// A slightly older RP from RPNOW that involved some Power Joe/Phantom cuteness among other things that I’m putting here mostly for my own reference
SHADOWMARU:
*He enters the Decker Room through his Special Door (read: doggy door)
and shakes himself primly*
DRILL BOY:
*Idly examining one of his soccer balls at his desk as if it's some
kind of holy object*
POWER JOE:
*pokes the ball out of Drill Boy's hand with his tonfa* Don't you have
something better to be doing?
DRILL BOY:
E-Eh? *Doing blowfish face at Power Joe* I -- I -- Mind your own
business!
POWER JOE:
*He puffs up right back at him in the grumpiest big-brother way he can
manage.* All our business _should_ be working right now, you know.
DRILL BOY:
I'm working! *Extra pout for good measure* I was just! Just taking a
break!
DECKERD:
"power joe, i think it'd do you well to keep your own words in mind.
stop picking on drill boy."
POWER JOE:
*He purses his mouth, oh... alright. Fine* Yes, sir...
PHANTOM:
*Walking in, hands on her hips and giving Power Joe and Drill Boy a
LOOK. She's nodding in agreement with Deckerd's words*
DRILL BOY:
*Picking up his soccer ball, sticking his tongue out at Power Joe*
SHADOWMARU:
*Discreetly shapeshifts and stands near Phantom, folding his arms and
smirking privately* We all need a moment of down time here and there,
anyway, don't you think, Mr. Kung Fu?
POWER JOE:
*He'll frown. He's outnumbered. He goes back to slumping drastically
in his chair and regarding his console with boredom*
PHANTOM:
*Turning to Shadowmaru and putting a hand on his shoulder* Feeling
better today? *she's speaking somewhat quietly.* A proper recharge
will do wonders, you know?
SHADOWMARU:
*The slightest of wing bounces that may very subtly indicate he's a
little put-off, but he smiles calmly nonetheless* So it will. I'm
doing just fine today, _Youkai-kun._ Thank you for your concern.
DECKERD:
*he gives a glance not well hidden back to phantom and shadowmaru.
he'll speak discreetly to them as he turns to face them.* can i ask
the two of you something?
PHANTOM:
*She perks up at the sound of Deckerd's voice and turns to better face
him.* Hm?
SHADOWMARU:
*The ninja mech inclines his helm on his part and hums agreeably.* Of
course, Master Deckerd.
DECKERD:
*it's obvious he feels a little out of the loop. he's uncomfortable
and isn't hiding it well.* did something happen...? while i was -
...it seems as if i've missed something important.
SHADOWMARU:
*he passes a look to Phantom and his arms pull a little tighter
against his chest, as if fighting an uncomfortable chill* There was...
a bit of commotion one evening. It's under control now. A few days in
the repair bay, is all.
POWER JOE:
*Snorts, inserting himself into the conversation* You think so?
Phantom and I were up and running in no time. We were afraid _you_
weren't gonna wake up.
PHANTOM:
*Her helm snaps to Power Joe and gives him a bit of a look at his
bluntness* Yes, well..... that happened...
DRILL BOY:
*Nosy Drill Boy is peaking over at this conversation, though not
immediately contributing*
SHADOWMARU:
*unreadable glance at Power Joe* But... I _am_ awake. That's what
matters.
DECKERD:
*he's quiet for a second - getting a sense that they aren't telling
him everything.* that's it. just...a bit of commotion? *he'll keep his
voice down, and glance between the two he had originally addressed.*
is that all?
PHANTOM:
*Her lips press into a thin line. She doesn't want to worry Deckerd...
and it wasn't as if it was official team business or anything* Yes,
that's... pretty much it.
SHADOWMARU:
*He inclined his helm to his superior, moving forward a step to be
speak to him a bit quieter and more personally* Please excuse us for
being vague, master. The full story is a little complicated.
POWER JOE:
*He pushes himself up out of his seat a little suddenly and leaves the
office, looking stiff and angry*
DRILL BOY:
*Staring at the yellow mech as he walks off* Power Joe...
DECKERD:
complicated -- *deckerd's gaze is scrutinizing as he meets
shadowmaru's own. he almost wonders if he's just being paranoid,
though power joe catches him off guard, enough to erase doubt.* all
right. tell me...tell me what happened.
