Rian Moeru: And we're back! Holidays are so stressful at times ^^' Any, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
Also, be warned that there is some non-con towards the end! Just giving a heads up!
Jack let out a deep vent, frowning as he thought of what to say next. "Will Knock Out be arriving today?" he asked, just more for something to do. Knock Out was nice to talk to, surprisingly.
"Indeed. Your scars have become unsightly to look upon."
Jack glared at the ceiling, lips twisted into a frown. "So sorry that I can't be something shiny and pretty to look at all the time." he spat scathingly.
"Now that you will no longer be fighting in the arena, your scarring will be far less of an issue." Shockwave said, before rattling on about sequences and patterns.
Jack huffed, scowling harder. If he were honest, he still wanted the scars gone too, but he would never admit it least he give Shockwave something to hold against him. "Am I allowed to leave at all?" he asked bitterly.
"Only within my presence." Shockwave moved to his vial of energon, taking a sample of it. "You will not leave this tower without my supervision."
Jack grumbled under his breath. 'What, is this like Rapunzel now?' he thought, but grimaced. 'No, it's much worse than that.'
There wouldn't be someone coming to rescue him, he realized grimly. Megatron's hands were tied, and Jack's own were literally so. He had to figure something out himself. Find some way to rescue himself from this mess. But how? It irked and disgusted him, but pride wasn't something he had a lot of right now and if it came down to it he'd manipulate Shockwave into giving information up.
It was the only plan he could come up with right now. Gaining Shockwave's trust would be imperative if he wanted even a chance at escape.
No matter how much the idea repulsed him, Jack would do it to get out of here and back to Megatron. Venting deeply, Jack grimaced before asking, "I apologize, Master, for how I spoke earlier," the words were bitter on his tongue even as he kept a neutral tone, "I was upset because I didn't know prices could be changed."
Shockwave stopped working for a moment. "That does not change the fact that you sought to free yourself with the other slave."
"It doesn't." Jack agreed, and wanted to gag on those words. "Can you really find fault though? He's my friend and I didn't want to be separated from him." To admittedly make sure nothing terrible happened, but Jack would be lying if he thought that he hadn't actually grown to like Megatron by now.
"I should punish you further for even contemplating the thought." Shockwave said, his form going a bit stiff.
Jack frowned at that. 'You don't like Megatron now though.' he didn't dare say it, but the knowledge was both elevating and worrying; the former because it meant there'd be no alliance between Megatron or Shockwave, but the latter because it was clear Shockwave could try and get rid of Megatron if he wanted. Like that would happen, but still. "You mean I can't even talk about him?" he asked, being sure his tone remained light.
"Yes." Shockwave said, his voice containing an edge. "You will not speak of the slave from henceforth."
Jack vented again. "Yes, of course, Master." 'Controlling fragger.'
Shockwave fell silent, but he knew from the slight curve of his antenna that the mech was pleased by his demure answer.
Jack blinked, wanting to raise a brow. But he wanted to completely make Shockwave not mad at him, so he forced himself to smile at him, pleasant and nice as his insides were numb from something other than the pain receptors. He hated the very idea that he had to play the role of a meek slave to Shockwave. That he had to grovel to the scientist.
'Just remember what you're doing it for.' Jack reassured himself, but it still left a strained tightness in his spark. "Can I be released now? From these restraints?" He added, because he realized what the first question implied and didn't want Shockwave to get spiteful and keep him tied down.
"After I am finished." Was the reply. Jack refrained from snarling at the mech, but couldn't help the glare he sent his way.
'That's not nearly fast enough.' Jack thought morosely, and glared at the ceiling.
It seemed to take forever for Shockwave to finish examining his newest interest, before he finally backed away, turning to him instead. Jack kept still as the mech slowly walked over to him, and Jack vented calmly. "Will Knock Out be arriving soon for the appointment, Master?"
"He will arrive within the joor." Shockwave informed, his hand moving to the binds over Jack's wrists, removing them.
