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It’s been three months since Brainstorm was forced to share a lab with Perceptor. Rodimus was more than displeased with the outcome of his time traveling escapade and felt it utterly necessary for him to be under constant surveillance. Surveillance by someone who knows what Brainstorm is capable of and isn’t scared to rat on him if he steps out of line.
He could almost understand where he was coming from. Afterall, he was an undercover decepticon for his entirety on the ship until recently. He nearly wiped out half the crew (including himself) just by attempting to prevent a war. And poisoned the other half just to do so. So it was somewhat warranted.
But it still peeved him, a lot. It wasn't just the lack of freedom, but privacy. He felt he was always being watched as he performed experiments, regardless of how innocent they were. Perceptor was never one to hold back criticism, especially of Brainstorm and his methods. He felt he always had to justify his reasoning to someone who, he admitted, had better reasoning for his disapproval. Sure, he was correct, but that doesn't make him right. Yes, there's a difference.
At first, the shared space between them was infuriating. Not just because he didn't have as much wing room anymore, but also because Percy was always cleaning up or organizing or something else useless that Brainstorm had no time for. He couldn't just hang from the ceiling without being questioned. He was criticized when he took a pre-existing gun and mangled it until it was something nearly unrecognizable but infinitely better. And as of recently, he can't even hypothesize the possibility of creating a clone of himself (to maximize efficiency, of course. Not to pester his crewmates.) I mean what was a bot to do around here?
Yes, these early days of their relationship were more than uncomfortable on both ends. Yet over the span of a month or so, Brainstorm softened. Not just because he had to admit that this was just his life now, but also because he was growing fond of Perceptor. He was bossy and organized and couldn't stand the idea of Brainstorm having a little fun by attempting to tame scraptlets with small sections of his own sentio metallico (its gonna work Perce, trust me!)
But he'd be a fool to disregard how brilliant the mech was. Even when he was denied access to his experiments by him, at least he gave sound reasoning as to why. Not that he'd ever show that he agreed. He liked the exasperation it caused Percy when he brushed his logic off as perfectionism.
Aside from that, however, Perceptor was just enjoyable to be around, which Brainstorm admitted seemed impossible. The sniper had a cold, solid demeanor at first, but he had some humor about him, some charm that he couldn't quite put his finger on. The way he spoke about his newest discovery made Brainstorm feel like someone finally understood him. And on the occasion that they'd have a genuine, relaxed debate over science, it felt like he was talking to another half of himself- with more ideas and a calm voice.
Brainstorm could confidently say that at this point he was, at the very least, friends with Perceptor. But even if the microscope didn't feel the same, all that mattered was that he wasn't calling him an evil wizard like Rodimus with his whole science = magic ideas. And he wasn't trying to demonize him and his creative liberties as his 'decepticon coding' like many others did.
And he never talked about the reason they were sharing a lab in the first place. To his surprise, Perceptor seemed surprisingly careful with the topic of Brainstorm's recent tragedy of a time machine. He never poked fun or judged him for what he did. In fact, on one occasion he said it was a shame he had to tear it apart, via Rodimus's orders. That seemed to fill a little tear in Brainstorm's spark he didn't know had yet to repair. It was nice to know at least somebody sympathized with his loss, even if just on a scientific level.
Percy was one of, if not the only mech who he bothered sharing the details of it with. He rarely mentioned his motivations as to why he made it, but Percy never tried to get answers out of him. He just seemed genuinely curious and, to Brainstorm's delight, impressed. It made discussing something he'd kept secret for countless years easier, and the few and far between praises he'd get from Percy were like a reward for finally, slightly , opening up to someone.
Within the next month after that, he became more and more comfortable with him. Up until today, he would even consider Percy a close friend of his. And possibly, in light of his restrictions and isolation by his fellow crew members, even his best friend. Aside from Chromedome.
However, he doubted the mech felt the same way. If he did, he had no intention, or maybe no means, of showing it. He wasn't the most communicative of bots when it came to anything other than cold hard facts and logistics.
Though Perceptor had become exponentially kinder to him, more welcoming to his ideas, and far more comfortable with him, Brainstorm didn't find this compelling evidence of a true friendship. He didn't know if this behavior was exclusive to his time with Brainstorm, or if this was just him being comfortable with someone who shared his space.
