Dead End:

*walks down the hall, long strides as usual. He's got a purpose in mind, but not in his step, as he heads for his own private quarters, armor catching the hallway lights and shining - even his backside is so polished you could see yourself in it*

Pepsi Convoy:

*is, himself, heading in the general direction of "thataway" - the usual direction Convoy takes when he's gotten mixed up and can't find his room.  He's idly humming to himself as he takes a shortcut and - ooh, hey, what was that?  Something shiny catches his optics, as they tend to do, and so he stops to actually look - lo' and behold, he really can kind of see himself in Dead End's paint, even a bit down the hall*  Dead End?

Dead End:

*May or may not have been a bit absent-minded, so he didn't notice the truck before the other said his name. Optics focusing on the mech, he answers in his usual polite albeit neutral tone* Pepsi Convoy.

Pepsi Convoy:

*smiles brightly and looks the Stunticon over in appreciation*  I see you truly did get some time to polish yourself - you look splendid!

Dead End:

Thank you. *there's not really any real appreciation in his voice or expression though, but hey, Dead End.*

Pepsi Convoy:

*normal mechs would have taken that as a hint to go away, but (un?)fortunately for Convoy, he's just not normal!*  I'm surprised I ran into you, though I can't particularly say why...  I'm sorry, you were probably doing something of importance.  *look how quickly he changes subjects!*

Dead End:

Perhaps because it was an unexpected meeting. *Dead End has just had one week of quality alone-time, his thoughts are even more nicely collected now* I was heading to my quarters.

Pepsi Convoy:

*laughs a bit and shakes his head*  I was doing something similar, though I suppose you're more aware of where you might be.  Forgive me for simply cutting in.  I'm afraid your paintjob caught my attention.

Dead End:

*Ahh, yes, Convoy and his thing for shiny armors - fancy him being the first mech Dead End meets after being let out* There is no need to worry. Unless you are planning to ruin it.

Pepsi Convoy:

*Coincidences are pretty amazing!*  I wouldn't want to ruin anything in particular, my friend.  Would you prefer me to go now, or accompany you?

Dead End:

You may do as you wish. *isn't being particularly unfriendly, as far as the Stunticon Porsche goes*

Pepsi Convoy:

*contemplates that for a moment, then nods a bit and motions for Dead End to lead the way*  If it's all right, I think if I'd like to walk with you for a while.  Perhaps focusing on something other than finding my room would help me find it...

Dead End:

*light nod of acknowledgement* Very well. *continues on his not-so-merry way to his quarters, seemingly in no rush, but he's not taking it slow either - blame it on those lengthy steps*

Pepsi Convoy:

*it's not like Convoy has short legs or anything, so he keeps pace easily enough, arms crossing behind his back*  If you don't mind me asking, what was it, precisely, that you did to land in solitary confinement?  I was wondering, but I didn't think I should pry on an open post.  *still in that same, friendly tone of voice*

Dead End:

I disobeyed an order. *repeating, yes, but it's not like he really cares. And that was all there was to it, in Dead End's mind*

Pepsi Convoy:

*idly*  I know I'm prying, but... which order?  *he doesn't sound particularly worried, or anything, but he is curious nonetheless*

Dead End:

No infighting, was the order. *looks almost amused for a moment* Though I do not remember there being much fighting involved.

Pepsi Convoy:

*hums a bit at that, contemplating the thought for a moment*  I see...  They must be coming down harder on infighting as of late?  I don't seem to remember many others getting such a harsh sentence for something that happens so often around here...

Dead End:

*light shrug* Perhaps Megatron and Optimus Prime felt the need to reassert themselves. *doesn't really know, himself, but higher-ups that high tended to be a bit irritable about mechs not heeding their commands*

Pepsi Convoy:

Still, the bias is rather unfavorable.  Especially since, didn't you say Megatron was the one to mar your finish, last time that I saw you?  *oh, wow, he actually remembers something from longer than a week ago!*

Dead End:

Yes, he was. *unfortunately misses the greatness of that question, his processors are a pleasant bland space, right now*

Pepsi Convoy:

That... is a bit unfair.  Still, I hope you'll try to keep from fighting in places you'll be found out.  As useful as your time in solitary confinement was, I have a feeling that a repeat offense would be rather unwise.

Dead End:

*glances over at Convoy, a certain edge to it* I am not known for breaking orders. *tone is passive, with an undercurrent of something else*

Pepsi Convoy:

*looks at Dead End for a moment, then nods a bit*  I've realized that, my friend.  I don't doubt your ability to follow orders - but things... *blandly*  Things do happen.

