Hello Dear Readers! Here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
A big thanks to my wonderful reviewers; ScarletSea, lostariel0716, Agent Duck O'Rico, and Akari. Wolf. Princess.
Chapter 49
When Sunstreaker pulled out of recharge, a small weight reminded him not to sit up. Glancing down, he saw the squishy; her nesting materials were lazily draped over his chassis and half covered the femme. How did they end up like that?
Right… they were kissing and the squishy cut things off before they could get more fun and asked to cuddle instead. Sunstreaker would have held back anyway. When Ironhide dropped her off it was clear the femme was overcharged. Besides, they had just agreed to 'take things slow'. Ironaft, of course, made some detailed but ultimately pointless threats regarding them taking advantage of the squishy.
At least Sides was thoroughly entertained watching the overcharged femme.
Speaking of the slagger, he was across Sunstreaker's legs; partway on him, partway on the berth with a pede handing off the edge. The yellow mech would have no qualms pushing his twin off of him so he could get to the wash racks, but the squishy was another case. Deciding to give her a few more moments of recharge, Sunstreaker shuttered his optics.
It seemed to be in vain as he heard the sound of shifting fabric. "You're up early." The mech muttered, noticing the femme only appeared half-conscious.
"Humans wake up in bright lighting." She stumbled over the words as if still overcharged. Sunstreaker guessed the femme was simply taking a while to be fully online.
Sunstreaker glanced around the room. The lights were all off.
Taking the hint, the femme pointed at him. "Your optics." She mumbled.
Oh. Sunstreaker dimmed them as much as he could and still see. "Cybertronians can filter out each other's optical lights." He supplied. The mech should have realized humans wouldn't be able to do that.
"That's neat." She said absentmindedly before gaping her mouth open with partially bared teeth. She had once told him the term for the action was 'yawning'. He still thought it looked like a primitive threat display. "Are you getting up?" she asked.
He considered lying and letting her go back to recharge on him, but the femme would know otherwise. "Yes. Do you want me to stay?" He liked how they were laying.
She smiled, looking more online. "No, I'm fine getting up early." She untangled herself from the nest on his chassis and gently patted Sides on the helm, not pulling him from recharge.
"You don't have any duties anymore. You should enjoy the extra recharge." Sunstreaker reasoned.
"It's no fun if you're not here." She stated, crawling off him. "Besides, if we're going to stay together, I should adjust to your sleep schedule." She gave him a smile that melted his spark. It was enthusiastic and bright and so different from the forlorn expression she had after onlining yesterday.
With no other reason to stay in the berth, he knocked on Sides' helm. "Move your aft."
The glare he got was comedic, and Sunstreaker made sure to convey as much through the bond. "This is why I didn't want to put the berths together." His twin stated. Sides was not a morning mech. Nevertheless, he rolled off of Sunstreaker and straightened himself on the berth, ready to go back to recharge.
"You didn't have to recharge on me." The yellow mech responded without sympathy.
"I felt like cuddling." He stated firmly, optics shuttered. "Come on Rin, let's get some more recharge."
"Sorry Sideswipe," she said while stretching. A worrying series of popping sounds came from her back struts, but her satisfied sigh told Sunstreaker the noise was normal. "I'm gonna get up too." She explained to the silver mech.
"You never get up this early." Sides grumbled like a sparkling.
"I had a good rest." She reasoned with a shrug. It was true, the femme fell into recharge early in the evening.
Sides pushed further, "Please?" He gave her his most pitiful expression- the manipulative slagger.
Unsurprisingly, it worked. The femme 'yawned' again and grumbled in defeat, "I guess a few more minutes wouldn't hurt."
"Careful, give him an inch and he'll ask for a mile." Sunstreaker said, proud he remembered the human phrase for the femme.
She smiled and rolled her optics before settling back on her nest. Sideswipe didn't hesitate to pull her close, spooning around her.
With no one on him anymore, the mech got up to head out to the wash racks, but not before giving one last glance to the scene behind him. Even he could admit they were cute. After lingering for a moment, he finally closed the door.
One reason that Sunstreaker onlined early every morning was that the wash racks were usually empty at that time. Usually, being the key phrase. When he stepped up to the door, Sunstreaker could already hear the water spewing from the pipes. He considered waiting. Instead, he could grab some fuel. But the thought of going around unclean was enough to push him into the room.
Que was there, his armor remarkably clean for the inventor. There hadn't been any explosions in his lab since the All Spark incident. Ratchet recruited the mech to help study whatever the frag it was doing to the squishy.
As Sunstreaker entered the room, Que turned off the water. Good. He would be leaving soon. It wasn't anything against the inventor. The yellow mech just wanted to enjoy his morning ritual in peace.
"Oh, Sunstreaker." The older 'bot greeted him with a friendly wave. Sunstreaker nodded in response. "How's dear Erin doing?"
"Better than most would be, given the situation." He replied truthfully. The femme had a barely understood sacred alien energy source inside her. All things considered; she should be going through a crisis. It didn't help that Ratchet didn't seem to have any solid answers as to what could happen to her. "Any updates on your research?" He asked, not hoping for much.
