The flight back to Vos was calm and relaxing. The open space really helped the blue tetra jet calm down. Flying in silence, Thundercracker reflected back to the purple and black seeker. Many questions arose in his mind, but absolutely none could be answered. Like he thought before, Kaon wasn't banned, however, the disheveled town was usually avoided by the Vosians. This other seeker just was alluring to Thundercracker.
"You're awfully quiet," Starscream said, slowing his speed down to fly next to his friend.
"Deep in thought," The blue one stated. "That's all."
"The match was pretty amazing, wasn't it?" Starscream gleamed. "It's just amazing what Megatronus can pull of, right?"
"Sure," Thundercracker replied.
"I mean, did you see how he outsmarted the bigger fighter?" Starscream cooed. "It's not all about brute strength, its about using your processor, and outsmarting your opponent. Megatronus was simply amazing!"
Thundercracker rolled his optics. "Sounds like you got a crush, Screamer," He teased, partly because he was sick of hearing about it, and a little bit jealous.
"Shut up Tc," Starscream hastily replied. "You just don't appreciate the things I do."
"I just can't stop thinking of the other seeker." The blue tetra-jet blurted out.
"Oh come on, Tc," Starscream spoke. "He is a lowly mech. Shows the telltale signs of being a gutter mech, and nothing more. Forget about him."
"But why did he leave Vos?" Thundercracker asked. "Why choose to leave our society?"
Starscream let out a sigh. "Why don't you ask him the next time you see him? I haven't a clue why he would choose a place like Kaon over Vos." With that, Starscream pushed ahead but continued to babble about the match. Thundercracker feigned interest with one word responses, but his mind was preoccupied with the mysterious seeker.
The slender towers of their home city appeared over the horizon and in his excitement to be home, Thundercracker's engines roared. He felt grimy and couldn't wait to hit the wash racks. Upon reaching the city, Starscream happily weaved in and out of the buildings with the other following not as enthused.
Looping himself down, and bringing his nosecone up, Starscream transformed and landed gracefully on the balcony of his suite. Thundercracker followed, landing with a skid right next to his friend and flexed his wings. The blue seeker offered the red one an earnest smile.
"Thanks for the Orn out, Stars." Thundercracker said sweetly.
"I am sorry you didn't enjoy it as much as I," Starscream replied and pressed his code for the balcony door to swish open.
"As long as you had fun," The blue seeker replied with a shrug.
"Want to come in for a bit?" Starscream gestured by swinging his arm wide.
"I really want to wash off." Thundercracker replied. " I feel so grimy and disgusting." His pal laughed.
"I do have a wash rack, you know," The red, white and blue seeker said over his shoulder "You are more then welcome to use it if you wish."
"Alright. If you don't mind?" Thundercracker said, and upon the other's helm shaking no, he stepped through the doorway. In the years of not seeing his friends room, everything was just as he remembered it, not overly decorated but cozy.
Starscream retrieved a set of fresh drying clothes and guided Thundercracker to the little shower. With a word of thanks, the blue seeker entered the stall while Starscream took to reclining on a chair and flicked the entertainment pod on. He flipped through the stations, never really finding anything good on.
The cleanser turned off, and the blue seeker emerged rubbing himself dry. He watched as his friend rose from his chair, and made his way to the wash racks as well. However, Starscream only turned on the bottom spout and proceeded to scrub at his feet. Thundercracker curiously watched as he finished drying himself off. Starscream returned to the entertainment pod and plopped himself down on the chair, his feet sopping wet.
"Tc," Starscream said flashing a smirk. "My feet aren't gonna dry themselves." He quirked a brow at his friend. He took in the amusement of watching the blue seeker huff in his lost bet, but sat down in front of the chair. "Aww, come on Tc, don't look so grumpy about it." Starscream teased as he placed a pede on the other's lap while Thundercracker furrowed his brows in jest.
Using the drying cloth, Thundercracker gently rubbed the wet pede down. He gently slid the cloth over the top of the pede and slowly made his way down, making sure to sop up all the cleanser as he went. Starscream let out a satisfied sigh and rest his head back against the chair as he offlined his optics. Taking special care, The blue mech worked at drying of the sensitive insides of the thrusters. The foot involuntarily shook at the tickling sensation.
