Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers, nor make money off of it.
Characters: Jazz/Prowl, Optimus, Ironhide, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, mentions of other characters from the G1 verse. Mentions of Hound/Mirage.
Warnings: Mechs kissing.
Summary: A dance to cheer up the crew of the Ark with the beginnings of a new relationship.
Notes: I had every intention of incorporating more Native American tradition into this, but the bunny went in another direction. And then there is the fact that it seems almost impossible to find out enough about a rain dance. And that's including asking the native americans. Written for the April Showers bring May flowers challenge on the PXJ comm. And i really have no idea where the courting tradition came from...
Prowl sighed deeply as he made his way towards the exit to the Ark. It had been one of those days where anything that could go wrong had indeed went wrong. It had started out with an attack on a oil refinery by the decepticons. The battle hadn't lasted that long and ended with Megatron retreating as normal. Then came the small infestation of prairie dogs in the secondary cargo hold. Prowl gave a small chuckle at the memory of Sideswipe and Jazz chasing the small creatures in an attempt to capture and move them to safety. After that it had been a series of unfortunate events that had succeeded in stressing him until he was completely exhausted. And now he wanted nothing more then to take a long quiet drive out in the desert.
As Prowl exited the Ark and prepared to transform he noticed the unmistakable sounds of construction. Pausing he debated shortly on just ignoring it and continuing on with his drive. But curiosity got the better of him and he moved in the direction the noise was coming from. He quickly realized he would have been better off ignoring it.
The sun was on the verge of setting and several mechs had built a large bonfire. Several more seemed to be constructing drums from oil barrels by stretching some sort of fabric over them. The soft music of flutes drifted across the area from four large speakers that had been set up. Confusion swept over him as he attempted to figure out what the crew had planned. A party seemed given. But this was unlike any party he had ever seen before.
Jazz glanced up from where he was directing some mechs to set makeshift benches a little ways away from the fire and noticed Prowl eying the activity with a very confused look on his faceplates. Ordering Sunstreaker to take over, he made his way towards the SIC.
"Whats up, Prowler?"
"I should be asking you that. I must admit I am having trouble figuring out what you're up to."
.
"We are setting up for a Rain Dance." Jazz had to fight to keep the smirk off his faceplates as Prowl looked even more confused.
"A Rain Dance?"
"Yes, a Rain Dance. You see, native americans believe that by doing a certain type of dance, it will make it rain." Jazz watched as the confusion turned to disbelief.
"Surely you don't expect to make it rain by dancing. Rain is formed when evaporated water condenses into clouds-" Prowl broke off as Jazz's faceplates broke out into a smile. Something twisted in his spark and Prowl had to forcibly stop his reaction from showing.
"Prowl, I know how rain is formed. Any sparkling knows that. We aren't expecting to make it rain. We are expecting to have fun."
"I highly doubt a party should be held. Tomorrow we start the battle simulations." Prowl watched as the smile fled Jazz's face to be replaced by seriousness. Again his spark twinged. This time with regret at seeing the smile vanish. He couldn't understand this sudden reaction to the other bot. He had been friends with Jazz for eons. Not close friends, but he saw the mech often enough to be startled by these new feelings.
"A party is exactly what the crew needs. The upcoming simulations have them stressed. They need to relax and have fun. Besides, the high grade has been banned." Jazz watched the other closely. He knew that if Prowl really objected to the party, he would call a halt to it. He hoped he wouldn't though, the crew needed a way to release the stress accumulated over the past few days.
Prowl relaxed and all his reservations fled. He trusted Jazz. "Very well Jazz. But I expect to see everyone at the top of their game tomorrow."
Jazz watched as Prowl turned, transformed and sped across the desert. His visored optics remained trained on the black and white form until it vanished from sight.
"Why didn't you ask him to join us?" Sideswipe smirked at the saboteur.
