Hello and welcome back! As you may have noticed, I uploaded pretty quickly compared to most waits between chapters. I felt bad for leaving y'all on a cliff hanger... so here we are.

These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!

Why orange?

Soundwave often caught himself wondering this. The Ark was a magnificent ship. Not only was it absolutely massive in comparison to the Nemesis, it was also shockingly advanced for a wartime ship. Of course, it helped that it was built by and for the Autobots, who were primarily supported by the gentry of Cybertron. While the Autobots didn't exactly support the hoarding of wealth and power by the upper class, they were a far better choice for that class then the Decepticons. The senate decided to support that party that wished to de-throne them… not de-helm them. Besides, with the Prime in heavy contact with the Senate, the Autobot party would be easy enough to manipulate with time. Perhaps, there was even a hope that the Autobots could be manipulated back to the functionalist status-quo of Cybertron, with time.

The Ark was an investment from the upper classes. By comparison, the Nemesis was a scrap heap that self-taught engineers built themselves. Some part of Soundwave always had a deep love for the grungy half-functioning quirks of the Nemesis. Certainly, the Ark was a work of art. It was far ahead of its time in functionality and weaponry. However, the Nemesis was just another symbol of the wills of the Decepticons. They had no advanced machinery, no mechs created and trained to be engineers, and certainly no high-quality materials… and yet the Nemesis took to the sky.

On his melancholier days, Soundwave missed the pride he felt about the pure stubbornness and strength of the Decepticon brand. He certainly agreed with the Autobot ideals, especially now that the Decepticons were being led by a power crazed zealot. However, there was always such a divide Soundwave felt as an Autobot. He missed the history, the brotherhood, and the strength that being a Decepticon meant to him. He couldn't help but feel out of place as an outlier from the slums among the Autobots. At least on the Nemesis, many mechs understood what it felt like to be regarded as garbage, if not a tool to be used.

The Ark was a beauty, one that Soundwave had to appreciate. Yet, the question always returned to him… why orange?

Soundwave found himself on his dorsa. His optics flickered temperamentally as he attempted to fully re-boot. As with many mornings, Soundwave felt himself staring down the horrifically bright orange ceiling of the Ark. For such a beautiful ship, the horrid piercing orange really was such an optic-sore. It wasn't anything like the sunny red and orange Blaster's plating was painted in. The orange that Blaster sported was bright and happy and didn't burn your optics within their sockets. The biggest shame was that the prickly orange ceiling could be found across the entirety of the warship. The telepath squinted his optics as though he was staring at the sun. Who chose that horrible colour?

Soundwave turned his helm and found himself in the medical bay. In a sudden violent flood, his processor finished booting up. His last conscious memories took his mind by storm. The oil rig, Laserbeak, the closing land bridge, being held at gunpoint, being shot, being held down as he struggled… Laserbeak!

Soundwave jolted up and half out of his medical berth. A wall of static filled his optics and a heavy woozy spell hit him as he moved so suddenly. Where was Laserbeak? Had they found his cassette? His frame ached and protested at the sudden movements, but frame be damned. The static cleared from Soundwave's vision just in time to meet optics with Ratchet. The medic placed firm servos on the telepath's shoulders and attempted to ease him back.

"Easy now," the medic chided, "we won't have any more of your fussing and fighting. You sure as pits didn't want me to help you back on the battlefield". Despite his scolding, Soundwave could hear the amusement and concern under the medic's words.

"Laserbeak!" Soundwave started pleadingly. His servos clutched at Ratchets, which were still upon his shoulders.

"-is safe" Ratchet completed the sentence for Soundwave. He paused for a moment to let the information sink in before continuing. "After you conked out, Prime sent a search party and found Laserbeak in a forest not far from the rig. The shot he took was in the wing. I'm sure it hurt like pits, but it wasn't anything critical. He was stunned from the fall more than anything else. After a few repairs, he was good as new. He's already home like nothing happened at all".

A moment held in the air as Soundwave processed the new information. Sure enough, when he checked his cassette bonds, he could feel Laserbeak there. Soundwave gave a slow breath of relief. Knowing that his creation was okay, Soundwave finally let his frame relax from the lock he held it in. Ratchet seemed pleased as he was finally able to get his patient to settle back down. He helped Soundwave re-arrange his aching frame to sit up against propped pillows. He nodded to himself, that was much better.

Still wrapped in his relief, Soundwave let his helm drop back and he shuttered his optics. Thank Primus. He was distantly aware of Ratchet moving around him. The occasional tingle of a scan ran over his frame as the medic fussed over his work. Soundwave opened his optics halfway to watch the medic. It was odd, how much things had changed. When he had first woken up in the Ark's medical bay, Ratchet was formal and kind enough… however very guarded. Now, watching the medic hum over a datapad at his side, Soundwave could only be amused.

