This takes place right after the last episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters "Plus One".
I really couldn't help myself.
Rated M for sticky things later on.
Hope you enjoy!
"You had me worried back there, Jackie." Bulkhead smiled toward his old friend as he put his hand to Wheeljack's in the Wrecker salute. Returning to base to find that Wheeljack hadn't left them was more of a relief than the large mech could put into words, and not just because he wasn't the smartest 'bot around, either.
Wheeljack's optics rolled and with a bit of humor, replied. "Just needed to blow off some steam."
Ultra Magnus huffed, unwelcome as he walked up to them, specifically turning his attention to Wheeljack. "If you intend on staying, then you will do well to pay more attention to my instructions and not question my orders. Is that understood, soldier?"
Glancing up at the high-strung mech, Wheeljack replied simply, "Yeah Sir." Oh how Magnus's strict, by the book, attitude made him want to hurl lug nuts. The thought of going back under his command wasn't pleasant, not pleasant at all. He'd rather be strapped to an asteroid, hurtling into the sun.
With a returning nod, Ultra Magnus walked past them to report in with Agent Fowler and await Optimus Prime's return.
Wheeljack crossed his arms and looked around the room. It seemed as though everyone was busy, so he took his opportunity to have some time with Bulkhead. "Hey Bulk, mind stepping outside with me for a few?" He asked, gesturing with his hand toward the large doorway of the bunker.
"Uhh… sure?" Bulkhead replied, a bit confused, but alright spending time with Wheeljack if he wanted it. Taking a glance over to his beloved partner, Miko, he could see that she was fine and sharing stories with Jack. Most likely bragging about kicking Starscream's aft with the apex armor. So with a bit more confidence, he followed Wheeljack outside.
Not in the mood for any eavesdropping, Wheeljack walked past several bunkers until they were a bit more secluded on the backside of the outermost bunker.
"Don't you think we're a bit far?" Bulkhead asked. Once again, he was confused.
Wheeljack leaned against the bunker wall and smirked at the large, forest green mech. For a moment, he caught himself staring into Bulkhead's big blue optics, which were so full of innocent confusion. Nothing like the hardened optics of a laborer turned soldier when they had first met in the Wreckers. Suddenly frowning, he turned away to look into the sky. It was still dark out, though it wouldn't be long before the sun would begin rising over the horizon.
This reaction to his question didn't set well with Bulkhead and he looked down sadly, taking a step back. He hoped that Wheeljack wasn't upset with him for something. It was one of those moments when someone says they want to talk and you think back on everything you'd ever done wrong. Now Bulkhead was prepared for the worst.
Looking back to him, Wheeljack felt remorse when he could hear Bulkhead stepping away. "It's nothing like that Bulk." He spoke reassuringly, stepping closer to break the gap between them. "I've just had a lot to think about today and I'm tired of thinking."
Feeling a bit more relieved, Bulkhead spoke with a calm laughter, "Yeah, that sure sounds like the old, Jackie."
"Hmph… the old Jackie…" Wheeljack sighed. "Makes me miss the old Bulk."
There was a moment of silence before Bulkhead spoke so quietly, it was nearly a whisper if his vocals weren't so full of bass. "Sorry."
Feeling more sadness from Bulkhead filled Wheeljack with even more emotions that were nearly impossible to understand. He did miss the old Bulkhead. He wasn't going to deny that. He missed how he'd felt surrounded by brothers with no rules and completing what other 'bots thought would be missions of suicide. Back when he knew exactly where he stood with Bulkhead. How he felt about Bulkhead. "Stop taking everything so personally!" Wheeljack said quickly. "This is what I mean by, you've gone soft. You follow orders like Mag-butt's pet and I bet your optics would be gushing fluids by now if I had actually left." More emotions. He hated himself for snapping at his closest friend. Why was he doing this? "You're not the Bulkhead I knew. What didn't make you laugh you used to pound into scrap. Now you're letting what I say make you upset?! I thought we could be brothers till the end of our life cycles, I even came back for you despite Magnus."
Bulkhead frowned, having heard enough and turned his back to Wheeljack. "You're not the same Jackie I used to Wreck with either." His tone was harsher than usual.
"What?" Wheeljack replied, stunned.
"The Wheeljack I knew wasn't nearly as unstable with his emotions as you clearly are." Bulkhead answered. "Maybe you should take some time off from the Wreckers and go team up with Arcee again. You two seem to have more in common than we do right now."
