"Paprika", this was the name me and Chris decided was the name of Ken's magical wing(ed accent on "ed") Stallion that he rode upon on his many adventures and campaigns.
Except, as I discovered, or was revealed to my by the divine revelation that is reddit, "Paprika" was probably not the name of the Magical Winged Steed, no, "Paprika" was the name of Ken's alter-ego, "Paprika" was Ken.
We had all, at work, all been dead-naming him.
I didn't know. Or understand. The fault is mine.
I immediately sought to correct this - Ken, Ken, Ken. No, Sorry, "Paprika, Paprika, Paprika".
I introduce him to the concept gently: The Horse Burlesque: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHnHIkiqvAc
He neighs approvingly. This is the ideal of Pony Play. He likes this video, these girls.
The realization, of course, is a little grimmer: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cringetopia/comments/ng79vp/these_people_self_identify_as_horses/
I work on adapting the work environment to accommodating him. At work, we pride ourselves on our inclusive and tolerant work environment. We even have an anti-bullying stipend which somehow in all the 5 years that I've been there I've neglected to sign, but I take these values to heart. Gender is a construct and Ken, Ken (oops, I meant to say "Paprika"!) can be whoever he/she/it wants to be. I even floated the idea of "Ken, the Human Tardigrade" to him, which he acknowledged, but there are no reddit videos to validate this. So "Paprika" it is.
First off, we change the "Rush" button on the computer to say "Giddyap".
Ken will like this.
I mean "Paprika" will like this.
I then try to make the work environment more inclusive by making "clopping" noises in the background and neighing when customers come in.
I tell the bus-girls of the magic-halter which if they brandish above their head will bring Ken (oops, "Paprika") neighing to their side.
I take to referring to him as, not chef, but "The Galloping Gourmet".
And I compose mighty verses of his epic deeds:
"Paprika, Paprika, who dost chariotest thou thy mighty steed
Onward Valiant Pony, to ever more Valiant and mighty deeds!
For never was a nobler pony led to magic halter
trotted, whinnied, whose gambols and gentle prancings,
lewd and merry cavorts more subject to fair ladies fancies,
..."
It doesn't need to make sense, only needs the flowery language to make Ken stomp and put him in a lather.
He will be grateful when business picks up...