The scientist shook his helm. "We've been cycling through theories. My specialty isn't biology, though." He explained. "I've been focused on studying her wrist weapon. The All Spark somehow melded the wiring with her frame. Before we removed it, Ratchet traced electrical signals from the mount to her brain, like our own weapons with our processors."
That was… something. "Are you saying she can control it with a human mind?" Sunstreaker tried to clarify. "She does even have a HUD."
Que nodded. "That's why Prowl ordered we remove it; in case she accidentally activated it." The mech appeared more fascinated than concerned, but that did little to ease Sunstreaker's worries.
"So it made her more Cybertronian?" Was that even possible?
"Ratchet doesn't think so." Que stated. "It's like the All Spark is acting as an adapter between her and our technology. To 'make her more Cybertronian' suggests the process is permanent, which we have no proof of."
"So, if you remove the All Spark, she'd go back to normal." The yellow mech said, frustrated how little any of that slag made sense.
"Again, we aren't sure." The scientist said, sounding apologetic. "It's all just theories right now."
Yet again, no solid answers for Sunstreaker to lean on. "Is there anything you are certain of?" He asked with decreasing patience.
Que didn't seem to notice Sunstreaker's changing demeanor as he ecstatically explained his findings. "There were also structural changes to the blade cannon. The energon fill compartment moved from the side of the cannon to the bottom, by the wrist mount. Even though the cannon wasn't refueled when I gave it to her, it was full of energon when I removed it. I believe the All Spark produced it."
Energon was dangerous to humans, how was that ok? "The energon hasn't hurt her?" Sunstreaker asked with a hint of worry.
"Ratchet didn't find energon in her system, or at least enough to affect her frame." The scientist explained. "And he's testing the energon compartment today so we should know a bit more about its origins."
Nothing made sense to Sunstreaker. All he knew was that the femme seemed fine, but had what could be a time bomb inside her. "Do you have any idea why this is happening?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't." The concern on Que's faceplates was genuine, at least. "It's my only focus right now, though. At least the dearie is online and in good care."
Que looked as if he wanted to add something, but closed his mouth and started drying himself.
Sunstreaker turned on the water and set about the soothing task of making his armor pristine as usual. Once Que left, the mech was able to relax even more. His worries about the squishy were still in the back of his processor, but his cleaning routine was sacred. Most other problems could wash away like the suds being pulled down the drain.
After a thorough and uninterrupted wash, Sunstreaker dried himself and checked his finish. He was well maintained, considering that was all he focused on while the squishy was in stasis. She'd complimented his appearances before, and Sunstreaker secretly hoped she'd notice his shine once again.
The mech considered his paint for a moment. The femme liked yellow, right? It was bright and flashy, making Sunstreaker the focal point wherever he went, as he should be. Not everybot could pull off his look. Sides couldn't. Sunstreaker was a fan of the shade his twin had when he was transitioning his nanites from red to silver. The shadowed maroon was dark for Sides' personality, giving him a mysterious aura that intensified his beautiful optics. The femme also wouldn't look good in yellow. Sunstreaker could enjoy seeing her in exotic and rich greens, rather than the muddy shades she normally wore. He filed the thought away. Asking a femme to change her armor was never a good idea. And the squishy never asked his opinion on her appearance, so he wouldn't give it.
Once Sunstreaker was satisfied, he left the wash racks to grab fuel. Through the bond, he could feel Sides was still in recharge, meaning the yellow mech had some time before the pair would miss him. Thus, he decided to collect fuel for the squishy as well. After gathering his and Sides' rations and putting them in his surface-level subspace, he drove to the human side of the base.
It had rained all night, making the air humid, much to Sunstreaker's displeasure. Luckily the ground was dry enough, thanks to the sun scorching the pavement. Otherwise, the mech would have walked, rather than risk splashing muddy water on himself.
When he reached the mess hall, Sunstreaker drove around back to where the humans who prepared fuel would be. He transformed and knocked on the door. After a moment of commotion on the other side, one fleshy opened the door and stuck his helm out.
"Hello, Sunstreaker." He greeted, only half nervously. Sunstreaker had gotten human fuel from the male often enough. "How's Specialist Brook doing?"
All the humans, even Lennox, had been told the squishy was suffering from energon exposure. The All Spark situation was need-to-know only, according to Prime. Even he and Sides had no clue Jazz had it inside him until the mech went haywire. Prime wanted to keep news of the All Spark away from humans, something Sunstreaker agreed with.
"She's out of the medbay." He answered truthfully. "She'll be off duty until Ratchet clears her."
"That's good to hear. Her friend's been worried sick. I'll whip up some breakfast for her. It'll only be a minute."
The human left before Sunstreaker could say anything else. They were cordial with each other, but neither wished to be in the other's presence for long. The mention of the squishy's 'friend' had Sunstreaker on edge. There was a human she'd hang around, more than the others at least. It was apparent the male was attracted to her. Sides wouldn't shut up about it at one point. But it wasn't like there was any competition. She chose the twins. The issue was, their relationship had to remain a secret. Meaning that the meat bag would still bother her, thinking he had a chance. That was unacceptable. The femme never pushed back against the male's advances, according to Sides. Sunstreaker would have to do something about it.
