Disclaimer: I do not own Soul Eater. I do own the plot.

Chapter Two: First Day Panic Attack

Soul took a deep breath as he stood at the entrance of Ace of Hearts. He had, luckily enough, kept a few of his nicer clothes during the move. Anything that would sell for a good chunk of change was sold; he kept a few things because he remembered being told that common people usually had to dress nicely for things like job interviews. Black*Star had helped him learn a little bit (though he reined himself in as he realized that Black*Star was far from being considered the norm) so he was now dressed as Maka instructed. He had decided to go with red and black, as they seemed to be the best looking on him. He had on the slacks she had mentioned, tossed on a belt just to get the loops of the slacks covered, and had the non-slip shoes. He had actually had to borrow the shoes from Black*Star, who had an extra pair he could borrow until he could afford to buy his own pairs.

With his courage gathered, Soul grabbed the door and stepped inside. He was a little stunned to be greeted to a large vacant space with people mulling about. To one corner was a counter with little racks and stations with things like candies, mints, gums, cigars and even little knick-knacks lined along the selves. There were four registers set up, with a young man stationed at one of them. He had gleaming golden eyes, a certain look to them reminding Soul distinctly of a cat. His hair was cut short, going to a bit above his shoulders, and was an inky black with three lines on only the left side of his head. The young man was wearing a black shirt with a white apron tossed over it. Embroidered in gold was "Kid" and two red hearts were resting above his name.

"Rawr! And then the giraffe kicked the lion right in the face!" Another voice cheered happily. He perked up and looked over to one corner and saw another person entertaining a group of four or five kids. All the children seemed amused over her little story. Their adult caretaker was a perky girl with short blonde hair that was cut to a little below her chin and was a bright yellow tint. It reminded Soul vaguely of sunflowers he used to pick for his mother in his youth. She was wearing a short sleeved red top with a white apron like the boy at the register on. She also had a pair of black slacks and black shoes on, completing the uniform. Her apron had the name "Patty" embroidered in gold and had one red heart stitched above it.

"Can I help you?" The male, Kid as his apron dictated, asked flatly. Soul tore his gaze from the rather bizarre blonde and to the young cashier instead. He walked over calmly. "I repeat, can I help you?" His tone remained just as bland, though now there was a small note of annoyance to it.

"Maka Albarn asked me to come in. She was going to give me a serving job," He explained calmly, forcing the guys tone to not get to him. He didn't want to instigate a fight with a current employee and ruin his own chances here.

"Ah, I assume you're Mister Soul Eater?" He asked, his tone become less rude and more intrigued. The albino merely nodded in response. "Stay here." He said, holding up a hand. He walked to the end of the counter and looked at a nearby podium. "Tsubaki, would you mind getting Maka?"

The girl at the podium had ebony hair that sparkled like black opals tied up in a high ponytail and deep blue eyes that twinkled cheerfully like sapphires. She was wearing the same uniform as the other two with a few differences; her shirt was white and short sleeved and her apron was red. Her name was also stitched on in gold and she had three red hearts above it. Soul also noted that she had a milky complexion. "Of course, Kid," She said politely. She scribbled something down on a notepad on her podium before smiling at Soul. "I'll be right back Maka for you." She hummed before disappearing into the entryway between the cash counter and her podium. Soul knew that it lead to the restaurant and, most likely as well, the back where Maka would undoubtedly be.

"Thank you," Soul said politely to the cashier. He shrugged calmly and leaned over, looking down at the candies and such that were organized.

"Hey, do these look symmetrical to you?" Kid asked, pointing to where he was looking. Soul raised an eyebrow and glanced down as well. He wasn't too sure but he assumed he may as well humor the poor guy.

"Looks all good to me," He said casually.

"Does… Does it just look good?"

"… Excuse me?"

"It's a simple question; does it look just good or does it look perfect?" The tone the other male's voice was beginning to take on was making Soul feel just a smidge uncomfortable. "Why won't you answer me?"

