Title: Puppy Love, Chapter 28
Fandom: Transformers G1 AU
Author: FuziPenguin
Pairing/Characters: Ratchet, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 3274
Summary/Warnings: Sunstreaker gets to exercise his skillz. And one day, the trial will happen. But not in this chapter ;) In regards to this chapter...it kind of just ends, for which I apologize. If I hadn't ended it here, the chapter would have been too long for one entry.
Disclaimer: This is a piece of fiction. No harm was intended in the creation of this work. All rights belong to the original creators.


Sunstreaker leisurely emerged from recharge, one system after the other slowly booting up. When his optics came online, he continued to keep them shuttered, instead luxuriating in the soft surface beneath him and the warmth along his side.

"I know you're awake," a voice whispered into his audio sensor. Wetness bathed the edges and Sunstreaker shivered minutely.

"I'm not. You're just a stray line of code," Sunstreaker murmured.

The warmth shifted and lightly resettled, weight redistributing across his chassis and thighs. The wetness moved, smoothing down his jaw to brush against the corner of his forming frown.

"That's a mean thing to say," Sideswipe chided. "And I'm not going to scratch you; calm down."

Sunstreaker finally cracked his optics to see Sideswipe staring back at him, chin propped on the forearm that rested across Sunstreaker's chest.

"You'd better not," Sunstreaker replied, optics automatically scanning the visual sections of their frames for any blemishes that might have accumulated through the night.

"You changed back," Sunstreaker commented idly.

Sideswipe nodded. "We fit together better that way," he said, gesturing to the bed.

"If Ratchet asks…"

Sideswipe gently pushed himself off Sunstreaker, stretching his arms above his head as he sat up. "I waited until the morning."

Sunstreaker frowned and guessed. "You waited until one minute after midnight."

"Maybe," Sideswipe replied, drawling the vowel sound out. He glanced over his shoulder and down at his twin, sly look about his optics. "Technically no longer night at that point, right?"

"Semantics," Sunstreaker replied, still frowning. Not that he himself had been any better at following their trainers' commands, but Sideswipe had always done it in the sneakiest way possible. He was a master at twisting other people's words to find loopholes. It bothered Sunstreaker a little that Sideswipe was still doing it, even with Ratchet.

"Mmm," Sideswipe said, shrugging. "I wanted to cuddle with you."

"I'm surprised you didn't molest me in my recharge," Sunstreaker said, sitting up as well and throwing his feet over the side of the bed. He twisted from one side to the other, enjoying the stretch of tension wires and cables.

Last night, Sideswipe had been pretty adamant about interfacing as a canine. And Sunstreaker had definitely been tempted, especially with the increasingly detailed images Sideswipe had been creating. But he had known interfacing would invariably lead to one of them scratching his work, and he had denied request after request from his twin.

"You worked really hard last night," Sideswipe replied nonchalantly as he scooted down the bed in order to stand. "Didn't want to ruin it. We can always try again some other time."

"That's… oddly mature of you," Sunstreaker replied, optics widening in astonishment. 'Instant gratification' was pretty much the best descriptor of Sideswipe's personality type.

Sideswipe stretched his arms straight out behind him and strained to get them as high as possible before letting them drop with a pleased grunt. "I'm trying out that whole 'acting like an adult' thing. How am I doing so far?" he asked with a lopsided grin.

"Good. You're doing good," Sunstreaker murmured, standing. His optics searched Sideswipe's faceplates for signs that his brother was joking, but Sunstreaker couldn't find any.

Sideswipe took a step forward the same time that Sunstreaker did, and they ended up standing only a foot apart. Sunstreaker continued to study Sideswipe's features as warmth gradually suffused Sunstreaker's frame, originating from his chest. He was pleasantly surprised that Sideswipe had taken Sunstreaker's scolding last night to spark.

"I'm doing 'well'," Sideswipe corrected. His ridiculous, lopsided grin was still in place, and Sunstreaker couldn't help but find it endearing.

Sunstreaker took the final step forward, placing his hands on Sideswipe's hips and slotting their frames together. They were close enough now that Sideswipe's ventilations bathed Sunstreaker's faceplates and vice versa. He paused for an indeterminate time, unhurried, and watched Sideswipe's smile slip away, a curious expression forming in its place as he studied Sunstreaker.

Sunstreaker leaned forward, brushing his lips against the side of Sideswipe's mouth. When Sideswipe tried to turn his head to chase after Sunstreaker's lipplates, he pressed his cheek against Sideswipe's. There was only the barest hitch in Sideswipe's ventilations as pressure was applied to the healing cheek strut. Satisfied, Sunstreaker placed a light kiss over the injury's location.

"I want you to spike me tonight," Sunstreaker murmured, nuzzling forward until his lips bumped against Sideswipe's audio.

