Another day, another bone

   Zero was working at the counter, his first day working at the Fleabite. He was ready for other dogs to come in this morning and was cleaning out glasses so they were ready to use. He finished the last one and leaned against the counter, twitching his tail boredly. Still ten minutes until opening time... He glanced around at a few other dogs working around, getting the place spruced up for the morning rush.
   He saw one particular dog having a bit of trouble clearing out the van and went around the counter, hoping for something to do.
   "Would you like some help?" The black German Shepherd asked, catching a box of trash the other dog dropped. "Please..." The dog was a male Golden Retriever, who was trying to take the lazy way out of things and pile all the trash into one thing. Zero scooted some of the garbage into a bag so both box and bag were easier to carry.
   "You know it's a lot easier to take your time so you don't have everything falling out." Zero said, looking at the other dog as they walked to the dumpster.
   "It's a lot quicker though." The Retriever replied, shrugging. Zero merely shook his head. I worry about people like this...
   Zero continued this pattern, helping other dogs in need. It was almost time top open... Three, two, one.
   The sign came on, the waiters got ready, the cooks started stuff up, and Zero got behind the counter. He was bartender for the day.
   Sasha, the Irish Setter who owned the Fleabite, came up to him as he was wiping the counter down one more time.
   "Are you sure you can handle this for your first day?" She asked, wanting to make sure that he could handle the orders of the day.
    "Of course I can. I'm ready and willing." The black dog said, giving a mock salute. He grinned and put the rag he was using to clean up with down.
    "If you're sure... Just remember no freebies to anybody. Especially Charlie." Sasha said, the emphasis when she said 'especially Charlie' noticeable, turning and going off. Zero leaned on the counter to wait for the first customers. After three minutes, ironically enough, Charlie B. Barkin and Itchy Itchiford stepped in as the first customers of the day.
    "Hey Z, what's happening?" Charlie asked, grinning.
    "Not much, just getting ready for the morning rush." Zero replied, grabbing two glasses and filling them up, giving them to the two dogs. "So Charlie, this going to be the day you repay some bones?"
    "Ah... No, not today." The German Shepherd Collie mix scratched the back of his head nervously. "But don't worry I'm getting to it."
    Itchy rolled his eyes. "Charlie you're going to have to repay that tab sometime." In reply, Charlie grabbed the bill of Itchy's hat and turned it, pulling it down over the Dachshunds eyes. Zero chuckled a bit as Itchy turned it back to it's normal position. For some reason that always made him laugh.
    "You guys are a pair of bozos you know that?"
    "Less talking, more food getting." Charlie replied.
    "Even though it'll just add to your tab anyway, what can I get for you two?"
    "Something... I dunno, breakfast-y." Charlie said, thinking.
    "Right, I'll get you two the smallest I can get." Zero said, grinning.
    "Hey, I'm a big dog, and big dogs gotta eat big meals." Charlie growled, glaring slightly at Zero. "So get to it."
    "As usual Charlie, only kidding. I'll see what they can whip you up in the back." Zero went back to check what they had. It was a pretty good selection this morning. He picked what he thought the two dogs would like.
    "I need two orders of steak, easy on the sauce. It's morning, nobody's gonna want the normal amount! They'll want it nice and easy after just waking up." He barked in true bartender fashion, going out to the duo.
    "I picked some steak, I hope that's alright?"
    "Alright, that's a favor!" Charlie said, smiling and wagging his tail
    "I told them to tone down the sauce this morning because-"
    "You told them WHAT?!" The mix breed said, looking at the black dog like he was insane. "You go back there and tell them to keep the normal amount on or so help me I'll-"
    "Leave mine out of this Charlie, I don't think my stomach could handle it this early." Itchy replied, cutting Charlie off abruptly. Zero gave his usual salute and went back to the kitchens to correct it.
    "No need to get testy Charlie, he was thinking about the good of us. You're always such a grouch in the morning." The Dachshund continued. Charlie merely grumbled something inaudible. Zero was back in a flash.
    "Got your order fixed Charlie." The dog said, leaning back on the counter. More dogs were starting to enter the Fleabite. Itchy beckoned Zero to lean closer, so he did so.
    "Sorry Charlie is such a grump, he's just hungry."
    "When isn't he?" Zero asked without missing a beat. "Guy is hollow all the way through." This comment made Itchy grin and have to stifle his laughter. Charlie looked at them suspiciously. After that, more dogs started taking their seats.
    Zero had to be everywhere at once, getting a drink here, grabbing an order there. Charlie and Itchy were talking about how to get bones up to pay Charlie's tab while Zero worked. Charlie was thinking about one of his usual schemes, while Itchy was putting those ideas down and offering his own suggestions, which were promptly ignored. It was one hectic day...