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 Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 9:29 pm
The little parasprite flitted about Pinkie, keeping the fruit in view despite the Fauny's twisting and pacing. While she rambled to herself it kept pace, hovering close by and licking its lips, although never quite getting within reach of the food. As the pink Fauny's tone became more urgent and her voice became louder, the cute insect distanced itself from her mouth and closer to the basket, and it opened its mouth wide to grab some fruit.
"Ede. Back away."
Cosworth's voice was loud, although a little raspy from being awoken. The brown faun arose, his joints popping noisily as he directed his gaze at Pinkie, who in his mind, had returned far too soon. In response to Cosworth's order, the parasprite flapped its way upward and then perched itself upon the edge of one of Cosworth's cottage's windows, still staring longingly at the food Pinkie had brought.
The engineer strode towards his young visitor, looking less than pleased. "I see you're back." He certainly didn't sound excited to see her. "And you can make one helluva racket when you want to." He rubbed his tired eyes and advanced on Pinkie, stopping just beyond arm's reach. "What in the tree's good name are you doing back here again? I thought I suggested you leave."
At that, he noticed the sound of... Work. Around the corner. With a slightly alarmed look at Pinkie Pie, he drew out his hammer and held it at the ready as he circled his cottage.
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Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 3:58 pm
Pinkie Pie spun on her heels and blinked, wide-eyed at Cosworth. She then sweatdropped at his comment of making a 'helluva racket' and produced a rather nervous grin. "Eheh! Sorry! I didn't mean to wake you. Actually, I didn't know you were asleep until I got up here and saw you asleep! So then I thought it best to... eh..." She smiled brightly, despite her ears folded back.
"Here..." She thrust the basket towards him, holding it at arms length for him to take it as he saw fit. "I brought you some food! I figured it was the least I could do after I... well..." her eyes flashed briefly over the now organized piles of what remained of his train. "In all honesty, I feel really really really really REALLY bad about breaking your train and I really really really want to make it up to you! So I had to come back and at least try to help cause all I really want is to see my friends smile! It's all I ever live for! And if you're not smiling, I'm not smiling because to not be smiling means you're sad and no one deserves to be sad o-Or Upset! And! And--" she blinked, seeing him starting to walk around his cabin.
"AAHHH!! NONONO!" in a flash, she darted to place herself right in his way, arms spread out in attempts to keep him from going past her. "You CAN'T go over there yet! That's a surprise that you really can't see until it's finished! Otherwise it really won't be a surprise anymore and I Pinkie Promise that it's something you're really really REALLY going to like! And I never break my Pinkie Promises! They're always genuine and true!!"
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Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 9:36 pm
Cosworth seemed reassured by Pinkie's assertion that whoever was on the other side of his cottage was not anybody dangerous, so he returned his trusty hammer to his belt. "Slow it down with the words, lass." His voice carried a hint of irritation, and his level tone was starting to give way to a louder, stronger voice. "I appreciate your gifts, and I forgive you for destroying my project. And I would appreciate it even more if you leave it at that and forget that today happened. I live out here on my own for a reason and I want to make it clear right now, that most of the time I'm not comfortable with visitors. And today is one of those times. And before you ask, tomorrow is likely to be like that too." He paused for a moment to let that sink in. "Look, I'm grateful for the gift, but I am really not in the mood to talk right now. Another day perhaps, when I've rebuilt my engine and put today's events behind me."
He thought about what the pink one had said a little deeper, and offered more of an explanation. "If you'll allow me to be blunt, you're not my friend. It's noble that all you're after is to be on good terms with everyone, but you can't force a friendship with gifts or unwanted visits." He tried to sidestep past her a couple of times but the aging engineer wasn't exactly the most nimble of faun. "And as for me, I prefer to be on my own most of the time WOULD YOU PLEASE LET ME AROUND MY OWN HOME?!" Cosworth finished with a bellow, which surprised even him- he hadn't raised his voice that loud in many seasons. Almost longer than he could remember. He rubbed his temples and calmed himself down a bit. "I left for a life of solitude a long time ago and it's worked exceedingly well for me. The few visitors I do get out here know how to give me my space, something you'll need to understand if you're going to earn my respect, let alone the friendship you want so badly."
