I wouldn't expect you to be usin' an actual example. [he says as he considers all this. perhaps he was making it far more complicated than it needed to be? his expression shifts a little when rung reminds him that people have been known to go back and then come back here, it happened with him and grimlock, but the fact they haven't returned bothers him. it makes logical sense they may have just stayed where they went back to, but unfortunately his little obsession with that particular problem isn't making him see it logically or rationally. he's stuck himself in the paradox of needing to see them to know they're fine in their own reality, but needing to physically see them to do that, and not being able to do that unless they come back here. his brain is dinging around like a fork in a garbage disposal.

he says nothing about rung's admission of his disappearance, knowing that they're here to talk about work, not what's happened to them. he appreciates rung not commenting on his own admission. functional adults, maybe?

ratchet opts not to mention that while he has been vaguely doing this - so it's a relief to know he was in the right ballpark - he also just doesn't feel like it's enough. like he really should know more or be better.] You're right, though that's only one part of it. You see the kind of turbofox hole we end up going down? How would you help someone who's partner shows up but is a version of them that doesn't know them? I know this is all just modified grief, but...