[video]

[gunfondlingbattlestat]

[Perceptor's been trying to keep his head down, metaphorically speaking, since (re)arriving. He works best these days when he can sit back and observe for a while before making his move.]

[Unfortunately, he is still lacking a lab, and there's really only so much observation the scientist can make before even he gets bored. Those who know him best may note a certain air of restlessness about him as he cues up the link.]

[To everyone else, he looks the same as always - stoic with a faint echo of cross.]

What supplies are in the greatest need?

Comments

[video - locked to Wing]

[gunfondlingbattlestat]

[Fortunately, unlike Wing and Drift, Perceptor has no physical feature to earperk at that.]

[Drift does have experience with Perceptor Wrangling.]

Twice, unless further assistance is required, then. In such case, I won't hesitate to contact whoever is needed.

[Acceptable?]

[Perceptor frowns thoughtfully, a shadow crossing his own features.] A valid point, but I do so swear it to the best of my abilities. [He just hopes that he never screws up.]

If I require assistance, I promise to request it, Wing.

[And, although Perceptor is certain that most of Wing's concern is for Drift's benefit (at least, that is what he assumes), it still feels... nice... to have someone concerned for his well-being. Someone who might actually look for him if he fails to return, and not simply because they miss his hands in the repair bay, or his rifle against the swarm.]

[He locks the feed, encoding to Wing only.]

Wing...

[He's hesitant, almost afraid to say this, because it's power he's granting over himself to someone else. Rather, it's more acknowledging that the power Wing already has over him, which frightens Perceptor. He's had his fill of counting on anyone else, of trusting another, only to have that trust used against him...]

[Or have it ignored and abandoned.]

I... did not expect to ever have... what you have allowed me. [He vents a small sigh, and drags his gaze back up to the link from where he'd averted it off to the side before forcing himself to make the admission.]

I will not jeopardize that. I promise. But I just need to ensure that... that... I'm worthy of it.

[video - locked to Wing]

[winged_knight]

[Complete with hog-tying?]

Thank you, Perceptor. On all accounts. [The layers of gratitude run deep in his voice.]

At this point I'd rather we be overly cautious than not enough. No mistakes like mine. You're here with us now and I want it to stay that way.

[Wing notes the lock, curious, but soon things become clear. ]

[ And dammit Perceptor, stop saying things like that when Wing is not in a place where he can hug you.]

Perceptor... [Wing is clearly moved, but it's not pity you see on his features, it's more regret that the universe is a place where someone as talented as this mech could feel unworthy.]

Everyone deserves love. Sometimes those who might seem the least deserving of compassion and love are those who need it most. I'll engender it wherever I can and I'll certainly not stand in its way if it wants wings to fly. [Let him lift you up Perceptor, he wants to. There is not enough compassion among the Cybertronian race.]

I could tell you that you're worthy, but even the most warm and genuine words can't replace that feeling when you know it in your spark. Only you can decide that for yourself. [He smiles.] But I hope you see it soon. It's there.

Re: [video - locked to Wing]

[gunfondlingbattlestat]

[stop teasing him. it's not nice.]

[He might have timed this little announcement because you weren't there to hug him, Wing. One part punishment (for himself) and one part omg-why-did-I-just-say-that-I-have-to-go-now-goodbye-click.]

[In fact, Perceptor looks off to one side of the link, refusing optic-contact in his own way, as he shuffles and offers a nervous shrug.]

As you say.

[The mumble is unconvinced, at best.]

I should go. Thank you Wing.

[He reaches to click off the link.]

Re: [video - locked to Wing]

[winged_knight]

[Wing is a little afraid he's overstepped his bounds now, or touched a nerve he didn't know was there, judging by Perceptor's reaction. But the words are honest and nothing he intends to take back.]

[And because he's meddlesome he can't resist adding one last thing.]

I know Drift sees it too.

[He offers a slight smile.] Please be gentle with yourself. And take care out there.

[video - locked to Wing]

[gunfondlingbattlestat]

[Perceptor hesitates, and outstretched.]

[Not so much that Wing has overstepped his bounds, as that Wing has voiced something which Perceptor is afraid to believe in.]

I will.