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This was a new experience for the both of them. Tarn was observing him, without his mask and a soother in his mouth, whilst snuggling up to his side. Tesarus was laying on Tarn’s berth, holding him, not sure what they were supposed to be doing. He was never a primary caregiver for Tarn when he was like this. Sure, he was there to support his teammates, but he had never had one-on-one time with Tarn.
One moment Tarn was crying in Helex’s arms, and the next he was being placed in Tesarus’ arms. His only vague instruction was to care for him, and he seemed to be doing a great job so far. It didn’t seem so bad when the only thing Tarn was doing was worrying his pacifier.
Tarn sniffled, bringing up a tattered servo to wipe at his sore optics before returning back to staring at him. Tesarus had seen Nickel play games with him to keep him occupied before, but Tarn seemed like he just wanted to look at him. Helex would help him drink energon, but he was fed not even a few kliks ago. Kaon would be his structure when he felt disorganized, but they were still on schedule right now. Vos would talk and sing to him, but Tesarus didn’t know if Tarn would like him trying to sing or entertain him with stories like Vos did.
Tesarus wasn’t exactly sure where he would fit into this equation, he didn’t really know what he was supposed to really do, or what skills he could apply here. He heaved a sigh and looked down at Tarn who now seemed anxious, his EM field was charged and tears were bordering his optics again. He almost threw himself into a panic before reassuring himself that everything was alright, and panicking would only make Tarn panic. Tears began to fall from Tarn's optics again, and he felt a bit helpless before he even did anything.
“Hey, sorry, I was just thinking.” Tesarus started, bringing up the soft blanket that was discarded earlier to dab at the light tears falling from his optics. Tarn gently grabbed on to the blanket, and Tesarus let him hold it when his face was dry.
Tarn picked up worrying his pacifier again to quell himself, and Tesarus brought his servo to caress his helm. Tarn tucked into the affection with a relieved sigh, so he was on the right track here. He continued, and Tarn's sorrow subsided in favor of a soft drowsiness replacing it. He laid his helm down onto him as he grew sleepier, he checked his internal clock and they would have been putting Tarn down for a nap at this time anyhow.
“You should recharge, I'll be right here.” Tesarus suggested, moving his servo down to Tarn's back struts, as they both maintained optic contact. It was a bit awkward for him to have those optics staring at him so intently despite Tarn's supposed sleepiness, but it seemed to comfort him so Tesarus didn’t mind too much. His optics became dim, the time he had his optics closed grew longer, and his vents started to even out.
Tarn was almost practically asleep, and to be honest Tesarus was almost right behind him in that aspect. He hadn’t taken a nap in a while, and now would be the perfect time since Tarn is too. Tesarus was glad to find that Tarn had finally drifted off into slumber, he thought it was endearing that his engine would quietly growl in his recharge. It was very lulling in the quiet of the room, he almost closed his optics when he heard the door slide open. He squinted at the light coming through into the dim room.
“Is he in recharge?” Kaon whispered in disbelief, Tesarus wasn’t sure why that was so shocking to him.
“Yeah,” He murmured with heavy optics, he was definitely having a nap after Kaon left. Nickel too, he tacked on as she skated into the room.
“Wow, we only left you for…” She checked her chronometer, “a few kliks and he’s already asleep. He usually doesn’t go down that fast.” Oh, then that was a blessing he did so quickly, maybe it was all that crying. He could just claim that Tarn just liked him better to be funny, he’d do that when he woke up.
Nickel started to usher Kaon out the room, when she saw how tired Tesarus was. He would get them for laughing at him being tired, eh, he’d do that when he woke up. For now, he’d just enjoy Tarn's warmth.
Tesarus relaxed into the berth and let himself drift off, he would definitely have to stop doubting himself so much.