Two Sides of the Sun

This chapter is dedicated to YOONG, who has been a faithful reviewer.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I thank you for all your encouragement. I hope this meets your expectations.

Requests, comments, criticism and ideas are all appreciated from all readers.

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"There!" Sideswipe proclaimed, grabbing Sunstreaker's arm and giving it a shake. "The femme right there! The one with the powder blue paint and optics that could melt titanium."

Sunstreaker gave his brother a disgusted look as he extracted his arm. "Stop grabbing me. You're ruining my finish!"

"Look there!" Sideswipe crooned, finding purchase once again on his twin. "She's right there! Wow, look at those curves. I bet she knows how to treat a mech. If not, I'd volunteer for whatever she had in mind."

"Now you're being crass," Sunstreaker snapped, still trying to wrest his arm from his brother's talon-like grip. He hissed as Sideswipe gave him another shake for attention. "What?"

"See her?" Sideswipe pointed with the hand clutching a faintly glowing cube. "She's right there next to your sculpture of Iacon! You can't miss her."

Sunstreaker easily targeted in on the femme that now held his brother's spark. Problem was, the inept merchant had a habit of making a fool of himself around the opposite sex. Many times Sunstreaker had to hide his face so he wouldn't be associated with the clumsy oaf who had destroyed parties, insulted foreign dignitaries, and accidentally molested the Prime's sparkmate when he over-energized and thought she was sending him 'signals'. Turns out it was just a faulty overhead light that had been highlighting her features at a certain angle. Didn't prevent Sideswipe was stumbling in, slur a horrendous bit of cheap flattery, then paw the gorgeous femme while he tried to kiss her and ended up licking her audio. Sunstreaker considered having himself melted down and used in his own artwork after that. As it was, he rarely allowed his twin to join him during ceremonies and honorable events, but since this was a planet-wide exhibition, he had to share it with his brother.

"Wow," Sideswipe slowly ex-vented, his optics glued to the femme.

Sunstreaker eyed her warily, taking in the tiny form. Probably a messenger by the slim lines and lightness of her frame, and the way her optics darted between milling faces, it was clear she was completely out of her element. Either someone messed up the invitations, or a messenger had gained access to the social elite while they were in their 'safety zone.'

"Colors don't flatter, considering the frame," Sunstreaker said, relinquishing his cube after a second failed attempt at drinking its contents. It was clear, Sideswipe wasn't going to let his brother enjoy himself. Not when he was infatuated with the pretty little femme. It was about time for him to start his usual litany of the perks and pleasant details of the femme who caught his optics.

"Just the perfect height," Sideswipe said slowly, his optics brightening as he no doubt delved into his little fantasy world. His processor created elaborate worlds in which he and his new intended would realize they were perfect for each other, court accordingly, then spend a blissful life together, Sideswipe her ever doting mate. Problem was, fantasy never got close to reality.

"Too short," Sunstreaker said, knowing Sideswipe was lost to his own imagination.

"Lovely shade of blue," Sideswipe sighed, perking up slightly as she seemed to sense his optics. He let out an undignified beep and turned abruptly to his twin, optics wide and fearful. "I think she saw me."

"If you're interested, go talk to her instead of molesting her with your optics," Sunstreaker said, wondering if there was a way he could murder his twin and get away with it. Honestly, Sunstreaker didn't know what Sideswipe's problem was. He never had trouble speaking to a femme, much less convincing them to share his berth. If Sunstreaker put a notch on his berth-post for every conquest, the berth would be so rickety; it'd collapse under his weight.

He wondered if Sideswipe had any notches to his credit. His record with the feminine population wasn't exactly noteworthy, other than when restraining orders and accusations were brought against him. In that department, he outshone his twin.

Sideswipe took a slow draft through his vents and turned back, hoping to put on an air of cultured smoothness. He sputtered when the femme made optic contact. A shy smile appeared as she started toward him, her slender frame jostling between the much larger mechs milling about the gallery.