Dead End:

They do. *isn't too long till they'll arrive to his quarters, either* But that is not up to us to decide. *turns his gaze back to where he's - they're - going, irritation settling back down into an idle state*

Pepsi Convoy:

Just as long as you're careful, Dead End.  I would... It would be slightly upsetting to see you with your fine finish scratched once again.  *he says it lightly enough, but there's genuine concern in his expression*

Dead End:

*either misses or ignores Convoy's worry, it's uncertain which one it is. They've finally reached his room, though, and he enters the code and opens the door, giving Convoy a look before gesturing for him to enter. He might as well, since he was here and all*

Pepsi Convoy:

*well, hey, if he's being offered the option of entering Dead End's room, he's not exactly going to turn it down*  If it's all right...  *not really waiting for an answer - the gesture is enough - he moves rather easily into the room*

Dead End:

*would not have done it if he hadn't been sure, and since he had been in Convoy's quarters, he felt it polite to return the favor. Said room is bigger than the truck's (being actually meant for being lived in), but it's rather lacking in things, a stuffed toy-version of a sitting camel oddly out of place on a shelf on the far wall*

Pepsi Convoy:

*if he notices that this room is a lot bigger than his, he makes no mention of it - instead he just casts an easy look over the place, and turns his smile back on Dead End*  Thank you for inviting me in.

Dead End:

You are welcome. *closes the door as he too steps in, he rather likes his privacy. Immediately moves to a shelf located on the same wall as the door, unsubspacing several data-disks and putting them to their proper place, thinking for a moment before choosing several new ones, subspacing them as he selects them. Only when he's done with this, does he shift his attention back to Convoy*

Pepsi Convoy:

I assume you have reading you have to do.  *mildly - hey, he's a guest, so he'll be just the right amount of inquisitive, not overly nosy like he imagines he can be*

Dead End:

Not at the moment. I have to report in with Motormaster first. *there's a slight intonation at the name, but as usual, it's not too easy to detect why (if Convoy is able to pick it up at all)*

Pepsi Convoy:

...Mm, I suppose you would.  *he may of not heard Dead End's intonation, but he has that concerned expression on his face, if a little muted*  He no doubt needs to see if your punishment set in.  *you know, if I didn't know better, I'd think Convoy was being sarcastic!  But no, this is Convoy.  He doesn't know how to be sarcastic*

Dead End:

*has his gaze locked onto Convoy, although it's not stare-y or hostile, just... a look. He notes the slightly off-sounding tone, but doesn't put much thought into it. Maybe later* He most likely has some disciplinary measure to hand out. *neutral tone - it's not like that's a rare thing to happen*

Pepsi Convoy:

*keeps his own face on a neutral, mild smile - well, more like a slight curve to his mouth, as opposed to a real smile*  I... imagine so.  But - you do...  If you need assistance, I am here.  *laughs a bit*  As often as I must be saying that.

Dead End:

*optics dim for a moment, shining in a dull way as opposed to their usual color* I shall remember it, should the need arise.

Pepsi Convoy:

*nods, looking very mildly pleased that he didn't need to repeat it a hundred times to make his friend understand*  Wonderful.  Thank you, Dead End.

Dead End:

Again, you are welcome. *takes a couple of steps closer to Convoy, expression soften some - but it's still mostly passive* Why are you so concerned?

Pepsi Convoy:

*actually smiling again, crossing his arms over his chest*  I'm concerned because you are my friend.

Dead End:

And that warrants concern. *isn't too steady on the whole friendship-thing, go figure*

Pepsi Convoy:

Friends generally care for each other's well being, yes.  *sounding amused*

Dead End:

Why? Do they wish for something in return? *calmly*

Pepsi Convoy:

Not anything in particular.  Being able to rely on someone else is a good thing to have, Dead End.  Having a friend means you have their support, and generally, they have yours.

Dead End:

*slow nod* I see. Mutual protection.

Pepsi Convoy:

*smiles*  That, and having someone to talk with, whether you need or simply want company.  And to help you with your polish when you don't have the extra time, in this particular case.  *chuckles a bit*

Dead End:

*wan smile at that last bit* Very well. *and the almost-smile fades away* I must be going, but you may keep me company on the way, if you wish.