The human opened the door again- just enough to see through it and offer Sunstreaker a bag with the human fuel. As soon as the mech accepted the offering, he ducked behind the door again and closed it.
With all his supplies ready, Sunstreaker transformed and started heading back to meet Sides and the squishy. It was then that he realized that Sides was out of recharge. Sides was very active on his side of the bond. When Sunstreaker probed, his brother let him in, sharing the feeling of him kissing Erin. It was obvious the silver mech was revved and the sensation leaked into Sunstreaker as well. Not wanting to miss out, he drove faster.
When he arrived at the berthroom, the femme turned to acknowledge him but was quickly pulled back by his twin. Sides laid on his back while the squishy propped up against his shoulder and leaned over to kiss him. Her small servo stroked the sides of Sides' faceplates while he played with her fur. Sunstreaker could feel it over the bond. She felt warm and soft and so very alien.
The click of Sides' fans kicking up was audible from the other side of the room. At that, the femme leaned back and giggled. Primus, she sounded cute.
Upon seeing Sides' pouting, the femme patted his helm. "We said we'd take it slow, remember. We have a lot to figure out so there's no point getting ourselves too worked up."
"I wasn't going to do anything." Sides responded, giving his best sad cyberhound expression.
"Sure you weren't." She said sarcastically before turning her smile to Sunstreaker. "Good morning, again."
"Good morning." He replied as he presented her the bag. "Are you low on fuel?"
"Hungry." She supplied with an amused grin. "Yes, and thank you." She paused before adding, "You look great, as always."
Sunstreaker may have flexed his armor a bit when she said that. Of course the squishy appreciated his appearance. Some things were universal, even among different species.
He offered the mag of organic mush but as soon as the femme reached for it, he pulled it back. "I did have to drive halfway across the base for you. How about a little repayment?" He leaned close and tapped his lip plates.
The femme smiled and met him with a lingering kiss. "More kissing later," she whispered inches from him, "food now."
Sunstreaker chuckled and sat alongside her on the berth while Sides opted for the floor, wanting to be optic level with their human. It was an oddly comfortable scene. For the first time in a while, Sunstreaker felt their dwelling was more domestic.
The squishy's smile stayed on her face, warming Sunstreaker's spark. Usually, that expression was reserved for after Sides tells one of his few good jokes or when she's satisfied by a good sparring session.
They hadn't had a match in a while, since Sunstreaker was thinking of it. Their femme was very active, running around the island every day, doing various exercises that she explained focused on specific muscle groups, and sparring of course. It was like a second job to her. She always explained those efforts helped her keep up with Cybertronians, but the mech theorized she mostly just enjoyed the activities.
He would ask Hatchet when she'd be clear for exercise again. Could combat be considered a date? Sides would probably say so.
On that subject, the silver mech was behaving, though it was evident he was still excited from kissing the femme. Sunstreaker agreed they needed to take their time in figuring things out. There was a level of species awkwardness that none were familiar with. That didn't even consider the matter of safety. One slip and the squishy would be, well, squished. But that didn't mean they should go cold all that time. He'd have to think of something that would make all involved satisfied. Sunstreaker realized he'd never put so much thought into a relationship before. But, they were determined to make it work for once.
The heat from Sides' side of the bond suddenly dropped. Sunstreaker shuttered and glared at his brother. The silver mech was focused on the femme, more importantly, what she appeared to be consuming. Oh, right. That was another thing to navigate.
Attached to the small utensil she used to keep her servos clean while refueling was a brownish-red morsel. Sides seemed to recognize it as organic flesh. Their new mate was omnivorous. It was a turn-off, to say the least. While Sunstreaker found it barbaric and unsightly, Sides was suffering from a moral dilemma regarding her consuming habits.
The yellow mech was struck with the sense of irritation towards the human at the mess hall who provided it in the first place. He should know a Cybertronian wouldn't want anything to do with animal flesh. They'd have a 'talk' later.
The femme, as sharp as ever, picked up on Sides' discomfort. She glanced between her and her fuel before setting the consuming tool down. "Sideswipe," she said in the tone reserved for training- all business, nothing personal- "we've had this conversation before."
They had, several times in fact. It started when Sides saw the femme try to hunt an organic creature after their first mission together went awry. Ever since then, Sides had continuously protested the squishy's consumption of flesh. Sunstreaker hardly interjected, only adding that he thought it was disgusting. The idea of kissing her was, admittingly, slightly less appealing all things considered. At least in terms of the mouth…
"I know," Sides pouted, "I'm trying to be understanding."
"And I appreciate that." She said with a sympathetic smile.
The femme was considerate, but she wouldn't compromise herself so easily. Sunstreaker believed similar issues would come up in the future and he was willing himself to be open-minded.
That being said, he still chose to look away when she resumed refueling.
Erin decided she needed to start keeping an open mind about things.
The mechs had insisted on joining Erin for her checkup with Ratchet.
