| Skulkers | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 07 April 2018 |
| Location: | Maccadam's Old Oil House |
| Synopsis: | Hookshot sizes up Eclipse during a game of darts. |
| Cast of Characters: | Hookshot, 110 |
- Hookshot has posed:
Macaddams had been fairly active since they reopened. However, some of their clientelle which prefer access to the rear exit (just in case) have been tapering off, as presently there is security stationed there. The whole issue with the portal in the back alley has still been causing some strain on the local businesses and the Old Oilhouse was no exception. Nonetheless, some business was better than none.
And Speaking of business, Hookshot had just finished conducting some of his own. Drinks were shared. Hands were shook, and the two mechs which had been having a quiet conversation in one of the booths were ready to part ways. Hookshot, however, had opted to remain at the booth a while longer, peering at guarded back entrance occasionally while his shady assosciate slunk out the front exit.
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse had made her way in some time ago. At a casual walk ignoring any stares or remarks that might be made. Instead she seems to be acting just like she belongs here as she comes up to the bar and leans forward. The few patrons, including the shady slinker, get a quick glances. From the way her eyes move around the room it is clear she is taking in ecits, people, threats. "Mid-grade with a burner," She says as she taps on finger on the top.
- Hookshot has posed:
The shady slinker just gives Eclipse a single scowl before he's out of the bar. Hookshot, on the other hand, has a more thoughtful expression as his gaze lingers on the femme. Lingers, perhaps, for an uncomfortably long time. His long servo slides around the rim of a glass as Hookshot stares at Eclipse. After a moment of deliberation he finishes his drink, leaving the glass behind to be bussed by staff.
Hookshot walks over to a spot beside Eclipse at the bar, placing his hands on its surface. "Toraxxis Flame." He orders. Without turning to look at Eclipse, the black and red mech says in a low yet audible tone, "Isn't it funny how the more one ignores people and tries to avoid attention they always end up attracting it? Very inconvenient, that."
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Electric blue optics follow the skulker only a few seconds more. Then Eclipse smirks and turns back to the bar as she is presented her drink. Picking it up in one hand she eyes it thoughtfully. But she isn't ignoring the world around her. She noticed Hookshot staring, she just didn't bother to make a point of it.
As the other mech joins Eclipse, she takes a drink from her glass. It almost seems she is ignoring Hookshot. Then he has to go and talk to her and she turns to look at him. Now it is her turn to stare. It may almost seem she isn't going to respond, just smirk and stare at him. "I happen to be extremely observant. Especially for skulkers," She finally says before turning her gaze back on the drink.
- Hookshot has posed:
No doubt or signs of self consciousness come over the mech as Eclipse leaves him hanging just a little, seeming to ignore him at first. He just waits for his drink, red optics seeming to watch the bartender more than the femme he'd just addressed. But finally, a response comes and Hookshot raises his perpetually arched optic ridge at Eclipse. "Drat. And here I was betting on either "I don't want any trouble" or an acerbic scowl followed by pointed silence." Hookshot now smirks, turning his head to Eclipse as his drink is set down. "Luckily when betting against yourself, you always win. But then... you also always lose." Shrug.
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
"You win some, you lose some," Eclipse says and seems absolutely too amused at her rather bad pun. "You don't looke like the trouble I worry about though." She swirls the liquid in her cup and purses her lips for a moment. "So, you come here often?" She isn't the best at this social thing and that one line provesit. As does the glance and her trying to smile in a friendly manner. It just makes her seem...awkward.
- Hookshot has posed:
"For most people, breaking even is the only way to stay ahead," Hookshot remarks with another shrug. He sips his drink, optics diverted again. Something that Eclipse says just gets him to grin, however, though it's unclear whether it's the paltry attempt at small talk or something else. Hookshot sets his drink down, tapping the rim with his finger. "I come here often enough." There is a pause and then he turns more fully towards Eclipse, resting his elbow on the bar top. "You can call me Cinderrain."
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse clearly did not expect things to go smoothly like this. Her optics flicker a bit. "Oh. Uh...Eclipse," She says and tilts her head in a nod. One digit reaches out to trail the rim of her glass. Again she scans the room, though very quickly, and something seems to relax the focused brightness in her optics. "Do you play darts?" She glances over at the board and then back. Throwing things, or rather hitting things from afar, is something she is -much- better at that talking.
- Hookshot has posed:
Red optics brighten at the mention of darts. "Why, yes, I absolutely play darts. And I'm quite good at it, if I do say so myself!" No false modesty here - the mech straightens up at the opportunity to boast. "Though I should warn you, that dart board is a menace. Tricky thing." He winks before snatching his drink and heading over to the board, expecting her to follow. He sets his drink on the closest table and gathers up the metal darts, offering them to Eclipse.
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse picks up her own glass and raises one brow ridge, "In what way is it tricky?" She asks with a glance at it. As they make their way she seems to eye it thoughtfully. "I enjoy darts. The tiny precision is enjoyable. And having someone decent to compete against is even better," She is relaxing a bit. (Focus on the thing that you know and not actually talk talking to him, you'll be fine. ) O o She coaches herself silently as she takes up darts. Giving them careful tosses and balancing them on one slim digit each.
