Sideswipe/Prowl - Small Talk
Sideswipe says: Look, Prowl. You can say what you want about me, but leave Sunstreaker out of it. *uncharacteristically serious look in eyes*
Prowl says: I appreciate how protective you are of Sunstreaker, but if he needs to be reprimanded, he will be, I play no favourites. It's as simple as that.
Sideswipe says: This isn't about "playing favourites". It's about utilizing your resources *waves arm in gesture to himself, and Sunstreaker who isn't present* to full potential. Which.. I can guarantee you will not happen if you keep insulting my brother.
Prowl says: I don't have the luxury of patting your egos either, just think about how that reflects back on me to the other soldiers if I'm begging and pleading for you to cooperate. You should have more respect for your mentor. I am equally hard on all of my soldiers, my position demands it. No matter how much I want to trat your differently, in front of the others, you're all the same.
Sideswipe says: No matter how much you want to? My, Prowlie's just a big softie on the inside! *rolls optics*
Prowl says: I'm not a softie *indignantly* I maintain an effective rank and file and have ever since I was given this post. I just admit that you're... *pauses a moment to look for the word* special... *is clearly not in his game here* I don't want to see you terminate yourself, and Sunstreaker isn't the greatest of influences either.
Sideswipe says: *raises optic ridge* So you really do care, Prowl. A happy rank is an effective rank. An insulted, unhappy rank is an ineffective, disobedient rank. Am I making myself clear, sir?
Prowl says: I do not insult. If you notice, I mearly state the facts, facts you two don't want to hear, but facts nonetheless. It is not my fault if you take offence at that. You are soldiers, not femmebot sparklings...
Sideswipe says: Precisely--we're your main warriors, and it'd do you some good to treat us--especially Sunstreaker--better.
Prowl says: *getting visibly annoyed* Very well, I will attempt to be "nicer" when reprimanding you. It would be easier though if you obeyed my orders, then I wouldn't have to reprimand you at all. I make no promises though, Sunstreaker has an impossibly low tolerance for rebuke.
Sideswipe says: As long as I have your word you'll try, my work here is done. Should you have any further.. issues regarding my brother's behaviour, you can kindly refer them to me, and I'll gladly pass on the message. *heads for the door*
Prowl says: Sideswipe, I'd like another word with you, if you please. *almost reaches out to Sides, but barely moves*
Sideswipe says: *has almost reached the door, but pauses and turns around, not wanting to push his luck further with any more insubordination to the 2CO* Yes, Prowl?
Prowl says: *clearly hesitant in his speech* I appreciate your coming here to talk civilly, it shows a greater level of tact than I've seen in you before. If only your brother would learn from your example.
Sideswipe says: *merely shrugs* Sunny was never much of a talker. *realizes Prowl has just complimented him, but is clearly feeling too superior to admit or feel comfortable with it, and so does not comment on it and only nods in thanks*
Prowl says: I'm glad not all my teaching has gone to waste... I... thank you for that...
Sideswipe says: *slightly suspicious that Prowl's abrupt change in behaviour is a secret ploy to reprimand him, but remembers that Prowl is completely incapable of such underhanded tactics and shrugs, removing his hand from the door sensor and turning to fully face the not!Skyline* Y'know, we weren't joking when we said we were grateful to you for all that you've taught us.
Prowl says: *sighs* of all my students, only you two are here on Earth. The others are either still hiding among the stars or... have been terminated. *a pained look comes over his face as he remembers more than one of his recruits dying in his arms during Deceticon raids* It's good to know my days as a teacher were not all in vain... *quietly* I'm glad you appreciate my efforts.
Sideswipe says: *nods silently again, unsure where this is going, but somehow sensing that Prowl isn't quite finished*
Prowl says: Please look out for yourself, for all I know, you're the only ones I have left... This war has taken too many already, I can't lose you too.
Sideswipe says: *nods mutely yet again, unsure how else to react; this is as close as Prowl will ever get to admitting an illogical sentiment, and waits for Prowl to either acknowledge that he has completed his speech, or continue*
Prowl says: You... may go now... unless you have something to say... I'll listen if you need... ... *Unsure what else to say, Prowl kinda just stands there...*
Sideswipe says: *knows that Prowl is the one seeking comfort rather than offering it as his words imply, but is at a loss for words, and thus offers the only form of comfort he can think of, crossing Prowl's make-shift office in a single stride and encompassing the shorter 'bot in a human-fashioned hug, giving comfort in this awkward way because he is at a loss for words, and knows that its a feeling that no language, not even Cybertronian, is equipped to convey*
Prowl says: I... *steps back in surprise, unused to anyone being so close, not to mention the contact* thank you Sideswipe, I appreciate your... concern for me. *is rather stiff, not knowing what to do* *"blushes" out of embarrassment at the awkwardness of the situation* *is very confused*
Sideswipe says: *can't help but let out a laugh at Prowl's very confused expression, stepping back to clap a hand down on the 2CO's shoulder, taking careful note of the flush in Prowl's cheek plating* Anytime. Although, I can't decide if I prefer this side of you, to the you that just yells at Sunny and I.
Prowl says: *quickly tries to regain composure* Well, the side you see is dependent on you. I won't reprimand you unless I have to. *tries to un-redden his face... fails*
Sideswipe says: *grins slightly, giving Prowl another pat on the shoulder* Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. *tosses a wink over a shoulder as he leaves the room*
Prowl says: *kinda just sits there still slightly comfused as to what just happened in the last two minutes...* (to self) This may be slightly problematic...