10152/Dumplings: Impending Doom

Dumplings: Impending Doom
Date of Scene:	16 February 2022
Location:	Damage Control
Synopsis:	Ted comes with an apology. Joan comes with a confession.
Cast of Characters:	Joan Wright, Ted Kord

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Joan Wright has posed:
It has been a very busy week for Damage Control.

Ok considering where they're located, that's likely an understatement. Damage is a constant in New York City and that's one reason why they're located here. Quicker commute.

But typically when damage occurs to a structure, the call is put out rather quickly to report on damages. That's not the case when there were mass evacuations involved. And with people starting to filter their way in. More and more people are starting to file their reports. And a lot of people are finding out that 'Yes dear, that was a load bearing wall that you just put off reporting until after you got your grocery shopping done' and 'You know, most people take care of the growing swimming pool in the basement before they deal with getting the cable back on.'

Right now the company is dealing with the emergencies caused by stupid shit.

And who better to deal with that than the people who don't have as many vacation days to fall back on?

Seated in the office that she shares with 3 others, Joan rests the desk phone back onto it's reciever. "...Kill me now." she mutters, seat rolling back as she leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. The propped up hands end up covering her face as she gives a muffled, "ARGH" into them.

One of the women situated on the opposing corner looks over curiously. The nameplate set upon her desk indicates her name to be 'Gina'. "What was the excuse this time?"

"Some sale going on at the mall." Joan answers.

There's a noticable tic on Gina's face as she turns around in her chair, scootching over towards a white board. She puts another tally mark next to 'shopping'. "It's a good thing they're wealthy."

Ted Kord has posed:
Suddenly, for no apparent reason, a shadow falls over the window near Joan and Gina's desks. It is accompanied by a loud though oddly gentle whirring sound above as a slight vibration works through the building. Nothing damaging but certainly strange and unusual.

Except to Joan.

In a moment serious looking Ted Kord, the Blue Beetle descends on a line. A basket is under one arm. Bobo and Bailey float alongside him. He waves to Gina and checks the address and floor.

"Hiya", he says.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan slowly lowers her hands as she starts to turn to look towards the window where the apparent source of shadow is. She recognizes the sound. Getting up, she starts to make her way to the other window desk, which is currently unoccupied. THEY had the vacation days.

Gina, who is closest to the window lets out a short scream at the sudden presence of a man outside the window. Upon registering who it is, she fans herself and looks over to her coworker, "OH God- Isn't that one of your accounts, Joan?"

Joan nods, reaching a hand over to unlatch the window nearest Ted to hear what he has to say through the small restrictive gap. There is no way Ted's getting through there. Joan smiles to Ted, "Heya." She returns. She glances up. "Meet you on the roof?"

Ted Kord has posed:
Yes Ted can't get through the gap. Bailey is another matter. The little bot gets her front end stuck in the window.

"Sorry, she's been getting kisses lately and gotten spoiled." Ted looks at Bailey for a second then gives her shove. The little bot gives Joan an snuggle, waves to Gina and then takes Joan by the hand, tugging her doorward. She also waves her manipulator under Joan's nose, showing off her pink nails. Should Joan look back to the window, she will find it vacant.

Joan Wright has posed:
As she should." Joan replies matter of factly. "Hi Bailey." she greets the little bot, bringing a hand up to pat the tiny creation. Joan starts to follow after Bailey looking to Gina, "I'm taking a work lunch."

"Whatever you want to call it. Just don't leave me alone with the phones for too long. or I'll find a way to get that window to open further."

Eep.

Bot holding hand, the two ladies make their way up to the floor that grants roof access. "Is that a new shade of pink, Bailey?"

Ted Kord has posed:
Up on the roof, Joan notices Bobo, Ted and six more bots are standing around a dinner table with two chairs, made of Legos. He holds one out for Joan. The hamper is on the table.

"I feel like I ignored you yesterday and for the last few days. I've... had a week. Stella woke up, sobered up and left. I kind of pushed the issue. I can small a female refusing to commit a mile off by now. I'm sorry Joan. Could I have a hug from you, know that I'm forgiven or working towards it?" He rests a hand on the hamper.

"You look very nice."

Joan Wright has posed:
As the scene comes into view, Joan's eyes take in the various items that comprise it. The gathered bots that she's gotten used to since starting the Kord account. The material of the chairs and table are not lost on the LEGO addict and there's a gleeful glimmer escaping from her expression as she takes those in. There's even pillows to protect their butts from the countless studs. She stops at her chair, turning to look to Ted as he gives his apology, mixed with a play by play of the Stella factor.

As for Ted's question. Joan doesn't answer him. Verbally at least.

FLOOMPH.

