IC Inbox [Rekindled]

[needlefingers]

Hey this is Chromedome, sorry I didn't catch this but leave a message and I'll get it when I can!

Comments

[pffft]

[Prowl just stares back with a hurt expression, unable to keep up the facade any longer.]

[needlefingers]

Prowl?

[He feels the shift in Prowl's moods and instantly knows that something's wrong. Of course something's wrong. There's always something wrong, even if he doesn't mean it to be.]

What's wrong?

[pffft]

[There's a drawn out sigh as Prowl covers his face, using a moment to regain his composure. He has the distinct feeling that he's failed, somehow.]

You know what's wrong, Chromedome. And you didn't want to tell me.

[needlefingers]

I...I don't...?

[Anxiety claws at his spark until he feels on the verge of a panic attack. His optics widen and his hands start trembling.]

What are you talking about?

[pffft]

The needles.

[needlefingers]

[Ah.]

What about them? I haven't seen them since Ratchet took them out.

[pffft]

[Prowl just shakes his head in disappointment]

I'm an idiot to keep giving you chances.

You have two days to return them before I go to Ratchet and Magnus.

[needlefingers]

Except I don't have them.

[Fine. He'll play your game.]

You can even search my apartment if you want. There's nothing here.

[pffft]

Then you have nothing to worry about when we begin a thorough investigation. Of all of us.

Perhaps two days is being too generous.

[needlefingers]

Why are you doing this?

[pffft]

Whatever happened, you're the only one who knows how to use them. I know you're involved.

And you have the power to turn away from it.

I want to give you that chance before it comes to force.

[needlefingers]

Wait.

You said that you were going to tell Ratchet and Magnus. But the needles would have been in Ratchet's room.

Did you break into Ratchet's apartment?

[pffft]

That's not really the prudent issue here - but yes.

I would rather resolve this privately.

[needlefingers]

You'd... really deliberately break the law for me?

I'm flattered, in a really weird way.

[pffft]

...

Yes, well.

[He crosses his arms.]

You're still my partner.

[needlefingers]

[That might have caused a pang of guilt in his spark. Guilt over what is anyone's guess. He has a lot to be guilty about.]

You're mine too. For better or for worse it seems.

But I don't have the needles. Feel free to tell Ratchet and Magnus. I've got nothing to hide.

[pffft]

I will. I won't be ruling out your involvement when I do.

[Prowl looks at him, considering saying something for a long moment, but eventually just clicks the feed off.]

[Action]

[needlefingers]

[There's a small knock on Prowl's apartment door about an hour later.

Now who could that be.]

[pffft]

I hope you're not here to try and change my mind.

[Prowl says from down the hall. Looks like he was just returning from something.]

[One hand is careful to hover by the embedded gun holster in his leg. He doesn't suspect Chromedome will harm him, per say, but after being tossed into a coma - he couldn't help but be cautious in a moment like this. Not that it looked much more suspicious than having one's hands at their side.]

[needlefingers]

[Chromedome, as it so happened, had both of his hands behind him. When Prowl walks up to him, he holds up a colourful glass sculpture for him to admire.]

Not at all. I actually wanted to give you this.

[Because he knows full well that Prowl would never buy a pointless pretty thing for himself.]

[pffft]

[Prowl looks confused at first at the offering, then touched by the gift, but he keeps his hands at his sides and quickly steels his gaze.]

You should be returning the needles to back to their place. Or at least begin looking a little more concerned that you're the prime suspect in this.

[It was beautiful and most likely the only decorative object he'd have in his apartment. But he couldn't accept.]

But instead you try and placate me.

[needlefingers]

Pfft, you really think I'd believe that this thing would placate you? I got it because I figured you could use a little colour in your life. You're very... black and white.

We can do something other than this needle drama you know.

Speaking of which, I honestly don't have them.

[And he doesn't. So he's technically being honest here.]

I'd be a prime suspect no matter what happens, so I'm not too upset over it.

[pffft]

Chromedome, this investigation isn't just 'drama'. If you're found to have any connection to this your punishment may be much more severe than before.

[He puts his hands on Chromedome's shoulders.]

This is serious.

[needlefingers]

I am serious.

[Chromedome leans in, wanting to be closer despite everything. Prowl's touch feels nice, and maybe he wants more of it.]

And I died Prowl. You can't get much more "severe" than that. I've told you several times that I don't have the needles. I wouldn't lie to you about that. What would I even do with them? Stare at them and think about everything they cost me?

I want to move past this, Prowl. I wish you'd let me.

[pffft]

Let you...

[Prowl immediately stiffens in that familiar way that denotes his displeasure with those words.]

I want to move past this as much as anyone. I wan't you to stay afloat. But it's been getting more and more difficult to trust that you won't drag yourself back into it.