Jack nodded, and once his feet were unbound he sat up. He tried not to flinch when Shockwave's arm came around his back and lifted him off the berth. "So I'm getting cleaned in another room?" He asked, trying not to stammer.
"The materials in my lab are too sensitive to potentially be disturbed."
"Right." Jack muttered. He noticed Shockwave had yet to move his hand away. "I can stand, so you can let go now."
Shockwave withdrew, more slowly than Jack would have liked. The scientist watched him closely, as if expecting him to make a run for it. Jack stayed rooted to the spot, because no matter how much he wanted to run, he wouldn't screw up his chances.
"Follow me." Shockwave ordered, moving ahead of him. His hand twitched, almost reaching out to garb his wrist forcibly.
Jack made sure not to flinch, even as the hand lowered again. Jack kept his face blank, or he hoped it was blank, as he followed after Shockwave. "Where are we going Master?" He asked from behind the mech, eyeing every door they passed.
"To a lab with more space for Knock Out to work in. I've informed him to bring his paint supplies to change your colors."
Jack would have paled if capable. "I'm getting repainted today? Why so...why so soon?"
"Must I repeat myself?" Shockwave sounded a tad irritated. Jack remained silent. "As my slave, your appearance reflects on me. Likewise, I do not wish to be reminded of the drudgery of the mines. I assumed you would not either."
"No, not really." Jack said quietly, but furrowed his brow. "If you intend to keep me in this tower, how would I reflect badly on you if you don't intend to let me leave very often?"
Jack tried not to sound bitter or angry, keeping his voice carefully neutral. He wasn't sure if he managed it, since Shockwave gave him an unreadable look, not even his antenna twitching to give him away.
Soon they stopped in front of a door, Shockwave opening it by imputing a code.
"I haven't been in this room before." Jack looked around as they entered.
Perhaps it was because aside from the berth, there wasn't actually much in here. There was the bare amount of scientific equipment Jack couldn't identify, but if had a guess, it was likely an unused lab.
"...am I supposed to be strapped to the berth again?" Jack asked out of real concern, not wanting to be tied up again.
Shockwave stared at him for a long moment, and Jack tensed slightly under the bright optic. "No, provided you do not move unless told." he said finally.
"A-alright." Looking to the berth, Jack reluctantly went to sit on it. He hoped Knock Out wouldn't be too long, as this was uncomfortable enough as it was. It didn't help that Shockwave not only didn't answer his question, but was still staring at him. Jack vented softly. "Are you going to turn my receptors back on?"
"If you prove yourself capable of behaving, perhaps."
Which meant 'no', at least until Jack could prove he wasn't going to try running off. Which ticked Jack to no end, but his patience right now would serve to better get out of here. "Yes, of course." he muttered.
"The medic will arrive in a few kliks now. I expect you to maintain yourself accordingly."
"I will." Jack said quietly, glancing away as he tried not to scowl.
"Recline." Shockwave ordered him. "I prefer this to be done quickly and efficiently."
Jack nodded, and carefully slid until he was lying on the berth. He stared up at the ceiling, and hoped Knock Out arrived soon. He couldn't stand Shockwave just standing there.
Then he heard footsteps from down the hall- growing louder and louder. His spark started pulsing faster, eager to see someone other than Shockwave.
Jack nearly crowed in joy when he saw Knock Out turned at the corner, the red mech almost walking past the room. The medic blinked, and looked around as he walked in. "You're finally here."
Knock Out chuckled. "Eager to see me, hmm?" he smirked.
"I've been waiting forever." Jack grumbled, shooting Knock Out an irritable look.
Knock Out grinned as he stepped up to Jack's side. "No need to fear, I'll fix you right up." he said, and patted Jack on the shoulder. "Soon you'll be back to being nearly as good-looking as I am." Jack rolled his optics.
