[Video]

[vandalization]

[ Hey everyone, it's your favorite token human. She's not donned the suit today, and that's probably because she doesn't look so good. She's been losing weight since her arrival, but now it's really showing. She appears to not have slept in a week. ]

Hey guys. Sorry for kind of going MIA I just... had some shit to take care of.

So look um. A few points of interest here. First-

Does anyone wanna hang out? I mean just like. Drop by. If that's okay. I'm free all day.

And since... until we can find Ratchet, I need someone to teach me the ropes in the whole. Medical. Field. I'm nowhere near good enough to work without supervision.

[ She rakes a few strands of hair out of her eyes.]

On a last note, I know this is a weird question but... has anyone ever fallen out of love with someone? And if so, how did you do it?

Comments

[video]

[vandalization]

Well yeah... but I mean. Like. I don't think even another human, even a doctor might know what to do with it, is all I'm saying. It's not. Normal.

I- yeah. You just keep being you. You do help, I know it doesn't. Always seem like it, but. I dunno. Letting me spend the night sometimes and stuff like that? That helps.

I uh. Yeah.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

...have you considered talking to Rung?

[A wince: he really hopes that doesn't come out wrong.]

Karrie: I'll be wherever you need me. Whenever you need me. Just...let me know.

[video]

[vandalization]

Well- I mean he's a cybertronian therapist. Would that still-

I mean would that work?

[ She's not insulted. She's kind of willing to try anything at this point. ]

Ahah... [ Oh the things she could say she needs you for. But her desire to not screw things up for him is way stronger. ]

I know. You're real good to me, Drift. Real good. Still my bestie?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I don't see how it could harm? He's very good. Even Ultra Magnus seems to have faith in him.

Doing something has to be better than doing nothing.

[He hopes.]

Karrie, I am honored to be your friend. And there's no one here I trust more.

[video]

[vandalization]

Well- I mean if you think that it might help. I uh. I don't want to trouble him, but I suppose...

[ Ahg and she feels bad for keeping this from you but how do you SAY that sort of thing to someone? WHat if he avoided her? What if things got weird? What if Wing ended up resenting her? What about Perceptor? There's a billion reasons to keep her mouth shut.]

You mean that? Aww, Drift.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I could ask him for you. He'll tell me if he's too busy.

I think it's worth trying, at least, Vandal.

[Because he suspects she won't feel comfortable talking to him. Not that he can do any damn good in this sort of thing.]

Yes, Karrie. I mean it. Anything you need, just ask.

[video]

[vandalization]

Really? You'd do that for me? I... I would actually really appreciate it. I don't know him very well.

[ She pauses again, the silence is kind of heavy. ]

Someday I'll be able to repay you, Drift. For all you've done for me. You'll see. I'll make it good.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I'll ask. He's very kind, Vandal.

[Drift gives her a weird look, shaking his head. ] There's nothing to 'make good'. Just...be my friend.

[video]

[vandalization]

Thank you.

[ HAHA. She wants to put her face in her hands. ]

Of course. That goes without saying.

[ She has somehow perma-friend-zoned herself. Oh god. ]

Besties forever.

[ That's... probably exactly why. ]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[He's not entirely sure but something still seems wrong.]

Vandal?

Is there anything I can do for you?

[video]

[vandalization]

I-

[ Yeah. But that's selfish of her. ]

You could take me for a drive.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Whenever you want.

[He almost wishes she'd ask for something more something harder. This is too easy to give her.]

[video]

[vandalization]

[ Oh don't worry, Drift. That time will come. ]

Tonight? Just. You know. Like. All peaceful and stuff? And maybe I could stay with you and Wing tonight?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[He will be ready.]

Yes. To both. [It doesn't even occur to him Wing would object. Wing just...wouldn't. Not if Vandal needed him.]

[video]

[vandalization]

You're the best.

[ Which is why she has this super awkward crush. ]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I'm not. But I'm trying.

[A smile.] Just know I care about you, Karrie.

[video]

[vandalization]

Too hard on yourself.

Yeah. I care about you too, Drift.

[ Way more than is probably healthy. ]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[A soft, friendly chuckle.]

Look who's talking.

[Vandal is too hard on herself, Drift thinks.]

Comm me when you're ready for that ride.

[video]

[vandalization]

Pfffffffffff. Yeaaah yeah. Pot, kettle, yadda yadda.

[She'll stick her tongue out jokingly.]

Sure thing, Flopsy.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I'm not sure what human food preparation implements have to do, unless they're too hard on themselves, too.

[A bit of a wink.]

...hoped you'd forgotten about that.

[Not really, because it's good to see Vandal smile.]

[video]

[vandalization]

It's ahaha- it's a human saying. "The pot calling the kettle black"? Because they're both... black. Sorry haha.

[ AGHdghsd DRIFT STAHP. You charming little bitch. ]

Not a chance.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Oh. I get it.

[He totally doesn't get it.]

...good to see you smile.

[Whoops. Probably ruined the mood, there.]

[video]

[vandalization]

Do you really?

[ She suspects... not that it really matters all that much if he understands the obscure human expression or not, she just likes teasing him. ]

You're way too sweet for your own good. Maybe you should try it too.

[ WHAT NOW, DRIFTABOO? ]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Um no. Not really.

[Frag, Vandal saw through him. Again.]

I can smile. [He's not Ultra Magnus, after all. ]And maybe I will. Tonight. When we go for that drive.

[video]

[vandalization]

That's okay. It's not really all that important.

[She chuckles.]

I can't see you smile when you're a car, Drift.

[ Now she's just being difficult on purpose. ]