[ti]Ep 2[/ti]Nothing But Time [Closed, Breakdown]

[Knock Out]

Episode 2 | Week 3 | Day 1
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Knock Out hadn't been doing anything of real importance when Megatron's voice spoke firmly over the comm. He was sprawled out on the bed in his shared quarters, one arm raised up above his helm with datapad in hand, optics scanning right and left as he read, occasionally his other hand would reach up to swipe across the screen delicately, turning the page on whatever he was reading. One leg hung off the edge of the bed lazily. He should probably be in the medbay, but ehh.. Breakdown would have things handled until he could be bothered to move. He was barely even listening to what Megatron was saying, attention fully on the datapad.

Something something Autotrash. Something something MECH. Something something truce.

That made him sit up. A truce? Well then. He knew firsthand how dangerous MECH were, after what they'd done to his partner; but he didn't realize it required a temporary pause on the war against the Autobots just to take them down. Maybe they were worse than he thought. This was juicy. Maybe he'd get to have some sort of revenge against the humans after what they'd done.

Gracefully he swung his other leg off the edge of the bed and moved to stand, stretching his arms above his helm with a groan, hydraulics hissing as he stretched. He should probably make his way to the medbay, he was already late and Breakdown was probably wondering where he was. He took a few steps to the mirror that hung on the wall, double checking he looked alright. He did. No surprise there. A confident hum to himself, before he moved from his shared quarters and down the hallway toward the medbay.

Not that he intended to stay for very long. He'd been growing restless and somewhat claustrophobic on the Nemesis over the last few days, it'd been a while since he'd had chance to 'escape'. That was nothing new, and this news of a truce would be the perfect excuse to go clear his head and go for a drive.

“Ah good, you're here.” He hummed to Breakdown, smiling as he strode into the room. The door sliding closed behind him. He didn't even look up as he made his way into the medbay, still reading the datapad. He knew Breakdown would be in here, because unlike Knock Out? Breakdown had somewhat of a good work ethic.

“I suppose you heard the news?” it was a silly question, of course he had; it'd been broadcast over the comm.

“I'm leaving the medbay in your capable hands for the day.” He powered the datapad off, sliding it over onto a table with a stifled yawn. “I need to get out of here for a little bit. Be good, mm? There's a list on the datapad should you run out of things to do.”

Honestly Breakdown should've seen it coming, Knock Out seemed to leave the Nemesis at least once a week to do... Whatever it was he did. He was more than overdue for another outing.

“If you need me, just call.” He had to say that or he'd feel a little guilty, although Breakdown was usually pretty good about things, and didn't call unless it was a dire emergency; and he knew there wasn't exactly going to be anything that actually needed his medical expertise.

With that? He would turn on his heel and make his way toward the door. Breakdown usually nodded and agreed, why would today be any different? Freedom was only minutes away.

[Breakdown]

     Everything in the medbay paused when Megatron's voice came on over the comms, instructing them of the truce that had been reached between the Decepticons and the Autobots. Combining forces to defeat MECH? It wasn't that much of a surprise, considering how dangerous they clearly were, but maybe there was more to it than even Breakdown knew in spite of having been in their clutches first-hand. It had taken him some time to recover from the encounter, and even now the thought of them touching on him and opening him up still caused great discomfort and some anxiety. Nothing like it had been at first, but it was still a tender subject. Of course, now he would probably smash their faces in instead of running away to hide. 

     Yay for that temper.

     Breakdown felt a tap on his arm and he looked over at the Vehicon who was still sitting on the table. He had been in the middle of buffing out some scuffs and had been distracted by his Commander's announcement. Now that it was over he figured that it was time to get back to work.

     "Alright, alright. Sorry! You'll be good as new in a klik," he said with a lighthearted chuckle before turning the buffer back on and pressing the circular pad to the Vehicon's shoulder. "I guess with there being a truce you aren't gonna need to be worried about being shot at. Just, you know, take care of yourself anyway. You don't know who may have a short fuse on what cycle. Annnd, there you go! All finished." Breakdown had completed the final one and turned off the buffer. After a bit of small talk he sent the Vehicon on his way to finish up the rest of his tasks. That mean about sixteen vehicons no longer needed to be looked at. Sixteen chores off Knock Out's list.

     The soldier had been up for a while now- long before Knock Out had even stirred from stasis- to get a start on his morning duties. When he woke up he was right in the medbay, organizing the tools in perfect rows, tidying up anything else that may have been messed up during the Nemesis's flight, and going through logs to see who was due for a maintenance scan or who had reported some injury that needed to be looked over. Those orders were all ordered in accordance from 'top priority' to 'when it's gotten to'. Everything had to be organized and clean for the medic with not a fleck of dirt or grime to be found. This had become sort of an expectation, really. Whereas he didn't know if Knock Out knew if the cleaning ritual Breakdown had first thing or just figured it was clean from the cycle before didn't really matter, so long as it was done before the workcycle began. After all the cleaning was done there was also usually a cup of morning energon waiting on the table beside where he sat to go through his datapads of what Breakdown had prepared for him as well as schematics for tools he planned to work on. 

     This was what Knock Out arrived to every morning. 

     This cycle Knock Out was late. Again.

     Breakdown would have gone to check on Knock Out if he hadn't been in the middle of scanning the vehicons who were overdue for their routine checks. Everything still had to move like a well oiled machine even if the Chief Medic was still in stasis. Scans and minor repairs were something Breakdown could do on his own without needing to be watched. Knock Out had taught him, oversaw his work, and approve him to assist in the simple task. Everything else he did with them was all extra bits to make them just feel like they were part of the team instead of cannon fodder. So after their scans Breakdown escorted them to one of the tables and made minor repairs, such as filling chips and cracks, then buffed them until they looked like they were fresh off the assembly line.

     Now finished with his tasks, Breakdown was cleaning up and putting away the tools he had used. Once he was done he would check on Knock Out, just to at least make sure his partner was awake. He did tend to sleep in on the occasions he was allowed to, which were usually often as long as there wasn't an emergency since Breakdown kept things running in his absence. When Breakdown had woken up, Knock Out has seemed to be pretty far gone since he didn't have to wrestle himself out from under him. It was usually a fight of limbs paired with the need to keep the little red mech deep enough in stasis that he didn't wake up. Most mornings it worked, some he stirred and went back to sleep, and others involved Breakdown coming to the medbay with a groggy medic grabbing up his energon and returning to their shared quarters. Today had been none of that. 