Sideswipe stilled for a long moment before his hands rose to settle on Sunstreaker's waist, fingers squeezing gently.

"Yeah?" he replied. "Gonna make you scream, Sunny," he promised, letting his head fall backwards and to the side. Sunstreaker's head bent in perfect unison, and he carefully nibbled at the edge of Sideswipe's neck plating, his glossa tingling with the taste of freshly applied wax.

"Or howl," Sunstreaker suggested. Sideswipe shuddered at the implication, a small noise escaping him. His hands twitched in an aborted movement against Sunstreaker's waist. Sunstreaker smirked; he knew this had to be pushing Sideswipe's patience, but he seemed content enough to follow Sunstreaker's lead.

Sunstreaker placed one last kiss on the side of Sideswipe's neck before reluctantly drawing backwards. Sideswipe's head moved back to its normal position, his optic shutters slowly opening. Sunstreaker was pleased to note that Sideswipe's optics were dark and unfocused with lust.

"Is this positive reinforcement? Act like an adult and get a reward?" Sideswipe inquired, his vocalizer spitting a hint of static. There was a click as he rebooted it and continued speaking. "Cuz I'm good with that."

"Maybe," Sunstreaker replied, drawing out the vowel sound just as Sideswipe had earlier.

Sideswipe grinned again, the whole expression lighting up his faceplates. For one bright, shining moment, Sunstreaker felt like he had never loved his twin more. He felt an answering grin lift the corners of his mouth and for several moments, they just stood there, smiling at one another.

Their smiles didn't fade when moments later, Ratchet knocked and then slid their bedroom door aside in one smooth movement.

He paused, staring at them, as they turned their heads in unison to face their guardian.

"What are you… no. No, I'm not going to ask," Ratchet said, holding up a hand and shaking his head. "I came to see if you two were up yet, and you obviously are. Should I leave you alone for a while longer, or would you like to get breakfast?"

And just like that, the spell was broken. They turned and shifted away from one another only for Sideswipe to immediately lean back in, slinging an arm over Sunstreaker's shoulders.

"You'll scratch me!" Sunstreaker hissed, irritably shrugging Sideswipe's arm off and doing his best to inspect the area.

"Maybe later," Sideswipe said and winked. Sunstreaker pointedly took a step away from his twin.

"Breakfast sounds great, Ratch!" Sideswipe exclaimed, turning his attention to their Caretaker. "Ooh! Someone's looking pretty this morning!"

Ratchet ducked his head and averted his optics, obviously embarrassed, especially when Sideswipe ran an approving finger down Ratchet's arm before enfolding him in a hug.

"I look the same as I did last night when Sunstreaker finished with me!" Ratchet protested, his voice muffled against Sideswipe's shoulder. Sideswipe released him from the embrace, but slid an arm around his waist and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. As he did, Sunstreaker carefully studied Ratchet's frame for any blemishes. Seeing none, he nodded in satisfaction.

"Which is to say: 'excellent'," Sunstreaker said, once again admiring the new placement of Ratchet's red and whites. There was much more red than there had been before; considering how frequently Ratchet was exposed to grime, Sunstreaker had figured it would be better to remove as much of the dirt-showing white as possible. He had also highlighted the overall paint scheme with delicate touches of yellow and black, barely visible unless one was standing close, but optic-catching none the less.

After Sunstreaker had finished last night, he had ushered Ratchet into the washracks and placed him in front of the full length mirror. Ratchet had stood there silently for several minutes. While waiting for Ratchet's response, Sunstreaker had felt his anxiety grow and grow.

He had never painted another frame besides Sideswipe's and his own, and it wasn't as if he had much experience doing so. But the colors and their placement had felt right, and the brush and other tools had felt good in his hands. It had actually been a peaceful experience for him; absorbing himself in the work as his companions' voices had floated around him. Between the three of them, he had nearly depleted his entire stock of paints, but he had thought the end result was more than worth it.

"Well?" Sunstreaker had finally demanded as the silence stretched on.

He looks great, Sideswipe had supplied, leaning against Sunstreaker's leg and looking up with adoring optics. Sunstreaker had thrown his brother a grateful look, but even though he knew Sideswipe would be honest with him on something so important to Sunstreaker, it was Ratchet's opinion that truly mattered.

Ratchet had finally turned to face Sunstreaker, optics wide. "I… I've never looked this good in my life. You… Sunny…," he had shaken his head, gesturing first to Sunstreaker and then the mirror. "Sweetspark… you have a gift."

Sunstreaker had trembled in place at the endearment, almost sagging in relief. "It's all right? You like it? Really?"

"Sunstreaker, I love it!" Ratchet had exclaimed. He had started to rush forward with outstretch arms, but Sunstreaker had backed away, alarmed.

