#branstorm

It started off with a simple request.

“We should go on a date!” Tailgate's visor sparkled as he looked up at Cyclonus.

The ship was stopping on a short shore leave and there were a few places in the area which had establishments accommodating to inorganics. One of them should be nice enough for a romantic evening with Tailgate.

“If that would make you happy,” Cyclonus gave a small smile.

Tailgate almost squeaked in joy and he hugged Cyclonus as best he could. “We should invite Whirl too. He's part of why we're together.”

No. Absolutely not. Whirl had nothing to do with him and Tailgate being together. And even if he did, a date should only involve the parties that were dating.

But, it was hard for Cyclonus to deny Tailgate any request and this one seemed harmless enough. Whirl would likely reject the proposal anyway.

“Sure, I'll go.” Whirl didn't sound very interested despite his acceptance. “Wait, can my better half tag along too?”

“Of course!” Tailgate answered before Cyclonus had a chance to.

But Whirl bringing his own date was perfectly reasonable. It would probably be more uncomfortable for everyone if Whirl came alone. And First Aid would likely be able to prevent Whirl from causing any destruction.

“I'll send you the details of the establishment,” Cyclonus said stiffly.

“Great, great, see you there.” Whirl waved absently as he walked away from the couple.

Something which had not occurred to Cyclonus was that he should ask who Whirl's “better half” was. He had assumed that Whirl was trying some pet name for First Aid. And while First Aid was there and Whirl had an arm draped over him, there were two others present.

“Hey, Cyclonus!” Brainstorm said cheerfully.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Perceptor gave a small nod.

Tailgate greeted everyone enthusiastically. Cyclonus did not. He stood still and pulled Whirl to the side.

“You asked if you could bring First Aid,” Cyclonus hissed.

“I assumed I could bring First Aid. I asked if I could bring Brainstorm, my better half.” Empurata or no, Cyclonus could see the smile on Whirl’s face.

Who addressed their best friend as being their “better half”?

“And he wanted to bring Perceptor and I figured if you were bringing a date and I was bringing a date, he should be allowed to too.”

That would have been understandable except for the part where Brainstorm wasn't invited. Cyclonus sighed, it was too late now. “Is there anyone else coming that I should know about?”