juice_factory | FRIENDSHIP IS TAGGING

Geez, you must be really popular, huh? [Jack turned away again, marching on down the street.] Do you treat all visitors like this?

[He stops suddenly, turning back around and giving Sanji a mischievious grin.]

You know, I've been traveling for a long time, and I don't think I can keep going without some rest. Where's the nearest inn?

[Oooh, this pony was really starting to get his goat.]

I could make several recommendations, but those ones are in Bridlesville. [A pause.] Or further away.

[These answers were true enough, and certainly 'helpful' in Sanji's sight, yet that small, not-entirely-welcome voice that all ponies ahd and all ponies listened to was nagging and nagging and oh bother it all this had better be worth it-]

... but there is a stable I could point you to. [The admittance is reluctant to say the least.]

Oh yeah? Thank you very much. [The mockery is just dripping off his words.] Maybe you're not such a sucky guard pony after all.

Just point me in the right direction.

[Don't be a bad representitive don't be a bad representitive don't be a bad representitive... Sanji has to repeat the advice to himself like a mantra to resist the urge to 'point' the way with the underside of his back hooves. He still wasn't used to customs of this place, but he wanted to prove he was a good hearted sort.]

[Besides, the mares loved those angelic types.]

[His wings fluff out involuntarily.] Right. This. Way.

[He does a strong about-face that leaves a heavy u-turn score in the turf, stomping off in the direction of the hostel without any show of benevolence.]

[Jack trotted along cheerfully behind Sanji, laughing to himself. He hadn't intended to stay in this town (indeed, he hadn't meant to come to it at all), but now that he was he felt like he could make the best of it. Maybe even make a profit out of it.]

[Provided he could get the owner of the stable to let him stay despite the fact that he was completely out of bits.]

This town is kind of, uh... quaint I guess.

Mm.

[Sanji keeps walking at a brisk, heavy-hooved pace. As far as he's concerned, the sooner he gets to the inn and the fewer words wasted in the meantime the better. The fact that he keeps making dents in the floor seems to pass him by.]

[Stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp-]

[Perhaps if Sanji were less inclined to be so grumpy about leading his charge, he would notice the little red unicorn bounding up and practically crashing into the larger pegasus.]

SANJI! Sanji, who's this? [He spins on Jack, looking intense.] Who're you? You're new in town? [He grins] Sanji, you're helping him? Fantastic!

Is he doing a good job helping you, sir? The duty of the city guard you know, making sure everypony has a good stay in town. [He gets right up in Jack's face] How would you rate your service so far?

[Whoa, okay. Who was this loser and why did he have to get right in his face?]

[Jack staggers a few steps back, looking annoyed.] Who am I? Who are you?

[Pause.] But, as long as your asking, I rate my service a point five. Better fire this one.

Hey wh-? What do you mean point five?!

[Sanji had been giving Hajime a very dry, eye-rolling sort of smile when the blow lands on the back of his head. He whirls around, looking somewhat betrayed not a little bit angry.]

I'm showing you to an inn, and I was going to get you on your way as soon as possible before that! What's the deal?!

[It's hard to tell who exactly Hajime's linefacing at, but he apparently feels getting into an argument with the guest is rude.] Sanji, did you tackle him? We went over this: welcoming and encouraging.

[He puffs out his chest and pretty much starts yelling in the newcomer's face. Volume = welcoming, apparently.] I am Hajime! Full-time volunteer of Ponyville city guard!

[Bobs head] I apologize for the inconvenience! We mean to make your stay as comfortable as possible! [sticks a stiff leg out, apparently expecting to shake]

[Jack blinks down at the hoof, but doesn't shake it, nostrils flared a little in distaste.] Jack Spicer, inventor. I was on my way to Bridlesville when this guy [Tosses his head toward Sanji] decided to tackle me from above. It was horrifying! I might need therapy later.

[Fit of dramatics over, he nods in the direction they were headed.] He was just leading me to an inn.