"You have brought the materials necessary for his new paint?" Shockwave asked Knock Out as he opened his subspace, optic narrowed on him.
"Yeah, right here." Knock Out said as he lifted a kit out.
Jack tilted his head to get a better look. It looked like cartridges filled with blue and purple paint, with a pen-like device off to the side of it in a holder. "What are those?"
Knock Out gave him an incredulous and pitying look. "You've never had a paintjob? This is terrible." he tutted, and Jack huffed. Knock Out held out the kit for Shockwave to see. "You never specified what kind of shades you wanted so I brought some for your inspection."
"What colors do you have?" Jack asked, curious to how it would work.
"A lot of blues and purples." Knock Out shrugged. "Not what I would have picked, but Shockwave's the one paying."
"Er..." Jack glanced at Shockwave, not very pleased with the limited selection.
Shockwave didn't seem to care though, either about Jack's opinion or the selection. "It matters not. Simply pick two."
Knock Out looked affronted. "Just pick two?" he repeated, and huffed slightly.
"Can I pick the shades at least?" Jack asked hopefully, trying to prevent what might be a train wreck.
Shockwave looked at him, before gesturing dismissively. "Very well."
Jack was surprised, but didn't let it show as Knock Out brought the case over to him to look over.
"Choose wisely," Knock Out warned him, grinning at Jack. "Personally I'd go with these..."
One color was a dark purple, almost black like his original color, and the other a rather bright blue. It provided a striking contrast, optic-catching, so of course Knock Out choose those. Jack hummed, thinking it over. "It doesn't look bad..." He muttered, considering it.
"Of course not, I chose them." Knock Out said.
"I'll take the two you picked out then." Jack concluded, seeing as Knock Out did have good taste, though he would never admit to it.
Knock Out gave him an infuriating smirk, and Jack rolled his optics once more before lying back down. "Just relax and enjoy yourself. Soon you'll be all nice and clean, though do try not to ruin my work next time."
Jack scoffed, almost that he wouldn't have a choice in the matter. A glance at Shockwave sealed his glossa in place. Jack glanced down at his plates starting to get scraped and buffed of the scars that ran along his frame, slowing edging out into unsightly lines that would be gone in a matter of minutes. Jack was more curious about the paint though, despite himself. How was a pen like a brush or applicator?
"...have you been doing this long?" Jack asked as he watched Knock Out working, acutely aware that Shockwave was doing the same.
"Mostly for my own frame, but sometimes I work on others after they get their plates cleared." Knock Out replied.
Jack nodded slowly, he really didn't expect anything less. "Well, you're good at it."
Knock Outs plates puffed out a little, pride radiating off him.
Jack tilted his head, admitting it was a bit weird to see plating actually move out. He shook his head and decided to continue speaking before the medic got a bigger ego. "What do you do when you're not a medic?"
"I work as an intern for an even more renowned medic." Knock Out answered haughtily. "Quite a feat, if I do say so myself."
"I'm sure you do. A lot." Jack said dryly.
A smug, self-satisfied grin was flashed his way, Jack finding himself chuckling at the medic's bravado. Some bots, it seemed, never changed.
"Are you quite done indulging in pointless chatter than finishing your job?" Shockwave asked, something tense in his voice as his optic narrowed.
"It's not...pointless, Master." Jack muttered, while the ever present smirk on Knock Outs faceplates faded a little.
"You want me to do a good job, don't you?" Knock Out asked, his voice a touch frosty. "That takes time, and it has to be boring with him just lying here doing nothing."
"Y-yeah." Jack dared to agree, though kept a close watch on Shockwave for any sudden moods. "It's just chatting, Master. There's no harm in that."
Shockwave's optic narrowed again. He took a long moment before replying. "From now on, I expect this level of pleasantry when you speak to me, understood?"
Jack stared at him. 'What?'
"Is that understood?"
Jack couldn't stop himself from flinching, and Knock Out pulled his pen back to avoid smearing. "Y-yes, master." he said quietly.
