Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews! The more I get the faster I'll post, so keep 'em coming!
Chapter Three
Ari came into the lab that morning carrying what looked like a box that reminded him of a smaller, more rounded version of Blaster. Curious, he studied it as he picked her up and placed her on the table, as was the usual routine. At first Ari had balked at the idea of having to ask to be put on the counter, and there was an emergency lift she could use, but now both seemed more comfortable with the simplest route. She strode over to an uncluttered corner and set the box down, then proceeded to fiddle with the various knobs and switches on it's top. Satisfied, she pushed a button and stood. Wheeljack watched all of this with a rather puzzled expression on his face, and she smiled when she sensed his confusion. "Let's just say Jazz isn't the only one with a taste for music." She explained, as the sound of an engine starting and a few lines of guitar music began to emanate from the box.
He groaned. "Not that noise he's always going on about! It's horrible!"
The girl grinned and sighed dramatically. "No, unfortunately he hasn't learned the true value of country music." At this the attitude-filled voice of Aaron Tippin started in. Ari grinned and tapped her foot to the music.
I'd hook my wagon to my trike and I'd head across the yard...
The girl sang along silently as she set to work on their latest project. Wheeljack found the music interesting, and caught himself nodding in time to the beat. He forced himself to stop and watched his small friend enjoying herself.
Big Boy Toys
Motors an' lights
Knobs an' switches an' a four wheel drive
Runnin' up the road, or crawlin' 'cross the farm
An' when they break down I jack 'em up in the yard
Pull out my tools, my pride and joy
Man you gotta love 'em
Big Boy Toys...
He smiled inwardly. "I see why you like this song." She beamed up at him.
"You haven't heard the best part!"
Yeah it's boats an' cars, tractors an' trucks
Gasoline and diesel fuel a runnin' through my bloooood
I like them- Big Boy Toys...
The music faded, and Ari stood up. She walked over to pause the CD player. Still grinning, the girl turned to her large companion. "Well, handsome? What do you think?"
He considered several possible answers before replying. "It was interesting. The theme definitely fits you."
Her eyes lit up. "Tippin's the greatest! His music is also good for dancing. Wanna try it?" The autobot engineer shook his head.
"No way. I'd be the laughing stock of Cybertron if the others caught me dancing!" He lowered his voice. "Besides, I really can't dance..."
"Oh sure you can! It's easy! And you don't have to worry about stepping on anyone's toes...please?"
Aw slag, not the cute face! "No.." He mumbled, his resolve crumbling, she was just about to convince him when Jazz popped his head in.
"Hi guys! Did my audio receptors deceive me or did I hear music in here?" The girl smiled warmly at him, he was the only Autobot besides Wheeljack that had become friends with her. She was on a friendly basis with most of the others, but Wheeljack and Jazz were the only ones she had any real relationship with.
"Yeah, I was just educating Wheeljack here on the finer points of country music. Namely Aaron Tippin."
The deejay made a sound of disgust. "Why don't you give up on the cowboys and listen to some real music Ari? A girl like you oughta be listenin' to something better than that archaic junk!" Ari glowered at him and put her hands on her hips.
"How would you know? You've probably never even listened to Tippin!" It was the usual banter, both loved music, both hated each other's tastes. The girl stalked back over to the CD Player and pressed a button, then crossed her arms and glared at Jazz with a look that said...well....
...Why don't you kiss, a kiss this!
And I don't mean on my rosy red lips!