"She loves me," Sideswipe whispered as she neared. So enraptured, he missed Sunstreaker's annoyed grunt.

Sunstreaker discretely watched her progress, noting the way she held herself, and the small, almost apologetic looks she gave to other patrons.

Much to twins' surprise, she bypassed the golden mech and presented herself to Sideswipe.

"Hello," her voice was soft and warm with a hint of uncertainty.

"Hello," Sideswipe managed to say. His spark was suddenly hammering wildly in its casing. All coherent thought seem to vacate his processor.

The two stood motionless for a moment, staring at each other in awkward silence. Sunstreaker mentally rolled his optics and spoke up.

"I haven't seen you at previous engagements," Sunstreaker said, in a cultured tone so unlike the one he used with his twin. "Is this your first exhibition?"

"Yes," she smiled shyly, her cheeks heating with embarrassment. It made her even more attractive. "Now that I have my final upgrade, I'm permitted to attend the galas."

Final Upgrade? Sunstreaker perked up instantly. Oh, he liked the ones that just upgraded. They were curious about the world, their bodies, physical interactions and were susceptible to any suggestion.

Most beings preferred a partner with experience and know-how in manipulating a partner for mutual satisfaction. Newly upgraded meant the slate was clean, and subsequently, their experience limited to what was learned but never practiced. They were always clumsy, embarrassed, nervous, but easily educated, eager to please, and in Sunstreaker's opinion, the best partners to have.

"Then allow me to welcome you to my exhibit," Sunstreaker said smoothly, brushing his hand across her cheek in an intimate greeting.

Her cheeks flushed further. Her optics brightened with realization. "You're the artist? You created these pieces?"

"I did," Sunstreaker said with a haughty air. "And I only allow the privileged to view and purchase my work." His optics narrowed as his lip curled slightly in a seductive grin. "Or the very attractive, of which my dear, you certainly qualify."

"Yes," Sideswipe managed to say, though with great difficulty.

The femme didn't acknowledge Sideswipe's presence, her gaze now fixed on the artist himself.

As if ashamed of asking such a forward question, she said, "Are you here with anyone?"

"No," Sunstreaker said, his attention focused on the flustered femme.

"He's with me," Sideswipe said, frowning at the way his brother was now eyeing the femme. "I'm his twin."

She didn't seem to notice the red mech anymore. Her gaze was now lingering on the fine lines and detailed manicure that the golden mech wore with a dignified grace. His body shone like the sun. Every angle and cut was perfection. And the heady scent of expensive wax hung about him in a tantalizing aura.

"Allow me to give you a tour," Sunstreaker purred, presenting his arm in gentlemech fashion.

The femme easily slipped her arm into his, her body pressing just a little closer than what was called for.

"Don't you have other, more important guests?" she asked, trying to hide the tremble in her voice. Her attraction was unmistakable.

"No one of importance," Sunstreaker assured her, leading her across the gallery.

Sideswipe stood frozen. Sunstreaker's last words were ringing in his audios. It was bad enough the femme turned her attention to his twin, but to hear his own brother tell the femme that there wasn't anyone of importance, stung straight into the spark.

Head hung, spark twisting in agony, Sideswipe took his leave. If Sunstreaker didn't think he was important, then who was he to disagree?

000000000 THE NEXT DAY 000000000

Sunstreaker eased his transport into a slot along the intersection and hopped out, his pedes extra springy today. The powder blue femme from the previous evening had been wonderful in every aspect of the word. Her timidness had quickly evaporated into enthusiasm in the berth and the couple had spent a tiring, yet highly enjoyable evening. A fact Sunstreaker was ready to divulge to his twin, complete with sound recordings. He stepped into the small shop that served as the storefront for the massive business his brother ran.

