Work Text:
In the large lower bowl of the stadium, Barry prepared for a day of hot dog selling. Grabbing the hot-dog shaped hat in front of them, they pulled it on, fitting it snug.
It wouldn't be an easy job, but somebody had to make certain the hungry spectators were fed in a timely fashion. If Barry could be even a small part of ensuring a satisfying experience at the big charity race, it would be very fulfilling. Plus, there were some real superstars expected to be in the building. The quokka wondered if they would be able to catch a glimpse of anyone during the event. In between sales of hot dogs, of course.
Scooping up a box in one hand, Barry looked around the concourse, getting ready to do a once-over of their route for the day. The vast stadium was mostly empty. After all, it was still over an hour before the start of the race. This was the best time to get familiar with the layout of the place. Barry had to know the ins and outs to provide excellent service.
They started along a corridor, looking for the second level. Practicing walking with the hat on their head and the box in one hand was key. Barry didn't want to lose efficiency by being clumsy. Having an extra hand free was key to maximizing mobility and balance. There was a real art to serving hot dogs. Maybe, if this went well, they could get microwave duty for the next event. The microwave skills of the other workers weren't terrible, but there was certainly room for improvement. Just in the short time they had been here, Barry had noticed that some of the workers were too quick to remove items from the microwave. Simply leaving food in after the microwave beeped, even for just another few seconds, could help complete the cooking and bring out an extra dash of flavor. You shouldn't rush food.
They continued walking with a box in one hand. They passed by a few other staff members, then turned down a corridor.
After a few paces, Barry realized they were not at the second level. This was access to the racetrack. It was a wide corridor, with a few other workers milling about along the sides. Some of them appeared to be setting up a banner. Another few workers were hauling some additional fencing around.
Even though Barry knew that they had made a wrong turn, it wasn't like they weren't allowed here. They were a worker too. Barry took a few steps forward to get a better look at everything.
The sprawling stadium came into view in front of them. Wow, thought Barry. This place is huge. There were so many seats, and screens. It was a real feat of engineering. They walked all the way to one wall on the side, getting as close to the track as possible before a fence blocked them. Barry turned and looked up and back, at all the seats above them.
How lucky I am to be here, Barry thought.
Barry wanted to explore more, but realized they needed to focus. Tracing out their route would give them plenty of new angles of the stadium anyway. They started back.
They idly felt the solid wall with their free hand as they walked back. Suddenly, out of the ambiance around them came a distinctive set of voices. Simple chatter, but growing closer.
Barry stopped and looked at the center of the corridor. Three individuals, walking towards the track with their boards under their arms.
Oh. My. Gosh.
It was Amy and Sonic's voices they had recognized. Next to each other, they were having a conversation. Tails was listening in and nodding.
Barry felt their heart beating faster. Still frozen, they looked at them as the trio came closer.
What do I do? Do I say something? Barry wondered. Do they even remember me?
Tails was nearest to Barry, looking at Sonic and Amy. Sonic was turned to face Amy. Amy was the only one who had Barry in her field of view, but was displaying no signs of noticing the quokka.
Torn between awkwardly staring and making some kind of move, Barry's right hand slowly moved. They wanted to wave it, but nerves were keeping it mostly down. It just hung somewhat limp.
Tails and company were getting very close to passing by.
Should I say something? ...What if I say hi and they don't remember me? That'll be so awkward! ...No, no, I'm sure people say hi to them all the time, they're famous...But what if I'm just annoying them? They're having a conversation!
Barry managed to commit themselves to a small wave, and a very subdued, anxious grin. The three of them were walking by. No one was noticing.
Tails turned. He looked from Barry's hand to their face, noticing he was being stared at.
For a split second that felt like an eternity, Tails studied Barry. Barry's grin grew less subdued, but more anxious, as they desperately waited for Tails to register their face. The lack of immediate recognition was causing it to turn pink.
Tails' face lit up. "Hey, it's my partner in crime-solving!"
Barry felt a rush of confidence, a freeing sensation. They strengthened their wave and smile. At the same time, they searched something to say. But their head was rather empty.
Still walking towards the track, Tails took a step or two in Barry's direction. "Nice to see you again!"
Tails extended a hand for a high-five. Barry, grinning broadly, met him up top.
Not slowing down his walk, Tails gave them a smile. Barry began to realize that this was going to be it if they didn't act.
Don't just stand there and say nothing!
"Yeah...y-you too!"
Something else! You spent a whole day by his side! He called you his partner!
"...I'll be rooting for you today!" Barry called.
Tails chuckled. "Thanks!"
He gave a final wave of his hand as he continued past Barry. Sonic and Amy had noticed Tails now, and by extension Barry. Sonic gave Barry an upwards nod, a smile, and a two-fingered salute of acknowledgement. Amy gave her own cursory wave.
Then, they kept walking onward. A few thoughts raced through Barry's head.
Tails remembered me! And I don't think I was too awkward! He's so friendly!...Sonic looked like he remembered me! He's so awesome! Amy...maybe she remembered me. Maybe not. But that's alright.
They overheard something from the group. It sounded like Amy. "Ohhhh, right. That was a crazy day!"
Barry considered what they had heard. It sounded maybe like Amy was being reminded of where she had seen them before? That must have been it.
The quokka watched the trio as they took a turn onto the side of the track, before disappearing behind a wall.
Wow, they're all so cool...
Peeling their eyes from where they had been and turning their head slightly, Barry felt the hot dog-shaped hat on their head brush against the wall.
Barry snorted. They almost forgot about that. Tails and company might have thought they looked silly.
Oh well. As long as they know I'm doing what I love – serving people food.
Barry's always-present smile was a little bigger as they collected themselves. With spring in their step, they walked back to concourse.
Since Sonic, Tails, and Amy had seen them here, Barry was even more motivated to deliver perfect service to all the patrons. If the three of them heard anything about the hot dog vending at the event, Barry would make sure that it would be because it was most amazing vending ever. This day was already great, and if Barry had anything to say about it, it would be the greatest day in the history of hot dog sales.