Luckily, or unluckily, depending on how you look at it, Brainstorm wasn't a stranger to one-sided relationships of any kind. He knew how it felt all too well and he wasn't the type to take it personally. Not anymore, at least. He was rejection sensitive in many ways, but when it came from Percy, it was almost expected.
Though he'd be lying if he said he didn't hope it were a mutual friendship, since being best friends with the only other intelligent bot on the ship would make them unstoppable. (That is, as long as Percy goes a little crazy, which wouldn't take long considering who the microscope was sharing a lab with.) To have an extension of himself work with him to make primus-knows-what would be a dream come true.
Regardless of what could be- if their friendship really was mutual- Brainstorm didn't want to get his hopes up. He was content with what he figured was closest to the truth, and he didn't mind the idea that Percy simply didn't like him the same way.
That is, until today. In his lab. With Perceptor across the room, and Brainstorm pretending to work.
Perceptor was deeply concentrated on his experiment. Enough so that Brainstorm was surprised he hadn't noticed him staring. To be fair, it'd be embarrassing if he did. He'd probably point out that he was wasting time and needed to focus. He'd look at him with his annoyed blue optic and cross his arms disapprovingly. But Brainstorm had gotten accustomed to his ridicule and found it more funny than annoying.
He knew that this hypothetical Percy was right, though. He was wasting time. But he couldn't tear his gaze away. There was something in the way he could see the cogs turning in his helm that was captivating. It was like watching an artist at work, the way he was dissecting his project and reassembling it. In many ways, Percy was an artist, as every scientist must be. But where others were doodling or making finger paintings, he was making masterpieces.
Percy's work stole his attention so thoroughly it almost made Brainstorm jealous, considering how the only times Perceptor paid any mind to him was to criticize. Well, not so much anymore. But it still peeved him ever so slightly. Maybe if I did something incredibly stupid I could get his attention - he shut that thought down quickly.
He finally got the strength to tear his attention away long enough to focus again. He didn't know what came over him to make him waste so much time, but whatever it was, he needed to get rid of it. It's not that he disliked looking at Percy, but it gave him a strange, familiar feeling, one that he refused to investigate.
Later that day, he even caught himself doing it again, but at least this time it seemed warranted. Percy was discussing a new theory among scientists with him over their daily energon, but Brainstorm wasn't listening. He wasn't meaning to ignore him, he tried to pay attention, truly.
But every now and then, Percy would do something that caught his attention, even if it was small. The way he sipped his energon or drew out his thoughts with a servo on the table seemed to mute out whatever he was saying. But especially the ways his optic would brighten when a new idea struck him. Somehow, that could even stop Brainstorm from venting.
What was his deal?
Brainstorm rested his chin on his servos, simply observing. Yeah, observing. There wasn't anything unusual in that. And kicking his legs under the table like an idiot was part of that process. Of course. A tiny smile appeared across his face against his knowing, catching Perceptor's eye.
"What?" He asked, his voice smooth. Brainstorm had only just then realized he wasn't wearing his mask. He stammered for a moment, but shut his mouth.
"Nothing you deserve to know," He said with a smirk. Perceptor narrowed his optics, with a glint of humor in them, but decidedly dropped the subject and continued on.
Though Brainstorm was a pro at lying, this one somehow felt much more risky, as if his life depended on it landing well. He hadn't felt that on edge when lying since, well, since he used to work with Quark. It was almost exhausting how nervous it made him for no reason. Why?
As days passed, Brainstorm caught himself staring more and more. Not just that, though. When he'd see something interesting in his work his first thought was "what would Percy think?" Not that he couldn't just ask, that's what lab partners do, but somehow that felt taboo. With how often he came to mind, it'd become a partner project instead of a solo one.
And when he was out getting his energon, he'd often think out of nowhere to grab some for Perceptor as well. And while he was at it he could get him something to snack on too. Oh and this looked like something he'd like-
He'd have to shake his helm to clear away the thoughts. Seriously, what was wrong with him? It was like his processor was going haywire. More than usual anyway. And it was really starting to get on his nerves.
The following days didn't get much better. He'd often catch himself seriously considering playing dumb with something just to get Percy to talk to him, even if it was just to point out how many mistakes he made in his work. He nearly went through with it a few times just to test the waters. It almost disgusted him how ridiculous he was being.
When Perceptor would make sorry excuses for jokes, Brainstorm would find himself laughing an unusual amount, no matter how unfunny they were. Percy didn't seem to mind, though, which Brainstorm was grateful for.