Pepsi Convoy:

If you'd like me to come with you, I'd be glad to accompany you.  *keeps his own smile*

Dead End:

*pause, then a nod, before moving towards the door*

Pepsi Convoy:

*Convoy shifts, following Dead End and dropping his hands back to his side, looking mixed parts pleased and mildly concerned over where, exactly, Dead End has to go*

Dead End:

*misses this completely (he doesn't have optics on his neck, handy as that would be), and opens the door, stepping into the hallway and waiting for Convoy to do the same. He might look a bit restless, if such a word may be applied to Dead End*

Pepsi Convoy:

*casts one last glance at the room - noting the camel, actually, but we'll see if he can actually store that away for later - then exits, already mentally trying to trace his steps from this particular room to his own - not that he knows where his is, exactly*

Dead End:

*closes and locks the door, wasting no time in making his way towards Motormaster's quarters, the location memorized long ago - almost the moment Motormaster got them, actually. It's the Dead End routine, each step covers a lot of ground (floor?), face devoid of emotion and a relaxed air around him, although it's not exactly a light sort of relaxedness*

Pepsi Convoy:

*keeps pace with the other easily, falling into silence now that he's covered most everything he can think to cover, keeping an optic on his friend, noting the strange air the other is holding, but refraining from bringing it up.  If Dead End wanted to talk to him, he would - or so Convoy assumes*

Dead End:

*isn't feeling very talkative at the moment, not that he ever does. The further they get away from Dead End's room, the more closed in he appears to become, although it is a subtle change, not something the casual viewer would spot*

Pepsi Convoy:

...*after a few more moments of silence, Convoy reaches over and puts a hand on Dead End's shoulder - not to slow him down or impede him... just because he thinks it might be reassuring, or needed, or, who knows, even wanted*

Dead End:

*engine rev at the unexpected touch, as well as the sound of gears shifting, but apart from that, there isn't any real reaction. He glances at Convoy's hand, gaze trailing up the arm to the mech's face, and even if Dead End's face is normally expressionless, this one is almost eerily so*

Pepsi Convoy:

*meets Dead End's optics with his own, smiling less for show than normally.  It's not Convoy's direct intention, but his entire expression gives off the vibe of, "I'm here for you" - which is plain enough to see from how often he's said such a thing*

Dead End:

*relying on other mechs - especially ones you have just met - does not come that easy (or naturally) to a Decepticon, or at least, not this Decepticon. Still, Convoy's sincerity is undeniable, and he gives a nod, motor settling down into its previous idling. He's still rather repressed, emotionally, and it may or may not show*

Pepsi Convoy:

*keeps his hand on Dead End's shoulder for a few more moments before pulling it away, looking over the halls in an attempt to either memorize or reacquaint himself with hallways he's no doubt been down before, making no effort to hide his presence from the Stunticon*

Dead End:

*doesn't draw comfort or any sort of relief from the other mech, as it is simply not in Dead End's nature to do so, but if it's any consolation, he doesn't shut himself off from the world anymore than he already have done - but this might not be from Convoy's presence. A thought nudges at him, and he voices it in the form of a question* Where will you go, after we part ways?

Pepsi Convoy:

*shrugs, looking the hallway over vaguely*  I'll no doubt attempt to find my room again, only to get undeniably more lost before finding that I've walked past it twice.  Everything looks very similar around here - it's rather confusing for someone like me.

Dead End:

You do not have a map saved? *quirks an optic ridge, he thought that was a rather obvious solution to the problem*

Pepsi Convoy:

That would take the entertainment value of wandering around away.  *lightly*

Dead End:

I see. *and he sinks back into silence, although it isn't as...ominous as it was before*

Pepsi Convoy:

*hums aimlessly, with only the slightest hint of any melody at all; he's good with silence, and Dead End is good company during it, as far as he's concerned*

Dead End:

*doesn't bother to demand or request silence from the truck, Convoy humming means no questions that he'd rather not answer, or any other strangeness about friendship and concern.*

Pepsi Convoy:

*questions like, "Why are you going at all?" or "Do you want me to stay outside in case you need help?" or "Bermuda looks nice this time of year"?  No, Convoy isn't even thinking of asking anything - Dead End will talk if he wants to.  Until then, Convoy simply hums, a slow and rather peaceful sounding melody*

Dead End:

*Yes, questions like that. Dead End's mind isn't as pleasantly bland anymore, now it's more of a calm blank, perhaps comparable to someone preparing for the inevitable storm.*

Pepsi Convoy:

*Convoy's used to blank minds, but probably not in the way Dead End feels, and he can almost kind of feel something off about Dead End - not that he can figure it out.  Still he can't do much more than he already has - he's realizing fully just how self-contained the other is, and he won't begrudge him that*

Dead End:

*the two mechs are just a couple of twists and turns away from Motormaster's quarters now, and his systems are almost idling with the lack of activity; not that Dead End particularly minds that. Still, he thinks it proper to let Convoy know* We are almost there.

