Perceptor is actually keeping track of time in his head. How much longer must he stay out here before he can return to his work?

Yes... he sees it makes Smokescreen happy. Very happy. And it's difficult to deny there is a part of him that feels a little lighter, upon noticing that.

He just won't say so.

Reluctantly, he comes to the decision to remain here, for as long as he's asked to. He won't like it, but he'd rather not go through all the drama again.