     So best to check on---

     Nevermind. Breakdown heard the door slide open and looked over just as Knock Out entered. The mech wasn't looking at him, just talking at him and smiling as he read over whatever he had on the datapad in his hand.

     "Yeah, I heard..." he responded, but his partner was already going off on the next statement. Had he even heard him? Probably. It wasn't like their of them really needed to talk to get their points across anyway. He was watching Knock Out's body language, seeing the way he moved and the visible tenseness in his framework. Knock Out was wanting to go off and race. His four wheeler alt mode probably was screaming demands of it to him. Knock Out had been so wrapped up in keeping him distracted from his paranoia breaks that he'd probably been worn thin. They all had.

     Breakdown looked at the datapad that had been put on the table and made his way over to it then turned it on to see just what kind of list he had been given. It was probably just the basic stuff. He picked it up on his large servo and looked it over once it was powered back up. Yes, he figured. 
Well, this was typical of some days as well, though not as often as some other habits of his partner. He could deal with this.

     Of course he was being left in charge of the medbay.

     Of course Knock Out was going off on an outing...

     Wait. He was going out ALONE? With MECH roaming around?!

     Breakdown's single optic blinked in surprise and he looked up from the datapad, planning on reminding him how bad of an idea it was to just go off on his own and to wait up.

     "Wa-" he started, but stopped almost as soon as he'd opened his mouth. Knock Out was already gone, and Breakdown was just staring at an empty space and a closed door.

[Knock Out]

No sooner had the door slid shut behind Knock Out, did it open again and he stepped back into the Med Bay, pausing to look around – tapping a finger to his chin, as if thinking. Had he changed his mind? Had he realized that going out alone with MECH being a very real threat was a stupid idea? Maybe he'd realized that this would worry and terrify Breakdown. Could he really be putting someone else before himself and his own needs?

“I forgot this,” He hummed, moving over to the table where the fresh cup of hot Energon was waiting for him, picking up the beverage. Breakdown never let him down and always had one ready and waiting. He was the best assistant ever. He took a long sip, smiling and exhaling slowly. “That's better. See you later tonight.” and with that? He once again moved from the Med Bay, mug in hand before Breakdown could get a word of protest in. The door sliding shut behind him once more.

That was a 'no' to him putting someone else before himself. Ah well, maybe another day.

One good thing about being the Chief Medical Officer and being on good terms with so many Vehicons even after work hours? Meant that Knock Out could get away with a lot of slag. Like leaving the Nemesis whenever he wanted. Nobody tattled on him, and he did such a good job with his work that even if they did? All he'd get was a slap on the wrist. Probably.

He chugged down the rest of the Energon as he made way swiftly down the hallway and to the Bridge. Humming to himself as he inputted random codes into the ground bridge. Oklahoma? Sure why not. Another state to check off on his mission to race in every state in America.

He'd quickly shift into his altform with a familiar whir of shifting metal and parts, the ground bridge closing behind him as he sped through it. He arrived at an abandoned parking lot. Now to spend the day driving around and finding somewhere to race... 

[Breakdown]

     There was definitely a moment of tenseness in the air when he saw the door open and his expression blanked. Was it Megatron coming to check in on things? Flatline to steal some tools? Relief then, because it was none other than Knock Out. At least it wasn't what he had thought it to be. While he was walking back into the medbay Breakdown had relaxed and returned to reading the datapad that had been giving him. Clearly his partner had learned his lesson or had come to some sense.

     Yeah right.

     When Knock Out grabbed up the energon and walked out again, Breakdown frowned. Oh, it was a deep frown. No, no he wasn't going to let him go off racing by himself. Yeah, he didn't have to worry about the Autobots firing at them for now, but that didn't mean all dangers were closed off. MECH was out there! He shut the datapad down and put it back on the table then made his way out of the medbay, making sure that he locked the door after himself just to ensure no one bothered anything in there while he was gone, and then was off. He was making his way to the Bridge, waving to a pair of Vehicons along the way. Breakdown just wanted to take off running but that would draw unwanted attention from everyone who may see him and probably get some questions asked. He would just calmly walk to the bridge, just in time to see the green vortex closed.

     "Scrap. Knock Out, you get on my NERVES sometimes!" he muttered other things but those were to himself.

     He made his way to the control panel and accessed the history. Breakdown didn't know what codes Knock Out had punched in but the system remembered and he called up a portal to the last location that had been accessed.

     Oklahoma. What was in Oklahoma? 

     Well, no matter. Breakdown already knew what his partner was at least on the hunt for. He activated the bridge and jumped down- over the railing- and transformed before he hit the floor with wheels screeching under him. Breakdown knew he needed the speed if he wanted to have any hope at all to catch up so when the portal opened for him he was at the ready and gunned through. Once he had emerged on the other side and tired touched the road Breakdown was already getting to work. He ran a quick location scan to see if maybe he hadn't been able to get that far ahead. Yeah, okay, like that was ever going to be a thing. As he suspected, Knock Out's signal wasn't picked up within the immediate area so this wasn't going to be as easy as intercepting, cutting him off, and escorting him back to the Nemesis with a few choice words given along the way. He tried the comm channel but there was only an annoying buzz of static, something he had grown used to experiencing when jumping through portals as quickly as he did without letting his systems adjust to the new channel. 

     Sometimes he really hated how fast Knock Out was. Most of the time he just hated how he ignored what obvious dangers there were for his own sake. He pushed his alt mode's pedal to the floor to quickly accelerate to the maximum speed his vehicle could go. 

     So he drove, hoping to eventually be able figure out where the medic had managed to run off to in search of his pastime. Breakdown was so focused on trying to located Knock Out that he hadn't even stopped to think that he himself was traveling all on his lonesome, the first time since the MECH incident. Nope, right now he was more concerned with his partner.

     'Wait until I get a hold of you, Knock Out. I swear I'm gonna drag you back by your WHEELS this time!' Primus, was he gonna shake him when he saw him!

[Knock Out]

The only indication that Knock Out had even been in the area were the tell tale black skid-marks as he'd pulled from the parking lot in a hurry, and down the road heading West toward Oklahoma City. He was long gone by the time the ground bridge had fully closed; so had no idea that Breakdown had even followed him.

Not that Breakdown would ever do such a thing.

Knock Out got away with too much, and often took advantage of Breakdowns caring, trusting nature. Part of him sometimes felt that maybe he should feel a little bit bad about always leaving his partner to the Medbay by himself. These tiny little flickers of guilt in his field didn't last long, though. Breakdown was in his element in the Medbay and it was good for him to stay busy, and Knock Out had more than a little faith in him to run things in his absence.

