DON'T COUNT MISTAKES I LOST TRACK OF THEM

[tilallisoverused]

( He's in trouble. He's Rodimus, the younger of Nova's two candidates for Prime, and he is absolutely in trouble. It's not his fault. He just happened to be somewhere where trouble results, although okay - that part isn't new.

And he knows exactly how he got here in the first place, it's the same as it always is.

Orion frowns at him every time he leaves the Primal Basilica dressed in a cloak - knowing full well that he's going to go to those places that Nova finds unlawful and unruly. Sure, the other Prime in training had attempted to stop him before, to no avail. That makes something twinge in Rodimus because he likes Orion, he really does.

Then again, most people like Orion 'Super Cop, Future Prime' Pax. Because apparently some people like having a career that's pointless once you know you'll carry the Matrix. He guesses that has to do with Orion having spent some of his life from out of Nova's influence - maybe that made you like police work.

Not that Rodimus would know what that's like - Nova snatched him up two days after he was forged, as if he knew exactly where to find him. Must be a 'wisdom of the Matrix' thing. Find your replacements before someone else does and what not. But it boiled down to the fact that he'd never really got to know or experience life outside the basilica walls and for every time Nova told him he shouldn't or couldn't go out - he did.

Which is how he ends up standing over someone he punched into a wall - thanks Galvatron and Cyclonus for teaching him that one - inadvertently starting a bar fight that he is determined to win. Rodimus is pretty sure that as a mysterious cloaked and hooded figure, he definitely looks awesome which negates the trouble.

Mostly. )

Comments

[thesurpriseinside]

[ He can sort of pick up on where this is going and turns to frown up at Rodimus. ]

Don't feel guilty. Unless it's about how foolish and recklessly you've behaved, then fine, because you were. Be better, but I chose to take that hit. It is my sworn duty to protect the citizens of Cybertron and that includes you. ...But.

[ And then the frown softens slightly. ]

This. What you've done means a lot to me, Rodimus. I don't think you know how much.

[tilallisoverused]

There's nothing wrong with relaxing.

( He doesn't look at Minimus for that, face in a scowl and optics focused on a very interesting point on the floor. If he hadn't have gone back, if he hadn't have been there -- Minimus wouldn't have been shot. He knows that, but Minimus' words let him exvent air he didn't know he was holding in. )

Probably not. ( Casually, like one does. Because they're moving away from that part of the conversation as soon as possible. ) Go put it on. Ratchet won't leave me alone if I don't come back with a report.

[thesurpriseinside]

There is when you're endangering yourself.

[ He exvents a sigh and begins unpacking the suit. ]

Very well then.

[ There's not really a lot of room in Minimus' apartment, so he just does it there. It's not especially graceful and it takes up a bit of energy that he doesn't really have, so by the end he's a little unsteady on his feet. He'll endeavor to hide it, though, trying to get used to being in the suit again, which... feels good. Feels right.

Possibly even more than the first time he put it on. ] It's good.

[tilallisoverused]

( His frown eases into a smile, leaning against whatever wall is nearest. )

Everything works? Ratchet told me about some exercises you had to do but ( A shrug. ) you know where to find him if it freezes up.

[thesurpriseinside]

What are the- [ Exercises it what he means to ask, but in taking a few experimental steps, he discovers that a few weeks out of the armor and running on fumes is actually enough to lock up his joints.

He stumbles forward as his knee joints suddenly refuse to hold his weight, falling against Rodimus. ]

[tilallisoverused]

( Rodimus' arms instinctively come up to wrap around the other bot in order to try and steady him - although it does have the side effect of pressing Minimus' face into his chassis. )

Woah, watch it. ( But his tone is light and amused. ) I'm only getting your armor fixed once - next time you break it, it's all on you.

[thesurpriseinside]

[ Minimus is both relieved and mortified that his face is pressed where it is. It means Rodimus can't see how flustered he is, but it's also still happening.

