Authors Note:
This is my first fan-fic and I am currently looking for proof readers and editors. If your interested drop me a line on here and we can get that setup. Also I am Canadian so I will be using the Oxford English Dictionary spelling of words so if you are American you may see a few extra "U"s and "Z"s in place of "S"s
Feel free to be brutal as I will learn from my mistakes.
NOW ON WITH THE SHOW!
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It was the start of another busy night at Toss, the newest restaurant in Ponyville. The kitchen was in full swing ready to take on the rush of the service to come. Everywhere you looked you saw Ponies, in sharp and pressed white chef jackets, readying sauces and preparing vegetables for garnish. The ovens were on and the low hum of the ventilation system droned on in the background. One unicorn pony came rushing out of one of the large walk-in coolers almost colliding with another pony, there was a quick two step and they were both off on their way to their respective corners of the kitchen.
In an office in the back of the kitchen there was one lone, butter yellow unicorn pony with lightning blue hair modeled after his favorite DJ, preparing himself for the night ahead. Never in his career had he ever been so nervous, excited, and scared for one service. Surrounded by paperwork and cookbooks he collected his thoughts.
“It’s cool Chéz you got this.” He spoke to himself attempting to rid the self-doubt he had. “It’s not like this is the first time you have done this, you have been cooking for years now.”
Tonight was unlike any other night for Chéz. Tonight was his first night at Toss but he was not just another Commis Chef or Sous Chef, no tonight he was THE Chef. This was his dream job, to be a big name in town for the culinary industry; he had dedicated so much time and effort for this moment. Not to mention had gone above and beyond all the competition for this position and he got it! But now he was starting to stress out a bit.
“What if they don’t follow me out of the gate? What is there is a mistake in one of my calls? What if I send the wrong product to the wrong –“He was cut short in his battle with himself by one of his Sous Chefs coming in to the small office.
“Chéz…” He paused. “Chef, are you fighting with yourself again?” It was one of his best friends Sear. The tall dark stallion with a pure white mane had worked with him for years at different establishments around Equestria but it had been another year since he had last worked with Chéz. That was until Chéz showed up at the front door saying he was the new Executive Chef.
“How long have we been working together? Are we going on 12 years now?” Sear asked himself aloud.
“Yeah got to be around that long by now,” Chéz responded “I still can’t believe I’m here now.”
“Hey, you have worked your flank off for too long to not have this. You know I will always have your back. So stop moping around in here YOUR team is waiting for their head chef.” Sear always knew what to say to get Chéz back on his feet.
“Alright, alright I’ll get out there and do them proud. What would I do without you, you big lug?” Grinning Chéz got up and gave him mate a playful hug and headed out of the office head held high and ready to go. But he was stopped short by Sear one last time
“HEY CHEF!” He shouted “Can’t be a Chef without the big hat!” Joking as he tossed the new Chef his hat.
“Thanks Sear we’re off to good start now!”
Chéz made his way out to the prep kitchen to make sure all was well with the main support team of the kitchen. As he walked through ponies left and right looked up to him and either welcomed him or acknowledged his presence in one way or another. He paused at one table to watch as one of the cooks was working on very intricate designs for garnishes made out of fruit peelings and a multitude of vegetables. He pondered over it for a second complimenting the cook and moved on, he still had a hot kitchen to look over.
“Chef if I may have a moment of your time?” He swirled around to see a short azure mare, with a purple mane, behind him in a very smart looking little black dress ‘Damn she is looking all nice tonight’ he thought to himself.
“Yes?”
“Sorry I have not had the chance to introduce myself I am Oculus the Sommelier of Toss.”
“Well, Hello to you as well but I may ask that you don’t sneak up on my like that next time “Chéz chuckled to himself.
“Oh I’m sorry I understand that you are under a lot of pressure tonight, but I thought I might get a quick introduction in before we got started, perhaps we could … get a drink once we are done here tonight?” Oculus questioned, blushing slightly mostly from the fact that she just asked the new Chef out for drinks, and she had just met him.