In his defense, he always told Breakdown beforehand when he was leaving, and he was never gone for too long. Being the Chief Medic was a stressful job, and he needed the downtime to clear his head. At least that would be the excuse he used if he ever got in trouble for leaving. It would work, too, due to his charm and wit. The perfect crime.

He laughed to himself as he drove, he was filled with an odd sense of satisfaction and glee that he was once again free to race. He'd left so early that he'd get the entire day to himself, too.

Freedom.

He was going to make the most of this. He took to the side streets and more.. Suspicious looking alleys, this way he could avoid the infuriatingly slow morning commute, and these types of side-streets were usually hotspots for illegal races, or people gathering to discuss where the races would take place.

Although it was far too early for the racing types to be out and about. But that didn't bother Knock Out any; he'd scoped out all the places that he thought had the highest chance of attracting racers, and would return to them later unless he found a lead beforehand.

Now for the fun, time-wasting portion of his day. Sightseeing and waiting. Joy. 

He cared little for the sights, but on the rare occasion he did manage to get Breakdown away from the Nemesis, he did like to take him to spots on Earth that could be considered 'pretty'. It was a good way to earn brownie points, as he knew Breakdown couldn't stay mad at him for long when distracted by pretty scenery and sunsets. Again with the taking advantage of Breakdown's nature.

With the morning commuters now all at work, there was very little traffic on the main roads – which meant Knock Out could live a little, going over the speed limit without a care in the world as he drove closer into the city. His mind on how he'd gotten races in the past when he hadn't found them by pure luck, the streets he'd been on moments earlier were perfect... But a little out of the way. Then, almost like it was meant to be? There was a sign for a College a few miles out.

So much for that sightseeing. Sorry Breakdown. 

He pulled into the campus, driving slowly and scoping the area - in his experience the young adult males who attended colleges and high schools were more often than not the ones who were involved in the races, and more often than not they liked standing outside showing off their 'fancy' cars.

Like they could even compare their crappy cars to him. Ha.

As luck would have it? Their classes hadn't started yet, and so there was a good sized group of rev-heads lingering outside the college, and they all turned to stare at Knock Out as he pulled just meters away from them.

'Mmm... Get a good look..'

He hummed to himself smugly, listening to their murmurs. Was this a new exchange student? The car was so sleek.. So.. European.. Whoever owned it had to be loaded! One of them stepped a little closer to the cherry-red Aston Martin, hands on his hips as he looked the car over. He was trying to peer through the tinted window to talk to whoever owned this thing. He couldn't quite see through, so pressed his hands up against the glass and peered in further.

“Oi! A few of us like to kick back in the parking lot up on 9th Ave after class, 'bout 9pm, see who's got the fastest set of wheels. There's racin' and a load of hot chicks! That be something you're interested in? Might be a good way to fit in!”

If it wasn't for the fact Knock Out was in his alt form, he would've backhanded the human into next week for daring to touch him. But all he could do was sit and listen. Parking lot on 9th? That wasn't too far. Well that was the race for the day sorted.

The lack of reply, or movement from inside the car seemed to annoy the human though, and he pulled away with a disgusted snort, kicking Knock Out's front tire.

“Fuckin' weirdo thinking you're better than us. Whatever, I would've kicked your ass in a race anyway.”

'Oh we'll see about that~'

There was a skidding of tires, and a cloud of dust as Knock Out abruptly pulled from the parking lot and back into the street, almost knocking over the offending human in the process.

“YEAH RUN AWAY LIL' BITCH!” One of the humans called out after him, getting a few laughs from his buddies, but he was already long gone from the parking lot.

It would be a long day of waiting, the excitement starting to build in his field at getting to race again. He was going to win this race and make those humans pay for kicking him. The hours dragged on agonizingly slowly, but eventually it was almost time for the race. 8:55pm rolled around, and Knock Out pulled onto 9th Avenue and straight into the line of cars waiting to start the race.

“Well well! The lil' bitch decided to show up afterall!” Called out a familiar voice from a flashy little sports car a ways down the line.

Oh they were going down.

[Breakdown]

     This day was only putting more of a strain on Breakdown's nerves which made him quite a bit more irritated than usual. He was used to Knock Out sneaking off the Nemesis to go race, but the fact he was doing it right after the truce was announced? Did he doubt that MECH would be able to locate him traveling alone and pluck him up before he could get to him? Before ANYONE could get to him?

     'They say I'm dumber than a lugnut turnin' counter clockwise on a clockwise rotation, but HE goes running off to who knows where when he knows those MECH slaggits are running around! What is WRONG with him?!'


     He'd been driving around for hours now, fairly certain that he had traveled the entire state at this point. The entire day had been spent in weird cities and suburbs as tried to track down the speedy red mech. He didn't want to draw attention to himself but that was sort of difficult when your alt mode was far away from a military facility and sticking out like a sore thumb as it towered over most other vehicles he passed. He'd just stay focused and move on to the next place. Breakdown had tried his comm several times without success, figuring that he was still experiencing some high level of interference certain that messed with his close range channel. He would have gone through on the Decepticon's main frequency, but then everyone would know just what Knock Out was doing and he just didn't want to be the one getting the medic into that heap of trouble. All he could do was drive and hope he passed through close enough to make contact.


     'Scrap, Knock Out. Where in the Pits are ya?!'

     Then, just as all hope was starting to leave him, it was as if Primus himself had decided to give him a break and drop a sign. There was an alert to Knock Out's signal just outside of a place called Oklahoma City. With a target now, he made his way back to the main highway and began on route to that location.

     There was an annoying sound behind him, like a siren, then he spotted red and blue lights in his rearview mirror. The human's version of an Enforcer was on his bumper. Breakdown had failed to realize that there was something they called a 'speed limit' on the route he was traveling and he was way over it.

     'Doesn't this day just get better and better...'

     Breakdown slammed on his brakes and twisted the wheel, the back end of his vehicle mode swinging around. He transformed out of his alt mode, arms swinging around with his left hammer at the ready to follow through. The cop tried to stop himself and the sound of screeching tires filled the air right before it was replaced by that of crunching metal. The cop car went flying off the side of the road and crashed into the ditch, almost folded completely in half from the sheer force of the hit with smoke coming from somewhere under the hood. Breakdown turned around and ran in the direction he had been driving, shifted back into alt mode, then continued on his way. The cop would probably maybe survive, but that wasn't Breakdown's problem. Now he had to find Knock Out in a hurry before somehow the news got around about the 'metal monster' running around Oklahoma. At least there weren't secondary cars around to back up his story.