And then there were times when they had to work in close proximity to each other and he suddenly couldn't coordinate his servos right. Venting felt impossible and suddenly all his years of expertise as a scientist seemed to fail him at the worst possible times as he stammered over every other word.
Perceptor had even asked him on multiple occasions if he was okay because he was acting so unusual. It wasn't too shocking, his name is Perceptor after all, of course he'd notice. But it was…. humbling all the same.
The days turned into weeks. And the weeks became a month. A whole month went by and he still couldn't figure it out. At this point it was almost scaring him how long it was taking just to crack the code.
As he lay in his recharge slab, slowly falling into stasis, he reflected on his recent unusual behaviors. Somehow, this felt familiar in a way he couldn't pinpoint, and the mystery of it was both intriguing and infuriating .
Venting was difficult. He found himself stumbling on his words. So desperate for Perceptor's attention he'd- (Brainstorm could've gagged at his self disgust) he'd even make himself look stupid . Him. Stupid. Two totally incompatible concepts. He was thinking of him far too much. Everything reminded him of Percy and he couldn't focus for the life of him. Not to mention how much energy seemed to build up inside him whenever he was around him. Or how small he felt when Perceptor looked at him, regardless that they were about the same height. How he felt whenever he was given praise or how he hung onto his every word like it was his last.
All of this was familiar , he just couldn't put his finger on it. It was incredibly frustrating. A problem he couldn't solve. Last time this happened he nearly died . Not that him almost dying was uncommon, or that it would actually kill him, but it felt like it was eating him alive.
He was tired and needed to recharge. But he couldn't figure out how to calm his nerves or slow his racing mind. Unplugging himself from the recharge slab, he stood to his pedes and left his hab suite for the lab he occupied so often. A safe space for him, where he went most when his mind came up blank on answers he needed.
As he entered, Perpectpor was there. He wasn't necessarily surprised, but it made his tanks churn. He was hoping he could contemplate this ordeal away from the source as to prevent distraction. But when Percy turned his bright blue optic his way, he suddenly didn't mind.
Add that to the list of things that don't make sense, he said to himself.
"I thought you went to recharge," Perceptor said, not yet returning his attention to his work, which felt unusual. When Brainstorm had to conjure up an excuse, his mind came up blank.
"So?" He asked.
"You seem," Percy started, turning towards him. He looked him up and down, which made Brainstorm feel suddenly exposed. "Tired."
Well, he certainly wasn't wrong. But the last thing Brainstorm would let himself do was to let Percy think he was right.
"Oh my dear Percy," He started, placing a servo over his chest. "It's funny that you think I abide by the physical confines of living. " He strutted his way to his workspace with a false air of confidence. He could still feel Percy's eyes following him though, proving he wasn't convinced.
Taking a silent, deep vent, he started working on one of his experimental guns. Tinkering helped him sort his thoughts. He just hoped he could focus enough for it to work.
It wasn't long, however, before his mind began to wonder. He couldn't help but revisit the evidence over and over again, curiosity chewing at him like the scraplets he'd tried taming.
He wasn't exactly sure what happened to make it click. Like many of his ideas, it was a passing thought that could've come and gone without ever realizing it was there to begin with. But despite that it was just another within a crowd of fellow useless ideas, it clung onto his train of thought like a tick. No, that wasn't the right word. " Parasite " was much more accurate…
And as soon as it clicked, he felt his world crumble beneath him. He'd found the answer to his question of what was wrong with him.
Under different circumstances, he'd be delighted, finally solving a puzzle that was on his mind for so long. But he couldn't be more terrified. He knew where he'd felt this before.
It was with Quark. And this was, much to his dismay, love.
The fact that this was happening all over again was nothing short of terrifying. For normal mechs, this wouldn't be nearly as tragic a conclusion. But in Brainstorm's defense, last time this happened, the person he loved died such a horrendous death he single handedly created time travel just to go back and save him, even when it would cost him his own life. He felt his fear was warranted.
"Brainstorm?" A voice broke over the crashing waves of panic roaring in his head. It caught him so off guard he nearly lept out of his plating. He turned his helm to see Percy, suddenly quite close with a concerned expression on his face. He must've already called his name before without Brainstorm realizing. He held in a vent. "You seem distressed."
Brainstorm didn't know how to respond. If it weren't for his face plate, Perceptor would be able to see his mouth opening and closing like he was a fish out of water. But Perceptor, being as perceptive as he was, didn't need that to know he was struggling. He reached a servo out and placed it on his shoulder cautiously, Brainstorm nearly faltering under its weight.