"You know Prowl, he wouldn't have been happy at the party. His idea of relaxation is quiet and solitude." Jazz tore his gaze from the point where Prowl had vanished in the distance and scowled at Sideswipe before heading back towards the area they were setting up.
Sideswipe followed. "Everyone knows you have a thing for Prowl, why not do something about it?"
Jazz whirled on the front-liner, forcing him to back up a step. "What the slag do you mean by that?"
Sideswipe held his servos up. "Take it easy. Its just that everyone has seen how you watch Prowl. You would have to be blind not to see that you want him. Why do you think none of the rest of the crew have approached him?"
Jazz blinked, causing his visor to flicker. Prowl had been a friend for ages, he hadn't realized he had been watching the tactician though. Now that he thought of it though he could remember several instances of simply enjoying the curves adorning the praxian. But even so...
"It wouldn't matter if I did. Prowl is the type that would never mix business with pleasure. Now if you will excuse me, I have a party to get ready." Jazz whirled back around and stalked away, leaving Sideswipe to stare after him.
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Darkness had fallen completely and a nearly full moon had risen by the time Prowl had made his way back towards the Ark. Still a little ways away, he could hear the deep thrumming beat of the drums. He'd had every intention of skirting the activities and heading straight inside the Ark, but as he got closer his wheels seemed to automatically turn towards the gathering of mechs not far off. As he reached the edge of the crowd he transformed quietly before sliding into the mass of autobots.
He maneuvered through the crowd, being careful of his doorwings, until he could see the mechs dancing in the center. The bonfire cast ever shifting shards of light and shadow across those dancing in the center, creating a air of mystery and illusion.
Prowl's optics drifted across the sea of mechs, searching without realizing it for that one mech with armor similar to his own. The accompanying music being played from the speakers suddenly changed to an ancient Cybertronian piece. For a moment the drums maintained their loud beat before softening to match. Prowl was slightly amazed at the way the music from two different worlds could blend so well together.
The mechs dancing had changed their style according to the music and were slowly pairing off. Prowls optics were drawn to the shadows where the firelight briefly lit up a body moving amongst the others. His spark pulsed in his chest and he frowned at the reaction. He had avoided getting attached to any of the bots under his command. It was against his own morals to mix business with pleasure. But here he was, staring at his fellow crew member, wanting nothing more then to go dance with the mech. And he never, ever danced. In the past whenever he had felt the need for companionship he had headed out into Iacon, easily finding a berth partner. But here... Here it was impossible, unless he sought out a decepticon. He shuddered and offlined his optics at the idea.
The music shifted again, becoming slower and more sultry. The drums had stopped completely and Prowl kept his optics off, allowing his mind to drift slowly with the music. He jerked and on-lined his optics suddenly as a servo gently pulled him to him forward.
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Jazz tugged the tactician close, relishing in the feel of the other against his chassis. He smiled slightly as Prowl stiffened in his arms for a few seconds before relaxing completely and moving with him to the slow beat of the music. Surprise filtered through Jazz. While he had hoped, he never expected Prowl to give in and dance with him.
The music faded until all they were aware of was each other. Not that they needed to hear it. Their sparks beat a rhythm that they couldn't help but sway too. Jazz pressed his servo into Prowls lower back-struts, pulling the mech just a little closer. He brushed his lips against the others cheek and watched as Prowls optics closed, feeling the mech leaning into the touch. Jazz had wanted him for so long, from a distance, he'd never dreamed he would be standing this close to him. And now that he was, he never wanted to let him go.
Jazz stroked a servo up Prowls arm before gently cupping the mechs face, leaning forward he lightly brushed his lips over the others. He realized his mistake too late as Prowl stiffened in his arms, optics widening and then tearing himself away before making a beeline for the interior of the Ark. Jazz remained where he was, his arms falling to his sides as his visored optics tracked the tacticians hasty retreat. His spark clenched in on itself and he cursed his stupidity. For a moment, Jazz debated on following Prowl, then decided against it. Whatever he could say would likely only make the situation worse.
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"Prowl."