Finally, he simply shook his head and moved to shove past Pinkie firmly, but as gently as he could so as not to harm the poor girl. He could tell that this was the sort of individual who only ever wanted to do good and help pae, but good intentions didn't always translate to good results. "And you've done no favors for yourself bringing someone else here. I have enough trouble with unannounced guests without the entire damned Isle knowing I live here. At least ask me before you think it's okay to tell other pae how to get to my home." He immediately regretted the use of the words 'next time', since this one was likely to use that as a hook to come back again prematurely, but truthfully he was usually a tad more welcoming. When he wasn't working, or fuming over lost work. He tried to follow what she was saying about surprises and promises but was too stressed from all of this socialization to really care. After all, he hated surprises.
And he hadn't even shown a hint of a smile yet. In fact, he was wearing quite the opposite.
"Who's out there?" He called, as he still couldn't quite see where the noises where coming from. "Don't worry, it's not you I'm mad at."
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Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 10:14 pm
Pinkie started to open her mouth, but shut it quickly... several times in fact... But...
"B-But...!!!" her lip quivered slightly. All she could see was his frowny frown! He wasn't happy at all. He forgave her for everything, but he still wasn't happy! How can this be?!
With a sound of a deflated balloon, Pinkie's hair seemed to flatten, losing a bit of its airy bob and curl and took on more of a straightened look. She took a step back and frantically searched the ground as his voice seemed to bellow at her. This is not the lucky day she was supposed to have. In fact, it was very unlucky. So much for her Pinkie Sense... or... Or maybe her lucky day wasn't over yet and there was still time to make this right? Oh, she hoped so...
"I-I..." she started and stepped aside. "I had asked a really good friend of mine to build you a new house." she started, hoping her voice wasn't cracking where he could hear. She looked to her hooves, rubbing a shoulder as if she were ashamed or embarrassed to be seen at the moment. In fact, the sound of yelling brought about a new face from behind the home. Big Mac's figure came into view holding a large sledgehammer draped over his shoulders.
"Everythin' alright, Miss Pinkie?" he asked, eyeing Cosworth briefly.
"Is this the gentleman yeh spoke so highly about?" he asked, stepping forward and offering a hand to shake. "The name's Big Macintosh. But folks jus' like to call me Big Mac." he stated simply then quickly turned, the sun would be setting soon, and Big Mac didn't like to keep projects waiting too long.
"I'll have the frame fer your new place up and ready by sundown so you should have a roof over yer head for nightfall." he continued, turning to get back to work as soon as possible.Pinkie Pie merely grinned the best she could in her currently deflated mood. "He's... kinda a work horse..." she half joked.
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Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 10:23 pm
Cosworth considered himself rather tall for a faun. He had some pretty big friends back in the day, and he stood taller than all of them. Now he looked up at another... Faun (he supposed) who fairly towered over him. He had a striking red coat of fur and gentle green eyes that took the edge off of his intimidating stature. Cosworth stared at Big Macintosh's extended hand for a second, as though he was trying to remember what to do next. With considerable and obvious hesitation, he shook hands with the huge Fauny. Cosworth's handshake was unsurprisingly feeble, but his hand was just as rough and calloused as Mac's.
As the brown faun listened to their explanation for what was going on, he ran his hand through his hair, a blank expression on his face. Certainly the construction of a house was a very generous offer but it was completely unnecessary. Despite the damage, it wasn't as though his current residence was in any way unlivable. It might not have been pretty but he'd put a lot of hard work into making it damn sturdy, and a few planks of wood could plug the hole in the roof until he made a more permanent fix. At least this half finished structure was around the back, and not blocking the breeze through his favorite window.
Now what? Had this red workhorse been dragged all the way out here for a tough project he didn't even want? The socially awkward Cosworth was mentally flailing, grasping for an escape from the delicate position he was in.