"Easy now." Knock Out waited for Jack to relax again before resuming the process. Jack watched with some amazement as the pen caused the surrounding area to shift colors.
The black had lightened a deeper purple, and the silver had become a very bright blue. It was just enough to take his mind off whatever Shockwave just did. All too soon it Knock Out was finished with his front. Jack stood up to down at his newly painted plates.
"This...is actually pretty nice." he admitted.
"Stand up for me please. I need to get your back too." Knock Out twirled his fingers while Jack was still admiring himself.
Jack frowned, but vented and carefully got off the berth before turning to let Knock Out continue.
"You're much calmer than you were before." The medic said.
"Yeah, well, just be glad my receptors are off or things would be different." Jack replied.
"It isn't an unpleasant process, I can assure you." Knock Out started at the back of his helm, carefully applying there.
"If you say so." Jack replied, and due to being unable to perceive where Knock Out was, he was forced to remain still as the rest of the application was applied.
"Not bad at all." Admired Knock Out, as he went lower, making little touch ups where he saw fit.
Jack huffed, thought he did smile a little at the compliment. It felt quite bizarre to be so readily happy to talk to him, given what he knew, but if he was determined enough, a lot was going to change in the future.
Shockwave's unpleasant voice though cut into his thoughts, tone dark. "You will keep your comments to yourself."
"Ah, of course sir." Knock Out replied, neither mech seeing the roll of optics. "Didn't mean any disrespect or such by it."
Jack wished he could make a snappy remark, but settled for something less angering. "Have you decided to change your mind about a repaint, Master?"
"That is illogical, as Knock Out is nearly finished." Shockwave retorted tensely.
Jack hummed noncommittally for a moment, before ignoring Shockwave. "Does the paint make me look nice, Knock Out?"
"Quite fetching actually." The medic intern commented, hiding his grin. "Suits you much better than that flat black and grey look you were adorning earlier."
Jack huffed, rolling his optics. "Of course you'd think that. Anything would be boring compared to your colors, right?"
"Of course." Knock Out replied. He finished up the last of the details and stepped back to admire his work. "Turn around for me, I want to see if it's even."
"Uh, right." Jack did as told, turning in a three sixty degree motion so that Knock Out could see all of him. Jack paused when Knock Out gestured for him to stop, and the medic covered a new detail over an overlooked spot of gray.
Knock Out looked entirely too self-satisfied. "And you're done. Some of my best work so far."
"Really?" He asked with a raised brow. "I bet you say that to everyone."
Knock Out scoffed. "Hardly." He gave him an appreciative once over. "I don't admit it lightly either." To his immense embarrassment, Jack found himself flustered by the compliment.
"I believe that will do." Interrupted Shockwave abruptly. "You will receive your payment upon your leave."
Jack stiffened, and Knock Out frowned before venting. "Yes, of course. I'll be on my way then." He said, putting his tools back in subspace.
"Should I...stay here then Master?" Jack asked awkwardly.
Shockwave was silent for a moment. "No, we will be going back to my quarters for rest." He said, and once Knock Out, left, his optic narrowed. "Turn around, I will inspect how much my credit was worth fixing you."
Jack frowned slowly. "Again? Weren't you already looking when Knock Out told me to move?"
"I need a close inspection to ensure his work was commendable." Shockwave gestured with his hand, demanding that he circle around once more.
Jack was on edge, the refusal on his tongue, but he forcibly squashed it before reluctantly he began turning around. It felt worse, than when it was Knock Out, because the medic had no power over him. Shockwave did though, and was more than willing to use it. "Am I acceptable?" he muttered.
There wasn't an answer right away, Shockwave slowly lifting his left arm as he observed his side, and then the other. Jack was thoroughly on edge, trying not to tense as a hand gripped his chin next, lifting his face this way and that, that bright red optic locked on his face.
"It is...satisfactory." He muttered softly, before relinquishing his hold on Jack.