Where there had once been guarded professionalism and duty in the medic's field, there was now a genuine concern and warmth. Not close enough to be considered a basis of friendship… but it was clear the medic cared about him.

Soundwave felt his lips twitch into the tiniest of smiles… soft Autobots. Not that he could really laugh, he was starting to get rather soft-sparked himself.

"Thank you" Soundwave murmured. Ratchet jerked his helm up to look at Soundwave. Clearly, he hadn't been expecting to be pulled from his work.

In his typical gruffness, Rachet said "don't thank me, kid. It's why I'm here. They didn't exactly bring me onto the Ark for my temperament". However, Soundwave could feel the softest glow of satisfaction in the medic's field. All things considered; it was likely that the medic wasn't thanked enough.

"Well… thank you anyways. For your services and your temperament" Soundwave said, turning his helm to face the medic.

Ratchet didn't look up from his datapad, but he smiled down at his report, "any time, kid" he said in a softer voice. He suddenly cleared his throat, "now… let's talk about you". In a quick and practiced movement, he pulled a stool up next to Soundwave's berth side and perched next to the telepath.

"You are a lucky mech… again" Ratchet looked up to raise an optic brow at Soundwave. Soundwave shrunk with a nervous smile. "That cannon hit would have killed you… should have killed you, really. However, for whatever reason, Megatron had his fusion cannon dialed back to only about half-power".

Soundwave blinked in confusion. "Half power?" he shook his helm, that made no sense. The only times that Megatron's canon didn't fire at full power included when he had just shot it moments before and fired it again before a full recharge, or when he specifically chose to dial it back. Megatron hadn't shot his cannon twice, and between his dramatic arrival by land bridge and the moment he fired at Soundwave, there would have been ample time for a full charge. Soundwave stared down at his repaired chestplates. He looked good as new, even though he certainly didn't feel it. He ran an inquisitive servo over the brand-new glass plate over his cassette docks.

"I recommend that you don't ruminate on Megatron's ways," Ratchet suggested, "his behaviour has been erratic at best since…". He dropped the sentence before completing it. However, both of them knew that Soundwave's arrival to the Ark marked the last time Megatron truly acted in a predictable way.

Ratchet shook his helm, then continued. "Although the cannon hit was only at half-power, it still did some pretty good work on you. You lost more than enough energon. There was also some limited structure damage around your spark chamber… nothing to worry about anymore but expect to feel achy and lethargic for a while".

Soundwave nodded slowly; he certainly did feel sore. Sore and tired. "How long was I unconscious for?" he asked.

"No terribly long," Ratchet murmured as he glanced over the datapad in his grip, "less than 24 earth hours. You were out for all of yesterday evening and night. It's only just getting to the early afternoon now. The battle was yesterday. All things considered, that's a pretty fast recovery after getting hit with a fusion cannon".

A small wave of relief washed over Soundwave. He hated lengthy repair stays in the medical bay. There was always so much guilt for leaving his cassettes worrying about him and missing him. His time since the battle felt like a small pocket of nothing, not a full solar cycle. However, he was grateful that it was no more than that.

"Moving forward, I want you to get plenty of berth rest. You don't have to stay here for that. You are more than stable and can make a more comfortable and private recovery in your own quarters". The medic fixed Soundwave with a stern look. "And when I say berth rest, I mean actual rest. No running around taking care of your cassettes, no sneaking off to work on anything… get yourself comfortable on a berth or couch and keep yourself parked there. I only want you getting up to stretch and move your frame gently. Your family can take care of you for once, medic's orders".

Soundwave gave a small amused smile. He really must be predictable. "I will rest" Soundwave assured Ratchet. The medic nodded his approval before tucking his datapad away into his subspace with finality.

"I have already notified Blaster to your waking," Ratchet continued as he stood from his seat and started to unhook Soundwave from the monitors and drips. Soundwave was always pleasantly surprised with how gentle the medic was. His servos moved incredibly fast, but you wouldn't know it. "He is on his way to take you home. I've already made him aware of my expectations for your resting".

"Thank you, again" Soundwave murmured. The idea of seeing Blaster brought a spring of happiness to the telepath. His roommate always made him feel better, no matter how dreadful he might be feeling. A small kernel of guilt welled up immediately after. Poor Blaster, he must have been rather worried for the last while. Soundwave was well aware of Blaster's worries for his safety around Megatron. Unfortunately, it seems as though his worries were not unwarranted.

Ratchet dismissed the thanks with a wave and a hum and helped Soundwave shift his frame to dangle his peds off the edge of the berth. The blue mech tried not to wince, but he knew Ratchet picked up on his discomfort either way. The medic hadn't lied when he told Soundwave to expect aches and lethargy. Every movement felt like a herculean effort as he maneuvered his stiff and sore frame. The telepath wasn't often one to lay around and rest, however, the idea sounded like a rather good way to spend his day now.

