A lone octoling walked from business to business because he needed a job. His walk led him along a small alleyway. A lot of them weren't really feeling the mysterious outsider vibe he was giving off . Until He got to this super busy café . When He walked in He first saw Sky , a yellow inkling, running around with drinks and trying to take orders . She was looking overworked . She turned to him and before He could say That He was responding to any help wanted things she immediately said

" be right with you sir "

This was odd because flames was currently holding the physical appearance of a female. Sir? That was impressive. How'd she know at the first glance? Well whatever. Flames thought as she ran back and forth setting drinks at different busy tables. He smiled as he came up with an idea. As sky came back with a notepad and a pen she said.

"Ok what can I get for you ?"

"I'm actually here cause I got the job."

Now ,Flames didn't know if they were hiring or had a job listing but was taking a shot in the dark. He was hoping this new person act would get him in the door. Sky perked smiling brightly realizing she would finally get some help. Her expression changed slightly when she realized she would have to train someone new. Her expression then became neutral as she realized this new person might leave as soon as they see the massive workload. However none of this stuff was going to get done if she sat idly by thinking about it.

"Well, let's get you a uniform and i'll show you the ropes."

Freaking nice flames thought now to put phase two of this plan into motion. He knew he'd have to carry some weight because once she figured out he was lying she wasn't going to be too happy about it. Putting on the uniform and washing his hands for twenty seconds he listened intently to sky who could only panic explain things as the whirling of machines making drinks continued to go off.

"And after that you ask them if they want a receipt. Do you got all of that ?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Oh no you don't have to be so formal. My name is sky whats yours. "

"Kingendlessflames." he replied without thinking. Tho his real name would be lost to time this was the gamer tag he had entered into the tower for turf wars and other recreational sports.

"Well that's kinda long so ill just call you flames for short."

"that sounds great but whos short and why are you calling me for him?" He asked with a smile.

Sky smiled, flames was right, she needed a good joke. The rest of the day would continue like this. Sky was glad he was there and he was a good member to the non-existent team. The day was winding down and flames was cleaning the floor. As he did this three people had come into the café dressed in the uniform as well. This is a weird time to have a shift change but whatever I'm not doing any of this conventionally so let's see how this plays out. One of the three workers took one look at flames and then yelled.

"Sky!'

She immediately came from where she was cleaning.

"Hi Preston. What can I do for you?"

"Whos this ?" he said rudely pointing at flames.

" Our new worker came in earlier during the rush while you guys were… Busy"

Preston gave flames a sour look. Roland then interrupted him.

"Dude just drop it! We need another worker around here and one this cute is good for business."

" What a creep ." Tucker joined in. " But he has a point, less work for us is always good."

"Speaking of work," Preston said, switching his focus." Sky , what are our daily numbers?"

Sky timidly faced the ground. " I haven't gotten to them yet we had a really busy day after you guys left."

"uggh no excuses do you think He is going to accept that answer when I give that to him?"

"No. I'm sorry ."

Flames had so many questions like who was he? Who are these clowns ? And why does it feel like they are robbing the place if they work here ?

Tucker took a look outside and said.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear."

They all turned to Tucker . Realizing what he had said then they all made a scramble grabbing random cleaning equipment. Flames may have not had all the pieces to the puzzle but he knew looking like an piece out of place was going to prove problematic. So just like the rest of them he got back to cleaning. The door then swung open with a jaring force and in came a inkling. His natural color being orange and his arura gave off this in charge energy. He was older and had these tired eyes that looked like they were ready to cut anyone in half.

" No I don't care why you did it get home now ill be there in five minutes." He said angrily to his phone .

He then hung up with a sigh in defeat

Preston then stammered" hey boss I -."

He was then silenced by one hand coming up with a finger as he began typing in a new phone number. After a couple of rings a voice answered .

" follow him and make sure he goes home!"

He barked loudly at his phone.

"Yes I'll pay for the school damages but only after ! He's still your responsibility till you get him home!" he yelled then hung up his phone . He then looked at Preston and said

" Go ahead . "

" umm right uhh as you can see we just got through a very busy day. In fact I don't think we would look so remarkable if it weren't for the boys and I ."

The old guy rolled his eyes knowing that Preston was blowing smoke like a train.

"well if you were working so hard then lets see today's numbers."

" Funny story about that we actually were too busy to get those together since you gave us that new person to train," he said while pointing to flames.

The boss took a look over at flames then back to Preston

"How is it you found it harder to get more done with more people? I assume all of you weren't training her?"

-Oh yeah I should probably explain I'm a dude soon.- flames thought

"No sir, Tucker and Roland helped me out and I didn't want to overwork sky with the numbers ,her being green herself."

"So you've all been training the new kid then?"

Tucker and Roland nodded agreeing

"Then one of you three will tell me her name."

They were all silent for a couple of seconds; they didn't actually know it.

"Hmm that's strange." the boss continued." Sky what's her name?"

" Umm, the new person is flames."

"That's a strange name." he said, walking close to flames examining him closely. He looked at the doo rag and sunglasses. " For an octoling." he continued, barely audible for anyone else to hear.

Flames knew being an octoling wasn't exactly illegal since he hadn't done anything but it didn't put him in a favorable position with most older inklings.

"What was that last bit boss?" Tucker asked

" That LAST BIT was I didn't ask for excuses go get it done now. The newbie and sky can clean. I have to leave now so all three of you can handle it."

"yes sir ." they all said in unison and headed for the back room.

"As for you two. Sky I want you showing Flames here how we operate cause I don't need any more astute ass kissers, And flames we don't wear hats here so tomorrow I expect you to leave that at home. Now if you ladies' will excuse me I have to go get my taxes done."

And with that he left. Oh boy he's gonna be a hard ass isn't he… but wait I guess I officially got the job if even the big boss isn't questioning me .

"Well I think you've met everyone now and things are only going to pick up from here on out. I know things seem intense but Please don't quit, I think you'd be a good fit."

Flames smiled and removed his hat and glasses.

"I've had worse bosses than these guys combined. I'm just happy to finally have a job."

"I guess it's settled then. Welcome to the café."