Hello Hello!
I hope ya'll are doing well and keeping safe! Here is another chapter update for you folks. I hope you like it.
These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!
Not much was said when Optimus, Jazz, and Prowl joined Soundwave. For a long moment, all four mechs tilted their helms up to the sky to watch as Starscream rocketed away. A low whistle came from Jazz when Starscream was no more than a spec in the sky. The Prime hummed in agreement, Seekers sure could move fast.
Suddenly broken from their trance, the four mechs turned their attention back to each other. Soundwave had to repress a small jump as Optimus' servo landed upon his shoulder.
"You look perplexed", Optimus observed "what did he have to say?".
Soundwave glanced at the three officers. "Quite a lot" he said blankly. He was still processing all of the information Starscream had shared with him. It was a lot to pass on.
As the officers started their walk back towards the base, Soundwave began explaining.
"So… Let me get this straight" Jazz started, "Ol' Screamer told you that Megs has been real aggressive and nasty to his own troops". Soundwave nodded, they had reached the door to the communications hub, but had yet to go in.
"And he said that Megs is obsessin' over catching you" Jazz continued.
"That part was obvious enough" Prowl observed. Jazz chuckled; Soundwave winced.
"Rations on the Nemesis are runnin' low, and 'Screamer is almost taking command to get the basics covered" Jazz rubbed his jaw, "now that is real interestin'".
"I apologize if it was presumptive of me to suggest Starscream considers taking over" Soundwave spoke suddenly, "after hearing about the conditions of the Nemesis, it felt wrong to part ways without trying to help in some way".
Optimus shook his helm, "it was not presumptive at all, Soundwave. You did the right thing". Jazz nodded with an encouraging smile next to the Prime.
"Besides, offering to bridge a truce between the factions was a nice touch" Jazz grinned, "ya' know, that might actually work".
Soundwave hummed softly, "I hope it does".
"It's the least we can do to try" Optimus added.
Prowl hummed but didn't look up from the datapad he was frantically writing on. Soundwave knew he was agreeing. He had taken a liking to Prowl's company over the last few months. It had taken him a little while to become familiar with Prowl's mannerisms and habits. However, now that he was familiar with them, it all felt like second nature. He had a feeling that Prowl felt the same way about him.
"I suppose all we can do for now is wait" Optimus said.
Soundwave let out a pressurized breath, "unfortunately". His helm tilted up to look at the Prime when Optimus gave a warm chuckle.
"I'm sure Starscream will make the right choice" Optimus assured, "and regardless of his decision, we will move forward however we can". He was always one to reassure. Soundwave knew that Prime always had faith in the goodness of others. Once he had thought that trait to be ridiculous and a sign of weakness. Of course, Optimus had given him the benefit of the doubt when he first woke in the Ark's medbay… perhaps there really was something powerful within that trait.
Soundwave nodded, "I will alert you all if Starscream contacts me".
"I sure hope he does soon" Jazz grinned, "things are startin' to get interestin'". Prowl didn't glance up from his datapad, but he smiled at his mate's eagerness.
A few short farewells were shared before the three officers left Soundwave standing outside the door to the comm. hub. Soundwave pulled in a deep breath and he felt his frame release some built up tension. For a moment, he stood in the empty hallway, looking up at that horrifically orange ceiling. This Starscream thing was going to be interesting. He deeply hoped that it wouldn't backfire. Soundwave numbly pinched at his nasal bridge; he could certainly feel a helmache coming on.
With a huff, the cassette player dropped his servo and turned to face the door. He palmed the panel and stood back to watch the door slide open.
Blaster's helm jerked up to look at Soundwave, he quickly stood from his chair.
"'Wave" Blaster breathed.
Soundwave smiled at his friend, the relief rolling off of the orange boombox was immense. He was only able to take a few steps into the room before Blaster swept over and drew him into a tight hug.
One of Blaster's arms wrapped snug around Soundwave's waist. His other servo rested between the telepath's shoulder blades, almost to assure himself that his roommate was back safe. Soundwave hesitated for a moment, then returned the hug. He could feel as Blaster's servo trailed up to the point where his dorsa and his neck met. It felt almost romantic.