"Kid, please stop hassling our new guest about the candies; they are absolutely perfect, just like they always are when you're on duty," At the sounds of Maka's voice, a wave of relief rushed through Soul. He glanced up and saw her, a clipboard and dry erase marker in a hue of black in one hand. Her hair was slicked back in a low ponytail. She was dressed identically to Tsubaki but her apron had four red hearts and one in gold on it for a total of five hearts. After Kid nodded and returned to his perfect perch, a look of contentment and bliss on his face, the young girl turned her attention to Soul and smiled. "Glad you could make it; plus you're right on time too! Just let me finish fixing up the new floor plan and I'll get you all situated, okay?"

"Sure, no problem," He mumbled lightly. She smiled and nodded, heading over to the platform with Tsubaki. She set her clipboard down and the two poured over a list together, drawing this that and the other.

"Okay, so we'll have Ox and Kilik in the first dining room since they both work from now until closing. In the second we'll have Soul with the five tables; since he's new I'm going to put Liz in this section right below him. If he needs any help, he can go to her and she'll have no issues with it. And with the last two sections, just because we'll need that kind of support tonight, we'll have Kim and Jacqueline over here too. Now, I'm going to go get Soul caught up real fast and everything. While he's with me, make sure to either avoid sitting his section or have one of the others watch it until he gets back. You'll be following this rotation(1) until about eight o'clock or so and then, depending on business, I'll do a floor cut(2)," She explained calmly, pointing to various points on the laminated sheet she'd drawn on. Tsubaki nodded and smiled up at her. "Also, once I get him all settled in, I'll let you take your break and get something to eat, okay?" She grinned lightly.

"Thank you, Maka-Chan," Tsubaki giggled happily. The blonde smiled, nodded and turned to Soul.

"Okay, follow me Soul," She said calmly, tilting her head back. He did as she instructed and was lead past the two dining rooms. The two rooms were right next to one another with a black wooden screen up to show they were separate. The windows were hidden by black velvet curtains and the lights were at a nice, calming sort of glow; not too dim that you couldn't see but also not so bright that it was obnoxious. The tables were all dark wood with matching chairs; most of them were tables with four chairs but he did see a few smaller ones with two and even a few larger ones with six or seven chairs. She led him into a back area where there were tons of people making food, washing dishes and servers putting food on trays and hand them to one another. "That's going to be one of the tasks expected of you." She said politely, pointing to one server carrying a tray. "If you hear someone yell 'We need a runner' than offer to help. It's basically where you have to help another server run food to a table. There will be a ticket with the table number on it so if you lose track of the server you can still get the food to the right place."

"Table numbers?" He asked curiously. Maka blinked then nodded and pointed to a large board on one wall. There was a larger version of what the dining rooms looked like in a diagram form; the tables were in squares with numbers on them. The tables he remembered being smaller were, in fact, smaller on the diagram and the larger tables were longer in the diagram. He blinked a few more times, noting that in the front dining room the tables started in the one hundreds, while the second moved on to the start of the two hundreds. "How exactly does this system work?"

"It's easier to have all the tables represented by three digit numbers; easy to memorize and remember, you know?" She asked cheerfully. She pointed to the first table in the first dining room, number 111. "Plus it's easier to put it in without any zeros; that way no one gets the letter O and a zero mixed up. We'll also put the floor plan, or what server has what area, on this board as well so that if you forget you can check here rather than go ask the hostess." She explained. She then moved over to a small grey computer unit on a counter below the board. "This is the machine you use to clock in and put in orders. There are four of them spread out in this area. There's one in each vestibule, or little side area that we keep things like highchairs or boosters for small child, this one here and another one on the counter opposite the busing area over there." She pointed calmly. He glanced over and saw the matching grey box, a young man with strangely cut black hair using the touch screen to put in an order. "As well as clock in, clock out or put in an order, you can check the tips you've received from people playing with credit cards if things aren't too busy."

"Okay, seems easy enough to follow," He said. It was all a little confusing, but Soul figured he'd learn it all well enough as he went along. Maka had said this was a trial run, to see if he could handle the job, so he probably would be taught everything thoroughly after he earned the job.

Because Soul absolutely could not accept the thought of not getting this job.

"Anyway, I got an apron set for you. If we choose to keep you on I'll get you started on the computer work for you to get your first promotion. Then we can get you an apron with your name on it," She smiled happily. She then giggled. "Now, let's get you familiar with the software, get you clocked on, and then get you serving tables." She said, clapping her hands together as if shutting an invisible book.