“Hmm, sure that sounds like a swell plan.” Chéz replied. “Anywhere you had in mind?”
“I have a couple spots but we can talk about that later, I must get back to the front and you sir have a kitchen to run.” She knew that taking any more time would not be good she was running late for a service team meeting and had to run quickly out of the kitchen.
Chéz was pleased with himself, he hadn’t been in the building more than 5 hours and already had a date with a cute little mare. He hummed to himself as he made his way to the Hot Line and mentally prepared himself to address his team.
When he got there he saw the cleanliness of the kitchen, the stainless steel sparkling, the cutting boards were so white you’d have thought they had never been used. Even the pans that had been used hundreds of times yet looked like they had just been taken out of the box. As he looked over the kitchen his eyes came to rest on his team all dressed for success and looking sharp. Behind them with a goofy shit eating grin on his face was Sear. ‘Damn he always knew how to get me in a good mood.’ As Chéz came to stop in front of this team he knew he was in good hands. They were well trained and knew their jobs down to a grain of rice.
“Good Evening” Chéz announced out to the team of 20 ponies all ranging in colours, builds, and races.
“Good Evening Chef!” They called back, Chéz got a good chuckle out of hearing that but now was not the time to be getting a big head.
As he was deflating himself a bit, one of the younger earth ponies stepped forward and introduced herself “Commis Chef Apple Surprise ready when you are Chef.” This was the front lines leader of this team she had them all setup and ready to roll for this would be one hay of an interesting night.
Chéz gave a quick introduction and said his hello’s before he dismissed them to head off to work on their final preparations. Once they were all off and back to work, he called Apple Surprise over to get the quick run-down of how everypony works together and which ponies didn't. Surprisingly enough, he found out that they hadn’t had a personal issue since they opened 7 months ago. Boy was he glad to hear that.
The clock finally ticked down the final minutes, and he got himself ready for the night that was rapidly approaching. It started off rocky; Chéz started doubting he would be able to keep the name of Toss happy and going. But with a wink from a certain azure mare he picked his spirits right back up and kept going all though the night.
The dinner service lasted just over 5 hours, and it was a busy one. All the regulars coming in to see this new Chef that would be taking over. Once the rush died down, Chéz decided he would go for a quick stroll around the dining room to see how everything was doing with the guests. As he made his rounds he chatted with a group of 6 ponies that he knew were important; they were all dressed beautifully and were looking just amazing when he spotted one he recognized from his time in Canterlot.
“Rarity” He proclaimed as he approached the table stopping behind the White Unicorn with the flowing purple mane “How have you been my dear?”
“Chéz? You are the new Chef they brought in? That is just wonderful! Is Sear back in there as well?” she jumped up giving him a quick hug and quick peck on each cheek.
“Oh yes, yes. He is hiding back there I’ll be sure to send him out I know how much you had a thing for him.” He chuckled as he returned the embrace and helped her back to her seat.
Once they had said their hello’s Rarity went around the table introducing her friends. Chéz went around and shook every one of their hoofs and then signaled for Oculus to come over.
“Yes Chef, may I be of some assistance?” She questioned as she approached the table.
“Oh Oculus this is Rarity one of the greatest fashion designers out there these days, and one of my good friends. Could you see to it that they are taken care of with a couple bottles of our finest wine. Let Rarity choose. She always had an eye for good wine. And I will be covering their bill tonight as well.”
The table started clamoring that Chéz couldn’t do that and how they wouldn’t accept it but it was already final.
“Chéz, you have out done yourself again,” Rarity exclaimed” You must stop by my boutique and perhaps we can get you a nice new personalized jacket?”
“I would love that Rarity, You mares have a good evening” he called as he parted from the table.