"You're shaking," He stated.
"I…" Brainstorm's spark spun painfully in his chest as he looked into Percy's optic. He'd fallen all over again. He was looking into the eyes of the next bot he'd end up breaking physics for if he'd gotten hurt. And of all the mechs he could've fallen for, it was yet another distant, non-reciprocating microscope.
This would be a lot to come to terms with. But he was never one to show his true feelings, and that wouldn't change today. He sucked in a stabilizating breath before putting on his false confidence, though admittedly, it wasn't very convincing.
"It's nothing. Or at least, nothing you could comprehend," He teased, placing his shaking servos on his hips, as if it added anything to an already abysmal performance.
He pulled away, quickly making his way to the door. But Percy took his wrist and stopped him in his tracks. Brainstorm looked back to see a Perceptor nearly as surprised as he was. He slowly let go, but Brainstorm didn't move.
"If you find yourself still feeling unwell later, let me know," He said, his voice softer than Brainstorm had ever heard from him. It nearly melted his spark then and there. A voice so inviting he almost felt like confiding in him, as if that'd help him at all.
But instead, he just barked out a fake laugh and walked out. He didn't like acting so aloof all the time. But how else was he supposed to respond? Percy could tell he was putting up a front anyway, that's close enough to openly admitting that he was struggling, right?
He released a strong vent. He was being ridiculous. Not just because of his total lack of communication skills- all of this.
Brainstorm could say, without a doubt, that this was a disaster . A complete and utter disaster that, for once, he couldn't fix.
***
The days following, Perceptor noticed Brainstorm rarely visited the lab. He asked if he was ill multiple times, but the teal jet would respond in his usual casual ignorance. Either laughing it off or claiming his immune system was so powerful that he could make viruses sick. Or both, which was always as bothersome as ever.
But even in his dramatics, Perceptor could see through his facade, and a small sliver of that panic would seep through. Always in the subtlest ways. Ways no one else could bother to notice. He'd roll his optics to look annoyed, but it was really to avoid eye contact. Or waving his hand briefly before placing it on his hip again to hide the fact that it was shaking. Or gloating his skills loud enough to stabilize his wavering voice.
Tiny details. Small, but important differences that made Perceptor worry. It's not that he never worried about Brainstorm, but usually his injuries or illnesses were self inflicted, via an obnoxious experiment gone wrong. In those cases he knew the cause at least. Though admittedly, he'd have to hide his concern most times.
But for once, this didn't seem to have anything to do with his antics. For extra measure, however, he investigated.
The last thing Brainstorm was working on before his sudden decline was a relatively normal gun (aside from the fact that it was impact activated, meaning it would only shoot if it was also shot.) Ridiculous creation, but he chose to ignore it. When Perceptor reflected on when Brainstorm was working on it, to which he didn't recall any backfires or mishaps. At least, nothing that could inflict such a dramatic effect on Brainstorm's behavior.
So Perceptor could safely conclude that something else had caused this. Now that he thought about it, Brainstorm did seem off as he returned to the lab, shortly after he had just left to recharge. Perhaps something in his hab suite had troubled him enough to leave. But Perceptor didn't have the right nor place to look for answers by snooping around in his hab.
If he were to find answers, he'd need to ask someone else. Only problem was that asking someone else would imply that Brainstorm was purposely hiding it from him- and by not respecting that, he was being rude or invasive.
However, he couldn't just ignore this. He was clearly upset about something and he hated that he couldn't help.
Perceptor didn't want to admit it, but it made his spark ache just a little. The hours without him in the lab seemed long and when he was around, his field seemed to project tension and nervousness, which felt so… so…
So unBrainstorm . Perceptor felt ridiculous using such a foolish non-word, but he couldn't think of a more accurate term. Even in his absence, Brainstorm's influence was strong enough to make him at a loss for real words. He almost had a problem with it, but would prefer at least some semblance of him over none.
Releasing an exasperated vent, he stood from his seat in the empty lab. He decided he would make his way down to Swerve's. Maybe he can take his mind off it. But more likely, he could find Chromedome and ask for his word on it.
Of course, ideally, he wouldn't have to ask someone else and inadvertently inform them that it worried him to such a degree where he deemed it necessary to ask an outsider's opinion… but he hardly had another option. And who better than Brainstorm's closest friend to ask?
