[Voice]

[needlefingers]

I am an Autobot. I earned my badge.

[His voice shakes a little in anger.]

I'll prove it. I'll make things better. You'll see.

[Locked to Rewind]

Look I.

I don't know. I feel like we should talk. Or something.

Comments

[stubbornandfrustrating]

Then do it.

[Flatly.]

I'd give you all the time and space in the world if you weren't going around actively destroying any kind of chance at peace we have here. But--and I'm sorry if this is news to you--your actions affect people who aren't you. So get your act together before we have to do it for you, because I will not look another Cybertronian full in the face after an examination and inform them that you've strip-mined their head again. I refuse.

[needlefingers]

You won't have to, will you? You took my needles. Problem solved.

[Despite Chromedome's best efforts to come off as casual, a bitter resentment seeps into voice. His fingers itch, despite the absence of the needles, and it's driving him crazy. He wanted to inject again, but had no ability to. Frustration wells up in his spark, only to be pushed forcibly back down as Chromedome reminds himself that he wants to do better. To do better means to put this behind him.

Which is one of those things that are easier said than done.]

Look, I don't know how I'll do it, but I'll fix my problems.

[Somehow.]

[stubbornandfrustrating]

It had better be. You think that's something I wanted to do? You think I wouldn't have done anything else, if you'd left me anything even vaguely resembling a choice?

[His lip curls, though Chromedome can't see it.]

Well. That's very comforting.

[needlefingers]

You took them from me.

[The bitter resentment turns swiftly to a barely controlled rage. The desire to inject again is strong enough that it blots out his common sense. This is the person who took the only part of him that matters. The part of him that he hated but felt like he couldn't live without.]

I could easily hate you for taking them-

No. No I don't mean that. I'm sorry Ratchet.

I have to go. Bye.

[stubbornandfrustrating]

You think I care if you hate me?

[Ratchet's voice is soft again.]

"I wouldn't. Not you. I promise." [He snorts derisively.] You really can't control yourself, can you? Maybe this was best, just make you quit cold instead of letting you drag everyone down with you as you wrestle with these problems you've created for yourself.

But fine. See you around, Chromedome. I'll be checking up.