The Game of Love [Prequel]

-A few weeks later-

Breakdown was currently panicking because he had just received a call that Knockout had to be sent home from work early because he purged his tanks almost three times. A million things were whirling through his mind, not one of them being the possibility of Knockout carrying a sparkling. Frankly, he can't really think straight when he panics.

He rushed home in no time, nearly tripping over his pedes several times as he approached the door to their housing unit and fumbled around for the key. He went to unlock the door when he found that it was already unlocked, cursing at himself for not checking it first. Quickly putting the key away, he stepped inside and shut the door, his optics scanning the room for any sign of his sparkmate.

"Knockout?" Breakdown hesitantly called out, forcing himself to calm down as he started walking around and looking. He nearly jumped in fright when he heard a cough come from the berthroom, his entire frame stiff until he relaxed a bit.

The navy blue mech cautiously approached the berthroom that he shared with his mate, peering inside to see his mate curled up on the berth with all the blankets surrounding him. Breakdown let out a soft sigh of relief and his gaze softened as he quietly made his way over to the side of the berth.

Knockout glanced up when he heard Breakdown's heavy pedesteps, his optics dull and hazy. His hands were clutching his stomach and he was curled up in the fetal position on the berth. He tried to smile when his mate came into view, but found it hard.

"Hey... I heard about what happened.." Breakdown murmured softly, sitting down next to Knockout. "You had me worried sick...." He bent down to press a soft kiss to his mate's helm.

"Sorry.." Knockout couldn't help but chuckle, wincing at the pain in his stomach soon after. "Yeah.... didn't expect to end my day early by vomiting all over the place..."

"What's wrong? Is it a virus or anything?"

"Not sure. I'm going back tomorrow to get scanned, they said I could have the day off."

Breakdown nodded. That didn't exactly calm his nerves, but at least he knew his mate was alright. "Alright. I'll take off work so I can be with you." He said, scooting over so he could lay down next to Knockout and hold him close. "Tell me if you have to get up in a hurry, okay?"

"Okay..." Knockout mumbled in response, cuddling close to Breakdown's warm frame and sighing heavily.

-The next day-

"Feeling any better this morning?" The nurse at the reception desk asked Knockout when he came in with Breakdown to check in.

Knockout shrugged, prompting Breakdown to step in as his voice.

"He purged again this morning and his throat is hurting him pretty badly. He wants me to speak for him." Breakdown said, wrapping a comforting arm around Knockout and sighing.

The nurse nodded and took the paperwork once it was finished, giving Knockout an apologetic smile. "That's not fun.... I hope we get it all figured out today. We miss our favorite medic." She said cheerfully, waving the pair towards the waiting room.

———

After a period of waiting, Knockout was finally called back to a room. Breakdown kept him close to comfort him as they walked down the hall, soon arriving at the designated exam room. Knockout took a seat on the medberth, while Breakdown chose to stand since he was going a bit stir crazy after sitting for so long.

The medic soon arrived and asked Breakdown a bunch of questions, which he gladly answered while periodically checking on Knockout. When that was done, the medic told Knockout to lay down so he could get a full body scan for him to analyze.

Breakdown watched nervously as a light shone over Knockout, slowly moving up and down to scan his entire frame. A little beep was heard when it finished and the medic gathered the small device with his hand.

A few agonizing minutes went by, Breakdown occupying himself with picking at his armor or shifting his weight from pede to pede. Knockout just watched silently, his optics slightly narrowed with concern. They were both so used to the silence that they were startled when the medic finally spoke up.

"Congratulations, you're sparked."