Hello! Hello! Happy September!
Here is another chapter update for y'all. There are no serious warnings for this one, but just a heads up that interfacing is briefly mentioned.
These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!
The Autobots weren't typically known to be highly bureaucratic. Certainly, there were meetings, paperwork, and everything needed to command a ship; However, bureaucracy was not part of the stereotypes. In comparison to the way things ran on the Nemesis, however… the Autobot bureaucracy was a change.
Soundwave didn't particularly mind the paperwork and order. Truly, most days he favoured it for the less hectic results it brought. Not to mention that most of the "red tape" found abord the Ark was used to support the Autobots in their everyday lives. This, however, felt very foreign.
Soundwave gazed sceptically at the office door as Blaster knocked on it. On their way to their private meeting, Blaster had explained to Soundwave the importance of this step, now that they had started dating. According to Blaster, it was something that every Autobot couple (or trine… or group) was expected to do – so long as the relationship was more than a brief fling. At Soundwave's continued hesitation, Blaster assured the telepath that it was a step that every couple on the Ark had taken. Nonetheless, Soundwave couldn't shake his discomfort at the thought of the impending meeting. He was a very, very private mech; discussing his private romantic life with Optimus Prime wasn't exactly sitting on his bucket-list.
The office door slid away to reveal Optimus, sitting at his desk with his servos folded upon it. The Commanding Officer's field was pleasant and sunny, as it typically was around the Ark. Even with his mask on, it was obvious by the mild squint to the mech's optics that he was smiling.
"Soundwave, Blaster, come right in and have a seat" the larger mech gestured to the two chairs pulled up against his desk.
Soundwave glanced at Blaster and received a reassuring smile and wink from his roommate before following the orange mech through the door. As he lowered himself into his chair, Soundwave glanced over the paperwork already laid out on the Prime's datapad. A wash of relief appeared for a moment in the telepath's field as he realized that Blaster had already briefed Optimus on the subject of the meeting.
"Thank you for joining me this morning" Optimus started with a reassuring nod in Soundwave's direction, "as I am sure Blaster explained already, on the Ark, I like to meet briefly with every new couple or trine that forms. I just wish to lay down some expectations as well as resources for the both of you. Maintaining a relationship during wartime can have some special complications, so I always try to lay out as even a playing ground as possible".
Soundwave nodded awkwardly then glanced over at Blaster. His boyfriend had assumed a much more relaxed posture. He was leaning back comfortably in his chair; one ankle was crossed over the other knee and his left arm draped casually over the back of Soundwave's seat. When he noticed the red visor on him, Blaster gave Soundwave his best grin. In an attempt to follow Blaster's lead, Soundwave relaxed back in his chair just a tiny bit more. At the very least, it was re-assuring to feel the gentle brush of Blaster's arm against his shoulders.
"I would like to start off by congratulating the both of you", the Prime's field radiated with joy for the new couple. Soundwave re-set his optics in surprise but couldn't hold back a tiny smile. Just another thing that was so very different from the Nemesis.
"Thanks, Prime," Blaster smiled. Soundwave gave a short nod and attempted to brush off his embarrassment.
"I know that you will likely want to keep this brief," Optimus continued as he picked up his stylus. Soundwave knew that consideration was in place for his sake. "I have some paperwork here to go over, and after that, you will both be free to go". His blue optics glanced back up at them with a smile, then re-focused on the datapad.
"Alright, to start off… has this relationship been labelled yet?" the Prime asked, "is this a formal courtship, casual dating, or sexual relationship?". His voice remained level as he read over the options, "or something else entirely?".
Soundwave squirmed in his seat and looked at Blaster again. Blaster returned his gaze with an awkward chuckle.
"Last I recall, 'Wave and I agreed that we were in a more casual dating situation" the boombox's statement ended almost like a question as he looked at his boyfriend. Soundwave nodded at Blaster, then immediately nodded at Prime. There was a beat of silence as Optimus nodded and circled an option on the datapad.
"Excellent," Optimus hummed absentmindedly as he scrolled to the next query, "when being referred to as a couple, are there any particular titles you prefer, or wish to avoid… such as partners, boyfriends, mates, and so on?".
Once again, Soundwave found himself glancing at Blaster, who returned his gaze with a thoughtful smile.
"I mean, I don't have any strict preferences or anything… but we've been calling each other boyfriends so far" Blaster shrugged.
When Prime's optics switched to him, Soundwave nodded, "yes, I agree".
