Mentally shaking myself because currently working on a Transformers Prime s1 canon divergence KoBd fic! Though I know how to end it, my brain is expanding on the rest of the story and AHHH it's expanding so much it's both another fic idea AND possible an AU of the canon divergence since it won't exactly fit the silly continuity of fics I am planning qwq (plus I find it very VERY self-indulgent soob)
SO! Plot from the WIP fic and some very self-indulgent expanding plot:
Basically, Breakdown and Knockout return back to the Nemesis and Soundwave knows they are conjunx but hides it from Starscream. Megatron is in his stasis lock still. Starscream has no remorse for torturing Knockout (from ending of s1 ep11 Speed Metal) and forces them to stay in the med bay until he needs them. The two are angry but comply, then are surprised to see Soundwave covering for them as he tells them they can go back to the repair shop (detail from my WIP fic qwq).
Optimus and Ratchet are still there, but hide when the Decepticon groundbridge opens. Breakdown and Knockout really really want to defect, wondering why Soundwave will keep the secret that they are conjunx from Megatron, as Soundwave is ever loyal to the Decepticon leader. They are tired of Starscream's actions towards them. They are tired of the fear of being found out about being conjunx and having that being used against them. Usually they would joke about defecting, or at least have one argue that they shouldn't. Buut, they both want to defect now. A small moment of joy is replaced by frustration as they argue about whether or not they should defect this time: Leave now, without fully healing Megatron, and they would be hunted down by Soundwave--even if Soundwave covered for them many times today, he was still loyal to Megatron. If they defect immediately after fully healing Megatron, the Autobots wouldn't accept them, as they helped their biggest enemy come back to life. Their arguments ends more in despair, where Breakdown wishes the two never left Velocitron (silly headcanon taken from the comics that they are Velocitronians, not Cybertronians), but Knockout is quick to defend that they made the right choice leaving the Speed Planet (again, taken from the comics on how heavy duty Breakdown was seen as lesser for not being as fast as other Velocitronians).
Optimus and Ratchet show themselves--well, more like Optimus walks out and offers them safety with the Autobots while Ratchet hurriedly walks out too, to defend Optimus if need be. Frustration turns to paranoia, as Knockout is freaking out that Soundwave can hear radio signals from anywhere (previously, Soundwave was speaking to them by repeating phrases Knockout and Breakdown said in what they assumed was private, but not really, since the Nemesis has cameras everywhere, whether visual or audial) and Soundwave heard everything, about defecting and now talking with Autobots? He silently points at the repair shop (which has a radio), transforms into car mode, revs, then drives a bit away. Breakdown whispers-shouts to the two "Not here" as he transforms, following his conjunx. Optimus and Ratchet don't follow, instead argue whether it's a trap or not.
Meanwhile, Knockout is spiraling into paranoia as Breakdown tries to calm him down, but it's no use. Knockout equips his saw, pointing it dangerously close to his own helm as he says that Soundwave could be even listening to their comms. Breakdown tries to comfort him, but then Knockout actually begins slicing into his own helm! With no other choice, Breakdown yells for the two Autobots to get here now, and he finally manages to calm down Knockout, though now Knockout is now bleeding out some energon.
Suddenly, Laserbeak is flying towards them, so Optimus and Ratchet hide again. Soundwave is here! He breaks his vow of silence and actually speaks to Knockout and Breakdown, admitting that he did hear everything and is sorry for that. He tells them that Megatron is stable enough that he can wake up on his own. Knockout and Breakdown are shocked at the implications that they could just...leave. Soundwave said he will create a diversion, using the excuse of an intense Autobot battle that the two Decepticon medics were offlined and that Soundwave will lose his memories of this conversation. All to make Starscream look bad in the optics of Megatron >:D! Soundwave calls for the Autobots to reveal themselves and to go through with the plan.
So, Breakdown calls Starscream for backup and will suddenly be cut off, as well as Soundwave. Team Prime is here, only being told by Optimus to play along without question, explanations for later. Breakdown and Knockout take their places on the ground, pretending to be offlined (Knockout with his helm injury and Breakdown covered in Knockout's energon is very convienent right now). Soundwave gives a final apology for dragging the two into the war as he begins self-deleting the memories of this conversation, temporarily being knocked unconscious. Once Starscream enters via Decepticon groundbridge, he is shocked at the sight that is infront of him: The only Decepticon medics dead (Bulkhead and Arcee standing over Breakdown and Knockout respectively) and Soundwave unconscious. Starscream manages to drag Soundwave back into the portal as the Autobots are attacking them. Plan successful!
Breakdown sits up, grinning at how they managed to actually pull it off. Arcee nudges Knockout...who isn't responding and is falling into stasis lock. Breakdown is panicking, scooping up Knockout in his arms as the Autobot's groundbridge opens, and he runs in first, everything be damned.
Fic ends where Breakdown is panicking, but Knockout is fine! They are part of the Autobots now, well, first neutral since they are tired of the war. Breakdown lives! Yippee!!