Prowl slid to halt so fast his pedes squealed against the metal floor of the Ark. He straightened to attention and turned to face the mech that had called out to him. He stiffened. Optimus Prime was sitting on one of the many benches set up just inside the entrance and it was evident that he had seen what had happened. But instead of the disapproving look he expected, Prowl encountered concern.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes- No." Prowl sighed and centered himself. "It will be, Sir." Even as he said it, his tanks churned. He had no idea how to make things better. He began to berate himself for letting them come to this in the first place.
Prime eyed his Second in Command. The mech's usual blank faceplates were a mass of emotion. Worry, tension, pain and a sense of uncertainty seemed to swirl through him. Optimus had watched Prowl dance with his 3IC, and it had been a very long time since he had seen him that relaxed and happy. He gave a sigh and leaned back, motioning towards the empty spot on the bench. Prowl settled onto it stiffly.
"Why are we fighting this war?"
Prowl shot him a startled look. "Because the deceptic-"
Prime shook his head and interrupted. "That's not what I mean, Prowl. Why are we fighting?"
The tactician hesitated, studying the prime. "For freedom. We are fighting for the right to survive. To live."
"Then why are you in here, and not out there dancing with Jazz?" Optimus' optics sparkled as he watched Prowl shift uncomfortably.
"Because officers are not allowed to engage in personal affairs with other officers or autobots under their command." Prowl recited the rule almost automatically.
"Many Autobots have sacrificed their lives in more then one way for this war. We are stuck here, Prowl. And while we have so far managed to hold our own, we are still outnumbered by the decepticons. Any one of us could offline tomorrow. How can I, as Prime, deny my crew any happiness they may find?"
Prowl stared at his commanding officer, uncertain how to respond. He opened his mouth and then closed it again before finding his voice. "Relations amongst the crew, specially among the command staff could put us at a disadvantage on the battlefield. Bots would be looking out for their mates rather then paying attention to the battle."
Prime sighed and shook his head slightly. "Then let me ask you a question Prowl. And I would like a completely honest answer." He paused ignoring the indignant look on the others faceplates, continuing once he received a nod from Prowl. "Consider this: You are not currently attached to any mech. You are not bonded. But what if the decepticons attacked right now? What if Jazz was taken prisoner? How would you respond?"
Prowl knew the correct response would be to organize a recovery team. But if he were honest... "I would go after him."
"And if I issued orders for you to remain in the Ark and to send a team out?"
"I would still go." Prowl hesitated, looking startled at his own words. He had just admitted to his Prime that he would betray him.
Optimus's voice lowered. "And if Jazz was killed?"
Once again Prowl answered without thinking, and once again he was shocked at his feelings. "Then I would follow him."
Prime nodded, already knowing this would be the answer. "And how long have you felt this way?"
"I didn't know until today. But I would guess its been building for some time. I'm sorry, Sir."
"The main reason behind the rules that we have, is because bonded pairs would be a liability. Instead of losing one mech we would lose two. But as you have pointed out, I would still lose two. In the face of that, how can I keep my crew from having something to brighten their days in this never ending war?"
Prowl said nothing, simply staring at the prime.
"Then there is the fact that I believe that the crew is stronger together then apart. Did you know that we already have two bonded pairs in our ranks? And there is rumors of a third set courting."
Prowl spluttered. Two pairs? How had he missed that? "Who are they, Sir?"\
Optimus chuckled. "Mirage and Hound were the first to request permission. Then Inferno and Red Alert. The rumors are that the twins are courting Ratchet."
Prowls processors and Battle computer suddenly kicked into overdrive and he was startled at the numbers it spat out. His optics widened and he began to speak softly, almost to himself. "Having the twins with Ratchet on the battlefield is actually a good idea. As a medic he is almost always under constant fire and that slows him down. If the twins were with him, it would increase his success rate and lower the amount of time our mechs would be out because of injuries."
"Prowl, if you choose to pursue something with Jazz, you have my support. The same goes if you simply need someone to talk to."
