Chapter Text
Staring at the invitation, which was large as a human and too small for a Cybertronian to read easily, Trailbreaker noticed the first issue. “This is addressed to Jazz,” he pointed out to Prowl, who had handed him the invitation and ordered he attend. “I mean, we all joke about the humans not being able to tell us apart, but I think they might notice the difference between,” Breaker motioned at himself, “and a Porsche. What about Bumblebee? People seem to like him.”
“No, he’s attending another function with Optimus. You’ve got the best temperament for this, and are the least likely to offend anyone. That’s why I’ve selected you.” Prowl didn’t leave room for argument, but Trailbreaker couldn’t help giving him a look.
“It says and a guest. Do you have someone picked out for that?” Breaker felt snippier than usual. That might have something to do with having this order being dropped in his lap literally one Earth week before the event; if Prowl wanted him attend on behalf of the Autobots, he would have to deal with it
“No,” Prowl frowned. “I suppose you could pick anyone you want as long as they can follow the protocols.”
“Right,” Trailbreaker hummed. “Where’s the protocol list?” Prowl handed that to him next and Breaker took a look. “I guess this must be standard for er - white tie formal here,” he shrugged, looking it over. Nothing seemed embarrassing or impolite, though he assumed that was the point. They were gathering a number of people ranging in background and personality. It was safest to make sure everyone knew the rules first. “I think I know just the person.”
Nodding, Prowl reset his vocalizer. “Good. Wheeljack will help you with the dress code.”
“What? You can’t be seriou-,” Breaker stopped short when Prowl’s look hardened. “I know, I know, in the past four million years I’ve known you, I’ve never heard you tell a joke on purpose,” he buttoned up the line of thought before Prowl pressed into the statement. “But does he know what he’s doing?”
Prowl’s door wings twitched lightly, which Trailbreaker did not know how to interpret. “My understanding is he’s partnered with a well-known designer to make sure he does this correctly. Since a full suit would be prohibitively expensive, we’ve negotiated down to a collar and tie. It should be easy enough, though whoever you choose as your - companion,” Prowl quirked a wing, “will have to help you apply it prior to the event.”
Trailbreaker nodded. “Yeah I think that’ll work out. Okay, I guess I’m on board. I’ll go see Wheeljack about this collar and tie, and uh - I’ll do my best not to embarrass the Autobots at this function,” he shrugged, unable to say more.
“Excellent. I’ll call to confirm your RSVP.” Breaker had no idea what that acronym meant, but he smiled until Prowl was around the corner.
“Primus,” he mumbled to himself, heading to the comms station to use the phone.