Pepsi Convoy:

Hmm?  *had almost forgotten, briefly, that they were set on any one particular destination - habits are hard to break - but he remembers soon enough*  Oh, yes.  *nods once, looking at Dead End briefly, contemplating a few random concepts flitting across his mind - mostly about how he doesn't particularly want his friend to face his leader alone*  ...Would you...  *waves a hand* ...like it, perhaps, if I came to see you a bit later?  I'd like to see if I've properly committed everything to memory.

Dead End:

*even if Convoy had the will to ask, Dead End would not bring outsiders into Stunticon affairs; it would only end with ruin and downfall (not that it wouldn't already, but the point remains). Glances at Convoy* I would not mind. It would be wise to comm me first, to see if I have returned or not, however.

Pepsi Convoy:

*makes a brief noise of assent, mentally reminding himself that yes, he can actually comm people and not just show up at their doors and hope they're not busy*  I'll make sure to do so, in that case.  *he says it lightly, but then again, he's usually pretty relaxed, isn't he?*

Dead End:

*nods, and slows down, they're in the hallway where his destination is, although the door itself is still some-20 paces away. He would prefer Convoy to be gone out of sight before knocking on it, who knew how Motormaster would react if not*

Pepsi Convoy:

*it's not like he's going to know that, Dead End*

Dead End:

*one would think the falter in speed would imply something. But then again, it's Convoy* And so we part ways.

Pepsi Convoy:

*blinks, then nods, bringing himself to a stop - no point in continuing down a path you're really not supposed to go down*  I suppose so... I'm mostly likely sufficiently lost by now.  *chuckles slightly*

Dead End:

*well, Dead End can't help with that. Even with directions, Convoy would probably get lost* Then you may wander as you wish. *another one of those Dead End-style not-quite smiles*

Pepsi Convoy:

*the thrill of adventure needs no directions.  Convoy looks at Dead End for a long moment, then puts his hands on the Stunticon's shoulders, locking optics with him*  I'm always around, my friend, if you should need me.

Dead End:

*yes, Convoy has told that enough times to have it sink into Dead End's processors; but whether he chooses to act on the offer is another matter entirely. He returns the look with a calm gaze, the truck might be concerned, but he is not* So you have told me.

Pepsi Convoy:

*quite frankly, the fact that Dead End isn't phased in the slightest almost makes Convoy feel vaguely, slightly upset, though not nearly anything very passionate.  Still, his best defense in this state is to pull the other closer to him, arms sliding around Dead End's back for a brief hug*

Dead End:

*again this unfamiliar gesture, but Dead End goes with it, as he is wont to do. His engine rises slightly in volume, and he gives Convoy a sideways look*

Pepsi Convoy:

*he's already well past realizing that hugs are more to help him than Dead End, but still, he can't help himself, giving the other a small squeeze before releasing him and stepping backward*  I'll most likely be comming you later on, then...?

Dead End:

*he isn't opposed to them by default, but he isn't fond of them either - mostly he just regards them impassively, like he does everything. He keeps the gaze fastened on Convoy though, even as the other moves away* If you so wish.

Pepsi Convoy:

*smiling and keeping his optics locked with Dead End's*  I do wish.  I have to say, I much preferred wandering the halls in silence with you, than I do alone.

Dead End:

*is silent for a long moment before he speaks* Then perhaps we may repeat it, at a time where I am not previously occupied. *and cue another half-smile, but this one a bit stronger than they usually are*

Pepsi Convoy:

*his smile widens a bit and he nods*  I would enjoy that.  I... will see you when you're free again.  Feel free to contact me if I happen to not do so myself later on - if you want.

Dead End:

I will remember the offer. *he isn't like Convoy, after all. His face schools itself into its usual empty expression, and he nods to the truck* Until next time, then.

Pepsi Convoy:

*he gives the Stunticon an easy wave, then turns to head down a random hallway - he's not kidding himself at this point; he has no idea where he is.  Oh well - that's half the fun, isn't it?  (Also, a lovely way to distract himself from worrying about Dead End, who's probably going to be fine anyways.)*

Dead End:

*Waits until Convoy has turned the corner before he makes any move towards Motormaster's door, as calm and collected as ever*