(The 30 day OTP challenge is calling to me. Days 1 & 2!)

Removing your armour, your solid defences to the outside world, was not something that was usually done. It was usually only done in medical emergencies, the soft protoform underneath quickly protected by a mock up of materials.

Over time, an exposed protoform had come to be associated the same way one would view an exposed human body - inappropriate. Even in private, it was almost an unthinkable thing to do.

And yet, there Jazz sat, not a single shred of armour to speak of cladding and protecting his body.

The soft glow of his spark could be seen, and Jazz tried to not look at it. He'd be reminded of just how exposed he was, and his hand would twitch towards where his armour lay.

"If you're uncomfortable, it's okay to cover up again." The mech sitting opposite him said softly, optics half shuttering. Their doorwings twitched, betraying the agitation they also felt at being exposed like this. The vorn they had been at war for took their toll on everyone, and even during quiet periods no one completely relaxed.

"Ya're not lookin' too hot ya self, Prowler."

Prowl averted his optics. "I am not accustomed to being exposed like this."

"Figures." Jazz replied, shuffling to be a little closer. He held a hand out, hovering it over Prowls hand. Both were clasped to his knees. Jazz looked up at Prowl in questioning: can I?

Prowl nodded, allowing Jazz to touch his exposed body.

The first place Jazz gently explored were his hands. Never before had Jazz seen them without the armour that protected them, and never before had he realised that there were thick scars on the soft metal.

"Where'd ya get these from?" He quietly asked. Prowl was quiet for a moment before he replied.

"Some are from the armour, they're natural. Others I received as Praxus fell."

Jazz knew that their armour left scars. He too had them. The bigger the scar, the heavier the armour. They were perfectly normal to have.

And quickly glancing at the rest of Prowls body revealed that he had far too many to be just down to his armour.

"Are all of them 'cause a'that?" He couldn't help but ask.

"Yes."

"Ah'm sorry."

"No need. What's done is done."

Jazz was glad that Prowl didn't seem to be bothered by the fact his protoform was permanently scarred nor his questions.

He continued, running his hands up the length of Prowls forearm, fingers splaying out. With a child-like curiosity, he examined every single inch of Prowl, avoiding areas that were more private than others. When he was done, he simply nuzzled their noses together before sitting back down, pulling Prowls own hands back with him and placing them down on his thighs. "Ya can too, if ya want."

And Prowl did. He did not express the same child-like curiosity that Jazz did, however he held the same air that he did when he was holding something delicate and intensely important. He never applied much pressure at all, hands carefully mapping out the body underneath them.

The last place his hands reached was Jazz's face, and when he did he gently took hold of it before gently kissing Jazz on the lips.

And he melted into it.

Neither felt so anxious as before, settling down into the familiar comfort of the others presence. Jazz pulled the other closer, ignoring the foreign feeling of their protoforms rubbing together as he moved to lay on his back, pulling Prowl down with him.

If he had any complaints, Prowl didn't voice them.

"Is it okay if we just cuddle? Ah don' think Ah can do much more..." Jazz awkwardly asked, shuffling where he lay. Prowl simply let himself drop down beside Jazz and opened his arms in invitation.

"Wouldn't have expected you to. Truth be told, I'm amazed I got this far." Prowl replied as Jazz immediately cuddled up to Prowl, the doorwingers arms quickly wrapping around him whilst still leaving enough room for him to leave if he so desired.

"Have Ah ever told ya how much Ah love ya?" Jazz asked, tracing over a thick, jagged scar on Prowls abdomen.

"Many times." Prowl replied, gently rubbing circles on Jazz's back.

"Well, Ah do. So so much."

"As do I."

Jazz positively preened, leaning up to kiss his mate before snuggling back up to him.

As tired as the pair were, they couldn't allow themselves to recharge without their armour on, but the feel of having the other pressed so close was by far more attractive than the lull of sleep.

Idk if ill do it in order or even do them at all - some are a bit difficult for me x3 but something to enjoy I guess?

~Llama