A sudden wave of guilt and worry shoved into Blaster's processor. Soundwave could feel the icy doubt fog his roommate's relief. For the umpteenth time in the last few days, Soundwave could feel Blaster's processor winding up into a ball of worry. Was he pushing too far by giving Soundwave this hug? Would it make his friend uncomfortable? He didn't want Soundwave to think he was ignoring his disinterest in a romantic relationship! Would Soundwave be upset?
With a small jerk, Blaster pulled back from the hug. Soundwave frowned and tilted his helm. Dissatisfaction curled in the blue mech's fuel tank as Blaster retracted away. That hug had been a warm and welcome comfort after such a tiring event. It had felt nice to rest his helm on Blaster's shoulder and let the orange mech's arms block out the rest of the world for a moment.
Not long ago, such a gesture would have never been second guessed. It felt wrong to have this divide in their friendship. It felt wrong to watch Blaster jump through mental loops every time they touched.
Gingerly, Soundwave reached out a servo and rested it on Blaster's forearm. He wasn't quite sure how to express his feelings to Blaster. All he knew was that hugging his friend felt right, and he didn't want it to end just yet.
Blaster's optics met with Soundwave's visor. He took in his roommate's small, pinched frown and tense posture. Icy fingers of dread pinched under his plating. Had he pushed too far and made Soundwave uncomfortable?
"I… I rather enjoy when you hug me" Soundwave murmured. He suddenly found that his optics were glued to the floor.
Blaster blinked; his breath caught in his throat. "You do?" he managed to piece together.
Soundwave's visor snapped back up to meet his gaze. "Of course," his voice almost sounded insulted, "you're my dearest friend… your presence comforts me". His helm dipped back down to the side.
"It does?" Blaster felt a smile warm his faceplates. He let out a pleased breath and clasped his servo over Soundwave's. A sudden burst of bravery filled the orange mech as he continued, "I'm just so nervous of overstepping your boundaries, 'Wave. I don't want to make you uncomfortable… I don't want to make you feel like I'm taking liberties to be more intimate than friends usually are".
"You don't make me uncomfortable" Soundwave's voice was a near whisper, "if anything, you make me feel safe".
Blaster paused and absorbed Soundwave's words. "… I do?" he smiled. His plating flared the tiniest bit as he swelled with pride. When Soundwave nodded, his smile grew. "I make you feel safe" he murmured the words, mostly to himself. Something about that information sent a flood of warmth and happiness through Blaster. His anxieties over making Soundwave uncomfortable crumbled apart and washed away. He made Soundwave feel safe. He could feel his plating rustle with satisfaction. He liked that… He liked that a lot.
"Why else would I come to you every time I am upset?" Soundwave shrugged. He couldn't help the amused smile at Blaster's flared plating. His friend's relief and joy were infectious; he felt it wash over him like medicine.
"I suppose I never thought that far" Blaster grinned. His mood suddenly picked up. The orange of his plating seemed to glow brighter.
Soundwave smiled and shook his helm fondly at his companion. A beat of silence sat between them for a moment before he finally spoke.
"Hug me" Soundwave said softly.
"Hm?" Blaster's optic brows shot up at the request.
Soundwave let out a tired sigh. "I could use one of your hugs" he admitted, "one that you aren't worrying through".
Blaster's surprise melted into something softer and warmer. "Of course, 'Wave" he crooned before leaning back in and pulling Soundwave into another hug.
The telepath allowed himself to be pulled in close. His helm automatically rested on Blaster's shoulder as the orange mech encircled him in his embrace. It felt warm… and safe… and most definitely right. Soundwave allowed his optics to shutter closed and he let out a deep sigh. He allowed himself to sag the tiniest amount into the hug. Distantly, he felt Blaster's soft breath wash over his faceplates.
Blaster couldn't tear his optics from Soundwave's faceplates. The smaller mech looked so peaceful and content. One blue servo rested over Blaster's tape deck, the other was wrapped around to sit upon his shoulder. This close in their embrace, he would really only need to tilt his helm the slightest bit to press a kiss on Soundwave's lips. Of course, he resisted the immediate urge, but a chill ran down his frame at the idea alone. Slowly, Soundwave's visor onlined again; It had deepened into a softer ruby red. The telepath slowly pulled out of the embrace until they once again were totally apart.