Jack nodded slowly. "Will you...put my receptors back on now?"
A clawed hand moved to the back of his neck, but feeling didn't suddenly return to him in a jarring force. There was a pause, in which Jack had the desperate urge to jerk away. He didn't though, managing to keep his calm. Jack got more uneasy the longer the silence and the fact no feeling returned. He wanted to look, see what took so long, but he forced himself to stay still. "Master?" he asked softly.
"Only as long as you continue to obediently follow my commands." Shockwave said in a quiet voice, before sensation hit him like a wall. "Second; you will follow my every order without delay." Shockwave continued. Jack nodded, repeating himself. "And finally...you will recharge in my berth, with no complaints. Nor will you protest should...I decide to...hold you as I had before."
Jack stilled, his spark burning as he stayed silent for a long time. Finally, with a ragged breath, he said, "Yes, Master. And...is there anything else?" He asked quietly.
Shockwave was silent for a moment, as though thinking it over. "You will not protest should I use you in any way as I see fit." Jack stared at him, and glanced away, but Shockwave grabbed his chin and forced him to make optic contact. "Do I make myself clear?"
Jack shook again, but squeezed his optics shut for a moment as he nodded. "Yes, Master." The words were heavy, bitter, because that order could mean anything.
"Then you shall follow me to my room." Shockwave commanded. With no choice or say in the matter, Jack followed behind his 'master' as he led the way.
A simple nod sufficed as an answer, Jack unwillingly following behind him as he led the way out. Jack scowled at the mech's back once he was out of sight. The thought of being in that room made him shudder.
Hopefully the new room would be started on soon...as much as he hated it, he would rather be there than in the same one as Shockwave.
Jack found each step heavy, his body tense as he found himself once more standing at the door to Shockwave's room. The inside hadn't changed, and Shockwave gestured for him to enter. The small mech walked in hesitantly, wrapping his arms around himself as he went over to the berth. Jack halted, but breathed in deep as he sat on the edge.
Shockwave went to the cabinet, grabbing a cube and holding it out to Jack. "Drink."
Jack quickly sipped it to smother his retort. 'I'm not a damn dog!'
"Thank you." Jack managed to say, sipping more to hide a scowl. The larger mech held something else out for him as well. Jack hesitantly accepted it. "W-what is this, Master?"
Shockwave was silent for a moment before replying. "Here is something else to try, as I would deduce you've experienced very little in the way of expanding your diet." he said, as Jack examined the rust-colored stick. "You have never eaten a rust stick before, have you?"
Jack blinked, looking at the stick. 'Of course; 'cause that's so imaginative.' he thought sardonically. "No, I...wasn't allowed to have them." he said.
"Then eat." Shockwave ordered.
Jack reluctantly nibbled on the stick, blinking as despite the unappealing rustiness there was something almost...good about it. He paused to cautiously sip the energon, stiffened as something sweeter and more flavorful than anything he'd ever had washed along his glossa and down his throat. 'Do...do all the high caste get energon like this?' It brought a sense of bitterness over him. 'Why am I even wondering?'
Curiously Jack dipped the stick into his energon, watching bits flake off and dissolve in the blue liquid. He eyed the stick warily as he brought back to his mouth, taking a small bite.
It was...surprisingly good, Jack assessed as the taste coated the inside of his mouth.
He couldn't resist humming in pleasure as he savored the strange but satisfying taste. He'd only ever had badly filtered energon, and it was a relief to know not everything tasted terrible. He sipped more of the energon itself before coating the rust stick again. A dribble of energon leaked from the corner of his mouth, and Jack's glossa slipped out to lick it up before he finished off the stick. "That...that was good." he said grudgingly, drinking down more of the energon.
"It is far superior to the low grade brewed in the mines." Shockwave said in agreement as Jack set aside the half empty cube, having gotten his fill, which was placed back into storage by Shockwave.