The software wasn't as hard to learn as Soul had expected. He had never been very good at learning things, but for some reason he had always been a bit good with computers; it helped him get through his private academies, since he could just type everything and do class assignments at home later. After that, Maka had given him told him to put in the last four numbers of his social security number and that she'd verify it as his new log-in pass code. "If this all goes well, I'll bring you in tomorrow to fill out all the paperwork. I'll also get you started on those computer assignments to get you promoted," She had explained before sending him out to the dining room.

"So you're the new rookie?" A feminine tone asked with a bit of a laugh to it. He turned to be greeted by a dirty blonde whose hair was tugged back in a bun with a clip. She had cerulean spheres with a slight grey hue to them. She was wearing a red blouse with a black apron (like the one Maka had given him with a name tag clipped to it) only hers had her name, Liz, embroidered on it in gold like the other people he'd seen. She also had four hearts added on above her name. "Liz Thompson. Nice to meet you." She said, offering him her hand.

"Soul Eater," He said, taking her hand and shaking it. He noted she had pink nails but didn't say anything about it. "So, how hard is the job?" He asked curiously, watching as Maka talked happily with an elderly couple seated at one of the tables near the podium. He assumed they were regulars, with how familiar and comfortable they seemed.

"Well, most rookies like you don't make it past the first day," She commented casually. He tensed a bit and looked at her, a little flustered by that. "When Maka told us we had another trial subject coming in we started a betting pool. I've got a sweet fifty bucks on you making it; try to keep yourself together and show no weakness." She said bluntly.

"Yes, well, I've got two hundred that says he won't make it past his third table so I hope he flakes up," An annoyed tone of voice snapped lightly. The girl who walked over had coffee colored hair tied up in a bun like Liz and eyes to match. Her uniform was just like Liz's, only her own name, Jacqueline, was the one stitched on it. "The name's Jackie; call me Jacqueline and you'll regret it. Don't both telling me your name; you won't last long enough for me to need to remember it." She said blandly. Liz glared at the brunette, draping an arm over Soul's shoulders and leaning in, pulling him closer to herself and Jackie in the process.

"For your information, I see a certain spunk in this kid that shouldn't be doubted just yet," Liz bit out angrily. Jackie scoffed lightly and shook her head.

"It's called being cocky; lots of guys are like that," She said before walking off to the back. After she exited, Liz growled and released Soul.

"Where the hell is Kilik? I'm upping my ante on you to a whole four hundred big ones!" She declared before stomping off. Soul watched her go, eye twitching and entire form rigid, before sighing lightly and shaking his head. This was all a little crazy, wasn't it?

"Look alive; you're getting your first customer," Maka announced suddenly in his ear, causing him to jump. She giggled and pointed. He followed her finger and saw Tsubaki leading a cheerful looking young couple to a table at the top of the dining room. Soul had the top right six tables (in two rows of three) and Tsubaki was getting them situated at what he remembered as table number 211. He smiled and headed over, swallowing back his fear.

Maka, however, had something else in mind as she grabbed Tsubaki's arm on her way back.

"What's wrong, Maka-Chan?" Tsubaki asked worriedly, coming to a halt at the action. Emerald spheres were trapped on the albino currently chatting with the couple and jotting down their order. Tsubaki glanced over at him and then looked back at her boss. "Was there something you needed?"

"I want you to fill his section up as fast as you can," Maka said calmly. Azure eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. Maka didn't even spare her a second glance. "If he can't handle having his section full than we have no use for him; we get hit in huge bursts where every server is full and gets refilled as fast as possible. So to assure he'll adjust to the slow times we have to be sure he can handle the fast times as well." She then released the girl's arm and smiled sweetly. "Once you get him filled up, I'll take over podium and give you your break. I'll get your meal started up; the usual right?" She then turned on her heels and walked away.

Tsubaki sighed heavily. "Oh, Maka-Chan, you are so cruel," She mumbled lightly while shaking her head. She just prayed that Soul would be able to keep his head above the water and not get dragged down by the sharks.