PHANTOM:
*She looks from Deckard to Shadowmaru to where Power Joe walked out
from ... she wonders if she should follow him. She'd talk to him after
this anyway.*
SHADOWMARU:
*He watched Power Joe leave, expression grim, before regarding the
police cruiser mech again, venting out softly* It Brave Police
business. Power Joe, Phantom and I were with Cybertronian friends
when... someone we didn't know arrived. He was huge; aggressive. He
wanted to hurt our friends. So we did what Braves do in that
situation.
SHADOWMARU:
*A crestfallen glance away from Deckerd's gaze. He fixates on the edge
of his desk stoically.*
PHANTOM:
*Phantom folds her arms and looks away. That was the long and short of
it right there...*
SHADOWMARU:
*it _wasn't_ Brave Police business
*he's silent. he doesn't know what to say, but it's clear on his face
that he's angry, and scared. he turns his back to the duo, to face his
desk.* i see. then i'm -- glad you are all safe. *another pause,* so
it's been taken care of, then. whoever this was, they're no longer a
threat?
SHADOWMARU:
*Subtle frown as he exchanges a glance with Phantom. His voice
lowers.* Unfortunately, no, sir. We were unconscious before the fight
was over. Apparently, he's still alive. And that worries me.
PHANTOM:
B-But, there's other Cybertronians -- good ones about his size too!
They could succeed where we... failed. *sigh*
DECKERD:
*he's about to fly off the handle until he hears phantom; a tension
releases within him and his shoulders sag a bit.* right...i guess i've
missed a lot more than some commotion.
SHADOWMARU:
*he nods slightly at Phantom's words, feeling them sting a little* I
understand your concern, master. These Cybertonians can be dangerous,
but they can also be allies. I hope that one bad one doesn't mar your
impression of them entirely. Even if it was... well, a _very bad_
impression.
DECKERD:
*he keeps his gaze on his interlaced fingers.* i respect your
defending of their reputation, both of you. but i don't think you
understand my concern, shadowmaru. i don't...i don't care about these
cybertronians. i care about all of you...! i want you to be safe!
PHANTOM:
*Phantom's wing blades flick at his words and she finds herself
looking from Shadowmaru back to Deckerd. She isn't sure what to
say.... how to respond.*
SHADOWMARU:
*his jaw tightens a bit. He doesn't find himself in the path of
Deckerd's anger very often--his position usually kept him at a certain
latitude above it. But now he was feeling it, and it was awful. He
moved to the front of the desk and leaned slightly to catch Deckerd's
glance.* Master Deckerd... of course. I know that. I'm sorry for
causing you concern.
DECKERD:
*his eyes tear from the other's and deckerd looks to the floor,
admittedly embarrassed.* i know my presence wouldn't have made a
difference...i know i can't protect all of you. *a pause as he
scrambles to change the subject,* do the two of you think
that...whatever relationship with cybertronians you might have is
worth it? whatever relationship that caused this...is it worth it?
*his tone struggles to remain neutral. he wants to know if they're
making the best decision for themselves, his own personal feelings
aside.*
SHADOWMARU:
*He replies with patient warmth. Deckerd was his superior, but also
his friend. He could certainly see through the concern* We've all had
our share of taking on more than we can handle. We get our share of
danger regardless of what we do. *despite the fact that it had been
years since they'd had any huge cases* I know that it's troubling...
to think that befriending Cybertronians could be dangerous. But I
don't go into any situation without assessing the risks. You know
that.
PHANTOM:
*Phantom twitched awkwardly where she stood. Shadowmaru had a way with
words that she did not and had already said what she wanted to say
twice as well. She settled for nodding like the agreeable wallflower
she could be*
DECKERD:
*both hands drag down his face. he entertains the thought of being
overly protective; they can handle themselves, yet he can't shake the
need to safeguard them.* yes, i know that. *a laugh.* ...sorry. *he
takes note of phantom's silence and, decidedly, looks to her, as if to
say something, and then elects not to.* is power joe okay?
