Home. As it Always Has Been

Following a filling breakfast, and a little bit of quality time with his son, Kishi, Nar exits his house for his skate to work for the day.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d_gB3HbcGw) The warm, spring sun rests high in the sky, informing Nar that he's at least 4 hours, if not more, late for opening like he's supposed to be. After all, he's the owner of Yakushisoba now, and he has a duty to uphold his late father's legacy of hard work, and dedication! Wait... No... He doesn't own the restaurant. Does he? His father owns it. Right? No. No. His father passed away from cancer a few months ago. Just after Kishi was born.  Nar pauses his skate, and shakes his head vigorously. There are memories jumbled around in his brain, and he's having trouble figuring out which ones are real or not. After a moment, two faces pop into his mind. Before he forgets them, Nar opens up a drawing app on his phone, and quickly (terribly) scribbles two faces down. Under one, he writes the words "Cookie, Daughter." Underneath the other he writes "Autumn, Girlfriend." Below it all, in big strokes he writes "REMEMBER." A voice from nearby breaks Nar's attention away from his phone. "Mornin' Mr. Yakushi!" A young colt calls out atop his bike. Nar smiles, waves, and greets the little colt by name. "Good morning Astro! Enjoying your weekend?" The young colt slows to a stop nearby to continue the conversation. "Yep! Oh! And happy birthday!" Little Astro beams. For some reason, Nar feels like he has some sort of bond with this boy. As if he's done something important for this boy that helped him in a time of great need. What it is, he can't remember though. Nar ruffles the little colt's helmet, then pats him on the back. "Thanks, Astro. Remember to keep your helmet, knee, and elbow pads on when you're biking!" The young colt nods enthusiastically before he begins to bike down the road again. "Will do Mr. Yakushi! Have a good weekend!" On his skate to work, Nar finds himself greeted by almost every face he sees along the way. Young children beg him to join them for games of four square, and tag. A group of high school boys invite him to a pick up game of hockey at the rec center. People his age ask about hanging out after work, and older folks ask about him coming over for a chat, and some tea. All of which, he must politely decline. Seeing as how he's 4 hours late today, he's gotta stay extra late to make up for it!  Arriving at Yakushisoba, Nar takes a moment to say a little prayer before the plaque honoring his father by the front door. Afterwards, he opens the door to head inside. Instantly, Nar is greeted by the voice of his middle sister from behind the counter. "Only 4 hours late!" Asuka shouts. A cheesy grin plastered on her face. "Sorry, sorry!" Nar says, raising his hands in a gesture of placating. "I must have been really tired after last night." At this, Asuka's features soften. "You were here until 2 AM. I don't blame you." Crossing behind the counter, Nar is pulled into a gentle hug by his sister before she releases him to let him get to the kitchen. Right. He almost forgot that Asuka works here now. She quit her EMS job after dad got diagnosed about a year ago so she could take care of him. When dad passed, she needed something to pass the time, so Nar suggested she come on as co-owner of the family restaurant. Ever since then, Nar has run the Back of House operations, while Asuka handles Front of House. Even if Nar is technically the sole proprietor, he still likes for Asuka to have as much say in the restaurant as he does. Though, she does deffer to his superior experience most of the time. Wait. NO!  Asuka doesn't work here! She's still a paramedic! C'mon man! Snap out of it! This isn't right!  Nar chooses to ignore the little voice in the back of his mind screaming at him. Must just still be a little tired.  Entering the kitchen, Nar is greeted with friendly faces, and some teasing banter from his staff about his tardiness. He apologizes, and informs them that he'll be staying to close to make up for it. Well, that doesn't go over well with the day shift manager, Bo. In his creole accent, he outright refuses to allow Nar to stay to close. Telling him that rest is just as important as work, and that he needs to spend time with his family. Nar tries to protest, but the staff all shut him down. He's leaving at 6 today, and there's nothing he can do to make them change their minds.  Throughout the day, Nar works alongside his staff to prepare meals for their customers. Being the only authentic neighpanese restaurant in Ponyville means they can get quite busy! Even with a full kitchen crew, things are still quite hectic! Even so, Nar makes sure every member of his staff, including managers, get 30 minutes for a lunch break. He only begrudgingly when in turn, Bo demands he at least take a 15.  While sitting in the designated employee break area of the dining room, the front door opens, and two familiar faces enter. Nar's face lights up as his wife, and child make their way to his booth to sit with him. "Hey! I wasn't expecting to see you two at work!" Nar's greeting is met with a kiss from Amy, and Kishi reaching out to be held. However, Amy pulls away before Nar can grab hold of his son. "You need to focus on eating, mister. I know you aren't taking a 30." Amy's tone is light, and playful despite the scolding. "Oh, c'mon!" Nar pouts. "You know how quickly I can eat! I can still finish my food after a little bit of hug time!" At this, Amy wags a finger back and forth. "No buts, mister. You need a full belly for the rest of your shift. You can have hug time after you get home."  With that, Amy slides into the booth across from Nar to chat while he finishes his meal. Once his break is over, it's Asuka's turn to meet with Amy, and coo over her nephew.  After a very busy shift, Nar is practically forced to leave by the night shift manager, Stella. She's an older mare, but not by much. Only in her early 60s, but she's been in the restaurant business longer than anyone else here. As sweet as apple pie most of the time, but more than willing to get mean if it's needed. Usually, directed towards rude customers who abuse the staff. Nobody yells at her babies on her watch!  On the skate home, Nar stops by a local bakery to pick up a surprise gift for Amy, and Kishi. Completely unaware of the homemade cake the two made waiting for him when he gets home. The mare behind the counter talks his ear off the whole time. Seemingly overjoyed that he stopped by. Once he arrives home, Nar is greeted by his wife, son, mother, sister, and a few friends for a surprise birthday party! Thankfully, they decide to keep things nice and relaxed. Even so, Nar finds himself nodding off near the end of it. As Nar sits on the couch, desperately fighting off the urge to conk out with Kishi in his lap, Amy and the others all help to clean up before saying their goodbyes. Nar doesn't make it to the last few guests. He, and Kishi both asleep on the couch together by the time Hiari, Asuka, and Juno come by to say goodbye.