Hi everyone! Look, a second chapter :).
For a story summary see the first chapter. The basic summary of this chapter is Hound and Trailbreaker camp while Mirage mopes.
Disclaimer: Nope still not Hasbro or anyone else who even remotely owns anything.
Random note: I really wanted to update sooner but real life stepped in. I'm also not totally happy with this chapter. It isn't 100% what I wanted, but it was the best I could get it.
Hound was not a happy camper in either the metaphoric or literal sense. Contrary to what most on the Ark would think, the scout had indeed picked up on the tension between Trailbreaker and Mirage for two simple reasons. One, they were the two most important mechs in his life. And, second, one of his main functions as a scout was to notice things after all. Actually, the more he thought about the last reason the more uncertain he became as to rather he should be amused or insulted that no one thought he would notice.
Hound also knew neither would approach him and tell him what was going on out of fear of what he would think. It was no secret Trailbreaker was horribly insecure over just about everything. What would have surprised most was the fact so was Mirage. The noblemech was just way better at hiding it behind an aloof attitude. Deep down Hound knew that both mechs trusted him explicitly. They just had issues that had nothing to do with him.
One of the main reasons he had agreed to the overnight trip so readily was his hope that he could talk to Trailbreaker about whatever the problem was and see if there was anything he could do to resolve it. Trailbreaker had always been able to open up to Hound and the scout hoped this trip would not be an exception. It would also give Hound a chance to reassure him that there would always be a place in his life for his best friend.
Trailbreaker, however seemed disinclined to cooperate. Whenever the "m" word was mentioned the truck managed to change the subject in a way that could be called coincidental if Hound didn't know what he was up to. What Hound couldn't figure out was if Trailbreaker was trying to avoid talking about the tension or if he just didn't want to talk about Mirage at all.
As night fell Trailbreaker's diversions, which consisted mostly of the "hey-look-at-this-shiny-rock" type, served to convince Hound to let the subject drop in favor of observing the local nocturnal wildlife. This was Trailbreaker's trip and Hound didn't want to ruin it by pressing the issue. He planned to bring the subject back up on the drive back to the Ark though. Whatever it was between his friend and his lover only brought out their ugly sides and Hound did not like it at all.
Mirage sat on his berth staring at nothing in particular on his wall and was the very picture of misery. His evening was a complete waste now that he wasn't spending it with Hound. And the news that his lover was going camping with Trailbreaker was just the beginning of his bad luck for the day.
First, he had been unable to secure another shift change with Smokescreen who had plans himself for the following evening. Then, he had the misfortune of running into Cliffjumper and the mini-bot's accusations in the rec room. Sometimes Mirage could swear that the only thing Cliffjumper loved was the sound of his own voice. Finally, Jazz informed him that there would be a week long recon mission coming up.
Although, it seemed fate was never particularly kind to him around this date anyway so he really wasn't surprised at how his day ended up. If this was the worst that would happen to him then he could count himself lucky.
His musings on the unfairness of life in general came to an end as his door chime beeped. He slid his gaze toward his door as if trying to determine through the metal who was on the other side and if he would bother answering. No one, excluding Hound, ever just stopped by to chat, so it was obviously someone who wanted or needed something. Mirage finally pushed himself off his berth after the chiming got a more impatient. Maybe it was Jazz with news of the upcoming mission? Hopefully, it may have been scrapped altogether.
"Hey, Mirage." Nope only Sideswipe. A smiling Sideswipe. Mirage repressed the urges to both shudder and close the door in the warrior's face. "I heard you were looking to switch some duty shifts around." Not giving Mirage time to answer he pressed on. "As it so happens I have tomorrow night free and can swap with you." If possible his grin grew even wider.
"Why?" was Mirage's only reply as he carefully blocked the view into his room. Not to say he didn't trust Sideswipe to know what his room looked like. He didn't, but he guarded his privacy with everyone. Very few had ever even stepped over the threshold into his quarters.
"I don't know why you wanted to change shifts," Sideswipe widened his smile yet again. "I just know you do."
Mirage fought the urge to rub the top of his facial plates much like he'd seen frustrated humans run their temples. Sideswipe could not possibly be that stupid. Although both Prowl and Ratchet would disagree on occasion.
"No. I mean why are you offering to switch with me? What do you want in exchange?" Mirage was sure he didn't want to know the answers. No one ever wanted to be in the position of owing either twin a favor. They tended to call in their debts at the most inopportune times.
Sideswipe stared at him for a moment before dropping his smile and adopting a serious expression that looked almost out of place on him. "Okay, it's like this. I have monitor duty tomorrow with Red. Red is angry at Sunny and me over an insignificant incident that got blown out of proportion that happened this afternoon, which I'm not gonna get into. So, I'm kinda looking to avoid him for a couple of days so he can calm down. It's just a straight switch. No strings attached," Sideswipe adopted a now hopeful look. "I promise."
Mirage wanted to ask exactly what kind of "incident" had put the twins in Red Alert's sights. Whatever it was it was serious enough to get Sideswipe to come to him of all mechs and. He knew he was going to agree to the switch as soon as Sideswipe said "no strings". Still it was best to pretend to at least think about it lest the red reprobate started getting ideas. "Okay, you've got a deal."
As soon as Mirage got rid of Sideswipe he returned to his spot on the berth in a slightly better mood. Not all his problems had been solved, (a feat that would only be possible if Wheeljack got a working time machine built) but he would get to spend the next evening with Hound. That meant more to him than any week long recon mission or any accusation Cliffjumper wanted to throw at him.
Another Random Note: Thanks for the reviews!! The reviews make me happy. I'll have responses in the next chapter for the reviews. Thanks again.
Random Note the Third: Please let me know if you spot any glaring errors gramatical or otherwise. Gently if possible. And, please check my profile poll. Thanks again!!