     8.45PM.

     It took another hour for Breakdown to finally arrive in the city. If he knew anything about Human cities, most of them were not only large but densely packed with buildings and back roads that could lead to any weird crisscross, with insane populations of Humans roaming around at every turn. Save for the human part, it reminded him somewhat of Cybertron.

     Knock Out's signal was getting closer, stronger, but there still wasn't any answer on the comm system. Had something happened and he was unable to respond? Or had the fool just turned his comm off? 

     There was an exit for 'college' that he drove past, staying the course of the strengthening signal. He turned onto 8th street, then 9th avenue. This route was dark but he could hear the faint sounds of engines not far ahead. Breakdown cut his lights as he turned around a building and was greeted by a large parking lot, completely empty if not for the collection of what looked to be young adult humans hanging around in a rather tight group of thirty or so. They were making a lot of noise, cheers and chats while holding up dark bottles of some sort and others with handheld means of light. There were several cars parked around them, probably their own, and they were all paying attention to what was going on up ahead. It was faint to see to the naked eye, but Breakdown had his scans to work with and he pinpointed the lineup. Four vehicles about five miles out, three of them basic models putting out probably more heat than was necessary. The fourth?

     'Knock Out!'

     But there was no response, so Breakdown assumed that it meant his comm was off. Probably to focus on the race. Instead of driving up that way and risk causing some sort of wreck, Breakdown drove forward slowly and parked away from the others, the dark of his paint helping him to blend in as he sat ( unknowingly ) just past what was the finish line. Knock Out would have to pass him, which meant that there was no what he could NOT see him.

     9.00PM

     The humans started to scream louder as the sound of revving engines filled the air.

[Knock Out]

The communication system was used for many reasons. To announce truces with Autotrash, in combat to call for backup or aid, around the Nemesis in an emergency, for keeping in contact with your teammates when out and about so they knew where you were, and that you were safe. The list went on. Point was? It was an important tool, and often times the difference between a life and death situation. One call over the comm and a ground bridge could be at your co-ordinates in an instant to save your spark.

So the fact that Knock Out was radio silent, not replying to any of the messages over the comm from Breakdown? Was probably concerning, and not helping the paranoid Mech any as he roamed the streets looking for Knock Out.

Not that Knock Out had any idea that his partner was out looking for him. Nor did he know that he'd tried to make contact over the comm. He turned it down so it was near muted for his own selfish reasons.

He wanted to be alone.

Breakdown knew the rules. Only contact Knock Out if there was an emergency that he couldn't handle in the med bay by himself. Truth was, he probably had heard the few calls over the comm for him but deemed them not important, so simply ignored his partner.

Sadly, Breakdown was the last thing on Knock Out's processor as he waited in line with the three other cars for the race to start. There was lots of revving engines, with scantily clad girls screaming and cheering from the sidelines. There were a lot more by the finish line, but there were a few who wanted to be close to the screaming of tires as the four cars pulled away.

Another call over the comm for him. In his defense, he didn't actually hear this one. Too focused on winning the race. Too caught up in the noises and emotion of the humans around him. Otherwise he might've noticed Breakdown's signal nearby. Then again even if he had? He probably wouldn't have taken it seriously; there was no way that Breakdown would be here.

The race looked to be a simple drag race. A straight, empty road with Knock Out and the three competitors in their pathetic excuses for cars. With all the screaming and carrying on that the human females were doing, one would think that it was actually going to be challenging. This was child's play – but a race was a race, another victory to add to his ever-growing list of victories. He'd get to show those idiotic cretins just who was the best around, and show them up for taunting him earlier.

The minutes ticked on, until about 30 seconds before the clock hit 9, a female came out holding a flag – moving into the middle of the road. This was what Knock Out lived for. The adrenaline and atmosphere in these moments before a race. Engines revved harder, people cheered louder. Knock Out was transfixed on the finish line. He was going to own this.

Three.

Two.

One.

The moment the flag was swung downwards, there was a screeching of tires and a loud, crazy uproar of cheers. Black skid-marks marked the road; and there was the smell of burning rubber in the air that would linger for a while.

It was a blink and you miss it moment, the four cars accelerating forwards; but one was gaining an ever increasing lead. No guesses as to who it was. Primus he loved showing off. The sad thing was he wasn't even really trying.

The finish line got closer, and with it came the familiar view of Breakdown sitting just past it in his alt form. Wait. What. Breakdown?!

Slag.

Knock Out finished the race in first place, to the surprise of nobody – but then, to the surprise of everyone? He kept going. Why the frag was Breakdown here?! The other three racers finished, and pulled to overly dramatic skidding halts, being met with more cheers – although those cheers quickly tapered off. There were murmurs of confusion between the humans. Why did the winner not stop to relish in his victory? Did the exchange student not know how races worked? Who even was behind the wheel of that car? Did anyone know him?

He was slightly panicked, but mostly just confused. Why was Breakdown here? Slag he must be in trouble if his partner had come out to find him. More to the point, how had he found him..? Questions that could be answered later.

He wanted to get away from the humans and somewhere out the way, as was the reason he kept driving – not going quite as fast so that the larger Mech had a chance to catch up to him. Or at least that's what he assumed would happen, given that Breakdown had to be out here for a reason.

::Breakdown! What the FRAG are you doing out here?!::

Oh now he decided to use his comm, and from the tone of his voice he was not happy.

[Breakdown]

     During Breakdown's short time in the Academy his Superiors used to tell him stories of things like this. The sound of cheers, the revving engines, and the otherwise secluded location seemed like something out of their textbooks. Had the illegal street races that were held in the dark regions of Cybertron, where the long arm of Iacon's Enforcement unit didn't dare reach to, been conducted like this? Stakes must have been pretty high in such things, with criminal enterprises and other activities the 'civilized' establishment of Cybertron dare not engage in running rampart. These were simple 'I'm better than you and I'm gonna show it off' races that Knock Out liked sneaking off to.Did Knock Out participate in those as well before the war became such a stranglehold on every day life, or was this just something he did since arriving to Earth? Breakdown had never bothered to ask nor did he really care to at the moment.

     It was a little odd, really, trying to find similarities between this planet and its complicated ways of doing everything with non unified laws and restrictions and Cybertron. It was even more odd that there were so many. 

