Hello again!
Time for another update! Hope you all enjoy.
These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!
When Jazz heard a knock at his door, he certainly hadn't expected to find a down-trodden Blaster on the other side. It took the spymaster a moment to take in his friend's state. Blaster was unusually slumped over, his plating held limply to his frame, and his optics were dull and miserable at best.
"uh oh" Jazz said simply before gesturing for Blaster to enter his office. Blaster offered him a weak smile in return. Now in closer proximity, it was impossible for the spymaster not to notice the heavy sadness and disappointment that weighed down Blaster's field. Jazz kindly pulled out a seat in-front of his desk for Blaster, then gestured for the tired looking mech to sit.
Jazz settled in his chair behind his desk and silently scrutinized the communications officer for a moment.
"Now… I don't wana' be rude or nothin'", Jazz started as he rested a casual elbow on his desk, "but, Master Blaster, you ain't lookin' so good".
Blaster offered a sarcastic snort at the observation, "thanks, Jazz".
Jazz watched his friend with concerned optics for a moment more before hopping up from his seat. Blaster watched as the Second Officer filled two cubes of energon then returned to his desk. One of the cubes was slid across the desk to Blaster, who smiled in appreciation and took a sip. He was glad it was high grade.
"Wana' talk to yer old pal Jazz about it?" the spymaster offered casually.
Blaster let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair. His servos tightly clutched his energon on his lap. Blaster shook his helm and stared at the flood in front of the desk.
"Aw Jazz… I fragged up, mech", Blaster berated himself "things were okay, then I messed up the whole pot".
Jazz remained silent and waited for his friend to elaborate.
"I just went to get 'Wave from the medbay – he's doing real good now, by the way – and I was so relieved to see him. We were walking back and I was yammering on like a dumbaft, and I just…" Blaster laughed in disbelief at himself and scrubbed his faceplates, "I let it slip that I love him".
Jazz sucked in a breath and winced for his friend. "I'm guessin' that Sounders didn't take it so well?" he asked tentatively.
Blaster laughed again, this time it carried a note of frustration, "no, clearly not. He got all freaked out and ran off… well, limped off". He then took a copious drink from his cube before dropping it unceremoniously on the desk. The orange mech then joined the cube and dropped his helm on the desk and clasped his servos around himself. "He was lookin' at me like I was a total stranger" he groaned into the tabletop, "like he thought I was gonna' hurt him or something".
"aw Blast-mech… that must've been real upsetting" Jazz soothed, "did he say anything at all?"
Blaster nodded his helm against the desk. "Not much" he signed, "he just kept saying that he needed space and time to think". His resolve suddenly crumpled, and the tears started to flow. "I really fragged it all up, Jazz" Blaster sniffled, "what if he hates me now? I think I really spooked him off. He wanted to be away from me so badly that he limped off alone to Primus knows where when he should really be home resting. What if this ruins our entire friendship?".
Jazz got up from his seat and walked around the desk. He silently crouched down next to Blaster and opened up his arms, offering a hug. Blaster's breath hitched for a moment as he looked through teary optics at his friend. Slowly, he pulled himself up off the desk and returned the hug. The two mechs remained that way for a short moment, Jazz smoothed a reassuring servo over Blaster's shaking shoulders.
"Hey, c'mon mech" Jazz crooned in his almost sing-song way, "I'm sure it'll all work out in the end. Maybe Sounders really did just need to think about everything for a little while, ya'know? Maybe he just needed to run off and think some things through".
Blaster pulled back from the hug, then scrubbed the tears from his faceplates. "How can you be so sure?" he asked in a watery voice.
Jazz returned to his seat with a mild shrug, "well, Soundwave seems like a pretty reasonable mech, right? Not to mention that you two have been like two peas in a pod ever since he got here". He reached over the desk to squeeze at Blaster's arm, "I really, really doubt that he would hate you for having feelin's… he's a telepath and all. And, if he did hate ya' for it, well then he just doesn't deserve ya'".
Blaster slumped back and brooded over Jazz's words for a moment. "He deserves everything I've got to offer" he murmured to the floor, "I just really wish he wanted it". Jazz nodded understandingly. He knew exactly how that felt.
"He'll come around" Jazz murmured, "if he doesn't love ya', I'm sure Sounders will still wana' be yer friend". He watched as Blaster nodded to himself. The orange mech quickly drained the remainder of his energon cube, then watched Jazz quietly for a moment.
"Thanks, Jazz…." He smiled, "I appreciate you listenin' and all that. Sorry for crying all over your desk".
Jazz laughed and shook his helm, "that's what it's here for, mech".