The Prime smiled and glanced down to mark the answer down. "While we are on the subject of public titles," he started, "how public is this relationship intended to be?". He paused for a beat then looked up at the couple to further explain, "there will always be a level of security that we wish to respect aboard the Ark, with regard to the war. As a result, there will be steps taken to assure that news of your relationship doesn't reach the Nemesis. We don't want your relationship to become a piece of strategic information".
Soundwave swallowed thickly and felt Blaster's field tighten minutely. He glanced briefly at Blaster and watched the orange mech nod in a more serious tone than usual. The idea of Megatron trying to get to him by hurting Blaster sent a curl of panic in the blue mech's tanks. He mentally stomped on the idea and turned back to look at the Prime.
"News of your relationship will be purposefully repressed from leaving the Ark. The few humans who join us know never to share this kind of information with the human media, as it may end up in the wrong servos… or hands" Optimus assured as he sensed the change in mood, "however, it is up to the both of you how public you want to be within the span of the Ark. If you want, your relationship can be kept in a totally private basis. Ratchet, Jazz, and Prowl will need to be informed; however, we can make choices that will protect this knowledge from being found by the rest of the crew. For example, we can encrypt any file that mentions your relationship on it; and any question or suspicion that we encounter about your relationship can be dismissed or persuaded against".
Soundwave considered how safe and secure the relationship would feel for him if this were the case. He hummed at how incredibly private it would all be. However, he knew Blaster wasn't the same as him. This level of security would mean a total suppression of affection outside of their quarters. Soundwave glanced at Blaster for a moment then looked down at his lap. Although the privacy of a secretive relationship sounded nice, he knew that it wouldn't be as enjoyable for Blaster. Blaster liked some forms of public affection. Of course, the orange mech would never step beyond what was comfortable for Soundwave, however, it would only be fair to meet Blaster somewhere in the middle. If Blaster wanted to hold servos in the halls, go on double dates, and slow dance together at parties… Soundwave didn't want to take away those enjoyments away from his partner. Even if those things were not particularly his favourite.
When Soundwave looked back up, he found both Optimus and Blaster watching him. He jerked in surprise, then ruffled his armor for a moment. Soundwave turned his visor to meet Blaster's gaze. He offered a soft smile at the realization that Blaster was waiting for him to set his comfort levels and boundaries.
"You do not have to hide our relationship for my sake" Soundwave assured Blaster, "I know you would enjoy being known as a couple by some of the mechs on the Ark, and I don't wish to deny that".
Blaster's optics softened as he leaned towards his boyfriend a bit more, "are you sure 'Wave? I don't want to do anything to make you uncomfortable".
Soundwave smiled at Blaster's ever-present courtesy and shook his helm. Despite the weight he felt from the Prime's presence, he reached over and squeezed at Blaster's servo, "I want you to enjoy our relationship as well, Blaster. I know I can trust you to have regard for my comfort, especially around other mechs".
Blaster smiled and squeezed Soundwave's servo in reply. His spark felt almost weightless all of a sudden. "Thanks, 'Wave" he murmured before turning back to Optimus, "how about we meet in the middle? We won't go around publicly announcing that we are in a relationship, but when word gets out, we won't deny it". He looked back over to Soundwave, who nodded in agreement.
"We can certainly do that" Optimus agreed as he jotted their preferences down on the datapad.
"Besides," Soundwave murmured to Blaster in an aside, "how long do we truly think our relationship will remain secret with our cassettes already knowing?".
Blaster laughed and nodded his helm, "you have a very good point there, 'Wave". They smiled at each other before letting go of each other's servos and sitting back to face the Prime.
"Alright," Optimus looked up at the couple, a pre-emptive apology already forming in his field, "now is the part of the meeting when I have to ask the more challenging and possibly uncomfortable questions. These questions are focusing more on the future and possible outcomes with regard to your relationship. You may take your time to answer, and if you need to, we can return to some of these questions at a later date so you may discuss the answers in private".
Soundwave felt his plating clamp down tightly. They had only been answering the easy questions so far? Primus, this whole thing felt like a terrifying routine of mental and social gymnastics for him.
"To begin… in the unfortunate case of a breakup, do you think one of you will want to move out, with their cassettes, into their own private quarters?"
Soundwave blinked in surprise and immediately felt his helm snap over to look at Blaster. Blaster looked just as baffled as he felt. The orange mech scrubbed at his chin for a moment before looking over at his boyfriend with a troubled expression.
"I know it is a painful thing to consider so early in a relationship" Optimus admitted, "however, I need to know if I should be holding a spare room for one of you, if it is ever needed in the case of a breakup".
"I guess 'Wave and I haven't exactly thought about the possibility of a breakup yet" Blaster admitted, his field narrowed in with discomfort at the prospect.
