AUDIO;

[thehardway]

I have been doing a poor job of attempting to follow a friend's advice. To try different things.

So I am... in need of some advice of how to properly. [Pauses.] How to find enjoyable activities. To r-word.

The usual methods have not been a sufficient method.

Comments

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[He chuffs a soft laugh.]

I'm a workaholic and a righteous pain in the tailpipe on top of it, and I know it. But no, I'm not troubled either way.

[thehardway]

You're also kind, despite your behavior. I appreciate your work ethic and you're the most trustworthy person I know. There are several reasons any person could become interested in you.

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[Ratchet opens his mouth to protest again, his optics warm, but something in Magnus' expression draws him up short and he just watches him for a long moment, understanding flickering in his optics.]

Well. Thanks. ...it's the same for you, y'know.

[thehardway]

[That makes him stiffen slightly, and Minimus looks away sharply.]

I wouldn't agree on that. But thank you for saying it.

[stubbornandfrustrating]

Huh. You said I was trustworthy, right? So, trust me.

[He reaches out impulsively and touches his fingertips to Magnus' shoulder, his optics warming a little.]

And, we can still do something to relax, if you want.

[thehardway]

[It's harder to take in. Would Ratchet say those things because that's how he feels, or because he's being kind? Magnus isn't sure.

But it'd be ... silly to chase it, wouldn't it? Or maybe he's just been so used to Tyrest's conditioning that he doesn't think he should. Or maybe it has to do with all that's happened with Rewind and Prowl that he thinks it's a bad idea. Or further back, with Rewind overall.

This is difficult. Sometimes he wonders if he should never take the armor off at all.

Once the hand finds his shoulder, Minimus finds it harder to relax.]

I-- what would you suggest?

[stubbornandfrustrating]

[Ratchet watches Magnus tense, drawing his hand back and feeling the corners of his mouth draw down before he shakes off the expression.]

Mmmm. Well--I'm not exactly an expert either, and I don't think looking over medical charts is going to do much for you, for some reason. What do you normally do to unwind?