***
"And you're sure?" Chromedome asked, eyeing the woeful Brainstorm. The teal jet rested his head in his hands, a gleam of frustration in his optics.
"Yes. I may be a failure of a scientist to Percy, but I always do my research. And unfortunately my hypothesis is correct. Not that I'm ever wrong ," He said. It was one of the few nights where Rewind was busy doing his own thing, so Brainstorm had the privacy to discuss this with one of the only bots on the ship that didn't hate him.
The wait had made him impatient though, considering he had to keep this to himself for days on end. He was positively miserable.
"Alright well," Chromedome shrugged. "What do you… I mean…," He tapped his chin contemplatively. "What are you gonna do?" He asked at last. Brainstorm let out a distressed vent, hands tapping his face, annoyed.
"Well, according to my track record," He started. "Last time this happened, I went out of my way to create the first and only time machine to rewrite history. So you tell me."
"I mean yeah, but you only did that because Quark died. You say that like Perceptor is gonna pass away tomorrow," Chromedome rebutted.
"Oh please, I'm not that dramatic," Brainstorm said teasingly. "Besides, that's not all I'm worried about."
"Then what is it?" He pressed. Brainstorm wished his friend could just read his mind or something so he wouldn't have to say it. He's not perceptive like Percy, he caught himself thinking. He quickly shoved that thought away as he explained himself.
"I share a lab with Percy. I do science in my lab. Science is my life. If I'm constantly around him and anxious about it I'm never gonna get anything done," He said. Chromedome nodded, following his logic. "I don't deserve this nonsense."
"Well," He started. "How do you know he doesn't like you back? " He asked. Brainstorm couldn't tell if he should laugh or allow himself to be delusional long enough for him to fantasize. He decided on the former and let out a performative hoot for emphasis.
"Have you even seen the way Percy acts around me? If ever there was a list of reasons to hate me, he'd have named every one on it multiple times."
"I haven't seen him actively despise you in forever, though," Chromedome said. "I don't think you really know what he's like now."
"Of course I do," He argued. He reflected for a moment on his time with Percy. I suppose he hasn't been quite so nagging lately. He thought. He's been laughing at my jokes more, and casually discussing how ridiculous Rodimus is. He listened to my insane ramblings a few times without immediately tossing all possibilities out the window… he traced the seam between his face and his mask with his thumb thoughtfully. And as of recently, he even told me he appreciates my intellect….
He almost let himself get carried away in such an enchanting idea, but quickly snapped out of it. That wasn't substantial evidence anyway.
"How would you know? You don't talk to him," He asked, crossing his arms. He could see a hint of humor in Chromedome's optics. Clearly he was congratulating himself for helping Brainstorm unravel just a little bit more. Asshole.
This used to be Brainstorm's job. Teasing Chromedome for his crushes and encouraging him to ask them out and what not. It was his job to pester him about his silly romances, not the other way around.
"You two walk together all the time," Chromedome said.
"Oh yeah? Where?" He asked, almost begging his friend to prove any of his daydreams impossible.
" Everywhere . He even smiles when he's around you. I doubt he smiles around anyone else at all. "
Brainstorm's mouth suddenly felt dry. Should I let myself be a little more deranged than I already am? He asked himself. Or should I suppress this like I do everything else until it goes away? He felt his spark sink.
Who am I kidding? It's never gonna go away. You don't make a time machine to save your ex -crush, you make it to save someone you still love. I can't just get over this.
Yet why would he let himself embrace that kind of idea again? All it ever led to was trouble. And over what? Just evidence that Percy made a friend for once? Or that he doesn't despise him anymore?
Shaking his helm, he stood to his pedes, servos on his hips.
"Whatever," He vented. "My beautiful processor shouldn't be wasting time on such nonsense," He said, feeling a twinge of self-pity as he reduced his anxieties and pains down to the silly nature of crushes. "I'll talk to you later."
Chromedome narrowed his optic lense, clearly displeased. "This seems more serious than you're letting on. You can talk about it, really. I'm not going to stop you." Brainstorm appreciated the thought, but waved it away dismissively.
"I know my love life must be so invigorating for a conjunxed bot like you, but I think I'll leave it," He teased, striding away like he never had this conversation to begin with.
On his way out, he tried to keep himself composed. Loosening his tense struts and shoulders, he exited the door to Swerve's, when suddenly-
He nearly stumbled back to avoid slamming straight into… Perceptor. He was dumbfounded. Percy never comes to the bar. What was he doing here, of all places?