Soundwave felt a similar uneasiness at the concept. The very idea of breaking things off with Blaster created a constricting sensation around his spark.
"I… I do not believe that I would wish to live apart, if we ever break up" Soundwave admitted in a soft voice.
Blaster's optics flickered and turned to look at him, "really?" he asked. The relief was apparent in his field.
"You are my best friend" Soundwave shrugged, "and I enjoy living with you. I cannot imagine living apart at this point… even if we broke up".
Blaster grinned and added on, "me neither 'Wave. Besides, I'm pretty sure that our cassettes would throw a riot if we tried to split them back up now". Soundwave laughed; he could hear an amused rumble coming from Optimus.
"Very well," Optimus hummed as he wrote quickly in the datapad, "the only other question regarding a breakup had to do with how you would be able to work together in professional settings post break-up… however, I am sure that if you continued to live together as friends, that there would be very few professional disturbances". He glanced up at the two carrier mechs to confirm his assumption, then quickly tucked back down to write when he received two nods of approval.
Blaster turned to look at Soundwave and winked at his boyfriend, then he curled his servo up into a fist and wordlessly knocked thrice on the top of Optimus' desk. Soundwave's brow furrowed and he tilted his helm at Blaster in confusion. Seemingly in on the joke, the Prime chuckled and agreed, "yes, knock on wood" without glancing up from his datapad. Soundwave looked back at Blaster with an even more baffled expression and watched at the orange mech shook with quiet laughter at his utter confusion.
::I'll explain later:: Blaster sent over a private comm. line. His optics twinkled as he added on ::you always look super cute when you're confused::.
Soundwave crinkled the bridge of his nose at Blaster and failed to completely supress a blush. Blaster's smile only grew.
"Alright", Optimus' voice pulled both Communications Officers back to face him, "That concludes all of the questions I needed to ask you two today. I appreciate your openness and honesty. I only have one more brief thing to mention; that being Ratchet's services". The Prime sat up a bit straighter and cleared his throat before broaching the topic. "As I mentioned before, Ratchet will be informed of your relationship. In the future, if the both of you wish to solidify your relationship with a spark bond – and if we are still at active war - Ratchet can place specialized energy blocking mechanisms within your spark chambers to avoid accidental procreation".
Soundwave choked and felt his faceplates turn a shade darker. He felt the embarrassed shock radiate from Blaster's field as well. Optimus had to courtesy to look a little sheepish at the mention of the deeply private act of spark merging. Somehow, unlike Soundwave, he was able to keep his professional appearances intact.
"Of course, we have nothing against creations on the Ark" Optimus hurried to add, "as both of you are split-sparkers, and we are aware that you have no control over when your frame decides to create new life. However, most couples prefer some time to spend as a bonded pair before they start procreating together… and some couples have no interest in sparklings at all, or at least until the end of the war". He cleared his throat again and shifted in his seat, "my point is, Ratchet offers energy blockers, if you wish to have them put in place… the decision is yours to make, and I wanted to make you both aware of that".
Soundwave nodded understandingly, then glanced over at Blaster who was also nodding.
"Furthermore, Ratchet is also a good resource for any sexual health needs. If you need to acquire anti-virus walls or lubricant for interfacing, he is your primary contact. My apologies for the prying subject, but I would rather you both be informed" Optimus concluded with a smile.
Soundwave nodded urgently; his visor didn't meet Optimus' gaze.
"Thanks, Prime" Blaster said. Despite his calmer exterior, the awkwardness could still be felt in his field. "Better to know now then go without, right?".
Optimus agreed with a nod, "and of course, Smokescreen is always available for counselling. He offers both one-on-one and couples counselling… just in case you ever need it". The Prime jotted a few more things down on his datapad before signing it and sliding it across the desk along with the stylus. Soundwave looked over the completed paperwork before signing his designation on the document. He then slid the datapad over to Blaster, who signed it without so much as a glance.
"Thank you" Optimus smiled as he accepted the datapad back and filed it away for processing. He stood from behind his desk, Blaster and Soundwave followed suit. "Once again, congratulations. If you want to change anything we discussed here today, or you find yourself in need of support, please do reach out to me".
"Thanks, boss-mech" Blaster grinned as the larger bot walked them towards the door, "we'll keep that in mind".
Soundwave nodded "yes, thank you".
With goodbyes out of the way, Soundwave and Blaster soon found themselves back in the hallway, walking back to their own quarters. Soundwave let out a pressurized breath and finally let his shoulders relax for the first time since that morning.
"I know, right?" Blaster murmured. His servo reached out to gently soothe over Soundwave's dorsa, to which Soundwave gave an appreciative hum. "You feeling okay after all that? I know it was a lot".