"Thank you, Sir."
The Autobot leader shifted and glanced out through the open doors of the Ark. "Although, should you decide to, you may wish to make a move soon. It seems someone else has their own ideas when it comes to Jazz." Prime shot a startled look at Prowl then chuckled as the mech growled softly beside him.
Prowl stared out through the entrance of the Ark to the place where Bluestreak was seemed to attempting to coax Jazz into dancing with him. He gave another low growl as Jazz allowed himself to be led closer to the fire.
"You could always just cut in." Prime stated with a smirk.
"But to cut in..." Prowl hesitated. On Cybertron, It had been traditionally accepted that if a mech requested to cut in on another that it was an open deceleration of intent to court.
"Wasn't it your intention to court Jazz, Prowl? Or are you simply looking for a berth partner?"
Prowl sputtered. "Of course I wasn't looking for a berth partner!"
Giving a chuckle, Prime glanced over to where Jazz and Bluestreak were dancing. "Then whats the problem?"
"Of course, You're right, Sir." Prowl straightened slightly, still a little nervous. By nature he was a private mech. To make such a public move on another mech was something he had never done before. He took several steps towards the exit before stopping and turning back to the Prime.
"Sir, I know this is a little late to ask this, but I was wondering if it would be alright to postpone the Battle Simulations until next week?"
"To what end?" Prime knew that if Prowl was asking, it wasn't for personal reasons.
"It came to my attention that the crew was worried about their performance. The purpose of the Battle Simulations was to find new tactics and strengthen our teamwork. If mechs go into it stressed, we may end up with someone getting injured. I would like to rework the simulations to make them more interesting. Besides, I think there are ways we could use the bonded pairs to our advantage. I would also like a chance to get some opinions from the crew on what they would like to see in the simulations."
"Granted. Ill make an announcement to the crew shortly."
"Thank you, Sir." With that Prowl turned and made a beeline towards the place Jazz and Bluestreak were dancing.
Optimus Prime watched his 2IC make his way outside, turning back when he heard a noise. Ironhide sat beside him and offered a cube of energon.
"Nice timing."
Ironhide laughed. "I know when to keep out of sight. Did you get through to him?"
Prime's chuckles joined Ironhides. "Yes, I think so. Though we will have to keep an optic on him, I suppose."
The two friends sat and drank their energon, watching as Prowl made his way over to Jazz.
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Prowl stood in the shadows, watching as Jazz danced with Bluestreak. He appeared to be having fun and Prowl was hesitant to interrupt them. Did he really have a right to do so after running away earlier? He jumped as he received a nudge through his comm from the Prime. Straightening and settling his doorwings into a dignified position on his back, Prowl stepped out of the shadows and made his way through the mechs dancing. As he passed, many stopped and watched with curiosity. He ignored them and focused on his goal.
Reaching the two mechs, he paused before asking politely to cut in. The two stepped apart, Bluestreak backing away to give Jazz a chance to answer. Tradition required that he ignore Bluestreak and focus on Jazz. As he locked his optics on Jazz's visor his spark pulsed nervously. And when Jazz used a private comm to speak to him, he nearly jumped.
-Prowler. You do know what that means, don't you? Are you sure?-
-I do. And I would not have asked if I was not completely sure.- Prowl smiled slightly, his optics still locked with Jazz's.
The saboteurs face broke into a smile and he offered a servo to Prowl. As the other mech accepted it, he tugged him in close, easily guiding him into the dance.
"I'd be honored, Prowl."
Prowl relaxed, all the nervousness draining away, frame slightly heating in embarrassment as the crew broke into cheers. He soon forgot about it though as he danced with Jazz. He forgot about everything but the feel of the other bot. His spark trembled with every brush of Jazz's chassis against him. A slow song started and Prowl tugged Jazz closer, resting his servos on the bots black hips. He leaned in with the intent to brush a kiss over those soft lips, only to be stopped by the Primes voice over the PA system.