"No!" he had scolded. "You need at least another hour for the polish to set properly."

Ratchet's arms had dropped to his side, but his proud expression did as much for Sunstreaker as a hug would have. "How did you even know how to do this?"

Sunstreaker had shrugged. "Smokescreen gave me some articles when I asked him about it."

After that, Ratchet had taken them upstairs to show off Sunstreaker's work and to thank Smokescreen for encouraging Sunstreaker's interests. Smokey, Prowl, and Bluestreak had all ooh'd and ahh'd over the new paint job, while Ratchet had beamed proudly at Sunstreaker the entire time.

Well. Smokescreen and Bluestreak had ooh'd and ahh'd. Prowl had merely nodded approvingly and smiled, a strange glint in his optics as he looked over Ratchet's new colors.

They had taken their leave shortly after; it had been late, and they still had a trial to deal with in the morning. Ratchet had kept gingerly touching himself on his chest and arms on the way down to their apartment, almost as if he still couldn't believe it. So Sunstreaker had stood in Ratchet's doorway for several minutes as he instructed Ratchet how best to care for the new paint job. The entire time, Ratchet had sat on his couch-bed and nodded in the right spots, a soft smile on his faceplates.

Finally, Sunstreaker had run out of steam and had bid Ratchet good night, Sideswipe a silent shadow padding behind him as they had gone to their own room. As soon as he had shut the door, Sideswipe had crowded close, optics alight with interest, and glossa sneaking little swipes of whatever pieces of Sunstreaker he could reach.

Sunstreaker had fought his brother off, more than once, as they had crawled into bed. Exhaustion had been making itself known, especially after Ratchet had approved his work. Sideswipe had still been whining and sending him detailed images of everything he could do with his canine glossa as Sunstreaker drifted into recharge.

So it was no surprise that Sunstreaker was a little charged up this morning. Sideswipe had a vivid imagination, and Sunstreaker was more than willing to indulge it; providing, of course, they had a proper time and space in which to do so. Right after a re-paint or minutes before breakfast was not the appropriate time. Tonight, after the trial, would be a much better opportunity. If things went well, it would be a nice celebration between the two of them. And if things went poorly, well, they could distract one another with pleasure. Win-win.

Sunstreaker met Sideswipe's glance before his brother followed Ratchet out of the room. Sideswipe's optics were still lust-dark, and Sunstreaker couldn't help but feel a little vindicated. It was only fair, considering how much Sideswipe had tortured him last night with the various images and heady scent of arousal. It was why Sunstreaker had transformed so quickly after FirstTier had left; it was either that or give into Sideswipe's suggestions then and there.

"How are you feeling today?" Ratchet asked when Sideswipe turned back around after shutting the apartment door closed. Ratchet reached up to gently prod at the side of Sideswipe's face.

"Fine," Sideswipe replied, leaning into the touch. "A minor ache, but only when you press real hard."

Ratchet's hand dropped back down to his side, and he nodded approvingly. "Good. That's healing well. Quick too." His optics moved from Sideswipe and then over to Sunstreaker.

"Well, what spark-stopping activities do you have in store for me, hmm? Sideswipe's been injured three times in a row now, surely you're due?" Ratchet asked dryly.

Sunstreaker raised an orbital ridge at Ratchet. "Sideswipe's accident-prone; I'm much more graceful – don't!" he warned as Sideswipe mock growled and took a step forward.

"Mmm, I'll believe it when I see it," Ratchet said with a chuckle. "Oh, FirstTier commed me not too long ago; nothing has changed from last night," Ratchet informed them.

"Is this thing going to be finished today?" Sideswipe inquired after sticking his glossa out at his twin. Sunstreaker merely smirked in response.

Ratchet shrugged, a wry expression on his faceplates. "I hope so. FirstTier seemed to think it would go pretty quickly: our testimonies, as well as Prowl's and Wheeljack's, should be enough to convict him."

"What about the mech who attacked us here?" Sunstreaker asked, flashing back to the feel of Sideswipe's energon slicking his fingers.

"They never caught him," Ratchet said with a grimace.

Sunstreaker came to a halt on the stairs just below the second floor. "What!?"

Ratchet hushed him, and gestured for him to keep going. "Jazz told me that they lost the trail a few streets away. That's not going to be the focus of the trial today."

"But didn't Prowl say that there had been like, six attempts on your life?" Sideswipe asked. He sidled a little closer to Ratchet as they entered the apartment lobby, looking around suspiciously. Sunstreaker felt himself tensing as he too extended all his senses.

Ratchet sighed. "Yes. But there's no way to tie them back to TopNotch. They can't prosecute without proof. You two," he said, pointing between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, "are living proof that TopNotch was a dog fighter. We should have enough for him to be sent to prison."