It started out as a shop for parts, just like any other on the planet, but it grew into the more lucrative business of obtaining hard to find pieces coupled with learning to keep ones vocalizer shut. Blind optics was also useful, and helped to expand the business into other avenues. Rare commodities and items that were usually strictly regulated and confiscated by Customs Officials, were easily slipped through territories without delay. The once tiny enterprise had turned into an empire. Sunstreaker was thrilled because it meant his twin was making his own credits, and had the inside track on artistic goods, which was the reason for his visit.

"Sideswipe!" Sunstreaker called merrily, giving his twin a wave.

Sideswipe glanced to the summons, but quickly turned his attention back to his datapad. His fingers were a blur over the scrolling data, each attesting to numerical transactions.

Sunstreaker went around the counter and draped an arm over his brother's shoulder. "What to guess what I did last night?" he purred, his face twisted into a lecherous sneer. "Or would you rather hear the recordings?"

Sideswipe shrugged his brother off, his hand flying over the screen. "Not now, Sunstreaker. I have work to do."

"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you've suddenly became a prude?" Sunstreaker jibed, not deterred in the least. "You've never rejected the opportunity to listen in when your phenomenal twin was playing the femmes like a musician."

"Go away," Sideswipe said, turning his back to his brother and highlighting the store inventory.

Thousands of numerical codes dashed across the datapad, but Sideswipe couldn't see them. His fingers stabbed the same sequence over and over, but the data wasn't performing the correct operation. His thoughts were consumed over his brother's betrayal, and his seemingly oblivious knowledge of the fact.

Sunstreaker wrapped his arms around his brother, resting his chin on Sideswipe's shoulder. He whispered in his audio, "Do you want to hear the sounds that cute little blue femme makes when she overloads?"

The words were enough to send Sideswipe into action. He threw the datapad on the desk, shattering its screen and sending the glass fragments into flight. He rounded on his brother and without thought, punched him as hard as he could right in the smug faceplates.

Sunstreaker howled, falling backward, clutching his face. His protectiveness reared when blows started to rain down on his head and shoulders, and a knee found its way into his midsection. He pushed back, knocking his brother away and regained his senses.

"What the slag was that all about?" Sunstreaker demanded.

"You… you're just…." Sideswipe panted, glaring at his twin with so much hatred, it made Sunstreaker take a subconscious step back. "Vile. Vicious. Loathsome… evil…."

"Whoa!" Sunstreaker yelled, hoping to quell Sideswipe. "What's gotten into you?"

"You knew I liked that femme!" Sideswipe spat, his plating near melting from the intense heat radiating off him in angered waves. "She was interested in me, and then you stepped in and took her away!"

"Oh, please," Sunstreaker scoffed, rubbing his sore jaw and olfactory sensor. "You just stood there like a mindless drone. She only looked at me when she found out I was famous!"

"You didn't even try to deflect her attention. You focused sorely on yourself!" Sideswipe snapped, his energon threatening to boil in his lines. Suddenly Sideswipe seemed to deflate, all fight leaving him in a heavy whoosh as he turned from his brother. His voice was so soft, Sunstreaker could barely hear it. "I liked her, and she could have liked me to."

Sunstreaker hated the defeat that laced his brother's voice. He opened the bond he shared with his twin, something the two rarely indulged in now that they were adults. When they were children, the bond was their place of safety and warmth, and all encompassing welcoming peace. But when they upgraded to their adult frames, they grew apart. Constant comfort wasn't needed, nor sought after. They had lives to live and different callings. Sunstreaker wasn't surprised when there was no answer to his spark call. He crossed the short distance between them and wrapped his arms around his brother.

"Tell me," Sunstreaker said, not liking the unresponsiveness of his twin. When Sideswipe shook his head negatively, Sunstreaker spun him around, grasping his shoulders and forcing him to make optic contact. "Tell me."

"No," Sideswipe muttered, lowering his gaze to the floor once more. "If you don't already know, then it's pointless to say."