"Good to meet you, Big Macintosh. I'll take it from here" He finally blurted out. Good grief that sounded worse than it did in my head. Cosworth collected himself before continuing. "These are solid looking foundations. But I really wouldn't want to trouble you any more than you've already been." He glanced over his shoulder at Pinkie, noticing just how downcast she looked. "I really do appreciate it though. I can trade you... Well I don't have much to trade you, but perhaps I can set aside enough materials as compensation for your labour, good sir. I can always respect the work of a fellow craftsman."
Cosworth knew he probably couldn't get the frame and roof up as quickly as the sturdy and younger Big Macintosh, but he was very particular about what he wanted on his slice of land. He also felt a pang of regret that Pinkie was just trying to make good on her actions, and all he'd managed to do was hurt her feelings. He rubbed his temples and frowned in guilt. Good girl, on a bad day, that was all there was to it. "And Pinkie Pie, we need to talk. I'm not mad at you. Not anymore. But there's a few things about me you'll need to understand if you want to get on my good side."
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 2:35 pm
Big Mac stopped as Cosworth seemed to dismiss him, and he merely shrugged. "Ain't a problem. Pinkie mentioned you were some sort of Engineer." he started and crossed his arms casually across his chest. "I can come back at another time and finish up the framework into a shed instead, if'n yeh like. It'd give yeh a place to work under some shelter at least." He offered genuinely. "Otherwise, no need to offer a trade. It'd be a few moons until the farm's at its fullest again. I don't guess I'd have much else to trade yeh for until then."
Unless yer good with a plow... he thought to himself. Applejack and himself could use a few extra hands about the farm to get it going again. But Big Mac wasn't the type to outwardly ask for help. And he wasn't about to start now.
When Cosworth turned towards Pinkie and began talking to her, she grinned hopefully, the small chime of a party favor seeming to whistle as she did so.
Her eyes grew hopefully wider as he spoke. We need to talk?! OK! I'm listening!! (Wider/more hopefully broadening grin/eyes) Oooh!! He isn't mad at her anymore! Oh goody!! (Even wider/more hopeful) Yes!! And there's more to-!!!
She deflated.
... The more was that he still wasn't happy. She blinked. There was more she needed to know about him?!
"Oh Anything! ANYTHING!" she started, nearly merging their foreheads together briefly before bouncing around him a bit. "I'll do ANYthing to get on your good side, Cosworth!!" she giggled. "Because once you're happy, then Pinkie Pie is happy! And if Pinkie Pie is happy, then everypony else is happy! And if everypony is happy then the whole world would be that much more fun!" She gigglesnorted then blushed, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "I'm sorry. You were saying?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:05 pm
Most faun were good with a plow, and Cosworth wasn't bad, but there were more than a few others who were a great deal better than he. Not that he would have volunteered for the work even if the big stallion had asked, because he had far too much of himself invested in his own projects to be able to offer other Faun large chunks of his time.
That, and he wasn't particularly keen on spending a lot of time around others for days on end. The TWO of them here in his own yard was already stressing him out.
"Well Mister Macintosh, if you feel like you need materials, I may have some, well, maybe, maybe not but there's a chance. And you know where I live." He eyed Pinkie. "Apparently." His last word carried an icy edge to it, but that was the extent of his visible irritation. His face was calm now, and any hint of a frown was gone. This tall, strong fellow was more than a craftsman, it seemed he was a gentleman too.
Satisfied with Big Macintosh's response, he turned to Pinkie Pie, who bubbled with enthusiasm. If enthusiasm actually were a bubbling liquid Cosworth supposed he would have drowned in it by now. "Pinkie, I know that you're just trying to help. You're just trying to spread happiness. But I'm not a happy person. Haven't been for a long time. Some days are better than others, but we got off to a bad start today. Honestly, I don't know how to deal with you and I need some time to relax." The engineer was being entirely honest; he had a hard enough time dealing with a single faun at a time around him, what with his lack of conversation topics and unwillingness to open up, and with some of the unexpected visits he'd been getting, he really needed this afternoon to relax and work, something which gave him great contentment. He might have even smiled if he'd gotten somewhere with it.