She had grown used to the lack of patient privacy among the Autobots, but that didn't mean the twins should follow her around for every little thing. They watched her like she was a porcelain doll about to fall off the shelf. It was somewhat expected. But in the past, she had no problem extracting herself from the pair. Things had changed since then. Especially when Sideswipe made such a defeated expression when Erin said she didn't want them at the checkup. Sunstreaker made the logical argument that not only were they invested in her health, but as the mechs who would be monitoring her safety the most, it would be best that they were up to date on her condition.
The pair also assured her they weren't needed elsewhere. It seemed Sarah Lennox had become Prime's official assistant and continued to handle Autobot duty schedules, even with Prowl still around. The twins were pleased she only gave them duties at the same time, unlike the Second in Command, so all three would have as much time together as possible.
So, Erin sat cross-legged on the Cybertronian-sized berth while the twins watched over Ratchet's shoulder. She had expected the medic to chase the pair away, but when Sunstreaker crossed his arms and stated they wouldn't be leaving their mate's side, Ratchet simply told them to stay out of the way. He never even pulled out his wrench. It seemed all the mechs adhered strictly to their Cybertronian social customs.
While Erin enjoyed the twins' company, the anxiety on their faceplates did little to comfort the woman. Sunstreaker could at least pretend to remain calm, but Sideswipe failed completely. The checkup was nothing different from what Ratchet did the day before. Blood, heart rate, psychological questions, and scans galore.
"How have you been resting?" the medic asked as he went over her scan results.
"I slept fine." She said honestly.
He hummed to himself at her answer and jotted something down on his datapad. "That should be all for now. You're free to go."
Erin was more than happy to head out, but Sunstreaker stepped up to the medic, obviously dissatisfied. "That's it? You haven't told her anything."
"That's because I don't know anything." The medic stated simply. "We're still working through theories and I don't want to get Ms. Brook the wrong information."
"So you're just guessing right now?" The yellow mech encroached on Ratchet's space as if a threat would change anything. "Throwing a fragging dart at the wall?"
Seeing his temper rise, Erin called the mech's name. "Calm down, Sunstreaker. Ratchet's doing the best he can."
The mech turned a harsh optic to her before his glare quickly softened. He grumbled something in Kaonian- likely since Erin wouldn't understand- and stepped back.
"The All Spark isn't something our science has been able to fully understand." Ratchet explained with strained calmness. "A portion of the assumptions I'm working with come from nothing more than lore."
"That's not entirely comforting." Sideswipe said with a frown.
The older mech gave a tired look. "It wasn't meant to be."
"Then what do you know right now?" The silver mech pressed. He appeared nervous, making Erin realize the twins were just as worried, if not more than she was.
Ratchet faced the mech squarely. He looked caught between cussing the 'bot out and hitting him with a wrench. But, to Erin's surprise, he sighed and started explaining, "The All Spark is seemingly an endless source of energy, but that energy has programming behind it. It can spark new life, or work with the frame to repair damages." The medic turned his attention to Erin. "Until you encountered it, the All Spark was thought to be incompatible with organic life." He showed her his datapad screen, numbers and letters scrolling around in a way Erin couldn't decipher. "I believe traces of CNA- our version of DNA- in your body gave the All Spark a way to bind into your cells. There, it may have read your genetic code to operate repairs."
"CNA in her?" Sunstreaker huffed disbelievingly.
"Yes," Ratchet shot back, "specifically from Sideswipe."
The silver mech recoiled in shock. "Wait, but it was just a kiss. I swear!"
Erin smacked her face with an open palm.
"Thank you for the reminder, we'll be discussing that soon." Ratchet said, unamused. "But no, I mean when you three fought the insecticons last year. Some of your energon hit Specialist Brook and was metabolized in her system."
"What?" Sideswipe looked confused, reminding Erin she may have left him in the dark on that detail. "But I thought it was poisonous to humans."
"That's why I was in the med bay with you for a week." Erin answered, rubbing the back of her neck.
The mech's optics narrowed on her. "You said you were hit by shrapnel."
"No, I said you were hit by Shrapnel, the insecticon." She replied with a shrug. "When you misunderstood I kind of just went with it."
"Primus, sweetspark, I'm so sorry." Big round optics leveled with her, their glow seemed to echo his apology.
"I'm not. It looks like that accident saved me." Erin didn't believe in fate, but it was a one-in-a-trillion chance things would work out as well as they did.
"As I said," Ratchet interrupted their moment, "this is just theory, but with that in mind, you were quite fortunate." He turned back to Sunstreaker. "That is all I have to work with right now. Her scans appear healthy, but I don't want to give her a clean report and see her collapsed a cycle later. This is a dangerous and unknown situation."
Sunstreaker looked like he wanted to punch a hole through a wall. "Is she done here?" The mech growled, crossing his arms.
Ratchet addressed Erin again. "Your scans look fine for now. But don't forget to alert an Autobot the moment you feel unwell. They can send me surface scans while I come for you."
"I will." She promised. The woman wasn't too prideful to ask for help. Not in that case, at least.
"Come on, squishy." Sunstreaker motioned for her to follow as he started to head towards the door.