Joan's arms wrap around Ted, tugging him into a tight hug.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord has a Joan on him. He's easily supporting half her <redacted> lbs. He hugs back.

"This is nice. I guess I'm forgiven. You ready to see what I got you?" He disentangles, somewhat slowly. Ted sits down in his chair, yi-i-i-i-is and stands up. Bobo belatedly places a pillow in Ted's chair. Bailey does a credible facepalm despite not having a face.

"Sorry... we have salmon and tuna sushi. We got your tofu surprise. We have Jalapeno micro gastronomic jellies. Wait how could I forget. Caviar!!!" He watches Joan's face fall by degrees.

"Bwahaha!" He finally pulls a cardboard carton with 'Hot Dumpling ' printed in red on the sides.

"Bwahahahaha. This is better than pranking J'Onn with the Choco Bombs.

Joan Wright has posed:
Hug broken off and Ted sitting down, Joan follows suit. The bots had at least placed the pillow on her side before she sat down. Which was nice. She gives a bit of a smile as Bobo sets out the pillow for Ted. A hand raises up to hide the signs of a escaping laughter.

Laughter that died out when the caviar made its appearance.

Thoughts of the gentlemen abductors that she encountered twice come to mind. And a momentary flash to their d-. Her eyes widen. NOPE! That last bit did NOT happen. All a dream. YEP. That chapter ended with the car. YEP.

She looks to the caviar. Oh God. So soon after Joan forgave Ted...It looks like she's going to have to kill him instead.

But the laughter does draw her attention to the new carton. Seeing the labeling, she gives a small smile. "Thank you."

Ted can have the caviar.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord passes the dumpling container over to Joan, keeping the caviar for himself. "So from what I saw of your reactions. There is some relief Stella is gone. I'm glad it was after only two dates. As I said, I told her I wasn't going to fiddle around a couple weeks. I'm not doing that anymore."

"When I rattled off the list if unhappy romances and you didn't even know some, I realized what a mess I was-am. This is nice." He takes a bite of caviar on a cracker. Beluga. When he pranks he doesn't screw around.

"I'll try to be happy for the things I have, Booster, Skeets, Vic (when he's in town) and you." Bobo sets a pot of tea and begins pouring.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan opens up the container and readies the chopsticks but upon Ted speaking, she glances up, listening. "She seemed nice." Joan allows, "But I don't really know her. It was also pretty quick. How you two seemed to be...together. But I do want you to be happy."

She looks to the table setting, and then to Ted. "This is nice." She agrees.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord shrugs. "She was but felt I was not giving her a chance to breathe... I guess breathing involves paying rent and food bills. I dunno. I just go to take care of people. It's natural to me. I will say, she guested at me the shortest of any of these women... or men. Booster holds the record. I wish I could meet someone as together as you. You have your job, your house, a car... a car right? You say what is in your mind. You've been a good friend. And you're easy on the eyes."

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan shakes her head at the mention of the car. "Public transportation, Taxis, and Uber." She replies back, "There's no need for a car around here. And if I need to travel somewhere that does, it's likely for business and that's where the company gets involved."

She glances down, frowning. "Ted. I don't always say what's on my mind." Joan admits, "If you show me someone who does, I'll show you someone who either can't keep a job or owns the place they work at." Eyes glance up, "I mean even Booster called me out on it... The truth is, I like you, Ted. A lot. And I enjoy your company. I'm just probably not very good at showing it."

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord shrugs and says, "I know you like m... how do you mean like me? I am unclear on this." He looks at her over steepled fingers, more serious than he has ever been.

Suddenly his phone beeps and without looking he throws it for Baley to fetch.

The bots are sort of watching. The phone clatters on the roof before Bailey tsreaks over to grab it and brush the dust off.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan is quiet as she is pressed for more detail. "Well...LIKE you, like you..."

She is correct.

She's not very good at showing it.

Ted Kord has posed:
If Ted were an emoji, he'd look something like this o.O.

"Like like. I need I mean... like like as in kissing and cuddling and all that stuff?"

"I was going with all those... "

She sure isn't.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan's cheeks flush. Mouth opening, she starts to speak but thinks better of it. Getting up from her seat, she grabs on to it and starts to drag it over to the other side of the table.

Skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidddddd

Seat positioned next to Ted, she sits down. And then leans against him, head resting upon his arm. "...yes."

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord pulls his goggles and hood away from his face. With infinite care, as if he is handling a delicate device or a glass rose he lifts her face up and looks down at her. His fingers move up her cheek and through her hair and away as he leans in to kiss her gently.

Crick.

"Mmmmm."

Crick.

Ted barely notices his chair collapse until he's on his ass on the roof looking a little bewildered.

"Wow!"