reaches out and gives you a hug around the neck.
>thrown off by this, it takes you a second to return it.
>right before she lets go, she gives a little squeeze.
>as she starts to pull away, she stops.
>she quickly kisses you on the cheek.
>you're stunned by the actions of mares for the second time tonight.
>she quickly lets go and starts trotting to the door.
>you notice a slight blush on her cheeks.
>"Well, I'll see you later then. Have a good night."
>she heads out the door, but before it closes, you see her look in at you, her blush still there, but with a goofy smile on her face.
>it finally closes, and you're left all by your lonesome.
>you're happy about what happened, but that quickly changes when realization hits you.
>you may have two mares after you.
>as appealing as that sounds, it might strain your friendship with them.
>hopefully, it doesn't come to that.
>looking down at the table, you notice the paper Coco gave you.
>deciding not to act on your earlier thoughts about Mia, you head to bed.
>hopefully some sleep will ease your worries about Java and Mia.
>after getting ready for bed, you lay down and try to sleep.
>it takes awhile, but you finally manage.
 
 
>the cab comes to a stop in front of the address you gave the driver.
>after paying him, you look up at the building you're in front of.
>well, the address matches the one Coco gave you, but it's not what you had in mind.
>there's only a single sign above the entrance.
>'RedBeaks'
>... that doesn't say much for what it is.
>standing out here won't get you the job, so you make your way to the door.
>you grab the door handle and pull it open.
>once inside, you take in your surroundings.
>... it looks like a bar.
>it's about twice as big as Applebucks.
>there are six circular tables scattered throughout the main room.
>they look like they can comfortably seat maybe eight ponies each.
>in the back there's a bar with ten stools.
>assorted bottles line the wall behind the bar.
>there's also a door to the left of the drinks.
>you also notice two pool tables off to the right side.
>not noticing any staff, you call out.
"Hello? Is anyone here?"
>there is only silence for a couple of seconds.
>you're about to call out again when a voice calls out from behind the door.
>"Yeah, just give me a second and I'll be out."
>you make your way to the bar and wait.
>about half a minute later, the door opens revealing...
>a griffon.
>not what you expected.
>he's about half a head taller than that Gilda character you met.
>he has a dark brown coat and wings, the feathers around his head are a golden brown, with a patches of grey by his temples.
>he looks over at you, raising an eyebrow.
>"Sorry... lad?"
>he has a fairly deep and gravely voice.
>you nod your head.
>"Ok, sorry lad, but we're not open for business yet."
>he turns around and starts organizing bottles on the wall.
"Oh, I didn't know, but I was told to be here at noon for an interview."
>he looks over at you, both his eyebrows raised this time.
>"You're the lad miss Pommel was talking about?"
"Yes, my names Anonymous, or Anon for short."
>you walk over and reach your hand out.
>he looks at your hand before taking it in his claw and shaking.
>"Gareth."
>you let go of his claw.
>"So, you're looking for a job, yes?"
"Yes."
>"Good. Now, do you know how to be a bartender?"
>you shake your head.
"No, but I'm willing to learn."
>he looks at you, then turns towards the door.
>"Good, now follow me to the office, and we'll get all the paperwork ready."
>you follow behind him, walking through a small storeroom, then into the office.
>you hope this goes well for you.
 
 
>the bell rings on the door as you enter the coffee shop.
>you notice that there's not any ponies in here.
"Java, are you here?"
>a second goes by before Java pokes her head around the door.
>"Oh, hi Anon. How did the interview go?"
>she walks out to the counter.
>you take a seat at the table closest to her.
"Yeah, about that." you say in a sad tone.
>she gasps before walking out to you.
>"You didn't get it?"
>you wait until she is right next to you.
>you quickly scoop her into a tight hug.
"I got the job! I start tomorrow."
>she starts to laugh while smacking her hooves against your back.
>"I'm happy for you, now let me go before I get in trouble!"
>she straightens out her apron once you let her go.
>"So, what are you gonna be doing?" she says while she walks back behind the counter.
"Bartender."
>she looks at you with a raised eyebrow.
>"A bartender? Do you even know how to mix drinks?"
>you give her a big shit eating grin.
"NOPE!"
>you continue to smile while she just shakes her head.
>"Well, hopefully they'll teach you. So did you just come in here to tell me, or do you want to order something?"
>you walk up to the counter, pulling out some bits.
"Yeah, just my regular."
>after she makes your drink, you pay her and start heading out.
>"Good luck with the job, Anon. And I'll see you later."
>you open the door and start to head out.
"Thanks, Java. Have a good da-"
>you bump into a pony on your way out.
>normally, you'd apologize to them, but this time is different.
>they walked right into your crotch.
>feeling extremely embarrassed, you look down at the pony in question.
>red hair with black streaks, and bat ears.
>well, at least it's someone you know.
"... Mia."
>"... Anon."
"Why is your head in my crotch?"
>she backs away, blushing furiously, and looks up at you.
>"Well, I was about to head in, when I dropped my bit purse. I was leaning down to pick it up when you walked out and... well you know the rest."
>you're now aware of Java laughing her ass off inside.
>"Ooooh, I wish I had a camera. You two should really control your urges in public."
>you didn't think it was possible, but that makes Mia blush even harder.
"Well, I better be on my way."
>Mia just nods as she walks past you into the shop.
>just before the door closes, you grab it and look inside.
"Oh, and Mia. It was nice bumping into you."
>her blush could put Celestia's sun to shame.
>Java can't even breath.
>you laugh as you close the door.
>you drink your coffee as you walk home.
>once home, you decide to just kick back and relax for the rest of the night.
>meanwhile, back at Applebucks.
>Mia sits in her booth, her thoughts on what happened not too long ago with Anon.
>it was an accident, but it was kind of... hot.
>she's only known Anon for a few days, but he does something to her that nopony else does.
>sure she's had a couple of coltfriends, but they never affected her the way he does.
>her thoughts are interrupted when Java brings her her drink.
>"Here's your coffee, sweetie. Hey, are you ok?"
>she's only known Java as long as Anon, but she feels like a true friend already.
>"Yeah, I'm fine, just... thinking."
>"Ok, if you need to talk, I'm here to listen."
>Java walks back behind the counter and starts cleaning the counter.
>"Hey, Mia. Can I ask you something?"
>Mia turns towards Java.
>"Sure, anything."
>Java starts fiddling with her hair as she leans on the counter.
>"Do you know if... no, it's a stupid question."
>Mia gets up from her seat and walks to Java.
>"Come on, if you need to talk, I'll listen."
>Java gives her a small grin.
>she takes in a breath.
>"Ok, do you know if... if Anon is seing anypony?"
>Mia tenses at the question.
>Java doesn't notice.
>"Um, I don't think he is. Why?"
>"Oh, just wondering."
>she goes back to cleaning, a smile and small blush on her face.
>Mia goes back to her seat, a little saddened by what Java asked.
>what if she likes Anon?
>what if he likes her back?
>maybe she should try to get to Anon before Java.
>the day slowly goes on as Mia thinks up ways to win Anon over.