Title: Sparks 16: Inter-Face
Pairing BeexSam, ProwlxJazz, RatchetxIronhide
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. Hasbro does and some others, but that's not the point. All characters are 18 or older with the exception of Annabelle.
Comments and Critiques welcome
Here we go kids. This chapter is a special one. What with the movie coming up in all, my hope is to get the last chapter of Sparks out before it comes out. That's the plan in any rate.
Anywho, I love this chapter… I have been waiting for this chapter and I owe much love and hugs to my lovely betas and co-writer. Thanks a lot gals.
And In no real order
Thanks to Lemonflav_Lopfe, Dragoona, Kurichai,Lenore, Tsumi, konabluemustang and bit of love and affection to My Co-writer, blood sister and general pain in the butt Muzaiden. I owe you all bunches.
And Thanks to all the readers without you guys, this would not be here.
I love you all, so enjoy.
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Chapter 16
Inter-Face
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The floor was cold under bared feet, but Sam Witwicky was on a mission. Peering down the hallway, the alien messiah was on a hunt for his car. As he walked ducking into room after room, his eyes glowed silver-blue. He didn't notice this development of course, so intent was he on his destination and the matters at hand.
Love.
He was loved.
Bee was in love with him.
So what if things were difficult?
Bee had been protecting him by pushing him away and it was because he loved him.
It had taken time, but now Sam understood and he couldn't keep it to himself. Not anymore, not after the things he'd seen and done. Not now after all he'd felt, after all the time wasted. Moving quicker, he shut out the minor disturbances of the base, focusing on the patterns of energy that would lead him to Bumblebee. The floating silver lines gave way to incandescent strands of golden, the pulse a singular match for the very mech he sought.
A sturdy door creaked open letting loose a blast of cold air, chilling him to the bone as he slipped into the stillness of the barely lit garage. There, against the wall sat the yellow Camaro. Unsteady limbs carried Sam forward to the still vehicle; his hand itched to touch the golden hood. He resisted the urge, instead interlacing his fingers as he stared sleek form. His car, that turned out to be a robot in disguise, was certainly more than met the eye.
No, he had not come all this way to reminisce. He'd come to talk, to bridge the gap that obviously lay between them. He had to find out if they could have any relationship, romantic or otherwise. They'd been apart too long already.
Sam slipped that much closer, the fabric of his pants brushing against the golden bumper. The lines of black across the hood had been repainted; all previous damage repaired. Well almost, if he concentrated he could see the still healing weld. Faint in the air was meshing energy over the hood that Ratchet had left, as well as the faded trails that signified the medic himself.
His voice caught in his throat and he shut his eyes, his thumb circling the damaged joint of his wrist, a distraction. The sensation grounded him, reminding him of the importance of making up lost time.
"I don't know what to do Bee." he began softly shaking from the chill, "or even what to say."
Headlights flickered briefly, the glow nearly blinding the half-clothed teen. Wrapping his arms around himself Sam shuffled forward. "Bee-"
The lights died out, blanketing them both in darkness once more. Swallowing what was left of his trepidation, the teen pushed ahead, finding what he so desperately needed to say. "I just want to be with you,"
All at once energy tickled over him, the near contact of the Autobot sending pleasant chills down his spine. As he watched the tendrils of light swirled coalescing into a human standing between him and the car. The figure, though taller than he, refused to meet Sam's gaze; his dark hair eclipsing the sparkle of his eyes.
"I know."
Tears came unbidden and the boy trembled, close he was so close, but still so far. He couldn't move, couldn't even stand it. He needed Bee so badly and yet one touch was all it would take to undo them both. One touch would drag them together into an embrace neither of them would be able to stop, even if they wanted to.
One touch to his spark and they would be no more.
"It's alright." The way Bumblebee spoke, it shook him to the core, his voice filled with the very desire that they both felt.
"No, its so not-" Sam trailed off there, unwilling to voice his thoughts.
What was he doing? Here standing before Bee. Was one simple conversation going to soothe all the hurt and fix everything? What was he trying to accomplish? The teen stepped back away for Bee, away from what he so obviously wanted, needed. Blue eyes caught this, impossibly bright through his tears; he cried, painful sobs breaking free as he slumped forward.
Bumblebee's surprised cry echoed through the garage, but fell silent as his charge caught himself before he hit the concrete. Balanced precariously Sam curled in on himself, pulling as far from the Camaro as he could. Kneeling as he was, that fall had been too close; he'd almost touched the manifestation before him. He had to leave, now; before something happened. As he rose to his feet, his train of thought was derailed as hands gripped his shoulders drawing him close as Bee's avatar moved toward him.
The apparition that held him should have been insubstantial or so he though, but he felt the fingers clutching him tightly, desperately. Phantom lips ghosted over his face, across his forehead, along his cheek.
Close, oh so very so close.
Sam turned into the slight touch, longing for the next brush to grace his lips. He wanted it, more than anything he'd ever wanted before. He felt it, the energy running through him all the joy, passion stemming from Bee. The sleek Camaro had become his whole world even before he'd realized it. He'd swept in with a loud flashy entrance and had wormed his way into Sam's heart.
And Sam was happy it hurt.