"Yeah, but how long will he be there before he gets back out? I'm sure he's not going to get enough time to be more than a slap on the wrist. I should have ripped out his throat when I had the chance," Sunstreaker growled menacingly.

Ratchet came to a dead stop, and Sunstreaker barely avoided running into him. Sideswipe danced backwards, blinking surprised optics as Ratchet whirled around.

"You are done with that," Ratchet hissed. "You're better than that. Both of you," he said, pointing at first Sunstreaker, then Sideswipe.

Sideswipe raised an inquisitive optic ridge at Sunstreaker and then stepped forward to place a calming hand on Ratchet's outstretched, shaking arm.

"Yeah. Of course, Ratchet," Sideswipe soothed. "It's just an expression; Sunny was just…"

Sunstreaker felt his anger drain away as it became clear just how much his words had upset their Caretaker.

"No! You would have killed Ironhide the other night, Sideswipe. It made me realize just how much…" Ratchet shook his head. "All the things they made you do… the things you learned to do…" his voice trailed off, his tone one of despair.

Sideswipe looked up and jerked his head at Sunstreaker in an obvious 'get over here' gesture. Sunstreaker felt his figurative tail tuck between his legs as he moved forward, slinking into Ratchet's space.

"I wouldn't… I'd…" Sunstreaker said, each word halting and hesitant as he fought to find something that would reassure Ratchet. "I would never hurt you."

Ratchet's head shot up so quickly that Sunstreaker flinched. "Oh, bitlet. I didn't mean… I've never been afraid of you," he said earnestly. "For you… all the time, yes," he said with a wrecked-sounding chuckle.

What did I do?! Sunstreaker demanded of his twin. Ratchet had been fine until Sunstreaker had opened his big, fat mouth.

Frag if I know, Sideswipe answered, daring to slide an arm around Ratchet's waist .

"You didn't… you didn't even deny it, Sideswipe," Ratchet murmured, half turning to rest his chin on Sideswipe's shoulder as soon as they were close enough.

"Deny wha…? Oh," Sideswipe said in sudden realization. Sunstreaker felt his brother flounder, as much at a loss as Sunstreaker was.

"I… he… I thought he had been hurting you," Sideswipe offered, optics begging Sunstreaker for assistance. Too bad Sunstreaker had no idea how to help.

"I know you did. But you…" Ratchet trailed off with a sighed ventilation. "Mechs don't do that. Most don't anyway. And the ones that do wind up in prison for a very long time. Or deactivated."

"So… you're saying… don't… get caught?" Sideswipe questioned.

Ratchet abruptly pulled away, a horrified expression on his faceplates.

Sideswipe's hands rose up, and he grinned sheepishly. "I'm kidding! I'm just kidding," he protested as Ratchet's optic ridges drew down in anger. "Bad timing, I get that. We know right from wrong, Ratchet," Sideswipe said, reaching out to grasp Ratchet's hands.

"We may not always choose to do the right thing, but we're learning. We just…" and his optics rose to meet Sunstreaker's before sliding back to Ratchet's faceplates. "… we think of what you would do."

Sunstreaker nodded rapidly, willing Ratchet to believe them.

Ratchet tilted his head to study Sideswipe's earnest expression, his own blank. Then he snorted. "So you think I prank all my professors in my free time?" he asked, shoulders relaxing a fraction.

"I think you have hidden depths we haven't yet seen," Sideswipe returned, winking an optic. Sunstreaker could have kissed his brother; with just a few words, he had managed to diffuse the situation and bring Ratchet down from his trembling anger.

Ruefully shaking his head, Ratchet dropped one of Sideswipe's hands to tug Sunstreaker closer. He leaned against Ratchet's shoulder, exchanging a relieved glance with Sideswipe over Ratchet's head.

"TopNotch may not be in prison long," Ratchet admitted. "That's if he's convicted. And it will be utterly and completely unfair because he almost destroyed two of the most brightest and beautiful sparks I've had a chance to meet in my lifetime," Ratchet said, squeezing each twin in turn. Sunstreaker felt a surge of embarrassed warmth at their Caretaker's words, and Sunstreaker hid his faceplates against the side of Ratchet's neck.

"Unfortunately, the law occasionally works that way. Sometimes the final verdict isn't fair. But neither is it right to take matters into your own hands. Don't get me wrong; I'd like nothing more than to dismantle TopNotch into pieces for the things he made you do and the things he almost did to you," he said with a shudder.

"But I have to trust that things will work out ok. We got some good mechs on our side," Ratchet said as Sideswipe wormed his way beneath Ratchet's other arm.

"It'll be ok; as long as we're with you," Sideswipe agreed.

~ End Chapter