Erin got up but Ratchet's servo blocked her path. "Your checkup is done, but we still have something to discuss; your relationship."
"How about we not." Sunstreaker responded, servo on the door.
The medic was having none of it. "While I can't prevent you three from sexual acts, I can at least do what I can to ensure you are safe with Ms. Brook." He pointed for Erin to sit back down. Not wanting to cross the mech who was trying to make sure she lived, Erin complied.
"Actually," Erin said, "Ratchet knows the most about both humans and Cybertronians. He could be a good resource."
"Nothing puts you in the mood like the Hatchet." Sideswipe joked, however, he appeared anything but amused.
Sunstreaker huffed at the ceiling, muttering various curses in Cybertronian and English, but returned and leaned against the berth.
Ratchet set down his datapad and a projected screen appeared next to him. "I'm going to start with a basic explanation of Cybertronian physiology."
"Is this really necessary?" Sideswipe interrupted, "Rin has two perfect specimens to study already."
That earned him a wrench to the helm. The offending tool clattered on the ground as Ratchet somehow pulled out another one and used it to point at his screen.
"I was waiting for that to happen." Sunstreaker muttered, his mood seeming to have lifted.
The lecture was fairly basic. Ratchet said he kept it short so as not to lose the twin's interest. More lessons were planned for the future. He started with the basic anatomy of both species and moved on to reproduction. Sideswipe seemed to take the information well, though he appeared bored. Erin had a feeling Sideswipe's curiosity may have led to his own research at some point. It was a complete contrast from his brother, who seemed horrified and disgusted. The sight was disheartening to Erin. Was he going to have second thoughts? Before, he was adamant that her being organic was not a problem.
A mix of shame and anxiety crossed over her. Soon, she stopped paying attention to Ratchet altogether and just focused on the yellow front liner. His reactions were not over the top, but it was clear enough for Erin. Ironhide's words from the night before echoed in her head; 'They fell for you, a human'.
As Ratchet wrapped up his lecture on humans Sunstreaker glanced down at Erin. She tried to look away but knew he caught her staring. A heavy sigh left the mech and he wrapped a servo around her shoulder to pull her close to his side. Erin leaned against him stiffly. To Ratchet, he said, "Why did you tell us all that slag? It's not like we can have sparklings with her. A valve is a valve and that's all we really gotta know."
Instantly, Erin felt herself relax. Crude language or not, he just reassured her that knowing of her biology didn't make him second guess their relationship.
Ratchet, however, grumbled his dissent. "You should know the basics about your mate's frame." He argued. "While human mating is like Cybertronian in some ways, it is very different in others. You must understand she has fragile organs that could easily be damaged by whatever activities you miscreants have planned."
"We won't hurt her." Sunstreaker said with complete certainty.
Ratchet looked unimpressed by the yellow mech's assertion. He turned his focus to Erin. "And you are completely certain you want them."
Erin nodded confidently. Her face was straight to not display the mix of emotions coursing through her.
"Very well." The medic changed the slide. "Then let's finish with Cybertronian reproduction."
That part of the lecture was enlightening for Erin, at least. It was clinical, allowing Erin to disassociate from any embarrassment she might feel. Ratchet was right about the similarities with humans, the main difference being park contact was needed to create new life. He also let slip that sparks could be used for pleasure as well. That was… something Erin had a new curiosity for. So, the lecture seemed to be worth it.
Eventually, the three were released. Erin was ordered to report back the next day at the same time. It looked as if that would be her life for the foreseeable future.
In total, the trio spent several hours in the med bay. It was well past lunchtime when they were set free. More than feeling hungry though, she was antsy. It had been too long since she exercised. With the rest she'd gotten the previous night, Erin had plenty of energy that she wanted to burn. "Hey guys," she called the twins' attention, "do you mind going with me to the mess hall?"
"Sorry squishy," Sunstreaker answered, "but we are on shift soon. We've gotta pass you off to Jazz."
"That's alright." She replied honestly. She'd see the twins again soon and it didn't matter who was watching her. All she wanted to do was run to the mess hall and she just needed a chaperone.
Erin was brought to the rec room, which had Jazz as the sole occupant.
"Hey, kiddo." The small silver mech greeted, his accent heavier than Erin had ever heard it before. He set down the datapad he'd been working on and got up to greet the trio. The mech looked healthy. The fracture lines that had previously crisscrossed his armor were completely gone. He was almost as shiny as Sunstreaker and the silver of his armor was a few shades lighter than Sideswipe's, something Erin hadn't noticed before.
"You two are good to go," Jazz informed the twins with an easy grin, "the femme's in good servos."
"Comm us anytime." Sideswipe said to Erin. Worry was evident on his faceplates.
"I'm not going to drop dead the moment you look away." She assured him. Honestly, Erin felt just fine, as if there wasn't an alien artifact inside her.
Sideswipe didn't look amused by her statement but before he could retort, Sunstreaker pulled his shoulder away.
"See you soon, squishy." The mech said as he dragged his brother out.
Just as the pair went out of sight, Sideswipe shouted, "Bye Rin!"