Both mechs felt unexpectedly cold outside of the embrace.
Soundwave offered one of his small smiles, "thank you".
"Any time, 'Wave" Blaster murmured.
Soundwave looked up to meet Blaster's optics. He took a tiny step closer and allowed his servo to rest on Blaster's arm. The orange mech felt his spark pulse with more urgency, he swallowed thickly.
"You truly do mean very much to me" Soundwave admitted in a soft voice.
Blaster leaned in slightly, "you mean so much to me as well, 'Wave". He would have laughed at the obviousness of his statement had his spark not felt like it was about to spontaneously combust.
Soundwave's optics dipped to Blaster's chestplates, then lifted back up to his friend's optics. "I don't know what I would do without you" he murmured.
Blaster pulled in a small breath. His optics took in Soundwave's every subtle move. "'Wave" he began.
Both mechs jerked apart when the comm. station chimed as a call came through from Sideswipe. Suddenly remembering that he was still technically on shift, Soundwave gasped with embarrassment and hurried around Blaster to the console. He tried to ignore the palpable disappointment that radiated from his roommate's mind.
Sideswipe had just completed a routine sweep of the Ark's territory with Bluestreak. They had nothing to report but checking in with the comm. officer on deck was routine.
Soundwave brusquely thanked the mechs for keeping schedule before ending the call. He stood staring at the blank screen for a moment in mortification. How had he totally forgotten about his own shift? Absently, he felt Blaster's presence at his side.
Blaster's hip suddenly bumped Soundwave's. Soundwave jerked his helm to look at Blaster, who had a very playful smile on his faceplates.
"You should'a seen your face" Blaster grinned.
Soundwave gave a short laugh and light-heartedly shoved Blaster's arm. His friend cackled then unceremoniously dropped himself on one of the chairs.
Soundwave smiled and rolled his optics at his friend, then took a seat at the other chair. For a moment, the two mechs sat in silence. Soundwave quietly watched Blaster. Blaster tried to ignore the gaze as he leaned back in his seat, he absent-mindedly swiveled the chair back and forth by using his heel on the floor as a pivot.
"Blaster" Soundwave started, "may I ask you something personal?".
Blaster lifted his helm back up to look at Soundwave. His optic brows raised but he nodded, "sure thing, 'Wave".
Soundwave hummed in thought before slowly and carefully placing his words, "out of curiosity alone… When you pursue a romantic relationship, what does that look like?".
Blaster stiffened in his seat. He suddenly pushed himself up from his lax posture to sit up straighter. "Er… good question" he said, "I guess it would kinda depend on who I am with". When Soundwave continued to silently watch him, he continued. "I suppose, right now, I would probably start off by dating them for a bit". He wasn't entirely certain who this hypothetical "them" was… but it was certainly less abrasive than saying "you".
Soundwave gave a thoughtful hum, "casually dating?".
Suddenly aware of the numerous cultural differences between Autobot and Decepticon intimacy, Blaster elaborated, "yeah, I mean like… going on dates with that mech. Ya' know, spending quality time together, feeling out what romance would mean with them". At Soundwave's blank stare, he continued, "It would be time set aside for me and that mech to spend some quality time together, just the two of us. I guess a pretty classic date night could include things like a movie, fueling together, sharing goodies, talking about anything…" he playfully elbowed Soundwave's arm with a wink, "maybe doing some light servo holding".
Soundwave snorted and smiled at Blaster's playfulness. However, in the back of his processor, he checked off a list of things that he had already done with Blaster.
Blaster continued, "I suppose at first, dating someone would be pretty casual… we would just spend a lot of time together to find out if we shared any kind of chemistry. If we found that chemistry to be there, then the question of more serious courting could come up". He shrugged to punctuate his statement.
Soundwave nodded thoughtfully. He was decently familiar with the Autobot concept of courting. It was a fairly traditional practice that two or more mechs upheld when they were entering a serious relationship. They were yet to start the Conjunx Ritus, but that was the ultimate goal at the end of their courtship… if all went well.
