Try, Try Again
By SMYGO4EVA

One day during recon, Bulkhead didn't show up. He was forgetful at times, probably hanging out with Miko back at base, or something else like that.

Arcee wasn't surprised. She'd be all over the place, at the base or even outside with Jack too when she would have the chance. Here, there, and everywhere. On days when nothing seemed to be wrong, nothing could keep her down.

Not every day would be composed or even low key and those would be days when she wished for combat. When facing cons, especially Airachnid, Arcee would feel something twist inside her spark, in anger, in fury, in determination, and from what she saw in Bulkhead, he would feel the same way when facing Breakdown, and turn cold. It turns positively glacial when Optimus would fight Megatron, only to barely escape the spark-fueled blade to live another day, for now.

Then, the Earth's sky burns red from one horizon to the next. And the wind carries ash and a chill with the cons still out there, just waiting to strike, waiting for revenge to be left aside for the killing blow.

Arcee and Bulkhead both knew that feeling with having something precious taken away. They knew without knowing. Even as warriors like themselves lose their mad gleam of vengeance and look at the new world with fear.

Retribution would cloud one's judgment, even if it was justified. They both have their doubts on bearing grudges for the longest time, every last one. Overcoming old grudges would be a hard act to follow, and even harder every time they would see their respective opponents in battle.

They both knew, Arcee and Bulkhead, for which until it was certain, they would try, try again to overcome those old grudges that tie them to overwhelming madness.