A sudden urgency washed over Blaster as he checked the time. His faceplates clouded over with worry. The idea of Soundwave wandering around alone for long with that injury set a unique form of dread upon the boombox. Sure, the Ark was safe… but what if the telepath wandered outside to think and get away from all the mental noise? What if something happened? He would be practically defenceless in his healing state. The idea gripped Blaster's spark with fear. What if Soundwave's condition suddenly worsened and he collapsed alone in an empty hallway? Blaster knew his fears were irrational, however they still sat upon his shoulders like massive bricks.
Jazz watched as the changes darkened his friend's features.
"Yer worried about him" he observed, "go find him, you've got this Blast Mech".
"Thanks, Jazz. I appreciate ya', you're the best!" Blaster hurried as he stood and quickly stretched. A few joints popped back into place and jazz winced. Blaster laughed.
"oil those joints!" Jazz called after Blaster as the orange mech left, "tall, dark, and handsome won't wana kiss up to ya' if yer popping and creaking everywhere ya' go!"
Blaster considered a playful rebuttal for a moment but didn't bother once the door closed. Instead, he chucked to himself and felt a wave of thankfulness that the hallway was empty.
Blaster spent an embarrassingly long amount of time checking through the hallways for his roommate. Soundwave wasn't in the communications centre, the rec hall, in Prowl's office, or any of the hallways. In a worried fluster, Blaster questioned the guards at the door if they had seen Soundwave go out for a walk. Bluestreak and Trailbreaker had assured him that no one had left the Ark except for Red Alert and Inferno (who were going for a "cruse" together, Bluestreak added). Although Blaster was fond of Bluestreak's gossip updates (and they both carried the suspicion that Red Alert and Inferno were dating on the down low), he didn't stick around for the details.
There was only one place left to check, which is why Blaster felt incredibly stupid when he opened the door to their own quarters to find Soundwave waiting for him on the couch. Blaster bit the inside of his mouth and kicked himself mentally. Slowly, he stepped into the living room. It was empty save for the telepath, who was watching him intensely with those observant amber optics. By looking at his chestplates, Blaster could see Soundwave's cassettes curled up inside his docks already. The boombox smiled to himself, they must have been so relieved to have their carrier back. Nothing felt quite as secure as docking. Blaster's own creations were also occupied for the afternoon, Steeljaw was watching Wheeljack work in the lab, Ramhorn was napping in Blaster's docks, and Rewind and Eject were at a baseball game with Sam and Carly. Which left the two carrier mechs staring at each other alone in their quarters. It was obvious that Blaster had interrupted Soundwave mid-thinking session. The telepath was perched on the couch, servos empty with no music or television on. He had been thinking. It seemed that he still was.
Soundwave took in Blaster's state. His optics immediately went to the dark circles under Blaster's optics… it was clear that the mech had been crying. A hard pang of guilt flooded Soundwave. That was because of him, it was his fault. Blaster's field was heavy with doubt and worry, his mind was a scrambling mess despite his much calmer exterior. When Blaster stepped inside, and the door closed behind him, Soundwave could pick up a mild scent of high-grade.
Soundwave took in the bright blue optics that were desperately searching his. He allowed himself a moment to look over Blaster's faceplates and frame. The telepath thought for a moment, still watching Blaster in silence as the orange mech fidgeted. Certainly, now that he was thinking about it, there was no denying that Blaster was an attractive mech. Not to mention Blaster's upbeat and cheerful demeanour. The orange mech could always make him feel better, even when he didn't need to be cheered up at all. His roommate was always such a pleasure to have around. Certainly, given Blaster's personality, Soundwave knew that Blaster would (how did the humans put it?) "treat him right" in any hypothetical relationship. The idea brought an embarrassingly visible flush to Soundwave's faceplates and for a moment he thanked Primus that he was the telepath and not the other way around.
All of this considered, Soundwave was certainly flattered. However, was he also attracted to Blaster? More than that, could he envision them in a romantic relationship? Could he one day return such strong feelings of infatuation and even love? The blue mech had spent the last hour raking these questions over the coals in his mind over and over again. Yet, no clear answer had presented itself. Soundwave had only gained a few washes of embarrassment and disbelief.
Soundwave had so many questions for his roommate. However, now that he was faced with the other mech, he couldn't recall any that seemed appropriate to ask.
"'Wave, I'm sorry that I over did it" Blaster broke the silence, "I didn't mean to upset or overwhelm you. Your friendship means so much to me, and I'll take that any day you are willing to give it. Please don't hate me, I'm sorry".
Soundwave looked surprised at the outburst from his friend. Slowly, and with a fair amount of effort, he pushed himself up from the couch. Blaster immediately felt the urge to close the distance between them and brace his friend's arm for support. He didn't.
The telepath held a weak servo over his sore chestplates as he straightened himself. "You did not over do anything, Blaster" he spoke in a soft voice, "I asked you to tell me the truth, and you did. I wish to apologise to you. I… overreacted to your confession, and I am sorry that I left you like that". The telepath looked off to the side, his faceplates displayed more shame than Blaster ever wanted to see on them again, "I never meant for you to worry that I hated you. I was simply overwhelmed and needed a moment to ground myself again. I also deeply value our friendship, and I appreciate that you are not pressing with your feelings towards me. Thank you… and I am sorry".