Chéz began to make his way back to the kitchen when a surprising event took place in the corner of his eye. He knew it was a special night for him but for two mares it was only going to get crazier. He watched as the white unicorn filly with a crazy blue mane got down on her knees and brought a little red box out of her bag. Then, right there she asked her fillyfriend, a grey mare with a black mane and a treble cleft for a cutie mark, to marry her. The entire restaurant went silent as if they were all waiting for the grey mares answer. She started to well up and tears started to stream from her eyes, the white unicorn looking dejected started to leave but the grey mare pulled her back and into a very passionate kiss, at this the restaurant exploded in applause and cheers of joy.
Chéz walked over to the happy couple to pass along his congratulations but even after walking across the dining room the two mares were still locked in a tight embrace and kiss so he thought better to not interrupt and instead left a bottle of Champagne for the engaged couple.
The rest of service went smoothly and Chéz knew that his team had done well. So when all was said and done and there was little cleaning left he decided to let the rest of his cooks out early so he could finish up and get out meeting up with Oculus. In his frantic cleaning and organizing he didn’t hear the doors to the kitchen open or hear the hoof steps of the short azure mare as she snuck up behind him.
“Hey how long are you going to keep a lady waiting?” she joked knowing it would give him a start.
“AHHHH!” Chéz jumped a good 3 hoofs in the air. “Yikes you scared me, what did we talk about earlier?”
“I know, I know it was more out of pure entertainment on my part.” She giggled as he calmed down. “Well how much longer do you have … or should I just start walking home … all alone, by myself” she started to play with him.
“Oh don’t worry your little heart out there. I just have to change and I’ll meet you out front in five.”
He watched as she trotted out of the kitchen his eyes never leaving her flank and spotting the resting heron cutie mark. ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ he thought as he headed back to his office to change and get ready to go.
Chéz emerged a few minutes later looking like a whole new stallion. His mane was brushed and he was wearing a very stylish looking sport jacket. He made his way through his new kitchen one last time for the night to ensure everything was turned off and once he pushed the final switch he watched as the kitchen was plunged into darkness.
As he made his way out front he noticed the lights were all off and the only light was from Luna’s moon shimmering in through the window. He opened the kitchen doors and met Oculus at the front doors. With the way the moon stroked across her body Chéz knew he had never see something so beautiful he looked over her once more and then caught her gaze. He didn’t realize until that moment that she had the most amazing emerald eyes that reflected the moons light just perfectly. After a couple of seconds he broke the stare and turned to get their jackets hiding so the blush burning under his face didn’t show so much.
“Ahem” He cleared his throat and carried on “Well shall we?”
“Yes” she paused still stuck on this stallion in front of her, he looked magnificent in her eyes the moon playing off his muscles and caressing his baby blue eyes. “Would you prefer a pub, a club, or a lounge?” She asked having no preference where they headed tonight.
He pondered it for a quick second ‘I could try getting closer to her at a lounge but I’m feeling like moving tonight, and I bet she has some good moves’
“How about a club for some dancing? I need to blow off some steam after tonight.” It had been a stressful day for him and he knew if he tried to relax he wouldn’t, only way to wind down after that was to go out to the club and just dance it out.
“That sounds like a great plan!” Oculus exclaimed “I know the best place to go and it’s only a couple blocks from here!” Sounding even more and more excited.
They headed out of Toss locking the doors behind them and made their way down the street, for two ponies that had just met each other no more than 12 hours ago they walked fairly close. They arrived at the club a couple of minutes later, Oculus wasn’t lying it was only 2 blocks away, out front shone a neon sign that read the clubs name “Buck Wild”. They got in line as soon as they showed up and thought that they might be in for a long night. Awhile later and the line not moving at all they started to think all hope was lost and that they weren’t getting in. When all of a sudden 2 very familiar mares walked by one of them instantly recognizing Chéz.
“Hey you’re the new Chef over at Toss right?” the White Unicorn filly asked
“Oh dear thank you so much for the bottle of Champagne it was such a perfect way to celebrate our engagement” the grey earth pony added.