     Musings would come later, as there were more important matters to tend to for now. The humans gathered around the finish line were getting louder as the cars neared, one in the clear lead. Everyone had the one they were rooting for, probably with bets going, but Breakdown already knew before it started who was going to pull ahead and cross the finish line first, and he was moving in for interception. The moment the red car crossed the finish, Breakdown knew that Knock Out had spotted him.

     While everyone was busying themselves with why the winner didn't stop to bask in his victory and what should be done, there was also the talk of maybe chasing him down and finding out what his problem was. That talk stopped the moment Breakdown's headlights turned on- probably most of them startled by the large military vehicle appearing out of almost nowhere- and continued after he started driving after the red vehicle. The talk turned to rumors that the owner of the car must have been some high up hotshot of more stature than they had thought if they were apparently being 'escorted' away. Breakdown would have agreed if he weren't already out of earshot and busy listening to the attitude coming across his comm link.

     Breakdown didn't respond right away, just followed him while he thought over what he had just heard. Oh boy, did Knock Out have the nerve to use that tone with him. The situation and broken promise had been one thing, the event earlier with the cop and the driving around the entire damn state looking for him had been another, but to have Knock Out use THAT tone like something was HIS fault? 

     :: You've got some ball-bearings, ya know that? :: That was the first thing said when he had finally caught up with him on the main road and drove alongside. :: Do you know how long I've been trackin' your sorry aft down? Since you left the Nemesis! I'm not the one who broke the rules so don't you dare give me your clogged crankcase attitude! :: Breakdown had more of a temper nowadays but this was the first time he had turned it on Knock Out. He had good reason to! 

     :: No lone outings, constant communication, and if we aren't paired together we keep each other updated with what's going on. THAT was what we agreed to. So did you honestly forget, or did you just not give a scrap about anyone but yourself? That you don't have to heed to what you made me swear to just as long as you got to have your fun without having to spark-sit?! :: Breakdown was really laying into him now. He didn't know if Knock Out was even listening at this point or if he was still in his 'why did you follow me' mood, but he still needed it out there. :: I'm supposed to be your partner, Knock Out, not some mech you can just command around like some pet, who will heed to your command and not have a feel either way on it because I'm wrapped around your digit or something. Sometimes you remind me of the ones who used to treat me like a defective piece of scrap. You just... AUGH! ::

     The moment the grunt of frustration came from Breakdown, he had transformed and smashed his hammer arm into the sign they passed alongside the road just as they exited the city. Before it hit the ground some ways away, he was back in his alt mode and had put on the gas, pulling ahead of Knock Out on the long stretch of quiet road in his 'I'm giving you the cold shoulder' treatment. He wanted to take Knock Out back to the Nemesis but right now he just needed to drive and calm down or else he'd be the one answering to Megatron as to why there was a convenient path of smashed bits of ship leading from the bridge to the medbay. Just a bit of driving would do him good to work off the anger that was seeping from his field. 

[Knock Out]

If Knock Out were in his root form, he would've rolled his optics at Breakdown's first comment and probably marched away before his partner could get another word in; simply because he wasn't in the mood to deal with this. Sadly he was not, so all that Breakdown would hear was an indignant scoff in response over the comm. He was otherwise quiet, letting Breakdown say what he wanted to get it off his chassis, figuring the sooner Breakdown stopped talking the better. Knock Out wanted to go back to his quarters and sulk. Any and all feelings of victory from the race were gone, ruined by Breakdown.

Was Knock Out even listening to the angry voice directed at him on the comm? Yes. For the time being he would allow Breakdown to drive alongside him while he vented away. The grunt of frustration at the end of Breakdown's little rant caught him by surprise, as did the transformation beside him to smash a roadsign.

'Eesh. Overdramatic much?'

And here he was thinking that he was the more showy and dramatic of the pair. He chuckled dryly to himself as Breakdown pulled ahead.

'Aww, adorable... Say your little rant and then you give me the cold shoulder? I don't think so.'

The things that Breakdown said? Sadly did make a lot of sense, and he had a lot of valid points... But reacting like this over one outing? Knock Out wasn't having any of it. He didn't escape the Nemesis just to get tracked down and yelled at, especially not from Breakdown.

He slowed down a little, allowing Breakdown to get a bigger lead on him. He could feel the anger radiating from his partners field, and while he himself was annoyed? He didn't want Breakdown taking him out like he'd just done that sign. Especially with what he was about to say, so as such would keep his distance for now – and if worst came to worst? He could easily outrun his partner in both forms. Not that he was worried Breakdown would lash out at him with his hammer, but he... Hadn't actually seen him this angry before, at least not directed at him.

::First of all, Breakdown, I do believe you are over-reacting just a tad.:: He purred over the comm, hoping Breakdown was listening. ::I didn't ask, need or want you to track me down. I am perfectly fine, as you can see. Or I was until you decided to show up and ruin my evening. I would've been making my way back to the Nemesis now, if it weren't for you showing up.:: He snorted. His own field was oddly calm and level despite the annoyance that could be heard in his tone.

There was a short pause, followed by a heavy sigh.

::So I didn't tell you where I was going, big deal. You've known me long enough to know exactly what I get up to here on Earth. It isn't like I sneak off to go cavorting with other cons.:: There was still the matter of him breaking their agreement a few times today. After what happened to Breakdown's optic, Knock Out had agreed he wouldn't leave by himself. As for the constant communication? Sure he'd ignored Breakdown over the comm, but he should be thankful he hadn't turned the damn thing off. It was constant communication! Just.. One sided. It counted.

::When was the last time I did this? Answer me that.:: He growled this, almost. That calm level field of his was starting to flicker with anger. He deserved this outing, this alone time.. And now he was being made to feel guilty over it, and tracked down and yelled at. ::And do not even start with me about spark-sitting.:: That was a low blow. A very low, undeserving blow. One he regretted the moment he said it, but it was too late; it was out there now.

He went quiet again for a moment. Slag.

::I'm sorry. I didn't.. Ah.. I didn't mean that.:: He must've felt bad for it – the fact he was the one who was apologizing first? That spoke volumes. He kept his gaze on Breakdown who was a good ways infront now, just to see what he did.

[Breakdown]

     Everything else that Knock Out said to him could have been shrugged off. Sure, it stung a little, but that was all. He'd sat through Knock Out's fusses before, some at him, some at others. It was never anything too malicious and mostly just a spat that they each got over. Heck, even Breakdown, in spite of being angry at this initial moment, was only only that way because he had been so worried. Yes, Knock Out was fine. Yes, maybe Breakdown had overreacted a bit. The last bit, however... that final statement that Knock Out gave at the end of his backtalk? That hit him in the spark harder than anything Knock Out had ever said to him. 