SHADOWMARU:
*he resumes a guarded but slightly more relaxed posture, folding his
arms over his chest and putting off a subtle air of humor* I think he
took what happened a little personally. And I think he might not like
to admit how worried he was. *he goes lightly over to Phantom and puts
a touch to her arm as if to reassure her. He knows she's being quiet
because she feels awkward. He also knows Power Joe was particularly
worried about her* I think he might just need to talk to someone about
it.
PHANTOM:
*She smiles softly at Shado when he puts a hand on her. She then turns
to address both Shado and Deckerd* I think... I mean I could.... I
think I should go and talk to Power Joe...
SHADOWMARU:
*He inclines his helm just enough to indicate she's got the right
idea*
DECKERD:
*he stands up as he nods to the newest brave.* if you don't mind, i'd
like to come along. i'll let you do the talking, phantom, but i want
to hear what he has to say.
SHADOWMARU:
*he'll very subtly withdraw and do his own thing, they've got this
handled*
PHANTOM:
*She nodded in agreement* Of course, uh... I think he went this way?
*She casts a glance towards Shado and then she's off on a Power Joe
hunt -- a twinge of worry hastens her search for him.*
POWER JOE:
*he's in the engineering bay, he had retreated somewhere and started
buffing his tonfa angrily because he doesn't know what to do when he's
angry, aside from kick things*
PHANTOM:
*She steps into the engineering bay upon seeing Power Joe and slowly
draws nearer to him.* ... Power Joe?
DECKERD:
*he'll hang back in the doorway, not wanting to interfere -- he had no
part in this fiasco, a fact he loathes, and he wants to gather what he
can about it, if only to prevent it from happening again. and he
nonetheless has a poor first impression of cybertronians.*
POWER JOE:
*he pauses what he's doing and looks at her, managing to smile* H-hey.
Hey kiddo. Sorry I stormed out like that.
PHANTOM:
*She offers a soft smile to him in return, stopping once she was in
front of him.* I was worried about you, Power Joe. ... What made you
so upset? Do you... wanna talk about it?
POWER JOE:
*he ran his glossa over his dentae in thought, not sure how to
respond. His immediate reaction was to say no, but... he couldn't
bring himself to say no to Phantom when she was so genuine this way,
either* I guess... *he pauses, suddenly irritated at himself* Look,
this isn't easy to talk about, okay? But I guess I'm just a little
ticked off at how casual you guys are about that whole ordeal.
Especially Ninja. It was a big deal to me, alright? I was... I was
_scared._
PHANTOM:
And you think we /weren't/ ? I was ... terrified ... My first
legitimate fight and it goes like... goes like /that/. *she turned
away from him briefly* I was scared that I was going to lose you and
Shadowmaru... I'd really only just /started/ to get to know you... I
was scared that I'd lose you before I /really/ got to know either of
you. *She turned back to him* We just... we didn't want Deckered
worrying about something that was in the past... that's the truth.
POWER JOE:
*he stood up from where he was sitting when she turned away from him,
fists balling at his sides. His jaw was snapped tight, not letting
himself talk over her. He wanted to here what she had to say and was a
little angry that it made so much sense. He felt childish.* Yeah...
*his voice was tight and he looked away from her when she turned back
to him* I-I don't want Deckerd to worry, either. I know it's over now,
and... I'm glad I still get a chance to know you, yanno.
PHANTOM:
*Slowly she put her hand on his wrist* I know... *She gave it a
reassuring squeeze* I know... *She bit her lip before continuing*
It's... okay to be scared... you don't have to be Mr. Tough Guy all
the time... okay?
DECKERD:
*he feels guilty as he listens. it was him that'd caused a rift --
well, their concern for him, he supposes, and he almost says
something, but he doesn't want to interrupt. even if he has numerous
reasons to. he's smiling as he leans on the door frame; it's
comforting to listen to.*
POWER JOE:
*he vents out in mild consternation, but eases as her grip tugs
helpfully on his wrist. His optics wander back to hers, shimmering
from his nervous flux of energy. He can feel heat rising in his
cheeks* Yeah, I guess so... even if being 'brave' comes with the job,
right? *a nervous chuckle, then he puts his hand over hers* Thanks,
Phantom...