"Autobots. I have an announcement to make. The Battle Simulations that were to be held tomorrow have been postponed for a week. This is due to the fact that Prowl wants to redo the events being held and to factor in new information." The primes voice hesitated and Prowl opened up a link to the PA system through a remote connection.
"The purpose of these simulations are not to grade your performance, but to come up with new tactics and strategies. Anyone that would like to offer suggestions, please bring them to my attention or drop off a datapad." Prowl paused for a second before adding: "During working hours."
This had several mechs laughing, including the one currently pressed close to the tactician. The resulting vibrations that spread from Jazz's frame to Prowls had him giving a low growl. And Prowl realized instantly that he was still connected to the PA system. Embarrassment flooded through him again and he quickly terminated the connection and buried his helm in Jazz's neck.
Jazz was laughing outright now, and Prowls embarrassment gave way to annoyance."It's not that funny!."
"Sorry." Jazz gasped, attempting to maintain a serious face only to dissolve into laughter once again.
Prowl smirked, letting Jazz have his fun for a few minutes before deciding to put a stop to it. He tugged Jazz across the few inches that separated them until their chassis came together with a soft noise. Then he kissed Jazz hard, effectively cutting off the mechs laughter and causing his systems to rev loudly. He pulled away briefly, chuckling. Jazz stared at him in a slightly dazed way before leaning back in to nibble at Prowls bottom lip. He groaned and felt Jazz shiver in response. Prowl raised a servo to cup his cheek and smiled softly as Jazz dimmed his visor, as if savoring his touch, then turned and pressed a kiss into his hand. Then he was kissing him again, his mouth devouring Jazz's, his kisses greedy, hungry.
It took a few minutes for either of them to register the soft pinging against their armor. A wet sensation finally captured their attention and they drew apart slightly, glancing around as mechs dashed for the cover of the Arks interior. Jazz glanced upwards, chuckling as the soft drizzle of rain suddenly turned into a downpour. Shifting his gaze back to Prowl he smiled and kissed the bots nose before turning and tugging him in the direction of the Ark.
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Prowl scowled in irritation. It had been a long day and he wanted nothing more then to return to his quarters and sink into recharge. But every time he headed in that direction, someone would detour him. And if that hadn't been bad enough, Jazz had been away on a mission for the past week, and while he spoke with him regularly he still missed the mech. As he thought of Jazz, his scowl faded and a soft smile replaced it. Over the past month they had grown closer, and Prowl was forever grateful for the mechs presence in his life.
He finally made it to his quarters, shooing away WheelJack and managing to sidestep Bluestreak. Once inside he moved towards his desk in order to set down his datapads. He paused as he noticed a vase sitting on the desk. The vase was made of a beautiful golden colored glass and held an even more beautiful metal rosebud. The rose was a deep metallic red that darkened to a deeper shade at the edge of the petals. The stem was a bronzed green color. Prowl reached to touch the rose, a million questions shifting through his processor, then paused and picked up the datapad that lay next to it instead. He lightly tapped the screen to activate it and smiled as a message from Jazz popped up.
-Prowler,
I know Cybertronians don't normally celebrate anniversaries after such a short time, but the humans have a saying that I wanted to share with you.
April showers bring May flowers.
It rained on the day you first approached me, one month ago. I felt it only fitting to give you flowers on this date. However human flowers are so tiny and dainty. Not to mention they die almost instantly. So I worked with WheelJack to create this for you.(Don't worry, it wont explode.) I hope you will consider it a sign of my feelings for you.
Yours forever, Jazz-
Touched to his spark, Prowl reached out a finger to gently brush one of the petals and stilled in surprise as the rose unfolded. A gentle scent wafted up and he closed his optics to enjoy the fragrance. The care and detail put into the rose was obvious and Prowl left Prowl suddenly wishing that Jazz was there, right then. He made a decision and began to gather the items he would need to make Jazz's return home special.
"You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still. "
― Thomas Moore