      :: And do not even start with me about spark-sitting. ::


     Breakdown didn't even know how to respond to that. He hadn't expected Knock Out to pinpoint that analogy and then run with it, at least like that. Was that what partnering with him was to the red mech? Spark-sitting? 

     There was a sting in his chest that made him almost forget he was driving. He had started to sway to the left side of the road, and it was the sudden kicked up dust and the bump he took over what had to be a chunk of rock or something that made his vehicle lurch a bit that corrected his position and got him back into the lane. He was distracted, not really knowing what to say to Knock Out after that. Knock Out did apologize right away so there had to be some level of truth behind his words... or perhaps he realized that he may actually hurt his partner enough with that jab that he would leave and wouldn't watch the medbay for him anymore. 

     Only silence would be greeted with his apology. Awkward... two minute silence that didn't seem to end fast enough. There was no immediate response as the dark blue mech was trying to wrap his head around this entire thing. It was such a simple thing to say, and Knock Out probably was feeling bad about it, but right now Breakdown didn't want to hear him say anything. For the time being he just wanted wanted to be left alone. 

      :: Please return to the Nemesis. You have patients waiting, I'm sure. They've been without a medic all day and I'm certain they'd be more comforted knowing they don't have to resort to seeing Flatline. ::

     Breakdown's voice was calm and soft, no longer holding any hint of whatever emotion he was feeling. There was no anger or irritation and not even a trace bit of sarcasm. No, his voice was merely... flat. There could have been an eerie calm to it considering what had just been exchanged between the two but none the less, it was clear that Breakdown was hurt on multiple levels because of that simple clutch of words. 

     If it had been another time long before Breakdown had this level of control there may have been violence, and definitely if it had been someone else he'd been out for blood. Instead he took the high road to get himself away from his partner before he could hear anything else from him that would damage their relationship further. There was an exit off the highway that they nearly passed. Breakdown jerked his wheel to the right, cutting across the lanes in an almost half circle to go around the guard rail set up at the exit and drove up the hill. At the stop and the bridge he took a right with a sign marked for Red Rock Canyon State Park. 

     Now it was Breakdown's turn to go dark didn't check if Knock Out was following, figuring he wouldn't anyway and had already headed back to the Nemesis. His scans, his comm link... everything was turned off. Breakdown just wanted to be alone, and the fact that he was willing to travel around on Earth like this? That alone could have been enough to show the level of hurt he was experiencing. 

[Knock Out]

Why did he say that? Why. Of all the things to say out of anger, it had to be one of the worst possible things he could've said. He didn't even know why it slipped out. He was mad, yes. But that mad? No! He never, ever wanted to hurt Breakdown – not like this. He didn't mean it. He hoped Breakout knew he didn't mean it. But.. Why would he say it if he didn't? It was said out of anger. Nothing more. A build up of frustration that had been a long time coming, and unleashed the worst way possible. He didn't mind looking after Breakdown during his bad moments, it was the one thing he did right. But sometimes he did need to get away. If only for his own sanity.

Frag. Breakdown. Fragggggg. He didn't know how he was going to fix this. Breakdown put up with a lot, but would be this thing that made him give up and walk away for good? He wouldn't blame him if he did. It was a low blow, and no doubt stung more than Knock Out would ever know.

He watched as Breakdown veered off to one side, his spark aching. What he said must've affected his partner horribly for him to do that; knowing that he was usually a good driver who always paid attention to his surroundings. He couldn't even begin to imagine what Breakdown was thinking, or going through.

This was all his fault.

The silence was what killed him the most. Two minutes that felt like an eternity. He deserved every agonizing second, and he wondered if he should speak up again. Apologize again. Would it even help what he had ruined? Probably not. He kept opening the comm link as if going to say something, but never followed through. Then Breakdown's voice would be heard.

Return to the Nemesis? Frag no. He knew for sure he had patients waiting – but they could wait longer, or go see Flatline if it was urgent, that little slaghead would probably enjoy getting to play medic for once in his pathetic life. Knock Out knew he would no doubt get reprimanded for leaving the Med Bay – Breakdown being here too kind of ruined his little escape plan, but at this point he didn't give a slag. Breakdown was more important at this point.

::I'm sorry, Breaky...:: He mumbled. Apologizing again. He didn't know what else to say. He didn't even know if Breakdown heard that; he knew his partner well, and knew that he'd probably turned his comm off after saying what he had to say, probably due to fear of Knock Out saying more hurtful things. He was concerned at how calm he sounded, when moments earlier he'd been angry. That only worried Knock Out more, and another aching pain was felt in his spark. He'd messed up badly.

He hadn't been expecting Breakdown to quickly jerk across the highway, and it caught him by surprise. What was he doing? He slowed himself further, going painfully slow now; almost below the speed limit, even.

::Where are you going?:: He had to ask, even if Breakdown wasn't listening to him at this point. There was no reply. He must have his comm turned off. Frag. By the time he'd realized what Breakdown was going, Knock Out had driven past the overpass. Luckily it was a quiet night so he was able to slam into reverse, doing a quick maneuver and pulling up onto the ramp after his partner.

He wasn't going back to the Nemesis. He was going to follow Breakdown, even if he didn't want him to. The silence was awful, and still killing him... He hated it. Sure he'd gone out with every intention of being alone, but now that he was being ignored? He couldn't stand it.

He would trail behind Breakdown, and for once would actually look at the surrounding area. It was... Actually quite beautiful. It was a clear, slightly chilly night. There were billions of stars overhead, and the moonlight gently highlighted the many canyons that surrounded them as they made their way over the bridge. There was less traffic on this bridge than there had been on the highway, and so Knock Out would flash his headlights.

Breakdown kept going.

Again, he would flash them. As if silently begging him to put the comm back on so they could talk. So he could apologize and start to make things right. He sped up, closing the gap so he was almost on Breakdown's bumper. He'd flash the headlights again.

'C'mon Breakdown..'

[Breakdown]

     Knock Out wouldn't get the opportunity to talk with him for a while longer, even as he passed his words along the silent channel. What was needing to be said had been said and now there was nothing else to discuss so the comm link had just been shut off. Breakdown figured that the red mech would merely return to the Nemesis and leave him alone and the sudden turn for the exit should have been enough to disclose Breakdown's 'I don't want to talk to you right now' to his partner. At last he'd seen him in his rear view, the sports car had drove past the exit and was continuing on the main road, Breakdown assumed towards a more secluded area to call up a bridge. He drove along Highway 281 S, not even aware that Knock Out had managed to make the exit as well and was following him. 