PHANTOM:
Being brave doesn't mean you never get scared. Being brave is doing
the right thing even /when/ you're scared, Power Joe. *She took his
hand in hers and closed the gap between them, pressing a kiss to his
cheek before moving back a step* Now... if everything's okay I /do/
have a job here I have to do. I'm due for another surveillance shift
soon... *She can feel the heat rising from her cheeks already...*
DECKERD:
*wow he just witnessed that with his own two eyes, he cant even
believe it,* i think your shift starts _now._
POWER JOE:
Yeah... I guess-- *she stepped up to him and kissed his cheek and
there went anything Power Joe had left to say. She moved back again,
talking quickly, but the kung fu detective just found himself with a
dopey expression for a moment.* Huh--yeah! Yeah, we're good here!
*nervous chuckle accompanied by an irrepressible grin* I'll get back
to--*and then Deckerd suddenly made his presence very clear and Power
Joe physically flinched* D-Deckerd! Uh...
PHANTOM:
*Wing blade floof at the sudden Deckerd -- right -- he was here too.*
Uh, yes... getting to that right away, sir! See you later, Power Joe.
*releasing Power Joe, giving him a smile, and then she's on her way
nyoom*
DECKERD:
*he gives a nod to phantom, as politely as he can muster, walking to
power joe once the two are alone, _glowering._ * has that been going
on long?
POWER JOE:
*if Power Joe could physically shrink, he would have. His audial fins
droops. Mad Deckerd was the actual WORST* A-a-uh? That--it
hasn't--it's not... there isn't a "_that_," exactly--I mean. *he
vented out* Not long...?
DECKERD:
don't lie to me! there is a "that"! i just saw it! *he emphasizes by
pointing out the door, before letting out a merciful exhale. maybe his
anger is a little irrational -- actually, he decides it isn't.* those
kinds of relationships with coworkers are dangerous, you know. i hear
it all the time on the television that yuuta's sibling watches.
POWER JOE:
But it's--! *okay... he hadn't really confronted whatever 'that' was
upfront. The kiss to his cheek and immediate giddiness in his cortex
might--however--have been an indication that 'that' was something. He
fidgeted* I--I know... I know! I see it in soaps all the time. But
that's just pretend, right? It's not like... it's not like we're gonna
suddenly be enemies or something! *was he arguing with Deckerd? Was
this stupid? yes*
DECKERD:
*deckerd was quiet for a moment as he resolved that power joe meant
soap operas.* television is pretend, yes, but this isn't! *again he
gives pause.* i don't want anything bad to happen, power joe. if you
two -- i don't know -- if you two break up, or something, it could
affect a lot more than a personal relationship. *a heavy sigh this
time. all he's done so far is worry too much.* i'm just -- uh -- ugh.
i'm sure you know more about this than me. i just didn't think --
seeing it was a little...startling.
POWER JOE:
*he watched his commanding officer with a flat, worried expression.
Geez, how could he argue? What was that, worry? Disgust? He rubbed the
back of his jaw self-consciously* S-sorry, sir. I didn't--I mean, it's
not like I knew you were standing there or anything like that...
DECKERD:
*guilt wastes no time setting in when deckerd takes note of the
other's embarrassment, and he's suddenly red-faced himself.* i know. i
just -- i overreacted. *amber eyes lower to the floor; how many times
will he have to tell himself that they know what they're doing?* i'm
sorry too. *though his helm was quick to snap back up,* but i _won't_
be if this causes any problems. you know where your priorities lie;
all i ask is that you keep them in mind.
POWER JOE:
*Deckerd was a hard read, some days. Power Joe didn't consider himself
the most perceptive on the team, but he could certainly tell that the
police cruiser mech was having a hard time readjusting after his
absence. It was a lot to take in, and this wasn't making it any
easier. Even so, he sensed that Deckerd was acquiescing--if only a
little--and fought a grin from surging up. Fighting to stay
professional, he stamped it down and offered a salute* Yes, sir! You
won't have any problems outta me.
DECKERD:
*even if involuntarily, deckerd flashed a brief smile, motioning for
his comrade to drop the salute.* i should hope not. will you come back
into the office? i think drill boy is worried about you.
POWER JOE:
*he laughed nervously and lowered his arm, happy to see a little of
Deckerd's good humor coming back* Sure thing. Someone's gotta keep an
eye on him, anyway.