By the look on his face, Percy was just as surprised. They were frozen for just a second, watching each other like a deer in headlights, until Brainstorm mustered the courage to break the tension.
"See ya, Perce," He smiled with his eyes and gave a friendly wave as he swiftly left. His wings prickled with the sensation of eyes watching him. Either Percy was confused, or he was onto him.
***
Percy held a vent as he watched Brainstorm speed away, his steps noticeably longer and faster than usual. But he was too surprised he was there to begin with to go after him. And clearly, Brainstorm didn't want to be followed, no matter how friendly he acted.
Shaking his helm, he entered the loud bar, the buzzing of conversation and booming music didn't help his nerves at all either. But he quickly looked for Chromedome. He visits once a week, at least, he should be- there.
He straightened himself before making his way to his booth, getting odd side glances and stares as he did. He knew how unnatural he looked in this place, but hoped the attention would be off him once he sat.
Just as Chromedome was getting up, he spotted Percy, and yet another look of shock came his way. He felt far too exposed, having everyone look at him. Perceptor hated being…. Perceived. Chromedome made himself look busy as if he was hurrying to leave. But Perceptor was faster.
He took long strides, quickly closing the gap between them. By the look on Chromedome's face, it was very clear he and Brainstorm had just been talking, most likely about him . As he stood before him, he realized how… unnatural this must look. He forced his posture to loosen, as his ridged stature usually seemed off-putting to others. Others besides Brainstorm, he thought unhelpfully.
"Hello," He started. Still, Chromedome looked surprised.
"What, uh…" He gestured at Perceptor. "What brings you here?" Perceptor tensed, but kept his voice level. He had no reason to fear asking about his friend, surely.
"I'm worried about Brainstorm," He said, before darting his eyes between Chromedome and the booth. He took the hint and sat back down, with the microscope following suit. An odd silence ensued, which he expected Chromedome to fill. When he didn't, he pressed further.
"I've asked him already, he refuses to reply," He said, lacing his servos. He quickly corrected himself. "My apologies, I meant he refuses to tell the truth. He's very clearly lying." Chromedome looked uneasy, but responded.
"It's not my place," He shrugged. Perceptor felt his spark sink a bit. "But-" He started, making him perk up attentively.
"I doubt he's ever going to tell you. I won't say everything, though. And if he asks, don't blame me." Perceptor nodded. Chromedome glanced around the bar for a moment to make sure no one was listening in before continuing.
"I'm sure you already know it's about you, but-" He stopped quickly at the sight of Perceptor's expression, a mix of surprise, worry and insult. Clearly he didn't know. Chromedome nervously scratched his helm.
"What do you mean?" Perceptor asked, trying to conceal his emotions.
"Oh great," He muttered to himself. "Well, um. Don't tell him I told you. He, um." Chromedome put his hands together thoughtfully.
"Yes?" Perceptor pressed.
"It's, well… It's complicated. It's not anything you did, if that's what you want to know. This just happens sometimes. No, really just one time. And it was semi catastrophic but that's beside the point," He stated dismissively. Perceptor couldn't help but blurt out his next question.
"What do you mean? " He repeated, his panic becoming more difficult to hide.
"What I mean, " He started. "Is he's having somewhat of an extensional crisis, but it's fine." He paused himself again, going back to correct himself once more. "Well, not really, but there isn't much you can do about it-" He shook his helm. "That's aside the point. All you need to know is that he won't be blowing anything up or ruining the ship in response."
Perceptor knew he meant that as a positive but he couldn't help but frown. "That's what concerns me. He hasn't been in the lab for several days now for longer than a few moments. It feels unnatural."
"Hmm," Chromedome contemplated. "Maybe…. Maybe come up with an excuse for him to get into the lab again. Invite him to work on a project with you or something?" He said, suddenly excited. "Yeah. Maybe that'll help him get over it." Just as quickly, he reverted to his anxious, tired state. "Or it could make this exponentially worse."
"Can you please give me any definitive answers?" He asked. Chromedome shook his helm.
"I'd say that's your best shot. Maybe just try to act very… normal?" He thought aloud. " Your kind of normal."
Perceptor's helm was thoroughly filled with buzzing by now, and the overwhelming environment gave him no pleasure either. He let out an exasperated vent.