"Primus, don't be sorry" Blaster insisted, "I kinda dumped that on you". There was a beat of silence, "I'm just so glad that we are okay" Blaster smiled. A wash of relief suddenly overpowered the orange mech. He felt his field and shoulders both relax. So maybe Soundwave didn't return the feelings, but at least they would still be friends. Of course, it wouldn't be easy. Soundwave would always be there, just within reach, and Blaster would have to be okay with that. It would hurt, but he would be okay. It was better than losing his best friend.
Soundwave gave a soft hum of amusement before he spoke, "in retrospect, your feelings towards me do explain… quite a bit".
Blaster groaned in embarrassment and pressed his faceplates into his servos. He was incredibly glad when Soundwave didn't elaborate on exactly what could have given him away. Between the long bouts of mental admiration and the more recent heated dream sequences, Blaster wasn't sure which would be more embarrassing for Soundwave to have noticed.
Soundwave slowly eased himself back down to sit on the couch again. Then the silence settled on the room again like a wet blanket. Now that the important things had been said, neither mech really knew what to say anymore. Should they just go back to acting like nothing had happened? Or would it feel too fake? They both stared at each other before Blaster gave a sudden jerk and walked deeper into their quarters.
Blaster was glad to see Soundwave resting as Ratchet had instructed. Without much thought, he grabbed the television remote and a blanket and brought them to the telepath. Soundwave seemed surprised at the gesture but accepted the offerings with a stiff thanks.
Blaster walked away again. Soundwave focused his attention on attempting to work the human technology. It was nice for the humans to supply the Ark with large scale televisions and remotes… however, Soundwave had no idea how to work the damn things. A few experimental button presses helped him power up the screen. However, there was this ridiculous business with the input channels and settings… Soundwave found himself glaring at a screen of static. How did his cassettes understand this archaic human technology so easily? It was both horrifically oversimplified and unnecessarily complex.
A chuckle to his side pulled Soundwave's attention back up to Blaster. The boombox was standing over him, one servo held out to take the remote, and the other offering a cube of medical grade energon. Soundwave traded the remote for the cube with a soft thanks and attempted to peak at Blaster's fingers as they pressed the mysterious arrangement of buttons that made the television work again. It was all gibberish to the telepath.
Soundwave took a tiny sip from his cube and refrained from wrinkling his nose at the blandness of medical grade energon. He silently observed as Blaster found a channel that was playing some form of human entertainment that the boombox seemed to deem appropriate. It felt so odd to sit and be cared for like this. Is this what it felt like to be taken care of? It was unfamiliar and strange, not in a bad way. Soundwave couldn't help but feel a shocking amount of vulnerability and intimacy. It was almost embarrassing. Blaster may as well be tucking him into berth, reading him a story, and kissing him goodnight. Soundwave squirmed quietly under the blanket as he mulled over a tangled disaster of his feelings. There was a certain amount of discomfort there. However, it wasn't alone. Soundwave couldn't ignore the equal parts of unexplainable excitement and bizarre washed of fondness for Blaster.
"You're in luck, this is a good one and it's just started" Blaster grinned over his shoulder at Soundwave. The telepath was jerked out of his thoughts. He deeply hoped that the heat in his faceplates wasn't a visible blush.
"Pardon?" Soundwave asked in a daze.
"I…" Blaster studied Soundwave for a moment. He looked tempted to say something, then dismissed it, "Dirty Dancing is on. It's a good movie, and there's lots of music in it. You might enjoy it, or at least get a laugh out of it… up to you". He offered the remote back to Soundwave.
Slowly, Soundwave took the remote back with a nod. The carriers stared at each other for another awkward moment.
"er… okay" Blaster stiffly continued, "I'll just… uh… go over there" he backed towards the work bench across the room. Just as he turned around, Soundwave's voice pulled him back.
"If you wish…" Soundwave started with an uncertain voice, he patted the couch next to him, "I wouldn't mind some company".
Blaster immediately perked up at the offer. He settled onto the couch. Instantly, his processor began spinning in circles. Was he sitting too close to Soundwave? Would the mech think he was taking liberties now that he had shared his feelings? Or maybe he was too far away. Usually they would sit really close together, maybe the new distance would come across like he was mad that Soundwave rejected him. He didn't want to seem distant, but he also really didn't want to come across as pushy!
Soundwave suddenly slid over towards Blaster to place themselves at the usual distance at which they sat. Blaster had a feeling that it was because his telepathy had tipped him off on Blaster's fretting mind. However, he was grateful that the telepath wanted to stay just as close as they did before.
Blaster looked at Soundwave. Soundwave looked at Blaster. They smiled at each other. Somehow, things felt normal again.