That damn warm and fuzzy feeling had come back. She missed the twins already. Maybe she should have kissed them goodbye?
"You three seem to be getting along alright." Jazz commented from behind her. His tone was plenty suggestive.
When she shot him a light glare, the mech seemed unfazed, still sporting a friendly smile. "Yes, I suppose we are." She admitted. The twins were kind and caring. She felt safe around them.
"Well, I'm glad." The mech commented as he returned to his seat, motioning for her to follow, "if it wasn't for them, who knows where we'd be."
That was… the most positive statement she'd heard an Autobot make about the twins. "What does that mean?" Erin asked.
"Would you be helping us if you hadn't fallen helm over strut for the twins?" Jazz asked with a wide grin.
Erin's face fell. Oh. That. She glanced around to make sure no one was around. "I started this long before I developed any feelings for them."
"You can lie to me, but you can't lie to yourself." He said in a sing-song voice that was reminiscent of Sideswipe.
"Believe what you want." Erin said, unamused by the 'bot's teasing. "At least things worked out in everyone's favor. How's Prowl taking things by the way."
"Just fine." Jazz shrugged, adding no elaboration. Erin raised a brow, showing she didn't believe him. After a moment, the mech relented, "Ok, he hates this whole arrangement."
"He hates me." She clarified.
"I mean, can you blame him?" Jazz shrugged and leaned back. "He doesn't trust you."
"He's scared that I outmaneuvered him." Erin responded with a hint of amusement. She played a cat and mouse game with Prowl for a while. And while he knew the truth, it seemed he was never able to do anything about it. But before Prowl could prove his point, Erin went ahead and revealed herself. Essentially, he lost.
"That's Prime and my self's fault." Jazz said. "We didn't recognize that a human could have gotten past our defenses."
They underestimated her because she was human. What a surprise. Erin had always guessed Optimus, being the reasonable mech he was, required solid evidence that Prowl couldn't obtain. Worse came to worse, they would keep their enemy close. Which was why she could stay as long as she did.
Before Erin could voice her thoughts, she heard pedesteps by the doorway. In walked a mech Erin didn't immediately recognize.
He was short in stature and had dark grey armor with a thin stripe of red.
"Hi Erin!" the 'bot greeted her with a happy wave. He sounded young, like a teenager.
"Bluestreak?"
The mech's expression showed realization. "Oh, you probably didn't recognize me with my new armor. And I know English now. Ratchet finished his repairs while you were in the Netherlands. I guess I haven't seen you since. Well, I did see you whenever I went to the medbay. But you didn't see me, since you were in stasis. I'm happy you're online now. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were really worried too! And I guess I should apologize. I didn't mean to um… interrupt you before."
Finally, the young Autobot quieted himself, suddenly looking shy. He was as an enthusiastic talker as ever, at least. "It's not your fault." She replied. "And it's good to see you too."
"That ain't the only thing you should apologize for, though." Jazz told the young mech sternly.
Bluestreak's helm dropped. "I'm sorry I told so many people I saw you kissing. I let my surprise get the best of me since I didn't think humans and Cybertronians were compatible like that or if I missed that you had been mates the whole time."
The words 'so many' caught Erin's attention. "How many people did you tell?"
"Six."
She palmed her forehead.
"Sorry." The small 'bot apologized again. "I was confused. I thought it might mean something different to humans so I asked a few and I didn't outright say I saw you. I asked what it would mean if a human and Cybertronian kissed and they figured it out on their own. Jazz told me to stop talking about it and I haven't said anything since then. Well, except for now and when Sunstreaker and Sideswipe talked with me earlier. I thought they'd be mad, but they were actually pretty nice. Sunstreaker said I shouldn't have said anything also but he wasn't mean about it. I really didn't intend to cause you any problems."
"You're forgiven, Bluestreak." Erin said before his rambling could continue. "The rumors have been taken care of so no real harm done." The woman, honestly, was disappointed but not upset. Things seemed to have worked out for her. As long as people believed they were just rumors, it didn't matter what they said about her and the twins.
A shy smile returned to the mech's faceplates. "That's good. So… um. You aren't, um. I mean, Sunstreaker said you weren't mates and Sideswipe said he didn't think you were either. So, I guess I was wrong."
That was before Erin woke up. "Actually," she said, "we decided that we do want to be mates. But you can't tell any humans."
"But… but…" Bluestreak looked genuinely confused. He also stood so short by the giant doorframe, seeming like a toddler who couldn't understand what was happening around him.
"Perhaps your questions would be better for Ratchet or Prowler." Jazz interjected before Bluestreak could ask anything truly embarrassing. "It's not our place to question it. And they don't have to justify anything."
The kid was confused, that much was clear, but he didn't push. Instead, he looked thoughtful while finally grabbing his cube of energon. Erin thought he had some growing up to do, but just about everyone who knew was likely asking themselves the same questions. Even Erin herself.
She'd be lying if she said she hadn't considered the possibilities. Some were more practical than others. The issue was the twins were big, heavy, and strong and she was fragile by comparison. It was… concerning, to say the least. And those thoughts occupied the back of Erin's mind long after Bluestreak left.
