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Well, now that things seem to be settling down somewhat.

I think it'd be nice if we did something pleasant for a change. I'm not really the best kind of person to plan this kind of thing, but it would be pleasant to arrange something nice for ourselves.

Especially since I finally think I have something "cream soda"-like composed for Cybertronian consumption.

[SCAVENGERS. LOSERS ONLY.]

Krok. Misfire.

Could we talk?

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Face to face.
Please?

Of course.

[It's still a few minutes before Krok can compose himself and knocks on Fulcrum's door. He's anxious; he wasn't the friend he told himself he should have been to Fulcrum when Fulcrum needed it. The nightmares, he thinks, shouldn't have stopped him… but he let them anyway.

That Fulcrum wants to talk could be promising or heartbreaking. Krok isn't sure which.]

[The door opens quickly.

When he thought to himself about how this conversation was going to go, he told himself that he'd swallow back his emotions. He'd keep it simple.

But when he sees Krok, Fulcrum anxiously bites his lower lip before throwing his arms around his friend's shoulders, clutching him tight.]

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[Krok doesn't even have time to apologise before Fulcrum beats him to it. He catches the K-con by reflex, cinching his arms under Fulcrum's chest to support him. He wants to just crush Fulcrum to him and not let go again, but…]

Wh– [He cranes his neck, trying to get a better look at his friend without dislodging him.] Fulcrum, why? You didn't do anything wrong.

[He ducks his head shamefully, trying to get himself together. It's a struggle. He feels weak and ridiculous, but it's almost hard to not just sob out apologies to Krok about this whole thing.

First he gets them in trouble with the DJD and Flywheels killed, now he ended up getting their memories messed with.]

I just-- I feel like if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have had to go through all of that. If...

If I was stronger, we wouldn't have been in this mess.

Don't. [Said in a tone as fierce as cannon fire and Krok tries to hold Fulcrum out just far enough to look him in the eyes.] Don't you dare blame yourself. Do you understand? None of this was your fault.

[It's Chromedome's fault, in all truth, but if any of the Scavengers bears any part of the burden, it's Krok for not fighting harder sooner. For not doing more to protect them.]

None of it.

Krok. [He doesn't have it in him to fight, not especially when Krok makes eye contact with him. Literally, it is Chromedome's fault, but it's hard to let go of some of that blame.

Fulcrum cringes a little before he laughs quietly without any humor.] It's stupid. I didn't ping you and ask for you just so I could mope and feel guilty around you. I just really wanted to see you again finally after getting everything back in order in my head.

Fulcrum…

[He can't restrain himself any longer; he pulls Fulcrum in tight, as if he might chase away that hollowness he hears through the pressure of his arms alone. But those arms shake, and his voice shakes.]

We missed you. [He couldn't remember that he missed his friend, and it leaves him feeling ragged and raw – that for those months, he was robbed even of his grief at the loss – and before he realises it his hands catch at Fulcrum's back as if the K-con might vanish again if he doesn't hold on with everything he's got.] I've missed you.

[The sudden tight embrace shouldn't shock him. He knows from the very bottom of his spark how much Krok cares for and does his best to protect them. With his memories returned, he knows doubtlessly, but it's still different to be held so fiercely.

Fulcrum holds on, fingers trembling as they curl into Krok's back. His last desperate thought before Chromedome sealed away his best memories was begging, pleading that he wouldn't lose the most important people in his life. That he'd do anything to never lose them.

Hell knows he tried to jump at the DJD just to keep them safe. That's plenty.

He swallows, not able to keep his voice from cracking.] I missed you guys too. So much.

[It's hard to rub Fulcrum's back soothingly and hold him tight at the same time, but damned if Krok doesn't try. He cups the back of Fulcrum's head and tucks him snugly into the crook of his shoulder, nuzzles him without thinking.]

We have you back now. You're back. And if anyone tries to take you again, I will end them.

[Not a threat. A promise. His voice crackles, trembling.]

[Being this close does make him feel protected. This is what he adores about his friends: they always try to go out of their way to help him.

Even when he couldn't remember them, they did what they could and that started to earn his trust all over again.]

Krok...

[He can't keep himself from bringing out a sob.]

Sorry-- I'm sorry. I just...

[The situation's finally catching up with him.]

Don't. You don't have to apologise for anything. I'm just – I'm just glad to have you back.

[Fulcrum and all the memories that come with him. Krok tugs the K-con in a little more snugly and slowly frees one hand to stroke down his back, trying to soothe.]

You won't lose me.

[He promised himself he was going to try to stay strong, because he's convinced that, really, Krok needs the stability. But it's so hard and he finds his own optics burn with flits of light at the edges, and a clear sob emitting from his throat as he presses in close against his friend and captain.]

It's all right.

[Krok just settles his weight and lets Fulcrum lean on him.]

It's all right now. I've got you.

[It's the smallest thing. He's contained so much, but he can remember being pinned down, begging Chromedome to not take away his best memories. His memories of being found by the Scavengers, being taken in by them, forgiven and adopted into their crew. They were the best Decepticons, in his opinion, and Chromedome took them away, leaving him with just memories of the K-Class and Styx.

Being pulled against Krok like this allows him to just let go. He clutches Krok tightly, burying his face against the other Decepticon's shoulder and wailing.

It's an ugly cry.]

[Krok can remember now – he has those memories back – he can remember when these positions were swapped. When he was the one hanging onto Fulcrum and bleeding out the fear and the grief in great big heaving sobs and Fulcrum just held him and gave him the safety and time he needed to cry. He tries to return the kindness now, stroking his hand down Fulcrum's back and listening.

It's a different pain to his own – it sounds deep and ugly and ragged. He lost his memories of his friend, yes, but Fulcrum had everything taken away. Krok can't quite imagine what that's like… though he can hear some of it.]

…

[Maybe he should say something. Nothing feels right; all the words he can think of are awkward, clumsy shapes rolling through his processor. So he holds Fulcrum and lets the K-con cry.]

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