     There were no other cars on this stretch of road ahead of him that his scanners picked up, so he clicked it off then sped up. The silence, while it had probably driven Knock Out crazy since he wasn't the instigator of it, had been what Breakdown needed. The drive on an empty highway with nothing but the stars ahead, scenic routes to either side, and the road below his tires, with the cool of the air around him and the silence over his comm link? This was his personal therapy and just what the doctor had ordered.

     Only there was a doctor who wasn't just let him cruise on his own and was making his presence known.

     Spotting flashing lights in his mirror he slowed down, figuring that perhaps it was another car that had snuck up on him that wanted to pass. When the car sped up to his bumper instead and flashed his lights again Breakdown let out a heavy vent. That was no ordinary sports care being driven by one of those fleshling vermin.

     'Knock Out?'

     The lights were strobed in a particular way that he understood, signaled in a cryptic pattern like a a version of Morse code only with their headlights instead of taps. The two had set up that type of communication with one another before they had left Cybertron and right away he knew what Knock Out wanted. While hesitant at first, Breakdown gave in and turned on his comm link again, though he didn't speak. He went on with driving for another three or four miles before he turned off the road in a pull off section used as a scenic stop for tourists. There he finally stopped and parked, but his engine was still humming under the hood. It was an awkward moment until the engine cut.

     The sound of the hydraulics of Breakdown shifting out of alt mode finally came. Now standing at his full height again, the one-optic mech stared at Knock Out's vehicle mode with the most blank expression that had probably ever been seen on him. His optic didn't roll in irritation nor his mouth didn't turn up in a snarl out of anger. It was just placid, his optic fixed on his partner. Had he been surprised that Knock Out had decided to follow him? Mentally he was but he didn't show it. For what seemed like an eternity Breakdown stood there, oddly relaxed as he watched his partner. Would he gather his rage again and attack him? Would he yell and carry on?

     No. His action was much more simple than that. He turned and just started to walk away from the mech. He left the main road, pushing aside tree branches that got in his way and ignoring the others ones that he missed since they really wouldn't cause damage to him anyway. It would be silence all the way again, not caring if Knock Out followed or if he complained about the terrain, which, honestly, would have been rather rough for the otherwise pristine mech. It was rocky with sudden drop off ledges that humans would normally be cautious of, or else plummet to an unsightly injury or demise. For the much larger mech it was just a pedestep here and there that kept him moving along without any stalling. Finally there was a break in the densely packed trees and Breakdown pushed aside one more cluster of tree branches.

     There was a clearing that led to the edge of the cliff, which Breakdown made his way over to and sat down with the full moon overhead casting a soft glow off the his reflective metal frame. One knee was bent loosely to his chassis, the arm of that side slumped over it, while the other leg was stretched out ahead of him. His free hand was on the ground at an angle to his hip, offering just a bit of support as he sat there. Breakdown's single optic was focused right ahead of him, staring at the stars that could be clearly seen against the navy backdrop of the sky. Below there was a lake, calm, and mirroring the night sky overhead.

     This... life... that Earth held was beautiful to him. It wasn't metallic and cold like Cybertron was. No. During the day when the sun was high Breakdown could feel the warmth all around him and at night the chill in the air was just enough to slow his systems to a state of complete calm. This world was teaming with life that Breakdown had never experienced anywhere on Cybertron, and often, while scouting for Energon veins on his own at their first arrival to Earth, he had started to take everything around him in and began to appreciate the planet more and more for what it was instead of what it wasn't. 

     Still, he would have nothing to say to Knock Out. While the races were his partner's way of feeling alive? This was secretly his. Breakdown just had no desire to share that side of himself with anyone. Sure, Knock Out knew, but no one else. The secrets they held for one another were sacred, as was their untold bond. The fact that Knock Out had said what he said? Yes, he was hurt and his spark was still trembling with ache at what had been said, but Breakdown's nature and feelings for the little fragger meant that he wouldn't be able to stay mad at him for long. It would just come to pass.

[Knock Out]

::Breakdown?:: Another quiet, hesitated murmur on the comm. Had Breakdown taken note of what he'd asked with the flashing of his lights, and put his comm back on? The guilt and sorrow for what'd happened could be heard in his voice. He truly felt awful for what he'd done; which was very, very rare. For the first time in a long time he was putting someone else before himself. Granted it was because he'd been an aft, but.. Usually he didn't give a slag about who's feelings he hurt!

There was no reply, so Knock Out assumed that he hadn't. Frag he hated being ignored, especially by Breakdown. If he found himself getting the silent treatment from his partner? Then he knew he'd really, really messed up. It was one way to get to him, and Breakdown knew this – which was probably part of why he wasn't replying.

He stuck close behind Breakdown regardless, intending to follow him wherever he chose to go. He wasn't going to let him out of his sight, even if Breakdown was refusing to talk to him. They may not be speaking but he wanted to make sure Breakdown stayed safe.

The silence was deafening. He hated it. He hated this.

::Breakdown, please?::

Still no reply. Breakdown just kept driving, and the four miles were the longest four miles he'd driven in a long, long time. As his partner pulled off the main road, Knock Out would follow. He'd taper off to a stop next to him, as if quietly waiting for whatever move Breakdown was about to make. His own engine turning off the moment he stopped. This was mentally exhausting, and the panic and sadness showed no signs of leaving his field. He hadn't felt this awful in a while.

He stayed in his altmode as the familiar sound of hissing and hydraulics were heard next to him as Breakdown shifted into his root form. It was an awkward few seconds as Breakdown stared him down, and for the briefest of moments? Knock Out felt for sure he was about to get smashed with a hammer.

Breakdown continued to stare. Knock Out waited, holding his breath. Waiting for a moment that never came. The silence was worse now. Why wasn't he talking? Why wasn't he even yelling? Why wasn't he doing anything?

Eventually though? Breakdown did do something. He just... Turned and walked away. Did Breakdown really hate him so much that he couldn't even yell at him anymore? That's what he'd been expecting the most. But when there was nothing?

He would shift into his root form quickly, still intent on following Breakdown wherever he went.