[Sanji has transitioned from looking evasive and stubborn at Hajime's accurate guesswork straight back to open-mouthed incredulity at this unjust treatment.]

[It slips into glowering resentment in half a second, one of his back hooves stomping down sullenly behind him. It causes it minor earthquake in the vicinity of a twenty-meter radius.]

You want to see what horrifying really is just keep talking.

[...Hmm. Hajime clears his throat.] I'm so sorry for any... long-lasting trauma.

But I certainly hope you can forgive any... hasty behavior. After all... he has offered to assist you now.

[Nope, sorry Hajihooves, all attempts at diplomacy are falling on dead ears.]

Did you hear that? Now he's threatening me!

[He's ducked behind Hajime, to stay safe.]

[Oh and what a surprise, he's a sniveling coward to boot, what are the odds? He gives Hajime a triumphant smirk.]

Who said anything about being hasty? I like to take my time when I'm warning people about the consequences of their actions.

[Another very cold look at Jack with a bit more eye narrowing for effect.] It's a very valuable lesson to learn; I'm just looking out for his future safety.

[...how did him trying to mediate make things worse, uhh...]

He means well, really. He's just... abrasive, in his lessons.

[Stomps a hoof at Sanji. Quit it, man.]

And he has a tendency not to think through what he's doing.

I'll say.

[Jack snorts derisively, cautiously emerging from behind Hajime. He looks back in the way they had been traveling before.]

Where was that inn again?

[Whatever Jack might be saying, all that Sanji knows is that he's keeping in line- even if that line is usually behind Hajime. If this is the approach that works, the fact that it's ~~hilarious~~ satisfying is just a bonus.]

Not very far to go now- just past the railway station and around the corner, or perhaps I should leave you in Hajime's capable hooves?

[He sends his friend a sparkling smile with an underlying 'for the love of Celestia take this nutjob off mine' look.]

[It figures things would fall to him, again. Sanji gets a withering look, but Hajime puffs out his chest all the same.]

Right! Not a problem. [He looks back to his apparent charge] You'll have to excuse Sanji, it's getting awfully close to lunchtime, the rush at the restaurant can be awful. I'll be happy to show you around.

Alright, good.

[He gives Sanji an equally fake smile.]

Thanks for your help, I guess. Bye.

[Would you look at that, three of a kind.]

[Sanji's plastic grin nods his exit to Hajime, but glances towards a sour note when he turns past Jack with a distinct lack of trust in his eyes.]

[A sort of 'you just watch your step' moment passes, but then he's off, cantering back to the restaurant at a spirited pace- Hajime was right, service picked up at midday. He'd check in on them when he had more time on his hooves.]

[Sigh. That really doesn't bode well. --But he's not going to let that discourage him! He's got to make the most of this!]

I really do apologize for any inconveniences, sir. [He leads off in the direction of the inn] Ponyville really is a very pleasant place.

What were you visiting for? Do you need a tour, or maybe to be shown where other places are? I've lived here a very long time, so...

[Hmmm. This guy seems kind of like a tool. He should be easy to fool even for Jack's bad trickery skills!]

I'm just passing through on my way to Bridlesville. I don't really need a tour, thanks.

[A pause in which his stomach rumbles.]

Ah, something to eat would be nice, though.

Oh... I see. [He looks oddly disappointed to find it's just a passing through, even after that fiasco with Sanji.]

Ah! There's plenty of places to eat! [Sanji's place would probably NOT be a good idea, though...] Sugarcube Corner is fantastic if you like sweets, our market has a great selection of produce, and there's... [Looks like he could rattle off ideas all day.]

[Well that's weird. Jack isn't used to anyone looking disappointed when he says he isn't staying.]

Uh... sweets. Sure. That... Sugercube Corner or wherever. [Too many options!]

FRIENDSHIP IS TAGGING

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I'll leave this to you fillies for now then :)

don't go too far (-._.)- we will miss you

So much missing going on here! (-T_T)-

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