"It is." Jack begrudgingly admitted, though anything would taste better than the low grade they served down there.
Shockwave nodded, before he grabbed Jack's arm. The smaller bot stiffened. "Lie down. It's time to rest."
"B-but Master-"
Shockwave's optic turned bright red. "You said you would not protest." he said darkly, and Jack stiffened. Jack's choice was taken from him, as Shockwave all but dragged him further onto the berth with him.
"I know what I said, but you c-could scratch the paint!" Jack said, his spark pounding desperately in his chest.
"Then I will ensure to take extra care not to." He said lowly, leaving no room for argument.
Jack wanted to freak out more, his plating heaving as Shockwave pulled himself to the top of the berth, and his hand shifted from Jack's arm to grab his waist, pulling him closer. "You-you don't need to hold me." he whispered, trying to wriggle out of the grip. His pleas were ignored, Shockwave merely pulling him closer to his chassis.
Jack went stiff, freezing once his frame was pressed to the larger body, feeling the systems humming they were so close. He was sure he could feel his own spark beating erratically through every fiber of his metal being.
"Recharge." Shockwave ordered him callously, a claw stroking down his arm.
Jack was too terrified to even think about sleeping, his optics wide as he was aware of every second the claw stroked the plating along his arm. "I-I can't..." He muttered, squeezing his optics shut.
Shockwave rumbled, his voice having a displeased edge. "You will do so." he said, and his claw slipped from his arm to his back, claws stroking along the curve of Jack's back.
Jack shuddered a breath, tensing as he was forced to endure the crawling touch.
It made his plating crawl, the digits stroking along his back, and he bit his lip. Jack tried to turn on his side, but the hand gripped his hip and prevented him from twisting away.
"Do not attempt to turn away from me." Shockwave said in a low rumble.
Jack flinched, venting deeply as he was aware of that terrible red optic casting a glow over his face. "I-I can't sleep if I'm looking at you." he said, thoughtless in his fear, and his optics widened once he realized he said it aloud.
Shockwave's grip tightened. Jack winced as he thought his new paint would be scratched so soon.
"Recharge." he said again, Jack looking away from the red glow.
He forced his optics closed, but Jack couldn't get himself to rest, not when the hand was still running along his plates. Jack jerked away startled when his aft was touched. "Please, stop." He whispered. Jack almost wished his receptors were turned back off, so he wouldn't have to be aware at least of the touches. To his not surprise, Shockwave ignored him as his claws began stroking seams, and Jack winced as wires were tugged. He trembled against the other's plates, his voice hitched in his throat and optics closed tightly.
Shockwave continued on, his digits soon slipping further down until the hand rested between his legs.
Jack froze, his optics snapping open. "No, please. Stop." He whispered hoarsely.
"Desist your incessant complaints, or I will deactivate your voice box." Shockwave said coldly.
Jack froze at the threat. Would he really- 'Of course he would.' Jack thought angrily, and snapped his jaw shut.
Shockwave stroked the panel between his legs. "If you insist on refusing to recharge, I order you to touch me."
Jack stalled, horror creeping into him. "What?"
"I will not repeat myself." Shockwave uttered irritably.
"But you're..." Jack stopped his insult just in time, biting his lip, "Yes, Master." He whispered, hands hesitantly resting on the bigger bot's chest. Disgust filed him as he lightly touched the metal, stroking in slow movements against the larger mech.
Shockwave rumbled, his own stroking getting rougher, digits digging into seams on his panel that made Jack wince, disgust and uneasy growing. "Expand your hands, go lower." He demanded.
Shakily Jack did so, his hands trembling as he moved a little lower, down to his middle.
Shockwave rumbled louder, and Jack yelped as his aft was grabbed, and panel was shoved against Shockwave's, which to his horror was warm.
"M-M-Master-"
"Silence." Shockwave snapped, holding him there.
