(Please see all previous disclaimers)
Aquaformer looked tired as she looked down at her mate. She had seen many things in her life, but this was a new one. "Okay, I'm giving you one chance to explain" Aquaformer said, exhaustion lacing her usual voice.
Optimus nodded. "Love, I was on my way back to help with our little ones when Ironhide yanked me into Wheeljack's lab to see the newest device. If I had known this would be the outcome, I would have left regardless. But the device wasn't designed to do this. It was to help process raw energon faster, but as is the case with many of Wheeljack's devices, it malfunctioned. I stand before you as a result of this malfunction. I wish I could say how long it will last, but I have no idea. I'm sorry" Optimus replied, his voice sounding honest and childlike. Well, childlike due to his size.
Aquaformer listened carefully before judging what happened. She wanted to be upset, to be mad but she had no energy for that. "Why didn't you tell me that the reason you were late was that you were delayed?" Aquaformer finally piped up.
Optimus was a bit stunned. She didn't seem upset that he was this small or that he had been yanked in, but that he had failed to tell her that he would be delayed. Optimus sighed, though it sounded a bit cute since he was the size of a human child. "All I can say is I forgot. I know it is not right or an excuse, but it is all I can say" Optimus replied.
Aquaformer nodded. Granted, this did little to help her, but at least now she knew she wasn't alone in this. Optimus was still here. "Has Peerceptor been called?" Aquaformer asked.
Optimus was confused at that. "Why would Perceptor need to be called?" Optimus asked.
"Because he is also a scientist. He might be able to fix this without screwing something up" Aquaformer explained. Optimus could only nod as Aquaformer commed the fore mentioned bot, explaining what had occurred and why Perceptor's expertise was needed.
"I will be at Jack's lab within the hour" Perceptor replied loudly across Aquaformer's comms.
"Thank you. I am hoping you can help all the victims of this, of which Optimus is one" Aquaformer replied. Optimus was surprised at how Aquaformer worked to address the problem.
"I will do my best, perceptor out" the bot answered, ending the comm.
"You were so efficient in getting the ball rolling, love" Optimus piped up, still surprised.
"You forget, love. I once was a commander of a small group of bots. I didn't want to be in charge but was placed in charge. I had to make quick decisions or risk it all" Aquaformer reminded her mate.
"I had forgotten. Forgive me. I hope that this will be corrected quickly" Optimus replied, siting down in Aquaformer's hand.
"I hope so, too. I need your help more than I can say" Aquaformer replied, bringing her shrunken mate near her face. She tiredly smiled and softly rubbed a cheek against the small being. Optimus realized then that Aquaformer still loved him. He did his best to curl into her. Aquaformer carried her mate back to their room. She set up a small area so he could safely rest near her. And then both rested, hoping things would correct themselves soon.