Transformers: Alternate Universe
It was mid-December of 2009. It was cold and snowing outside. The snow covered everything. It was a light downfall, nothing that would cause any accidents. People walked along the sidewalks and cars drove down Court Street. The snow or cold didn't stop some people from going to the bars. It was a typical night without the students in town at Lucky's Sports Tavern. The bar was actually quite small but it would still get crowded especially when the Steelers were playing. It used to be a carry out but in 2004 it was remodeled and turned into a complete bar. People were in there getting drunk, playing pool, some even stood by and watched but most of all they were having a good time. Most of them were having a good time. Dustin was sitting at the bar. He leaned against it with his forearms resting on the edge while he slowly turned a bottle of beer that was sitting on the bar. He just sat there looking at bottle. He had been sitting there for about forty-five minutes and only took a few drinks from his beer. He was flat out depressed. He still wore his wedding ring on his left hand. He didn't have the heart to take it off. Every time he would attempt it he would start crying. Some days he would just sit in his room and not come out. Sometimes it would be days before he'd report to Autobot City. It's been almost three months since the Decepticons killed his wife. The only good news is that the Decepticons hadn't bothered him since he faced the Lyacons. He wasn't surprised by that fact; after all he did send what was left of Weapon to them. He played back the memory of that dark day over and over again in his head. He tried to black it out but it wouldn't happen, his mind kept playing that fateful day. Sometimes he thought that he could have saved her if he would have just taken the blast, but other times he was more rational by thinking it was a reflex to move. A tear started to swell up in his eye. He quickly closed his eyes to hide the tear. He hated crying and he hated to show emotion. He felt cold and alone. Then a warm, friendly and welcome voice called out to him.
"Hey, Dustin." The voice said.
He turned around to see who had called his name. It was Liz and Katie, his two closest and dearest friends. They came up and sat down on either side of him. He enjoyed their company very much. Liz had a concerned look on her face. He knew exactly why she had that look and attempted to hide his feelings. But Liz knew better than that. Ever since they met Liz could easily tell if he was lying about his feelings. Katie was also concerned but Dustin could hide his emotions from her but she could usually tell anyway. Dustin leaned back in his stool so that he could see both Liz and Katie in his peripheral vision.
"How you doin? Alright?" Katie asked.
"Eh," Dustin shrugged. "You know the same as usual."
"Still thinkin' about her?" Liz asked.
"Yeah," Dustin said softly "I've been trying to get over her but it isn't easy, you know. I need to have a clear head; I've got a universe to save."
The two girls put their hands on his shoulders. That actually surprised Dustin, because they did it at the same time. They both have always said that they are the same person. Dustin fought back a grin. It seemed inappropriate at the time.
"Were you trying to fight back a grin?" Liz asked.
"Damn, she's good." Dustin thought to himself.
Dustin nodded. Liz laughed in triumph and Katie giggled.
"What were you grinning about?" Katie asked.
"Well, both of you put your hands on my shoulders at the same time and you guys keep telling me that you are the same person, so that thought popped in my head."
The two girls laughed.
"Come on, Dustin let's go get something to eat." Katie said.
Dustin nodded. He took one last drink from his warm beer. As soon as the beer touched his tongue he cringed and forced himself to swallow it. He put a 5 dollar bill on the bar as a tip and the bartender came and snatched it up. The three of them walked out of the bar. It was still snowing. Dustin put his hands in his pockets of his leather jacket, while the other two slipped on their gloves. They began walking up the street. They walked up to Skipper's Bar and Grill. There was hardly anyone in there. With the exception of the bartenders and waitstaff there were probably six people in there at the most. A waitress came over and greeted them. She had the same build as Liz but only taller. The waitress had short blonde hair and glasses. She showed them to their table and handed them each a menu. Dustin just stared blankly at his, not really thinking about what he wanted to eat. Liz looked up at him then looked back down at her menu.
"What are you getting, Dustin?"
"I'm not really hungry."
Liz set down her menu and gave him a look as if she didn't believe him. She extended her right arm and held out her pinkie finger. She wanted him to interlock his pinkie finger with hers. If he did, it meant that he wasn't hungry and if he didn't that meant that he was being stubborn. She knew he was full of it otherwise she wouldn't have done it. He didn't do it. He knew damn well that he was hungry. He hadn't eaten anything for two days. He picked up his menu and looked to see what was offered.
"I thought so."
Katie grinned at the remark. The waitress finally returned and took their order then left again. Liz leaned forward resting her elbows on the table. She looked at Dustin, trying to figure out what he was thinking. She knew he was obviously thinking about Sarah. She didn't want to pry but Dustin was her friend and she wanted him to feel better. Everytime she or Katie needed someone Dustin was always there for them. Whether it was rescuing them from the Decepticons or just being there to talk. He was always there for them and she wanted to return the favor.
"So, Dustin what's been going on? We haven't seen you for days."
"Not a whole lot. Just...you know."
"Transformer stuff?" Katie asked.
Dustin nodded.
"So, how is Cybertron? I would like to go there one day." Liz asked.
"Not bad. It's Cybertron. I've gotten used to it. Maybe later this week I'll take you there." Dustin said in a somewhat monotone voice.
Liz looked at Dustin trying to feel what he was feeling but she couldn't. In fact, she thought that Dustin was doing quite well given his situation. His wife just died and he was not shedding a tear. However, keeping it in wasn't healthy and if something were to happen to him she would do more than just cry. Nevertheless, she did not want to think about that sort of thing because it scared her. She knew that it could happen at anytime now with the Autobot/Decepticon War. A war, which one of her closest friends was a part in. Even though she wasn't with Dustin she was still scared that one day he might not come back. The waitress returned with their order. As they ate their food they continued to talk about the old days.