"Then show me," Sunstreaker demanded, his chest splitting apart to reveal the silver cylinder that housed his spark.

Sideswipe looked sadly to the small chamber, a part of him wistful of times past. But that was long ago. Children, who needed each other so the demons would be kept at bay. But now, well into adulthood, the gesture seemed hollow. He placed his hands on the warm golden chassis and forcefully pressed the plates together. They returned to normal configuration, hiding the chamber within.

"No," Sideswipe repeated and pushed his brother away.

Sunstreaker refused to give up his hold on his brother. He tightened his grip and said, "I don't know why you're acting this way. You've been attracted to hundreds of femmes and never cared if I berthed them," his expressed grew devious, "I always share the recordings with you."

"Go," Sideswipe said, nodding toward the door. When Sunstreaker made no attempt to move, Sideswipe roughly grabbed him and spun him toward the door. "I said go!"

Sunstreaker dug in his pedes, refusing to be moved. He nearly overbalanced when Sideswipe let him go, taking a step away from his twin.

"How could you?" Sideswipe whispered, before turning on his heel and disappearing into the back rooms.

Sunstreaker made to follow, but his brother had hit the door locks. There was no way to force entry. Sighing, he called through the door, "Whatever it is, I'm sorry. Okay? You know me. My ego is as inflated as a Guardian." When no answer was forthcoming, Sunstreaker pressed on, "Sideswipe, you know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. If you really wanted the femme, you should have told me. Surely you can't blame me for being charming. It's what I do!"

After a moment, he gave a resigned sigh. "Have it your way."

He took his leave, finding his steps to be heavier than normal. Pulling up the memory files from the previous night, Sunstreaker began combing through the evening, searching for anything that had caused his brother to be so upset. He slipped into his private transport, his mind buzzing with the events that caused the rift between him and the only person in the universe he'd sacrifice himself for.

Several examinations later, Sunstreaker gave up. He tried watching the whole evening with visual and auditory playback, first with sound, then without. Nothing raised the proverbial red flag.

He tried to open his side of the bond, hoping Sideswipe would feel his presence and open up to him, but the bond stayed cold and void. A part of him wept for its passing.

Alone and confused, Sunstreaker did the only thing he knew how. He painted. Giant murals soon filled his studio, and he was often heard screaming and throwing paint containers around. Trying to assuage the numbness taking over his spark, he sent daily gifts to his twin, each with a message of forgiveness and apology and promise it wouldn't happen again. And every evening, when the city set to slumber, Sunstreaker would collapse on his easel, wishing his pain would end. Some evenings he'd writhe on the canvas, completely absorbed by the hollowness in his spark and unable to ease the pain.

After a month of tortured nights and endless days, Sunstreaker made a decision and he was going to see it through, even if it killed him. So as evening fell and merchants were starting to close shop for the night, Sunstreaker entered Sideswipe's establishment. No one was at the counter, so he went to the door, which was left partially opened. He placed his hand on the metal, ready to announce his arrival, when he heard voices.

"So, you coming tonight?" a mech asked.

"Yes," Sideswipe said without hesitancy.

"It's going to be quite the spectacle," the mech said, his voice taking on a taunting lilt. "Epic, from what they're saying."

"I'll be there," Sideswipe said, and Sunstreaker noticed there was a listless tone to his voice.

"Alright, see you then," the mech called, opening the door. He took half a step before narrowing his gaze at Sunstreaker. "Who are you?"

"Sideswipe's brother," he answered defensively. There was something about this dark green and brown mech that he most definitely didn't like.

"Listening in at doors will get you into trouble, or hasn't anyone explained that to you?" he asked, his voice dripping in menace.

Sunstreaker instantly riled, glaring down this sub-class mech who dared to challenge him. He could buy and sell this mech many times over. Apparently he didn't understand he was outclassed.

"I was looking for Sideswipe," he said in a low growl. "I suggest you watch your vocalizer, before it's given to you on a serving tray."

