The sun rose higher in the sky and Wheeljack still rested in the same place Bulkhead had left him. Sitting with his hands propping up his head behind his helm and his legs stretched out and crossed, he would have appeared to be taking a nap to anyone walking by. This was far from the case however, since his mind wouldn't quit replaying the night he'd spent with his friend and now bondmate. Not just the part where Bulkhead gave his valve the ride of its life. Which he was constantly reminded of by the occasional twinges of pain that were the result of pushing it to the limit. But what was mostly on his mind was the part where their chest plating opened beyond their command or control and their very souls merged together in a breathtakingly beautiful and somewhat frightening dance. Nothing in his life up to this point could have compared to that moment. Never would he have thought that something so life changing could ever happen to him. No words could ever explain the connection he now felt with Bulkhead. That big green lob-ball stole his spark and Wheeljack didn't mind one bit. Not anymore. Not even after what he considered a silly argument. Speaking of the big green lob-ball, Wheeljack opened his optics and looked around. Being able to feel Bulkhead's presence before even seeing him was something new he knew he would have to become used to. In a few moments, his senses were confirmed as Bulkhead rounded the corner in vehicle mode and stopped in front of him.
"Do you want to try talking again?" Bulkhead started, not wasting any time. He had already dropped off Miko and was ready to attempt to make things right. "I'm… sorry for driving off…"
Wheeljack didn't say anything until Bulkhead apologized. With a warm smile, he replied, "You know I do and I know you are.". Taking vehicle mode, he rolled over close to the other, careful to not get so close he scrapped him. He was able to get close enough however that the energy from his spark seemed to spill out and he pulled Bulkhead into a spiritual embrace that reinforced that Wheeljack's feelings for him hadn't changed and he would follow him anywhere.
No words were needed between them, Bulkhead felt so reassured and knew exactly what his Jackie wanted. They drove away together, not going far out, but far enough they could talk without anyone listening in and they remained in vehicle mode. Just feeding off the energy of each others sparks, which seemed to continue their dance, even while separated.
"I don't know what came over me…" Bulkhead spoke first. "It wasn't like… me?"
Wheeljack answered for him in a quiet, sweet tone that would have been too out of character if he had been talking to anyone other than Bulkhead. "This is new. We're learning. It's alright, Bulk."
"But, I don't want you to think I don't trust you…"
Again, Wheeljack stopped him from saying more. "Bulk… I told you I didn't want anything to change between us. I know you just want to protect me and that's fine. I want to protect you too… But that doesn't mean hold each other back. If something comes up that I don't think I could handle on my own… well… Trust me, you'll be the first to know." As he spoke, he projected his aura to ensure that if something made him uncomfortable, Bulkhead would be able to pick up on his fear and help him without making a scene or anyone other than Bulkhead knowing that he was weak.
Without being prompted to, Bulkhead did the same, sharing his aura with Wheeljack. "I understand now and you're right, but don't get upset if I still worry sometimes. I promise not to hold you back, even if I'm afraid for you."
"Thank you for understanding…" It took Wheeljack a moment before he could finish what he began to say. "I guess I'll try to not be offended if you're worried. As long as you're not in my way. When the others learn about us, I can answer for myself. Even with Magnus."
This was difficult, but Bulkhead swallowed back his worry. "You don't want me to be your guardian, but your backup instead?"
"Exactly!" Wheeljack said, happy he finally understood. "And I'm always your backup. Although being the tough Wreckers we are, I doubt calling for backup would happen often."
"So then it really is like nothing changed? Partners forever, except if you actually need backup, you still don't need to call for it. If you're in trouble, I'll definitely feel it and you know there isn't a force in the cosmos that could keep me from you." Bulkhead smiled internally. "If anything, you have an excuse to keep acting like the too cool for the team loner that never needs help?"
Able to feel Bulkhead's teasing, Wheeljack laughed at him and himself. "Don't abuse that connection. I can't be there to save your big aft every time you're frightened of your own shadow." He teased too.
"Hey!" Bulkhead recoiled, humored by the playfulness. Before he could say anything else, Wheeljack drove off while still laughing and challenging him to make him take it back. Soon the two Wreckers were caught up in a game tag in the desert.