He wasn't happy about the terrain change, and the occasional whine and grumpy huff could be heard as he tried his best to push aside tree branches without scratching his paint. He may have had a sense of urgency in following his partner, but he still had to look good, damnit. He followed Breakdown down the sudden rocky drop, being careful with his footfalls. He was as delicate as ever, and part of him wanted to call out to Breakdown to carry him down.

Because that'd go so well.

He did it all by himself though, which hopefully showed how insistent and how sorry he was about everything. He seemed dismayed at the sight of more trees, but luckily it was just one more cluster. He pushed through it – his paint scratched from the inevitable. No matter how many branches he pushed aside, he still had to fight his way through them, and they scratched him despite him being overly careful with his movements.

He stood still once through the trees, watching as Breakdown moved to sit down at the edge of the cliff. He hesitated, before taking a few cautious steps forward. He was being careful – not knowing if this was the calm before a storm. Before another freak out. And with the location of where they were? He didn't want to get thrown off a cliff.

Slowly, and ever so gently, he would rest his chin atop Breakdown's helm, lowering himself slightly to drape his arms over the other Mech's massive shoulders.

“I'm sorry, Breakdown. Please talk to me.” He closed his optics, not taking in the sights. He didn't care for them, despite the fact they were beautiful. All he wanted was for Breakdown to talk to him.

[Breakdown]

     It was a particularly nice night, with not a cloud overhead to keep the stars or moon from his view. There would be no rain on this night to ruin the scenery for him and the chill was just enough to be comfortable, but not to make his metal frame cold. Everything was still and the sounds of the nighttime creatures coming out put Breakdown in a state of absolute calm. He probably would have stayed out here all night and catch one of Earth's glorious sunrises that he found himself unable to get enough of.

     Then it was all ruined anyway. Knock Out's blundering about disturbed Breakdown's focus and he let out a heavy sigh as he listened to the tree branches snapping around behind him and scraping the metal of his partner's frame, along with the various curses, cries, and soft wails about his paint that he probably figured Breakdown wouldn't hear. Truth of it was, he'd heard his complaints the entire way to this spot and had felt a little bad that Knock Out had to maneuver his dainty little self down the rocky ledges on his own but had ignored the urge to go assist him. For now, at least. Breakdown had hoped that risk of damage to his paint would have been enough to send him back to the Decepticon Warship so he could have some time to himself. Unfortunately, that just was not to be the case. For the time being he would just have to ignore the noise, because surely he'd be told to buff those out once they had arrived back on the Nemesis.

     He'd also have to fight the urge to acknowledge he COULD hear Knock Out and just let the little mech pretend he was the stealthiest of them all. Breakdown sighed softly to himself and resisted hollering at his partner to quiet it down. No, he would just ignore it. That was easy. Tune him out and all would be well.

     Of course, the slumping that he did on him and the pleading was a little more difficult to tune out than the background noise. Breakdown had tilted his helm up some after he felt Knock Out's chin against it then frowned some as he just hung on him, slouched over his shoulders and almost... pleading with him to say something. Well, Knock Out DID say please and apologized...

     No. No, he wasn't going to be let off the hook that easily.

     He moved his helm some and rolled his shoulders in an attempt to shake the smaller mech off him but that didn't seem to do much. So he just went back to staring ahead, keeping his focus on anything but Knock Out. Again, it was easier said then done as the mech continued to whine at him, almost in a point of begging from what he had gathered out of his voice. Was it really his honest feelings, or was he just saying that because he wanted to win this argument by having Breakdown speak to him?

     His frown grew as the mech continued his antics like a petulant child. As much as Breakdown wanted to linger on his disgust with Knock Out for a little longer he really couldn't help but to feel bad for it. Knock Out seemed to be trying really hard to get him to talk to him and accept his apologize, and he had scoffed his paint following after him. That at least spoke volumes to him in ways that probably no one else would ever understand. No, he couldn't continue to let Knock Out behave like this.

     Finally there was a grumble from Breakdown and he reached up to bop Knock Out on the helm. It wasn't enough of a strike to harm him- just enough to get his attention and hopefully put a stop to all this unnecessary bickering from the arrogant little red sports car.

     "Alright, you win." Breakdown responded, a little bit of a grumpy tone to his response but it was light-sparked at best. He returned his servo where it had been on the ground and continued to stare ahead at the horizon. "I'm over it now."

[Knock Out]

Just as Breakdown knew that giving Knock Out the silent treatment would get to him? Knock Out knew how to beat Breakdown at his own game. By temporarily reducing himself to acting like an indignant little child.

Apologizing hadn't worked, so it was time for him to resort to drastic measures. It was so undignified and he absolutely hated it – but he hated not being the center of attention more; and couldn't stand the silent treatment he'd been receiving - even though it was he who was oh so totally deserving of such things for being an out of line little slag. He would never, ever show this side of himself to anyone but Breakdown, and even then it was rare that he had to. But when he did? He went all out. He was very good at getting what he wanted, and right now what he wanted was attention.

He whined. He pleaded. He apologized again. He was almost at the begging stage of this little ploy to stop being ignored. At one point, Breakdown had made an attempt to roll his shoulders to try and give Knock Out the hint that he wasn't having any of it, but that only made the smaller cherry-red Mech cling on harder and whine more, draping himself over his shoulders further.

He wasn't going to lose this. Breakdown would give in first, even if it meant he had to act like a brat to get him to do so. This had quickly turned into some petty attempt to win the argument, not that he'd ever admit that – he didn't want to be ignored again!

Sure, he still felt bad for what he'd said – but he'd done the right thing in apologizing, and he showed just how much he cared by going through those awful trees which had scratched his paint. That in itself spoke volumes and yet Breakdown still refused to speak.

Until he heard the grumble, and heard the shifting of metal as Breakdown reached up to bop him on the helm. He didn't mind, because the words that came from Breakdown made him smile.

Victory! Knock Out 1. Breakdown 0.

Maybe it would be a short lived victory, Breakdown sounded a little grumpy and he still wasn't paying much attention to Knock Out. But hey, at least he said he was over it now, and that was enough for Knock Out.

“Ugh, good. That was getting to be annoying even for me.” He scoffed quietly, moving to sit beside the big blue Mech, his own gaze moving forwards to stare at the horizon. His legs stretched out infront of him, servos to his sides.

“Since we're out here now, want to stay here for a bit? I'm sure by now anyone that needed to see me either gave up or went to Flatline. Which is probably the same thing.” He smirked. As far as Knock Out was concerned? Everything was back to normal now, and he would act as such. Any hint he felt bad for what'd happened on the road were long since gone, probably along with the fact he'd had to resort to whining just to get his way.