"I am just glad that it is done" Soundwave shifted to loop his arms around Blaster's, "I do see why some of those subjects were important. Do you feel alright?"
"Right as rain" Blaster grinned.
"Is that a good thing?"
"Yeah" Blaster chuckled, "yeah it's a good thing". He turned to grin at Soundwave, who smiled back.
Soundwave quickly retracted his arms from around Blaster's as they walked past Wheeljack and Ratchet in the hall. Both pairs shared a few quick hellos as they crossed paths and continued in opposite directions. With the other two mechs behind them, Soundwave slipped his servo into Blasters. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to meet Wheeljack's optics as the engineer looked back while also taking hold of Ratchet's servo again. The engineer's headfins flashed a bright blue in shock. Soundwave gasped and quickly jerked his gaze away to look ahead again.
"What is it?" Blaster tilted his helm in the telepath's direction.
Soundwave laughed quietly as they turned a corner together, "it appears as though we are not alone". At Blaster's confused smile, Soundwave chuckled and said, "I will tell you… but first you still need to tell me what 'knocking on wood' means".
"Sounds like a deal" Blaster grinned.
When Jazz opened the door to his and Prowl's shared quarters that evening, Soundwave didn't think it possible for the mech's smile to be any larger.
"There's my two favourite love birds" Jazz grinned before pulling the new couple in by their elbows. Instantaneously, the smaller bot turned to Soundwave and said, "do ya' remember that day, months ago, when you were still in the Medbay as a 'con and you and Blaster were on a walk in the halls and Prowler and I met ya' properly for the first time?". Completely taken away by the sudden precise questioning, Soundwave nodded dumbly. Jazz continued on the same breath, "well when Blaster and I were chattin' down the hall, away from you and Prowler, I told him that he had a huge crush on ya', and he denied it and-" in a flash the saboteur whipped around to face Blaster and pointed a finger at his brightened optics "I told ya' so!".
Soundwave found himself caught somewhere between laughing and silent bafflement. One glance at Blaster's faceplates confirmed how true Jazz's statement was.
"I always know a couple when I see one!" Jazz grinned proudly, "I call all of them before they happen, it's guaranteed".
"I saw Ratchet and Wheeljack holding servos in the halls today" Soundwave added sagely.
Jazz turned on his heals to face Soundwave "Ya' what?" he gasped. Soundwave smiled at the shock in the smaller mech's field. "Shut up" Jazz whispered in awe.
"I…" Soundwave stiffened.
"oh no! No, it's a human phrase" Jazz laughed with a wave of his servo, "it basically means holy slag I can't believe it!".
"good evening, Soundwave" Prowl called from across the quarters, "good evening, Blaster". The much calmer mech held a bottle of high-grade in his servos. The boomboxes returned their greetings before Jazz excitedly shared the latest gossip.
"Prowler! Sounders' saw Wheeljack and Ratchet holdin' servos!"
Prowl paused mid-pour and glanced over at his mate, then at Soundwave, "really?".
Jazz cackled with giddy excitement and Soundwave nodded.
"Huh…" Prowl murmured as his attention returned to serving out the high-grade, "good for them".
It didn't take long for all four mechs to settle on the couch together. Each mech held a cube of high-grade as the movie started. Jazz had selected 'Sleepless in Seattle', an earth movie that Blaster instantly approved of and Soundwave was completely unfamiliar with.
Soundwave felt a burst of appreciation for Jazz as the movie started. He had been a bit nervous for the upcoming double date. The idea of being particularly romantic with Blaster while in the company of others gave Soundwave's tanks a nervous little twist. Glancing over at the other couple, Soundwave made the assumption that Prowl felt very much the same with regards to public affection.
However, this wasn't overbearingly intimate in ways that made Soundwave feel uncomfortable. It was simply watching a romantic movie, with his boyfriend and some friends, while they drank high grade and chatted during occasional breaks. Soundwave smiled and sipped from his cube as he felt Blaster's arms wrap around his shoulder. He could feel Blaster's optics on him, making sure that the embrace was appreciated and not uncomfortable. Soundwave re-assured Blaster by resting his helm on Blaster's shoulder. Blaster smiled and turned back to watch the movie. Soundwave flicked his optics over to the other side of the couch, were Prowl and Jazz were in a similar position. He met optics with Jazz, who was watching the new couple with pleased and very sappy optics. Soundwave felt a blush rise into his faceplates from being observed, but he didn't pull out of the embrace. Jazz chuckled before turning back to the movie; Soundwave smiled and did so as well.
Perhaps double dates weren't all that bad, after all.