Thirst-y spoilers likely

[ex_backstab594]

I feel as though I've said this before, though I can't reiterate it enough.

I don't need your pity.

I'll simply have to try harder to ...provide the sort of initiative that Lord Megatron desires. Soon I'll be back in his good datapads.

Soon.

Just you wait.

[Pause]

As for Knock Out, well. We did both think we were set to perish. I don't think I was unreasonable.

Comments

[wheetwhoo]

[ Folds arms ]

I'm not taking back what I said either.

For the record.

Even if it wasn't entirely my fault.

[ex_backstab594]

If I recall correctly, the Dark-En was your idea.

[he'd carry it off except at the very last second his eyebrows cant down like come on that was perfectly believable]

...wait-... You mean the compliment? That's what you're not taking back?

[wheetwhoo]

[ Not quite meeting his eyes and is instead brushing off non-existent dirt from his arm. ]

Well... yes, that was what I was referring to.

[ex_backstab594]

[That little genuine smile is creeping back, his poverty-stricken ego finding $20 on the floor]

You're too kind.

[Perhaps he really means that]

Ordinarily I'd say all's well that ends well. [but it kinda ended horribly.] Ah. My condolences for your demotion.

[wheetwhoo]

Yes, well - it could have been... uh... [jusssst stops himself from saying "worse", his expression rapidly going from calm if awkward to "oh shit what did I just say REGRET IMMEDIATELY"

beat]

Listen, Starscream, I'll be in the sickbay in case you need a, uh. Fix.

[ex_backstab594]

[he takes it coolly, at least as coolly as he's taken anything] It wouldn't be the first time, doctor.

Fortunate my foresight in taking on a talented physician early has more than paid dividends. [he's too proud to admit he's scared as hell to find out what Megatron ends up doing to him]

Onto more--pleasant matters. Hm? How do you feel about sabotaging Shockwave's Predaproject?

[wheetwhoo]

[ Knock Out catches the compliment and preens. His posture and composure coming back like a flower recently watered. ] Not to buff my own finish, but I am always a good idea.

...My audials are on.

[itshammertime]

Starscream... Thanks

for not letting Knock Out die.

You know, you two work good together.

[ex_backstab594]

Well. His survival was integral to my own.

...I-...Mean. We do. Don't we.

Obviously your presence has been sorely missed. And not just on the ship. [a pointed glare at his mun pining]

[itshammertime]

[Breakdown is used to con talk, that way of saying things that have even more meaning than is said.]

It's good to see you two taking care of each other.

[He lets out a small grunt, though it sounds a bit pained in a way.]

Made a mistake, but that left others to pay for it.

You've been looking a bit tired lately, you getting rest?

[Yes, he actually does care.]

[ex_backstab594]

[Ah yes Breakdown always was honest and straightforward. Starscream graces him with a smile, a little thin one, but generally benign, if not completely sincere. He's into you too Breakdown]

I hardly think it fair to consider you responsible for this. That wretch Silas was the one who strung your body up like a puppet.

Ti-... [conflicted. He can unload on Breakdown, he has massive shoulders. This is nice.] ...To tell you the truth, I've been in a--difficult place. Ah.

I don't feel as though Megatron respects my contributions.

[itshammertime]

I let myself get hotheaded about Airachnid... didn't listen to Dreadwing.

Not that I can change it now.

[For what it's worth he is sorry he wasn't around to try to put his help into a lot of things.

But he can listen, he's used to doing it for Knock Out too.]

Megatron doesn't respect anyone but himself, he only acts like it when it gets him what he wants.

[Death has offered him a bit of cynicism about Megatron.]

Do you respect what you have done for the Decepticons?

[ex_backstab594]

She's easy to underestimate. [He's lucky he's still breathing. Venting. You know.] I'm sure I'll see you again, in the great beyond.

Or possibly sooner. [glowers at his mun]

Wh-...you-... could, ah. Say that. Perhaps. It might be true. I had thought he valued--deeds and effort, but now I'm not so sure...

[well why would Breakdown have any investment in Megatron? Might as well be truthful]

I would sooner lead them to glory than have him rule. But... they don't appreciate me, save for Knock Out--and you. And you're dead.

And I'm having a more fulfilling conversation with a corpse than I've had in months. Primus. I'm so lonely.

[itshammertime]

My mun seems to be finding me easier to connect with lately, which is... kind of nice, I don't feel quite as dead and gone this way.

[He smiles but it's a little one that is sincere.]

You were doing a lot better before he returned, if what I heard has any truth. He's not smart enough to see where fine tools make a more efficient mark than a blunt instrument.

[Since he's dead he really doesn't care if Megatron finds out he said this.]

Sorry I can't offer more, but I wouldn't have a problem keeping you company, and I think Knock Out wouldn't mind seeing a little more of you.

[ex_backstab594]

I can't say I'd begrudge having you around myself.

[and then he's practically climbing into Breakdown's lap to put a finger against his lips] Not--so loud.

[even if Soundwave isn't around, old habits die super hard]

You are - in many ways - the ideal Decepticon, Breakdown. You're good at what you choose to do. You don't ask stupid questions. You're loyal, and obedient, and immensely physically strong. And I can't fathom what compelled our Lordship to wish to leave you to rust in human hands.

Knock Out is...dependable, so far as it goes.

[sweet_riiiiims]

Don't think you were reasonable, too~

[ex_backstab594]

Well. [puffs up, on slightly firmer ground here] Overall, I think we make a rather impressive team, you and I.