At some point during Soundwave's maneuvering, Blaster materialized in the med bay. Once again, Soundwave couldn't help but be called back to his first awakening in the Ark. Blaster had been so calm and cool as they sat on the medical berths and chatted. Of course, they were only just getting properly acquainted at that point, but it certainly made for an impressive comparison.

Blaster's blue optics shone with unusual brightness. It took Soundwave a moment to realize that that brightness was provided by the tears of coolant that were brimming the Autobot's optics. Soundwave smiled softly at Blaster; he felt another singe of guilt for putting Blaster in so much stress… again.

"Hey", Blaster murmured in a near whisper as he approached Soundwave. Ratchet was only just able to step out of the way before Blaster swooped in and wrapped Soundwave in a gentle hug. This close, Soundwave could feel the small tremors in Blaster's frame. His friend's field was a swirling vortex of worry, relief, and warmth. After a beat, Soundwave returned the hug.

The hug lasted a moment longer than usual, Blaster seemed to be re-assuring himself of Soundwave's presence. Finally, with a soft sigh, Blaster pulled back and relinquished his hold on the telepath. If he could have it his way, he would never have to let go.

There was an obvious quiver in Blaster's voice as he said, "I'm so glad to see you, 'Wave. Primus, I was so worried. I'm so glad you're okay". With each statement, the orange mech took a gentle hold to Soundwave's arms, as if to make sure the telepath wasn't about to evaporate away into nothing.

With his telepathy suddenly overwhelmed by Blaster's powerful emotions, Soundwave felt his own optics water up. "I am sorry" Soundwave murmured, he had to fight to keep his own voice from trembling, "I did not mean to made you worry".

"No," Blaster whispered. He clutched Soundwave's servos in his own, "no, you did the right thing. You were a total bad aft out there". He gave a watery smile, "I'm just so happy to see you".

Soundwave's spark lurched with something unrecognizable. Distantly, he hoped it wasn't damage from the fusion cannon.

"How are the cassettes? Laserbeak?" Soundwave asked, the guilt sat over his helm again.

"They are just fine, and Laserbeak is right as rain. You wouldn't even know he got out of the med bay last night. They're real excited to have you home again" Blaster grinned, "we all missed you. They were so pumped when I told them I was coming to get you, they almost made me bring them all to pick you up. I made them stay home though… thought they might be a bit much to all come yelling in here trying to climb on you".

"Thank you" Ratchet grumbled from across the med bay.

The communications officers smiled at each other in amusement. Ratchet would never admit it, but both carriers knew the CMO had a soft spot for their cassettes… in small dosage. Soundwave had spotted Ratchet smuggling energon goodies to his creations on a few occasions. He always pretended not to notice.

With Ratchet's okay, Soundwave was officially signed out of the med bay. Both the medic and Blaster helped get Soundwave back on his peds. Once standing, Soundwave firmly latched his servos on Blaster's arm. Blaster happily obliged and kept his arm bent out for Soundwave to steady himself with as they started at a slow pace back to their quarters.

The telepath's slight limp became more obvious as they shuffled down the corridor, but neither mech said anything about it. Soundwave was glad Blaster didn't put up a fuss over it, he hated being coddled in public spaces.

They hadn't even made it part way home when Soundwave glanced up at Blaster to find the boombox's optics misted up again. The orange mech was looking at him already, his optics were filled with warmth and worry. Soundwave suddenly felt very bashful under the gaze.

Blaster broke the silence, "oh 'Wave, I'm just so glad you're alright". Soundwave felt Blaster's waves of emotion like they were his own. He tightened his grip on Blaster's arm to give a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm relieved as well, I apologise for worrying you so much" Soundwave murmured, he tilted his helm to the side to gently brush his audio against Blaster's shoulder.

"Primus," Blaster breathed, "please don't feel sorry, 'Wave. I am just so glad you're okay. I don't know what I would do if I lost 'ya". He blinked for a moment as his optics flooded with sentiment. He shook his helm "you're just so precious to me, 'Wave. You really mean so much to me".

Soundwave turned to focus his gaze on Blaster. He didn't speak, he only watched Blaster with vigilant optics. He knew that he was Blaster's best friend. Blaster was also incredibly valuable to him. However, the specific words Blaster selected to express his feelings, they were more intimate that Soundwave would have expected.

Unaware of Soundwave's sharp focus on him, Blaster continued. "I just don't know what I would do without you," he babbled, "after losing my original family in the early war, I just don't think I can bear to lose anyone else that I love".

Soundwave jerked to a sudden halt. His servos locked and he dug his heels into the tiled flooring. Love. That word slapped him across the faceplates. His overly bright visor fixed itself on Blaster, who seemed confused as to Soundwave's sudden freeze.