Soul felt like he'd had all his blood sucked out. Most of his customers had been okay but after having his section completely filled all day. He had been lucky enough to find a way to remember things without too much incident, really. He would pair a person's pitch of voice with the table number they were to assure he brought the right drinks and meals without mix ups. For example, soprano 212 wanted a Sprite and a slice of pineapple upside down cake. And now, he had been cut from the floor and was taking his break at long last. Maka had, of course, made him clean his tables before going back.

He had expecting having to deal with customers, but he hadn't anticipated the cleaning and such he'd be forced to do. Having to clean up after himself was a little foreign but cleaning up after complete strangers? Totally weird. "How did you do in tips today?" He knew Maka Albarn almost immediately just by voice now and all he could do was groan; his eyes were shut and his head was pressed against the cool counter in the backroom. "You know, the money they'd leave on the tables for you?"

"I know what tips are," He groaned as he sat up more in his chair. He pulled a wad from his apron pouch and placed it on the counter. "I was too busy to count it all out yet. Since you told me I don't calculate tips until I clock out I was waiting until I could feel my legs again."

She picked up the money and began counting for him, humming lightly. "I'm going to let you off the hook tonight; I won't make you do side work or roll silverware. Plus, since you made fifty dollars in your physical tips alone, I say you've done well enough to stay on," She beamed lightly. He jolted to life, eyes widening as she waved his money in his face. "Plus, I peaked ahead, and there's another forty from credits cards. You'll be going home with a little over ninety dollars on your first night; that's the best a new server has done in three years. So, you've made the cut; come in tomorrow at noon and we'll get the computer work started as well as your paperwork for being an employee. The new schedule gets updated every week on Monday, meaning tomorrow. I'll give you yours tomorrow. Also, your hours this week will be dedicated to training you more properly for your job." She beamed happily, pushing the bills into his hands.

"Hey, Maka, that order you put in is done!" Liz called as she peeked her head in. Maka nodded and headed out. The other blonde walked in and grinned at Soul. "So? What did she say?"

"I… I made ninety dollars just tonight… And I got the job," He whispered, slowly smiling as he realized what this all meant. He got the job! Things were going to be better; he had gotten a job! No more selling his clothes and belongings to make ends meet!

"Seriously?" Liz gasped. Then she smirked evilly and ran off. "Hell yeah! Jackie, you bitch, hand me that sweet two hundred you put in the lot! I was right! He got the job!" She cheered as she ran away.

Maka entered, carrying a large tray with a small scowl on her face. "Liz is so weird," She mumbled before setting the tray down in front of Soul. It was a plate with three slices of grilled rainbow trout, a serving of macaroni and cheese, a baked potato, three large biscuits and a tall glass of what appeared to be sweet tea.

"I can't afford this," Soul said with a gulp, swallowing back the saliva gathering in his mouth. The girl smiled and leaned over, pushing the set of silverware into his free hand (since the other was still curled around the bills of his tips).

"You get a free meal when you work a eight hours or more. So eat up and get ready; you're gonna hit the ground running," She beamed before heading off. He watched her go and, once sure he was alone, started scarfing down his meal as fast as he could.

End

(1) Rotation: it's a system we implement at my work. We follow a list and make sure each server gets one table before starting over again and giving everyone two tables. It's a system to make sure all the servers get even tables and the same chance to make money. If someone specifically requests a server or table, we can let them go there but we just have to try and keep track, making sure to skip that person next rotation session. Unless it's really busy, we are expected to stay on rotation as much as possible.

(2) Floor cut – If things are slow and there aren't very many customers, a manager will cut the floor. Cutting the floor means that a few servers will be taken off to start their side duties. As such, the remaining servers will get more tables and hopefully get to have more customers. It also cuts costs of the company.

Notes before I go do my final assignments (some will be the same as Sonata):

Sorry this chapter was very short; next one will make up for it.

More love from you guys = More love from me~! It's a game of give or take~! (I think that's how the lyrics go…)

Homework + laptop got hit with Malware = delayed update. Luckily enough, my sister's bf saved it from getting fired but I was really far behind on my updates for my computer software too. It took almost a whole day for it to get caught up!

I have new ideas and a new poll posted on my profile. I would be eternally grateful if you'd all take the time to vote. (Bows politely)