He pulls away, but finds himself still unsteady, so he can't go too far. ]

I- I'm sorry. It takes a little time to get use to being back in the suit.

[tilallisoverused]

( Rodimus helpfully doesn't remove his arms just yet - he felt Minimus sway and would rather have him fall on him again than on the floor. )

Guessing that means you're not out of it often.

[thesurpriseinside]

No.

[ He appreciates it, even if he's too embarrassed at the moment to say. Or even really look at Rodimus. His hands settle on Rodimus' arms. ]

The last time I was completely out of it was years ago.

[tilallisoverused]

Weird.

( He shifts so that his hands are gripping Minimus' sides - still steadying him before tapping one finger against the side of his helm. )

Looks fine to me.

[thesurpriseinside]

[ Minimus does look up to frown at him for that. ]

It's not weird. The armor isn't meant to be taken on and off.

[tilallisoverused]

Not that, the fact you have it at all.

( He isn't aware of anyone having such a thing. Not that he pays attention to his lessons, or paid. )

[thesurpriseinside]

[ Rodimus gets the most incredulous look for that. ]

Who would give a bot as small as I am naturally even half a chance to be one of Tyrest's peacekeepers.

[tilallisoverused]

( He doesn't get what the big problem is. )

Anyone who saw you punch someone through a wall?

[thesurpriseinside]

Not everyone is impressed by a show of violence, Rodimus. There was a time before Tyrest's return to power when those in charge would have sooner taken my spark and tossed the rest of me in the smelter than bothered with me.

[ Which feels like a very strange thing to talk about when they're standing like they are. ]

[tilallisoverused]

( Rodimus' hands tighten for a second, almost protectively if it was anyone but Rodimus. )

Nova likes people who can pack a punch - you could have gone to him. There's always room in the Primal Vanguard.

( Although he has to grin at the image of Minimus as a member. )

woooow i meant to write Nova not Tyrest wow brain

[thesurpriseinside]

[ Rodimus gets a curious look for the grip, then Minimus shakes his head. ]

It wasn't what I wanted, even if they might have given someone like me half a glance.

[ He had a dream, okay. ]

WHOOPS it's okay we can pretend otherwise

[tilallisoverused]

You want to be a lawman.

( DRYLY. He can't understand it.

Also he probably should like. Let go Minimus at some point since he's looking pretty steady on his feet.

At some point. )

nah that's okay, it works

[thesurpriseinside]

[ Minimus stands a little straighter. ]

Yes. I do.

[ Wanna make somethin' of it?

And he should step away maybe. Put a little distance between them. He doesn't. ]

[tilallisoverused]

( that gets a grin from him )

Still weird. You have to admit that, c'mon.

( but he doesn't say it as if it's a bad thing - smile still in place. it's then that he realizes he's still holding onto Minimus and drops his arms to his sides. )

[thesurpriseinside]

[ He frowns at Rodimus until he realizes that Rodimus' hands have moved, in which case he'll quickly drop his own and turn to move back to the couch. ]

Thank you for bringing my armor to me. [ When he sits it's clumsy and a little graceless. That gets a frown too. He's using more energy to move around in the bigger suit. ] I really need to recharge.

[tilallisoverused]

Just the once, remember? ( He turns to take a look at Minimus' apartment, obviously not getting the hint. ) I thought you didn't take days off, Minimus.

( look at him, invading your apartment and picking up things and setting them back down at all the wrong angles. )

[thesurpriseinside]

[ It's a testament to how tired he is right now that he doesn't jump up and fix everything, jeez Rodimus. ]

It's the only opportunity I get to rest. The last few weeks in particular I haven't had the opportunity to get a proper cycle. I would very much like to go back to bed.

[ He's trying to be polite. ]

[tilallisoverused]

Alright.

( He's not stopping you. )

[thesurpriseinside]

Rodimus, leave.

[ he shouldn't even have to say this. ]