Blaster blinked obliviously. Then his optics flashed with violent realization.

"Love! Yeah, I mean love like a brother! like a friend!" Blaster laughed nervously. His field seized and collapsed in on itself until it was flush against his frame. "You're like family to me, 'Wave!" he scrambled desperately, "that's what I meant".

Soundwave stared at Blaster for a long silent moment. Slowly, his optic brows pinched in and he developed a small frown. His servos retracted from Blaster's arm and he took a tiny step back.

"Tell me the truth, Blaster" Soundwave's voice was a near whisper.

Blaster wanted to smack himself in the faceplates… right, just go lying to the telepath. That's such a terrific idea. He watched as Soundwave slowly withdrew from his frame. In an attempt to right everything as it should be, he started "'Wave, I don't know if now is the best time… you are fresh out of the med bay, we really gotta' get you home and off your peds".

Soundwave shook his helm resolutely, "no, I'm not going home yet. Tell me, please".

Blaster felt his plating constrict down on himself. Why did he feel so claustrophobic all of a sudden? "'Wave," he pleaded softly, "we can talk about this later, let's just get home first".

With a sinking feeling, Blaster watched as Soundwave's plating ruffled with agitation. Ever since they moved in together, he had never seen Soundwave get upset with him.

"Tell me" Soundwave whispered. His optics searched Blaster's. For a moment, Blaster considered the thrilling idea that Soundwave was hoping to hear feelings that he returned. However, one look at Soundwave's confused and uneasy expression pushed that charming idea away.

At least the hallway was empty for this, Blaster thought to himself. With a nervous sigh, Blaster scrubbed at the back of his neck. "Okay, Okay," he said, "I'll tell you". Primus, where the hell did he even start? He shaped his mouth into multiple opening lines, then dropped them before they started. He sighed and wrung his servos together as a sudden wave of apprehension paralyzed his peds where they were.

"Okay", Blaster started again, "I'm just going to spit it out". He glanced up at Soundwave, who was watching him intensely, then looked back down at his peds. "Since you got here, I've really enjoyed having you around. Like… a lot. I meant it when I said you're my best friend. But, over the last while, I've really developed lots of feelings for you. I… I've been having romantic feelings for you". He suddenly jerked his helm up to meet Soundwave's optics, his voice carried a torrent of earnestness and warmth as he continued. "I think you're so incredible. You're so smart, and interesting, and fun, and such a good carrier. I don't think there's anything I could have ever done to keep myself from falling for you". The breath caught in his throat for a moment, "you are so special to me, and it kills me every day that I can't tell you how much I treasure you".

Soundwave's expression remained completely blank for a long moment. He swallowed thickly, then gave his helm a small nod, as if he was processing all of the new information. "To what extent do you feel these… romantic feelings towards me?" he asked, his voice just above a whisper.

Blaster hesitated for only a moment. "Well, you see… I'm completely in love with you".

The air suddenly felt like it was made of stone. Blaster couldn't help but notice the way Soundwave was looking at him. It was somehow different. It wasn't until the telepath took a tiny step back that Blaster realized what that expression was. He was shocked, almost frightened.

"'Wave" Blaster whispered.

Soundwave edged back just a tiny bit more.

Blaster's spark seized painfully. This… wasn't what he wanted. He could feel his entire field deflate and shrivel up.

"'Wave," he murmured, "it's okay. Clearly now wasn't the greatest time for this. Let's just go home so you can get some rest. We can forget that any of this ever happened, it's no big deal". He reached out a servo for Soundwave's arm but watched in dismay as Soundwave jerked back to avoid his grip.

"Soundwave" he whispered; his voice dripped with spark-break.

Soundwave didn't say anything, he just backed up a few more steps. His optics didn't stray from Blaster.

"I just need some space" he said in a low voice.

"Please, just come home" Blaster begged, "I shouldn't have said anything, we can pretend like I never did. We can forget about all of this; I'll never bring it up again". He watched in dismay as the blue mech shook his helm.

"I need to think" Soundwave protested, "I just need some space". With that, he turned and hurried the best he could down the hall. His servo braced against the wall to support his limp as he turned the corner and disappeared from Blaster's sight.

Blaster nodded to himself… okay… that did not go well. He stood in the empty hallway for a long moment, staring after the corner Soundwave had long disappeared around. The sudden weight of what just happened settled on him like a block of concrete. It wasn't often that Blaster could be swayed from his positive attitude, but right now, he could probably summarize his mood as completely devastated.

Slowly, Blaster slumped against the wall. He scrubbed his faceplates then stood up straight again. What the frag did he just do?

There was really only one thing left that he could think of doing. He had to go talk to Jazz.

With a heavy spark, Blaster turned towards Jazz's quarters. Hopefully his friend wouldn't mind the surprise drop in (and the numerous tears that would likely come with it).