Bingo! Thundercracker smirked, and dropped the the cloth. Pulling the blue pede up a bit higher, Thundercracker danced his tongue along the inside rim of the thruster causing its owner to whimper out a giggle and the pede jumped again. Not letting go but rather using the holding servos to message at the truster, the blue jet former kissed and licked his way to the top, Starscream just loving the attention. The corner of the pede was captured in a mouth, and Starscream flinched but withdrew the pede, only to plop the other one in the waiting lap.
"The other one's getting jealous." Starscream claimed. Thundercracker just shook his head, and proceeded to play with the other foot. "So, what's this I am hearing about an energon shortage?"
Thundercracker looked up. "Yeah. Rumor has it we are coming up on an energon shortage. Places like the outskirts of Kaon, the poorer cities and even the larger cities such as Iacon are starting to run short." He shrugged as he gently tickled at the sole of the pede. "Mech's are saying raids took place. Mines where even being raided. But who know's what is really true. Perhaps some mines just dried up."
"How has Vos been fairing?" Starscream asked.
"Fine. So far so good. Looks like our choice to hoard the energon will pay off." Thundercracker said. "But who knows how long that is going to last. There has been talk of civil unrest that started with the miners, but now, the poor or low class bot's are joining in. A lot of mech's are fed up with what is happening and how the council members are handling it."
Starscream smirked at that. "I read up about some of that. Since some mines are no longer providing work, those mech's are looking for work elsewhere, but none is to be found. Miners can only be minors, after all."
"Or so they say," Thundercracker said, quirking his head to the side. "I kinda feel bad for them." Starscream laughed. "What? Really, I do."
"Oh my, what is Cybertron coming to?" Starscream mused. "Our dear Thunder is sympathizing with grounders."
With that being said, Thundercracker dropped the pede to the ground and pointed at Starscream. "Watch what you say, Stars." The red and white mech simply laughed, soon to be joined in by the other. Starscream stood up, retrieved a blanket and went back to his chair only to find Thundercracker in it. He beckoned the other to sit between his legs, which he took a seat.
Thundercracker instantly wrapped his arms around his friend and began groping at his cockpit, messaging circles in the glass. Slowly, the hands would wander down, sliding past his belly and edging near his hips. With bold intent, Thundercracker rubbed his hand and tickled his fingers towards the other's interface panels. With a sudden movement, Starscream grabbed his hands right before they reached his interface panel, and held them to his stomach.
"Amorous, aren't we?" Starscream asked.
"Sorry," Thundercracker exclaimed, but continued to kiss at the red seeker's neck. "I have naughty hands."
"I see." Starscream replied and moved his upper body to discourage the attention which caused the blue seeker to pout. "Put it on station Ten, Tc. My show is about to start."
Thundercracker complied, and groaned in disappointment when it was a science station. "Really?" The blue jet former whined, but Starscream just shook his head. The pair watched the show, Starscream absorbing all the information with great interest. Thundercracker idly watched the show, focusing more on the other's joyous reaction to it until after thirty kliks, the show came to an end.
"Hey Stars," Thundercracker asked. "I been wondering something."
"What?" Starscream replied.
"Would you allow me to court you?" The blue seeker boldly asked.
Starscream sighed and got out of the other's lap to stand up. "I don't really want to talk about this now, Tc." Starscream answered, and immediately felt bad upon seeing the spark breaking look on Thundercracker's face. "Look, Tc. I like you a lot, really I do."
'For Primus's sake, here it is. I am gonna be friend-zoned,' Thundercracker thought to himself.
"You are going to fast," Starscream continued on. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested, because I am. I think you would be a perfect trine mate, Tc. I thought that for a while- long before I went to the University. Can you just, you know, slow down a bit...for me?" Starscream gave a sincere but apologetic smile, hoping he would understand.
"Yes," The blue seeker responded sadly.
"I'm sorry it's not what you want to hear right now, but in time, I will accept your courtship." Starscream said and offered the seeker he just turned down a warm hug, which Thundercracker eagerly accepted. "I'm busy tomorrow and need to recharge now, but could you come visit me the next orn?"
"You bet," Thundercracker said and pecked the red and white mech a goodnight kiss. Starscream walked him to the door.
"Thank you, Tc," Starscream said, and bid him a good night. He stood there watching as the blue seeker transformed into his alt-mode, and flew off headed for his home.