This had gotten him nowhere. No, that wasn't entirely true. It'd made him even more concerned than before.
He reviewed the information he'd gathered thus far in his processor.
-Perceptor was the cause of his troubles, regardless of intent.
-Last time 'this' occurred, the results were catastrophic.
-Brainstorm is having an existential crisis.
-And working with him could either make or break whatever… friendship he had with him. The word friendship didn't seem quite right, but his mind blanked when searching for a better term. It would have to suffice.
This was just like Brainstorm. He can never just be in the gray area. It's always these black and white, hot or cold, upside down, messy thought processes. He couldn't be more diametrically opposed to Perceptor. This was a trait he despised for so long, but had grown to find almost charming over time. It definitely wasn't appreciated here, however, where the stakes were too high to allow room for error.
"Yes, well…," He stood to his pedes and exited the booth as smoothly as possible to hide his worry. "Thank you, and I apologize for any discomfort I brought." He quickly began walking away when Chromedome caught his attention by clearing his vocalizer.
"If you really, really want to know, it'd help to show you care. Not just asking what's wrong when you can. Maybe just telling him you value him or that he's your friend," He paused. "You are friends right?" Perceptor was taken aback.
"How haven't you heard? He's your best friend, is he not?" He asked. Chromedome looked satisfied with his answer and relaxed a little.
"Just remind him, maybe. If he isn't comfortable telling you what's wrong, just let him know that if he is, you're ready to listen."
He mulled this over in his processor for a moment. This seemed logical enough. Actually, it made him somewhat excited. He never had many excuses to tell him that he appreciated his company. He felt like something needed to provoke that sort of sentiment from him, even when he knew the most genuine expressions of appreciation aren't timed.
Perceptor gave him a formal nod and made his way out. Still confused, still worried, but at least there was a possibility that his action could make a positive difference.
Either that, or apparently a negative difference bad enough to create a catastrophe. Whatever that means.
As he entered the lab, he began running over the information in his head again. What kind of project would make him want to stay? He didn't like the idea. He didn't want to ask to work together just so he could understand his partner better. It would be disingenuous.
As he was scouring his mins for ideas on what to do, he received a ping from Rodimus.
[I'm coming to the lab. ASAP. Tell Brainstorm.]
***
"So I was thinking, " Rodimus started, ecstatic.
"Said Rodimus moments before disaster," Brainstorm said, pretending to whisper. Percy almost laughed.
"Quiet you. Anyways," He began pacing as if it made him look smarter. "I was thinking, what if we added another quantum engine! The past few jumps have been slow-"
"No," Perceptor cut him off.
" Hell no," Brainstorm corrected. "As in no way in hell ."
"What? You haven't even heard me out!" He whined.
"We don't need to. You already started with a 50.19835% chance of being shot down when you admitted this was your idea," Percy said. "And the nanoklik you said 'quantum' your odds were lowered to 12.33492%."
"Try small numbers, Perce. Aside from the fact that 5 digits behind the decimal is useless,-"
"It's not."
"He can't process numbers that big. Poor guy won't have a brain module left to think up any other stupid ideas," Brainstorm teased.
"Okay, okay! Knock it off already," Rodimus stopped, arms crossed with a scowl on. "Let me offer an alternative."
Percy and Brainstorm exchanged doubtful glances in unison, almost making Brainstorm giggle at how in sync they were sometimes.
"How about we, and by 'we' I mean you two , come up with a way to make the quantum engines more awesome," He said, followed by a short silence between the three of them.
"So, what, you want us to paint flames on them?" Brainstorm snorted.
"Ugh, no. I meant more…." He gestured vaguely for a moment as if he was shaping something in the air. "More um. Better." He shrugged.
"Please elaborate," Percy asked, the minute annoyed expression on his face barely readable to anyone else but Brainstorm.
"You know!" He said. "Make 'em faster and stronger and cooler. "
"Anything else you want while we come up with ridiculous demands?" Brainstorm teased. "Flying submarines? Recharge slabs for Titans? Therapy for Rung-"
"Just make it happen, capiche?" He said with finality in his tone. He began making his way to the lab doors.
"Do we have a due date?" Percy asked. He paused thoughtfully.
"By the end of the week," Rodimus shrugged, before quickly making his exit before either of the scientists could kick his aft.
A long silence ensued, neither mech making a sound as they stared at the closed door.
"I hope his idea of 'awesome' doesn't include 'functional'," He said, his servos on his hips.