The mech made a gruff noise but didn't answer. He cast one last look to Sideswipe, gave a clipped nod, then took his leave, lumbering past the golden mech and making a show of his more aggressive bulk. When the door chimed at his departure, Sideswipe acknowledged his brother.

"I don't want to see you," he said, every intention of putting as much distance as possible between them.

"Well tough," Sunstreaker said, stepping forward and blocking his brother's path. "I need to see you. It's important."

"Oh?" Sideswipe asked, a hint of intrigue flaring in his optics. "What's so important that you would deface yourself by being in my presence?"

The words had their desired effect. Sunstreaker flinched as if struck. When he spoke, his voice was harsh and raspy, "I've been an aft and I want to apologize for my actions." When Sideswipe made to move away, Sunstreaker grabbed his arms and held him immobile before continuing, "I've been in pain, and I know it's because I hurt you."

"Knew it would be about yourself," Sideswipe spat, trying to get free from his twin.

The pain in Sunstreaker's chest flared brand new, and with renewed strength he hurtled his twin to the ground, pinning him into place. If he was stubborn enough to not want to listen, then Sunstreaker was going to slagging well make him, gently or not! This had to end!

"I know the pain I feel is from you," Sunstreaker snarled, not relinquishing his hold on Sideswipe. "The bond may be closed, but your pain is leaking through. Now, I don't know what has you so angry at me, but you're slagging well going to tell me, even if I have to wring it out of you."

The impact to the floor had temporarily dazed Sideswipe, but once his systems realigned; he tried to wrench his brother from his perch. They tumbled, rolling over each other, both trying to gain the upper hand until Sunstreaker employed a dirty trick and maneuvered his twin onto his back. Sunstreaker straddled his brother, his knees initiating magnetic locks to the floor as his hands clamped like vices over Sideswipe's wrists, effectively pinning his twin into place.

He pressed their chests together, knowing their sparks would recognize each other. He sent a strong pulse through his spark, calling desperately to the other half that was mere inches away. Though both were adults and their sparks were considered mature, there would always be a pull to one another, like opposite poles needing contact.

Sideswipe remained steadfastly stubborn, ignoring the pain that raced along his neural net. He was determined to let his brother suffer, as he had suffered.

Sunstreaker didn't wait for a response. He placed his forehead against his brother's, his grip loosening. His voice took on a sorrowful plea that went straight into Sideswipe's spark.

"I feel so… empty. There's this darkness that keeps growing and lashing out, searching for something that's no longer there." Sunstreaker opened his optics, staring into the familiar blue of his twin. "It's like something has removed you and it will keep going until it consumes me." Sunstreaker closed his optics, a choked sob escaping. "Don't leave me. I couldn't bear it if I lost you."

Sideswipe gently nudged the bond and instantly felt the flood of emotions coming from his twin. Without thought both chests split, the chambers retracting to allow two halves to become a whole. Sunstreaker collapsed on top of his twin, allowing their bond to reaffirm, their sparks to realign, and emotions to filter.

Sunstreaker gasped as the hurt and pain assaulted his senses. He immediately began searching his twin's memories, trying to find the source of the strife, and felt his spark falter.

"Don't you have other, more important guests?" she asked, the light highlighting her beautiful face.

"No one of importance," Sunstreaker answered, his attention sorely focused on the small femme.

Unimportant?

Sunstreaker felt his spark wither. The pain and loneliness assaulted his senses again, causing him to cry out. A pang of loss and worthlessness overwhelmed him. He clutched at Sideswipe, his fingers leaving small indentations.

Spark ache, isolation, desperation, separation, all came crashing together in a cataclysmic burst. Two brilliant super novas expanded, wrapping around each other in protection and love. A cosmic embrace that only twins can share. Their separation unfathomable, as two lives pulsed in unison, their strength magnified by the other.