However, this more casual level of dating still perplexed Soundwave. Was it not essentially the same as courting on most levels? Autobot culture was so different from his life as a Decepticon and lower class Cybertronian before the war. It made sense that the Autobots tended to be dictated by the middle- and upper-class cultural practices, and the Decepticons by the lower-class cultures. However, it never made it any less confusing when these cultures met.
At Soundwave's confused expression, Blaster asked, "different from what you're used to?".
Soundwave hummed and nodded, "yes. While Decepticons do have courting in more serious long-term relationships, it is fairly rare. However, this level of romantic relationship you call "dating" doesn't exist within the Decepticons".
Blaster looked perplexed for a moment, then fascinated. "huh" he said, "well if you don't have dating, what comes before courting?".
"Fragging" Soundwave answered simply.
Blaster choked.
"Oh!" Blaster laughed, "yeah I guess that works too". His amused fluster settled back down as he pondered for a moment.
Soundwave elaborated, "I do suppose that we have a non-official form of dating in the Decepticons. However, you aren't in a relationship so much as a close friendship… I mean to say that you are not exclusive to one another unless that desire is stated. Even then, emotional and physical exclusivity is verging on courting".
Blaster gave a low whistle; it was interesting to learn about the Decepticon side of things. However, the way Soundwave explained it made it sound rather impersonal. "What about when you love someone, but you aren't together in any way yet?" he asked.
Soundwave puzzled over the question for a moment before admitting, "I do not know".
Blaster blinked, then gave a slow nod. "Well, haven't you ever been in love before?" he asked.
"No"
"…oh" Blaster tried not to sit up in his chair. Soundwave was suddenly avoiding optic contact. The orange boombox felt a wash of guilt. He scrubbed at the back of his neck. "I… wouldn't have guessed that" he admitted in a low voice.
A cocktail of disbelief and guilt sat in Blaster's fuel tank. He quietly observed Soundwave for a moment, then looked away again. His faceplates pinched in thought, then nervousness. He licked his lips then took a breath.
"Haven't ya' ever been romanced before?" Blaster asked in a tentative voice.
Soundwave's bright visor re-focused on Blaster. He slowly shook his helm, "no, I suppose that I have not".
Blaster nodded casually; his optics looked up to the ceiling then back down to Soundwave. He cleared his throat. "Well… uh, just a silly idea," he started "would you ever want to try it?". Quickly he elaborated, "I mean would you want to experience what an Autobot date would be like? Not that you and I would go on an actual romantic date… but we could have a friend date – kinda' like a trial run of what a real date would be like, just so you could experience it".
He paused and watched as Soundwave mulled over the offer. In a nervous flurry, he continued, "I know it sounds kinda' silly, but there's a lot about going on a date that is hard to summarize without experiencing it firsthand. Technically most things you do on a first date could be done with a friend, the difference is mostly in the details". He offered a playful smile, "besides, at the very least, I could set your standards for what a good date is".
Soundwave broke from his trail of thought to chuckle at Blaster's words. He hummed and gave a pointed smile at Blaster, "so you believe yourself to be a high-quality date?".
Blaster grinned and puffed out his plating, "absolutely" he beamed, "no one romances like me…" he turned thoughtful, "except maybe Jazz – that mech is smooth as a fresh polish".
Both mechs shared a laugh for a moment.
Soundwave gave a low hum and examined Blaster for a moment. "A fake friend date with you" he pondered.
Blaster grinned and spread his servos open, "kind of like a trail-run date 101… with a friend".
Soundwave narrowed his optics for a moment and touched a servo to his chin. Finally, he gave a nod, "I accept your offer".
Blaster grinned, his field swarmed with giddy energy, "just you wait mech, I'm gonna' pull out all the stops".
Soundwave laughed and tilted his helm, "try not to elevate my expectations too much, you'll ruin my ability to date forever".
"aw slag, that was kinda' part of my master plan" Blaster leaned back in his seat with a wink.
Soundwave rolled his optics, but the smile remained on his faceplates.
"How's tomorrow night sound, 'Wave?"
"Tomorrow night?" Soundwave hummed with a smile, "sounds like a date".