TF Drabble Phrase #14 – Friends first, lovers second
Pairing: Inferno/Red Alert
He didn't like her very much. The last time he saw her seemed like eons ago, but he distinctly remembered the way she fawned over him and her flat personality. Of course, back then, it didn't really matter much at all. So Inferno had a lady-friend. Good for him. Yet now, it was slightly different. Ok, entirely different. Not to mention confusing. The fact that he couldn't stand Firestar was more painfully obvious to him than ever before because, let's face it, Red Alert was burning. He was burning up, but not the way he did all those weeks ago when his circuits overheated and he developed unbelievable (even for him) paranoia.
He was burning for him. There was something about being carried off in those strong arms as he lay, barely conscious, having been scorched by those flames mere seconds ago. Indeed, Inferno was treated like a hero for days and days afterwards (as heroes should be). And during that time, a strange thought had crossed Red Alert's mind: it wouldn't have been the same if Prime was the one who had saved him.
But what did Inferno feel for Firestar? After all, it was not uncommon to have female Autobots as friends, despite their limited numbers. And the four-million year time gap since their last meeting was bound to have a negative affect on their relationship, correct? Those were Red Alert's calculations, jealous as they were. Somehow, he felt that asking Inferno directly would be tactless, not to mention awkward. He could picture it:
Himself: So, Inferno, do you still have feelings for Firestar?
Inferno: Why'd you wanna know?
Himself: Well…
Utterly tactless.
Besides, could he afford to risk that great friendship? Rationality said 'no'. Emotions said 'yes'. For someone like Red Alert, it would take an extreme situation for heart to rule over head.
"Hey, Red. Why so glum?" Thoughts were shaken, not stirred.
"I was just… thinking."
"'Bout what?" Even before the incident, Inferno had taken it upon himself to serve as an open ear for Red Alert's opinions and concerns to spill into.
But would Red Alert allow himself to take the plunge? Or would he rather lie? Somehow, before he could control the words that came out of his mouth, he said, "The last few weeks" and managed to catch himself before he could say any more.
"Pretty hectic, huh?" Inferno seemed oblivious.
"Yes." But while they were there, alone, face-to-face, Red Alert's heart hammering wildly, the thought of 'If it happens, it happens' struck courage into him.
He saw himself leap.
"Inferno, do you remember that girl…"
END