Eventually, Jazz got up. "Why don't we talk somewhere more private? I want to ask you a few more questions." The rec room wasn't the best place to have any of the conversations they'd had thus far anyway.
Erin thought he would lead her to a meeting room. Instead, she found herself in the mech's berth room.
It was smaller than the twins' room- which made sense- but more decorated. One wall was covered in band posters, only half of which Erin had a vague recognition of. She guessed there were fifty in total. Installed on the ceiling were two spotlights that lit up the posters and the equipment underneath them. Erin could tell it was some kind of sound system, but aside from two large speakers, she couldn't name a thing. They were all propped up on two large crates that were turned on their sides. It appeared hinges were added to make a pair of swinging door cabinets.
The twins just kept all their personal belongings under their berths. They never decorated, not even with Sunstreaker's paintings. Erin had always been the same way. After all, she never stayed at an assigned location for too long. There was no point in making it homey. Perhaps she should do something about that?
Erin was so focused on the décor; she almost didn't notice the jagged scars on the opposite wall over the berth. It was as if the mech clawed it himself. There were at least twenty marks, all varying in deepness.
She decided to look away and pretend not to notice. The saboteur likely already saw her staring, but didn't comment.
Instead, he settled in a giant tire that had a section cut out for his legs. It seemed he used it as a back and armrest. Next to the tire, he grabbed something blue and plopped it down near where he was sitting. The mech motioned for her to come closer and when she did, Erin realized it was a bean bag.
Accepting the offer, she settled herself down. It had a faint chemical smell as if it was fresh from a factory. New furniture aside, she was probably the room's first human guest considering Jazz's previous condition.
Once she sat, music started playing from the speakers, far quieter than she imagined such large equipment was meant to produce. It would allow the pair to hear each other easily. Erin didn't recognize the song but could tell it was from a French pop singer.
"Now kid," Jazz started in a serious tone, "we've pried a bit into your role in Division, but I want to hear more about how you were brought up there."
Back to business it was. "You mean how they trained me?" She tried to clarify.
"Nope. I want to know how you were raised." He answered. "I'll be honest, I don't quite know how to handle you yet. That's tough for someone whose job revolves around information. I'd like to know more about your background. Even what you wouldn't want to share. And I have a good enough read that I'd know if you were lying." His smirk challenged her to try.
"I have nothing to hide, not from you anyway." Erin replied. It was a half-truth, but the mech didn't call her out on it. It made sense the saboteur wanted all the background information he could gleam. Hiding most of it wouldn't protect her in any way. So long as the twins never found out. But the Autobot leadership already had enough ammunition for that. "I'm not sure how I ended up in Division," she started, "but I was brought in along with my twin sister when we were infants. The first five years of any agent there revolves around conditioning, both physically and mentally. After that, children are moved into their specialties. My sister and I were both sent for training in assassination and espionage."
"What were you specifically trained in?" He asked, accent lost at some point.
"Hand to hand combat, knife skills, various weapons, athleticism, situation awareness, psychology, military tactics… torture." She added, shielding her voice from emotion. "Both receiving and giving it out."
Jazz's expression crumbled. "Primus." He said while holding a servo to his faceplates. "That's rough kid."
Erin, not expecting his sympathy, looked around as if there would be a sign telling her what to say next. Not seeing any, she improvised. "At least I got out." Was the trying to comfort him?
"I've heard about this sister of yours before, when Prowl had me investigating you." He continued, frown still planted on his faceplates. "I'm guessing the gang-related death reported was Division-related."
"Yes."
"Job gone wrong?"
"No."
He stayed quiet, giving her time to gather herself but not letting her drop the subject.
"We failed a mission. We were punished. She didn't survive." It was completely true, but Erin left out plenty of context. She wouldn't elaborate though. Instead, she gave him a hollow stare.
Jazz met it with a sad look before suddenly his expression changed, "So, moving on, about the twins…"
Erin recoiled from the mental whiplash. "Uh… what?"
"You three are officially mates, right? Got any details to share?" He leaned forward expectantly. Was that some kind of interrogation tactic? He kept switching emotions at a moment's notice.
Erin was wary but went along with it. "Nope. That is none of your business."
"Aw come on," the mech leaned back. Still lively, "I live off gossip."
Realization hit her. He was not only being honest but genuine. Each switch he made was appropriate for the conversation at hand. The mech must have been incredibly social, but Erin just never had the opportunity to see that side of him before. Nevertheless, some things were still private. "Well stay out of mine." Erin almost missed when he was elusive and moody.
"I'm not asking for anything graphic." He assured her. "What about your dates?"
That had Erin wondering what would count for the three of them? Erin practically asked Sunstreaker on a date before, but no real title was given to the evening. They'd spent plenty of time together watching the sunset, playing video games, watching movies, and just being in each other's presence. Of course, all those things were before they started dating. "Technically we haven't been on any official dates." She reasoned out loud. "But what does that matter? We're all stuck together on a tiny island. Not much to do here."
Jazz considered that for a moment. "I'm sure we can think of something."