When they pulled away, Sunstreaker collapsed next to Sideswipe, his spark humming the beautiful symphony of life that he shared with his twin. It had been a very long time since it carried that song, and it was a shame the melody had been lost for so long.

"You are the most important thing in my life," Sunstreaker managed to say, though with the bond now open to its fullest extent, words weren't necessary. "Never forget that."

"Never," Sideswipe muttered, finding his own spark song to be singing through his lines in a way that hadn't been felt for so long, it was like coming home.

"Always together?" Sunstreaker asked, though he already knew the answer.

Sideswipe laced his fingers with his twins, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Always. Never alone. Never divided."

The two lay for a long time, listening to the dual song that filled their being. For the first time in a long time, both felt a sense of peace and belonging. Their tranquility was broken when Sideswipe gave a startled beep and scrambled off the floor.

"What?" Sunstreaker asked, a sluggish haze consuming him.

"I have to go," Sideswipe said, checking the chronometer on the wall and cross checking it with his own internal system. He was running two minutes fast. "I was going to meet someone this evening."

"Oh, my brother finally found a femme?" Sunstreaker jibed, but sent a pulse of adoration through their bond.

"No, actually it's a mech," Sideswipe said, grabbing his discarded datapad and checking on his accounts one last time.

"Didn't think you revved like that," Sunstreaker said, pulling himself to his pedes.

"No, it's not like that," Sideswipe said, checking his credits and estimating a safety cushion needed to keep his books balanced. The rest of the credits transferred into a private account, which had been rather lucrative until his recent activities. Now, it dwindled by each passing cycle. "He took me to this secret meeting place, in Kaon, and you wouldn't believe what they do there."

Sunstreaker's interest piqued, his optics glancing to the screen and noting his twin had a smaller balance than what he remembered. Choosing to ignore it, he asked, "Organic target practicing? Seen it before. Not really my style. Too messy."

"No," Sideswipe said, not liking the meager credits he had to deal with. He better be on the winning side soon, else he'd have to start using his company funds. "They host gladiatorial matches."

"As in… fights?" Sunstreaker asked with a frown. He had heard of such things going on in the underground world of illicit activities. It was something he didn't agree with and avoided at all costs. Those types of endeavors usually ended at the smelters.

"They have different kinds of fighters," Sideswipe was saying, his processor buzzing as he tried to figure out how to get just a few more credits to plump up his account. "There's different levels of fighting, weapons, and on the rare occasion, even death matches. But I haven't been to any of those." He looked to his twin with a strange glint in his optics. "Yet."

Sunstreaker felt the excitement crash into his spark and mind that nearly blinded him to all reality. He gasped, feeling the sensations trickling through from his brother, and if the sudden flare of burning excitement was any indication, the illegal fights were something to behold. He grabbed his brother's datapad and hastily typed, before returning it with a wicked grin to match his twin.

Sideswipe let out a bark of surprise when he noted his brother had transferred a hefty sum to his account. He was about to protest, when Sunstreaker linked their arms, directing him to the street.

"Shall we investigate these matches?" Sunstreaker asked casually, his excitement starting to mount with the building anticipation coming from his twin.

"Oh, yes," Sideswipe smiled, locking his business and blindly following fate's crooked finger. "I have a feeling our fortunes are going to change."

"One can only hope," Sunstreaker said, unaware of the dark shadow that fell across the two as they were swallowed by the underworld.

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There's probably tons of stories relating to how the twins got involved with the gladiatorial circuit, but this is just my take on it. Besides, it's not really focused on THAT aspect of their lives. It's more of the 'Sunny screwed up, Sides is hurt, Sunny apologizes". But we all know how incredibly humble Sunstreaker is…..(rolls eyes)

You just KNOW he'll do anything to berth a femme. Even if he doesn't like them, he'd do it just so 'they' can claim bragging rights that he was their best lay.

Ego much, Sunny?

Anyway, Reviews are welcomed and used as fuel for the muse.