4
That night they entered the berth at separate times as they had the night before. Soundwave woke from recharge the next day, once again with Optimus pulled close to him. He separated himself quickly before the other had a chance to stir, and left to report for duty.
Later that day, as Soundwave was approaching the doors to the officer's lounge, he overheard a conversation that made him pause before opening the doors.
"You shouldn't feel obligated to room with Soundwave," he heard Knockout say in his usual drawl. The bot sure was on the prowl. "After all, it's been a long time since you two were together, and you have no recollection of any of it. There's no reason to tie yourself down to him on the grounds of something you don't even remember."
"I agree," Orion said simply. Soundwave's spark sunk, even though he agreed as well. He would have to free Optimus of his obligation. He'd have to hope his continued loyalty and usefulness to Megatron would make up for his ingratitude now. If only he could tell Optimus the truth and beg for forgiveness, perhaps they could start off without standing on a foundation of lies. But of course the notion would be treason.
"So why did you agree to stay?" Knockout asked intrusively. Soundwave listened curiously.
"Perhaps I agreed on grounds of Megatronus' suggestion, but I would not have agreed if it weren't also for the admirable things that I do remember about Soundwave."
Well that was unexpected. And before Knockout could respond, Optimus diverted the conversation to a new topic, asking about Knockout's work aboard the Nemesis. He obviously didn't want to disclose anymore. Soundwave slipped away, deciding that he felt more like working than replenishing energon at the moment.
Soundwave worked late into the evening. He returned to find his quarters dark, with Optimus lying awake in the berth. He decided to skip his wash tonight. He climbed carefully in, in case Orion was close to falling into recharge. He lay on his side facing away.
Optimus shifted over restlessly. "Soundwave?"
Soundwave turned over to face him, his screen glowing softly in acknowledgement.
"Were you injured at some point?"
Soundwave was confused. "Negative."
"But then why do you hide your face? You never wore a mask on Cybertron."
Soundwave looked up at the ceiling. "Facial armor: promotes disconnect."
"You don't want to connect with others?"
"Hypothesis: correct."
Optimus didn't speak. After a moment of silence, Soundwave realized what he had just insinuated. He looked at Optimus, whose expression was unreadable.
Impulsively, he reached up and unlocked his facial armor, setting it on the berth-side stand. He looked over at Optimus, who watched him carefully. Optimus reached to him, pressing a digit against Soundwave's mouth. He slid it across his bottom lip, and eventually moved his hand to rest on Soundwave's chest.
Unable to resist any longer, Soundwave leaned over and kissed him. Optimus responded, wrapping his arms around Soundwave's waist the way he had done in his sleep. Their desperate motions worked them together, hasty at first. But soon the kisses slowed, at some points stopping all together. Their optics would open and catch one another, red and blue illuminating the dark. Optimus kissed Soundwave's forehelm affectionately, brushing his servo against his neck wiring. Soundwave began to forget things: forgetting his obligations, forgetting his work, forgetting that he once tore mechs apart in the gladiator pits. For now, he let go of the world outside of this berth. He pulled Optimus' mouth back against his, heat flaring in his spark. They worked their mouths together, and Soundwave thought kissing Optimus felt better than anything he'd ever done.
Tbc…
Sorry for short chapter. Share your thoughts? I love to know how you feel about this, what you liked. It helps me write better!