“Yes, yes I am and congratulations on your engagement it was an honor you choose our establishment for the occasion.” Chéz replied beaming
“Hey how long have you guys been standing out here?” the white unicorn asked
“Oh about 20 minutes already” Oculus replied shivering. Chéz took that as his moment and he stepped closer and passed his jacket to her. Oculus had to hide her face to keep from blushing.
“Hmm well that’s not right gimme a second I’ll be right back.” The unicorn called as she headed to the front of the line.
“What is she up to – Oh I’m sorry I never got you name ma’am” Chéz asked turning to the grey earth pony.
“Oh I’m terribly sorry, that would be my fault. My name is Octavia Philharmonica.” She responded
“Wait THE Octavia? The pony who has played to sold out shows in Manehattan and Canterlot?” Chéz was stunned “I’m a huge fan of your work!” ‘Okay easy buddy don’t start gushing’
“Yes the Octavia, and thank you for your kind words. Oh look here comes Vinyl hopefully with good news.” She giggled
“Okay so told the guy at the front and he started apologizing so he is grabbing the owner and we are heading in” she spoke to Octavia and started walking back to the front.
Not knowing what to do Chéz and Oculus stood stunned that they had just been in the presence of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Philharmonica, when Vinyl shouted back “Hey are you two coming or what?” Realizing that she meant them both ponies made their way to the front of the line where, standing behind the velvet rope was none other than Sear. Chéz just chuckled and waved as he walked right past and in stopping inside to get one of the bouncer ponies to let Sear in.
Once inside they made their way through the crowd towards the VIP booths and finally sat down. Chéz, being a kind gentlecolt, offered to go grab the first round of drinks for the ladies taking mental note of what they all wanted, for Oculus a glass of red wine, a double Jura Whiskey neat for Octavia, and a Barcolti for Vinyl. As he was turning away he heard a chuckle come out of the three ladies. As he completed the turn he was surprised to see a waitress already there and taking the order from behind him. He forced a chuckle out of himself and ordered a Coltanee, sitting back down feeling a little hurt.
As the night carried on Chéz and Oculus left the two love birds, who weren’t much for conversation as they were still celebrating, and headed for the dance floor. Both had a nice buzz going and were having the time of their lives as they spotted Sear from across the room. They made their way over to him and of course had to explain how they got in before him and how a bouncer finally let him in after standing there forever.
They each had one or two more times on the dance floor before the effects of more alcohol kicked in. Sear got cut off and was dragged out of the bar and the other two took that as their cue to leave also. When Chéz and Oculus made it out the bar they looked around for Sear but couldn’t see him hoping he went home Oculus turned to Chéz.
“Well I suppose I must be heading off I’m this way.” She said pointing in the opposite direction as Chéz had to go.
“I’ll walk you home” he jumped in, “I mean if that is okay with you. I just want to make sure you're safe.” He tried to cover up being cool.
“Why that sounds lovely” she giggled as she snuggled up to him for the walk home wearing his jacket and nuzzling his neck.
A few minutes later they arrived at her front door. Oculus turned to him and just stared deep into those baby blue eyes almost getting lost in them. Chéz matching he gaze and sinking into her giant emeralds she had for eyes. She broker he gaze after a couple seconds, making both of them blush, but neither minding if the other saw.
“Well … this is your stop. Have a good night Miss Ocu –“He was cut off by her pressing her muzzle to his and giving him a deep passionate kiss. Stunned at first Chéz resisted then caved as he began to press back. After a good while they had to break for air. Oculus coughed quietly trying to breath. The met each others gaze once more.
“Good Night Mr. Chéz” Oculus cooed.
“Good Night Miss. Oculus” Chéz replied, as she slipped into her house.
‘Oh wow what a night’ Chéz thought and he knew it ended on a high note. Now he just had to find his way home somehow.
On his journey through Ponyville back to his house he thought of his past and how everything that had ever happened to him and how it had shaped him to be whom he is now.