Jack shakily rubbed the stomach plates, and stiffened as Shockwave shifted, Jack pinned between the mech and the berth, that terrible red optic boring down on him as the mech's panel grew even hotter. His hands stopped as fear started to overtake him, his spark burning hotly against his insides.
Shockwave held him closer, so close that Jack was trapped and helpless as the mech continued stroking him. "Resume your touches."
Jack bit his lip. "I can't move my hands."
Shockwaves optic brightened. "I am aware. You have a mouth to use."
"M-master?" Jack stammered, freezing completely against him.
Shockwave glared at him, optic glowing a bright red. "Put your mouth on my plating."
Jacks vents all but stopped at the grasp tightened, quickly following the command. He looked up nervously, not daring to moving.
Shockwave shook him, optic narrowed for him to continue. Jack shook on his own, a whimper escaping as he kissed the shoulder plating, lips just barely touching if he could help it.
Shockwave seemed pleased by it nonetheless, his fingers strumming against his hide.
Jack wished he could bite the plating, but Shockwave would no doubt hurt him badly if he did. He moved his lips along the shoulder, kissing the area as he tried not to wretch as he felt the panel against his nearly scorching his plating.
Shockwave was tracing his aft before he suddenly stopped, hand going to the back of Jack's neck, where he was forced to bury his face in the mech's chest. "Recharge." Came the soft, strained order. "There is much to do tomorrow."
Jack shuddered, optics squeezed shut as he tried not to think about how his face was pressed into the plating. He tried to recharge, to just escape from this. He really tried to get himself out of this moment, even if he knew when he woke he'd be back in this nightmare.
It took a long time, still enduring the touches Shockwave forced upon him. Sleep did not come easy, but it was gratefully accepted all the same.
The red glow of an optic still lingered on his slave, staring down at his face as claws moved to touch his cheek. Shockwave traced along the curve of the face, taking in the smooth features and newly polished plates.
Smooth. Delicate. Glistening, even.
Much as he found it distasteful to admit, to know it irritated him, Knock Out had done well to clean J-23 up. His plates shined, and Shockwave remembered the small bot turned for inspection, his optic having in taken in every line and curve before had done so with his servo. He chastised himself for giving into his inspection, this...desire, but he found it more illogical to care about propriety now. 'He is my slave.' And that was the end of it. His claw stroked along the cheek, dragging along to the chin, and stroking J-23's shoulder before sliding back up.
Shockwave cursed himself for falling for the slave's charm. He should be better than this. He hadn't been able to resist looking at the mech as he spun around, showing himself off to Knock Out, and the thought of the red mech seeing his slave like that made his chest tighten, optic narrowed. Shockwave didn't understand the surge of heat that had assaulted him at the time, or why he was becoming so...enamored.
It was not just illogical, it was weakness. He found his hand gripping the slave's waist. Perhaps he should get it over with, and see if this...infatuation dissipated? Or would it just make it grow? Was it safe, to take such a risk? Should he remove it, before it grew worse?
'Even if I stopped now, he would be next to me, lying so close.' Shockwave narrowed his optic. 'This will just be another curiosity to fulfill.' He reasoned with himself.
As if to prove it to himself further, he stroked the mech's receptors, feeling along the edge. His digits found the switch, and the slave relaxed, body going limp against him as his expression turned slack. Shockwave shook him a little, and knew the receptors were off when there was no reaction.
The glow of his optic grew brighter, cupping the mechs chin to tilt his head up.
The venting never changed, that flawless face now peaceful in rest, observing every new angle as he tilted the head to examine him. The color complimented him well. The medic had done an excellent job...
If Knock Out were not needed for future scar removal, Shockwave would not bring him back. He did not want anyone to see or gaze upon what was his, no matter how illogical it was.
Cradling the bot possessively, Shockwave allowed himself to fall into recharge alongside him. J-23 wasn't going back to the mines, wasn't going back to him. He was going to spend every single sol with Shockwave. Better he accept it now, because Shockwave wasn't going to wait for it.