"Maybe next time I'll actually be in the mood to smile. But trying to force it when I'm not in the mood, err..." Cosworth hesitated as he revised his statement to a less questionable phrase. "You'll only end up irritating me if you try and force me to smile. I might end up saying something hurtful, and I genuinely don't want to hurt your feelings, lass." Blimey, I'm hardly making any sense. The brown faun paused as he thought about what he really wanted to say. "I could throw you a smile right now, just to make you go away, but you wouldn't want that, would you?" He paused, to let that sink in. "For now, Pinkie Pie, go home. I live out here for a couple of reasons, but the big one is that I like being on my own. And don't try to argue that. I do see others occasionally, of course, but occasional is how I like it, so before you try to meet me again, give me some time, for goodness' sake. More than a day's worth. Maybe I'll even see you at the tree, and let you know when I wouldn't mind having someone to talk to or share tea with." Cosworth then leaned in, a serious look on his face. "Make sure you understand, Miss Pinkie, because that's non-negotiable. I don't want to see you around here day after day, even if I don't come out to see you straight away. In truth, there's a chance I might not even come to see you at all." He sighed. "I will try. But if you see nothing of me, PLEASE respect that. And maybe I'll be ready to get off on the right hoof eventually."
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Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 7:13 am
Big Mac merely nodded and turned halfway, as if already preparing to head back to the farm. His gaze fell upon Pinkie and he frowned a smidge. He had heard Cosworth's side and completely understood the other male's need to be alone. Heck, there were times when working alone in the fields was the best feeling in the world for him. He had little worries, could focus on his work, think about this and that without having to entertain another individual... It was peaceful. Calming, even.
Green eyes searched Pinkie a moment. He knew fully well that she was the complete opposite. She loved attention (mostly giving attention) and the company of others and loved nothing more than to consistently submerge herself in swarms of individuals having a good time. It was one reason why she always held a party of some sort.
Speaking of... It was a bit odd that she had yet to throw a party here in Telrunya. His brow raised a bit in thought on this. They'd been here for quite some time. It was unlike her to not throw a party for something so simple as reaching the big tree, Laisidhiel. This thought alone made him idly wonder what was up with her...
On top of that, he resorted to trying to find the best way to deter her from the scene without causing a whole new scene on top of this one.
Pinkie Pie fell quiet for a moment....
.... an almost uncomfortably long moment...
Her blue eyes fidgeted over Cosworth for the while as if searching him for a loophole of sorts. All the while, the gears and cogs in her mind were whirring at high speeds, taking in his words (again) and... well... looking for loopholes.
When she couldn't find one, her thoughts swerved into a detour of finding other options. Other means to either get at her goal AND please her new... "future friend"... Her blue eyes shifted, now searching almost frantically around her as her options were thinned down to nothing...
Then her gaze fell on Ede. The Parasprite...
.......................
Her eyes briefly widened, then narrowed at the fluttering parasite. But it only lasted a split second before her bright smile erupted with a bit of a bounce in her... stance? "Okie Dokie Lokie!" she beamed then quickly grabbed up Cosworth in a hug. "I understand. You need your space! I'm sorry I tried to force myself on you! I'll just go back to the tree and not worry too much on today until you're ready for some company. Besides. You have an infestation that needs to be taken care of!" Her finger lifted, pointing to Ede. "I guess they followed us here from Equestria. Guess I'm gonna have to go searching for a Trombone now. Oh! Or even a Tambourine! Or... Or maybe some Cymbals?" she tapped her chin, then blinked, slinking in close to Cosworth's ear and whispering... mostly...
"Do Not Feed It Anything!" she rocked back on her hooves then giggle-snerked. "Then you'd REALLY have a problem."
She spun on her hooves and grabbed Big Mac's wrist. "Come on, Big Mac! We need to go find a Harmonica! And fast! OH WAIT!!" She spun again, thrusting the basket of food she had been holding at Cosworth and her nose met his with a rather heated whisper, "ANYthing!!" She bounded back a step or two with another seemingly chipper giggle "But you can eat all you want, of course!"