"We?"
Ignoring her interjection, Jazz continued. "A romantic refueling overlooking the sunset is always good."
"That's just eating a meal together." The woman responded. "And we hang out on the beach all the time."
"Kiddo, that's what a date is." Jazz deadpanned.
Erin shrugged, "But then nothing has changed."
"Sure it has, you're fragging now." Before Erin's blush could even form, Jazz moved on, "But, I see what you mean. You want your first date to be special right?"
"No, that is not what I meant." The woman argued, realizing she never had control of the conversation. "I just don't think I should make a big deal out of something we already do together."
The mech continued his line of processing, "So you need it to be something new!"
"You're not even listening to me, are you?" Erin asked
"Selective processing kid."
"Can we talk about anything else?" she pleaded.
"Nope! And I have an idea. Come on." He jumped up from his seat and hurried to the door.
Erin had to run to catch up. "Jazz, I don't need help planning a date."
"I wholesparkedly disagree!" he shouted, halfway down the hall.
For being one of the smallest mechs, he had a long gait. Erin quickly realized he was heading to the offices.
"Whatever you're thinking, no." She called once she managed to catch up.
"Oh, just wait." He sauntered right into Prime's office without so much as knocking.
Erin sighed and followed. Prime was looking up expectantly at Jazz. The lack of surprise on his faceplates told her the smaller mech made his approach known to his leader.
"How can I help you, Jazz." He greeted warmly.
"I was hoping you'd lend your projector to the kid here?" Jazz pointed at Erin who shared a surprised expression with Prime.
"For what?" she asked.
"Your date with the twins." The small silver mech added, "Obviously."
Erin groaned. "Why are you like this?"
Prime's amused voice did not help her embarrassment, "Erin, come here."
When she looked up to the leader, he had a servo out invitingly. Knowing better than to refuse the Autobot, she climbed the short stairs up to his desk. As no organic visitors were expected, the human-sized chair was gone. Instead, there stood a metal tree statue. The mech seemed to have a liking for art.
"Here," the 'bot said as he pulled something from around his audio receptor. It was a small device, only a few inches in length, with what appeared to be a tiny black lens. "I don't think you've ever seen the projections before." He stated as a light flickered from the box.
Suddenly, they are outside, but there was no ocean or trees. Instead, giant metal structures reached into the sky, pointed to a large star or distant sun. The sky was awash with dark purple and blue lighting, but no other interstellar lights. Familiar city sounds encompassed them as Cybertronians walked the metal streets. They ranged in size from Jazz's height to Prime's shoulder. Where structures met the ground was an illuminating glow. While the buildings and streets were the same metallic colors, each mech was awash with pinks, blues, and browns. Some a shiny metallic while others were matte. Erin could feel the ground shake slightly under their pedes as they strolled. Overhead a jet, unlike any Erin had ever seen, flew between the high buildings.
There was no distinction between road or sidewalk, except for the use of alt or root modes as some buzzed along on three or four wheels. None of the vehicles had windows and only some possessed what Erin could guess to be headlights.
"Cybertron?" she asked, though the answer was obvious. She was distracted by the foreign sights. Some Cybertronian words started to become familiar to Erin in the mix of sounds. They were casual, peaceful.
Prime's voice was filled with longing as he watched the pedestrians pass by. "Yes, specifically Iacon, my home." He pushed the projector closer to Erin. "You may borrow this; I'm sure the twins would like to relive elements of our homeworld. I just linked it to your datapad, so you can control it for now."
"Not worried I might hack it?" Erin raised a brow suspiciously. The tech seemed valuable to the Autobot leader. She wouldn't trust it in another's hands.
"I don't see much danger." He replied easily. There was more behind that. He was showing trust, something Erin didn't expect from the mech.
Scrambling for words, she managed to say, "Thank you." The projection, so lifelike, flickered away and Erin found herself back in the Prime's office. "But why are you so willing to loan this to me? Just for a date?"
"Despite the uncertainty of our current situation, you've made a positive impact on the twins." He explained. "Consider this a sign of appreciation for keeping them out of trouble, as much as possible that is."
If Erin was being honest with herself, it felt good knowing her presence has such an influence on the twins. It made her feel needed. She grabbed the projector and held it close like it was something precious.
"Told you." Jazz came up from behind. "I've romanced plenty of mechs and femmes. You should have come to me for advice sooner. Let's go!"
"I never came to you in the first place." Erin deadpanned with a sigh.
Jazz was already halfway out the door.
"I've known Jazz for a few centuries now," Prime stated, "he always acted this way with Prowl before they truly became friends. I'd appreciate it if you just went with it."
Erin muttered, mostly to herself, "If this is what Jazz was like, how did Prowl ever get along with him?"
"I believe a phrase here on Earth is opposites attract." The mech replied with a glint of humor. "Nevertheless, it's good to see Jazz so lively again."
Said mech poked his helm back into the office. "Come on kiddo, you're burning daylight!"
Erin sighed in defeat and followed the Third in Command out to engage in whatever else he was planning. For just a moment, the woman felt a hint of sympathy for Prowl's past self.