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshot watches Eclipses deft fingers with a keen interest as she balances the darts. He then looks at the board - it's not the sort with numbers 1-20 in alternating fashion, but rather a simple affair with several fives, tens, fifteens and twenties. But of course, it features the inner and outter bullseye which are the real prize. "I just enjoy the fact that someone thought engex and tiny sharp projectiles were a winning combo!" Hookshot, or 'Cinderrain' as he calls himself, says as he stands aside and behind Eclipse. "Give it a shot and see!"
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
"Oh it is. Because it is entertaining for everyone else when things get really bad," Eclipse says this as if she knows. Knows well somehow. Then she flips the dart through her fingers nimbly before chucking the first dart. It flies through the air and slams straight into the outer bullseye. "Hmph." She says with obvious pleasure.
And then two more shots, not nearly as spectacular. They have Eclipse tilting her head and seeming to be mildly disappointed. But she steps back and gestures towards Hookshot. "Your turn," Well obviously. Then she takes a drink from her cup.
- Hookshot has posed:
A low whistle is emitted from Hookshot as Eclipse scores an outer bullseye on her first throw. "Didn't even need a warm-up." Hookshot tilts his head, squinting at the dartboard as if it had betrayed him. THe look fades away to smug satisfaction when the next throws aren't quite as good. "It's all fun and games until someone loses an optic." There is a pause. "You probably hear that one all the time."
Hookshot collects the darts, toying with them a little before lining up a shot. He throws the first two in rapid succession, and then as if determined to make a food of himself, he turns and tries to throw one over his shoulder. While the first two manage to hit, the last one doesn't even make the dartboard, instead spiking itself into the floor.
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse shakes her head and snorts as Hookshot attempts an over-shoulder shot. "Well, that was just asking to miss," She points out as she moves to collect her darts from the board and his and the miss. "Keen eye, nimble fingers, means I'm pretty good," She shrugs a shoulder as she passes him the three.
"Usually I hear, You'll put an optic out with that thing!" Her voice modulates lower, mimicing some other bots somewhere at sometime. She lifts her cup then and drinks before taking aim and shooting three more times. While drinking. And once more finishes with a little pleased smirk.
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshot grabs his drink, staring somewhat miserably at the single dart in the floor. But while Eclipse is diverted grabbing the darts he smirks, peering at her with a near cunning expression. It's gone the moment she looks at him again, and his shoulders are sagging. "Ah... well... ahem, that... well of course, yes, I was begging to miss. I won't this time." Hookshot puts down his drink and grabs the darts. No flourishes this time. "I also promise not to put out anyone's optics." Hookshot flicks the first dart at the board, which narrowly misses. He glances at Eclipse again, hesitating before throwing his other darts. "Well, I've been here drinking longer than you," he tries to justify his poor performance after his haughty boasting. Steadying himself, he carefully takes aim before landing an inner bullseye. With all the grace of an immolated puppet he flails his arms in triumph. And then, as a mere afterthought, he tosses his last dart. "Observe that!"
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse is smirking as she watches Hookshot seem to make his excuses. "Oh, of course," She agrees with a little nod of her head. It isn't quite patronizing, but it is sarcastic to be sure. "Please," And she gestures towards the dart, eyes eager. As the first one misses she hides behind the glass and drains the rest of her drink.
The next two shots have Eclipse's optics going wide though. "Well, quite a nice switch on me," She says with obvious approval and self-chagrin. "Let me refill and continue?" She asks hopefully as she turns to saunter to the bar. If he hadn't noticed it before he'd see her badge low and almost hidden beneath the overlay of her wing-back.
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshots gaze seems to follow Eclipse when she heads to the bar, devouring every detail. The badge on her back does not go unnoticed. Although it's possible he'd noticed it earlier. He plucks out the darts and sets them aside, walking over to Eclipse. "On second thought, why not let us part with a tie? It should make our next encounter more interesting. As it is... I have some business I probably shouldn't be neglecting TOO long. Even if it is in rather... intrigueing company."
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
"Intrigueing? Me?" Eclipse is obviously take aback by that particular word. "I don't think anyway has ever called me that before. Though I could be wrong of course, I've scrubbed some of my banks of otherwise useless memories," She shrugs a shoulder as she awaits her refill. "I won't keep you. I'm happy to have had a play against someone else as it is." She shoots him a less awkward smile. "Go and skulk in the shadows, Cinderrain," As her drink returns she raises it in a farewell toast to him. "And thanks for the play."
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshot crosses his arms over his chest, dipping his chin at Eclipse's seeming surprise at the compliment. "Oh? And will this too become a useless memory?" He asks, quirking an optic ridge. But it seems to be a rhetorical question as he waves a hand as if to cut off any response to that. "I know. I'll go find some shadows to skulk in." Hookshot pays his tab and then turns to saunter rather than skulk out of the bar.
- Eclipse (110) has posed:
Eclipse realizes she may have stuck her tread in it at that comment. And her mouth opens and then closes again. Was it rhetorical? This is exactly why she is so bad with others. But he seems to still be cheery and so once more into the awkward smile and she says, "May they be dark and friendly?" Then drinks from her glass as she turns back to the bar.