She then darted off again, dragging Big Mac behind her as she began a ramble of various instruments and who all she might know who had them. In her wake, a small parchment drifted down to the ground in front of Cosworth's hooves. The picture of her and her Party Cannon she had procured from her mane earlier in this adventure. It must have fluttered loose from her thick curls in her rush to vamoose from the scene. She'd probably notice its absence later... but until then, she had a mission to fulfill.
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Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 8:42 am
Cosworth took a measure of relief at Big Macintosh's silent acceptance of his words, but not nearly as much relief as he did when Pinkie Pie finally relented. He'd practically been holding his breath as she remained silent, fidgeting uncomfortably as Pinkie seemed to think very hard about his request, or perhaps it was more of a plea, to be left alone for the time being. His impression was that the pink Fauny wasn't stubborn so much as she was exceedingly overenthusiastic to the point of being oblivious of how unenthusiastic her companions might be to their current situation. Her friend Big Macintosh, by contrast, seemed quiet and very perceptive. Cosworth wondered just how he dealt with the pink one's sometimes-endearing-sometimes-maddening exuberance.
The engineer once again felt a little guilt at being so inhospitable, but unexpected guests when he was busy with his work had always driven him up the wall. At least he didn't end up swinging pipework this time.
As Pinkie continued, Cosworth blinked in confusion. "Infestation?" He turned his head to follow Pinkie's eyes to Ede the parasprite. One insect could hardly be called an infestation, but she seemed to know more about it than he did. The little thing had taken up residence near his cottage, and while it was something of a companion it was by no means a pet; coming and going for varying lengths of time, seemingly at will. And wild as it was, it had been surprisingly easy to train while it was around. He'd never really thought of it as dangerous. Dangerous enough for Pinkie Pie to... Start searching for instruments? Again, Cosworth found himself utterly lost. His eyes flicked over to Big Macintosh, as though appealing for some enlightenment on their current situation. Near as he could tell, though, the enormous Fauny wore a neutral expression that simply said, 'you'll get used to it'. He pondered Pinkie's words and tried to remember if he'd actually fed Ede anything. He was sure he must have at some point, but he couldn't clearly remember, nor could he recall anything bad happening.
With Pinkie turning to lea- Nope. There she was again suddenly, nose pressed against Cosworth's, who leaned back out of reflex. Their noses were still touching, just not mashed against each other at that point. OK, feed it nothing. Understood. As the odd pair turned to leave (yes, for real this time), Cosworth sighed a deep, relieved sigh. He waited until Pinkie's rambling faded into the forest and then promptly sat, plopping onto the grass right where he'd been standing. He set the basket that'd been thrust into his arms beside him and reached in, quickly finding an apple and biting into it with a loud crunch. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had an apple, and apparently forgotten how good they were too.
"What do you think, Ede? Bit of a nutter, that lass." The parasprite simply buzzed and approached the apple, licking its lips. As it opened its mouth, Cosworth drew his hand back and pulled the apple out of reach. "Now now, best not put her crazed ramblings to the test." He muttered, immediately regretting it as Ede gave him the most depressed look he'd ever seen, before dejectedly fluttering back into the house.
With the faun now alone outside in the clearing, Cosworth sighed again, a little sadder this time, biting into the apple again, then frowning as he noticed a rectangular piece of card on the ground next to him. It was that picture that Pinkie Pie had briefly flashed early in their meeting. He leaned over and picked it up to look at it a little closer. It was stunningly clear, not a drawing or a painting but a reproduction of sorts of real life. Probably made by some more of the advanced technology the Faunies had enjoyed over in their lands before.
What it showed was Pinkie and the cannon in full recoil, various colourful decorations shooting from its mouth. Cosworth tilted his head. Too often he'd built some sort of engine that had blown a cylinder head off that had destroyed something else as it went sailing away, but what if he put together an engine cylinder where the piston was supposed to fly off? A projector of sorts? It could prove to be very useful, and the concept was brilliantly simple. He was so lost in thought that he was taken by surprise when he heard a crunch and felt a movement of the hand that was holding his apple. His eyes quickly flashed down to see that another bite had appeared in the apple and that a full-mouthed parasprite was grinning happily at him.
"You cheeky little bugger." Cosworth made an irritated face, before taking another bite himself.
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