No, he realized belatedly, this could not be allowed to happen. Every touch and every brush was risking Bee. His body was far unstable and his feeble control was much too dangerous to the Cybertronians, especially the one he was in love with. For a brief moment he'd hated what he'd become, the end-all-be-all, supreme relic that was so cold and unforgiving as to destroy what it had created.
It was not its purpose, but its curse, to be the destruction such life.
Chancing a glance, he knew. Just by staring into Bee's eyes he could tell, the love of his altered life would gladly make that sacrifice.
Bee would do it, not in defense against the Decepticons; not for Optimus but for him, solely for him. Bumblebee would die for him; there was no question about it. The finality of such a thought alternately thrilled and sickened Sam all at once.
He jerked back, almost breaking the tender embrace. He stumbled, his momentum dragging him to the ground in his panic. Bee fell with him, his arms wrapping tightly, both protective and possessive as the pair hit the floor. Wincing in pain, the teen smothered a groan against the broad chest. The hold, both warm and comforting was more than enough to make him want to stay, but he couldn't.
It wasn't safe, not for either of them.
"Bee." He whined, squirming as the broad fingers slid across his skin eliciting a pleasant ache, the sensual touch making it that much harder for him to stop it. Hissing quietly the teen bowed his head, eyes screwing shut at those very fingers trailed lower and lower; torturing and teasing as they went. As those hands, eased over his body, Sam could feel the pulse of his spark; Bee's spark.
There, so close.
The spark he yearned for, he could reach out and touch it. The power ghosted through him, the feel both thrilling and painful earning yet another gasp from trembling lips. Eyes met his once more pinning him to the spot as Bee leaned over him. A bittersweet smile crossed his face. Pressing close he cupped his chin, forcing his charge to look at him as he pushed their lips together.
The touch was electric as he gave into the yearning that had plagued him for so long. There on the floor of the garage, Sam stared into the endless blue of the Bee's eyes. It was everything he'd hoped for, wished for; the caress he so desperately craved. It was perfect, but so terribly wrong.
"No!" his voice came in pants, but Sam shouted again, pushing the apparition away. The unexpected impetus knocked the holographic form back against the Camaro where it burst into scattered bits of light, like fireworks in the dark. Another scream tore its way from Sam and he leapt to his feet panic seizing his heart. He hadn't meant.
"Oh god Bee."
Dropping painfully on his knees Samuel pressed himself to the warm car, tears once again making their way down his face. In a crackle of static his fear was allayed and humanoid form was back, lying underneath him with a less than innocent smile.
"-I'lljustkeepmymouthshutatleastuntilyoukissme.Sokissmeagain.Causeonlyyoucanstopthisstut-stut-stut-stuttering.Kissmeagain.Andeasemysu-susu-susu-sus-su-s-suffering"
Sudden anger seized his heart as the music flowed from finicky speakers. Pushing up from the hood, Sam punched the projection. Unbothered by the attack Bee slid forward, closing the distance between them that smile never leaving his face. Scuttling back from both the car and its apparition Sam took a ragged, breath his eyes focused on Bee. Only on Bee, he was too scared to even think of looking away.
Bee touched him again, pale fingers spanning the breadth of his face. Leaning into the contact he knew this was wrong. Him, Bee it was dangerous, much too dangerous and yet he still wasn't fighting or even trying to get away. The next kiss took Sam by surprise and he forgot to breathe, clutching at the holoform pinning him to the floor. Lying on his back unable to focus, the spark-imbued teen could feel the power cycling through them as it rose to a fever pitch. His chest ached and he whimpered, the pain of old wounds making it that much harder to give in.
Squirming against the hold, Sam pushed at his enthusiastic paramour, tried to stop him, attempted to prevent the very mistake Bee was set on making.
"Stop Bee." His tone was soft, though muffled by the lips covering his own.
Practically cradling the boy in his arms despite their ill-fated romance, Bumblebee refused the command to acquiesce. Sam, however, absolutely refused to give up. He fought back against the form kneeling over him, pushing Bee away; unwilling for the first touch between them to be their last.
From behind dark bangs Bee glared at him, his eyes barely visible under the curtain of hair. Nevertheless he pulled back watching Sam intently, his lips whispering quietly in the dark. Despite the recent altercation, his request was clear. "Touch me."
Shaking his head Sam refused vehemently, moved back out of arms reach. Everything in the teen urged him to do as he was asked, to give in to his desire and be with the one he loved. He declined the ideal, preferring instead to hold fast to the fact Bee loved him and that he loved him in return.
"I can't. I want to, but I just can't."
Bumblebee on the other hand was simply unwilling to let things remain as they were. "If you were the last thing I would ever see, I could die happily in your arms."
"I can't let you" He snapped back, crossing those arms defiantly, as if that alone could protect him from the Autobot's amorous advances
The sweet smile was back on Bee's lips as he lifted his eyes to match the stare of his infuriated beloved.
"To be fair my love, it isn't your choice."
Pure shock bloomed across his face and he shook, almost as if he couldn't believe what had been said. Bee's gaze was unyielding as was his sincerity, he meant his words and it pierced Sam to core. Fearful and angry the boy moved to stand, he had to go. He had to get away, do something, anything that would take his mind off this sudden tragic epiphany.
Bumblebee beat him to it, the holoform, dragging him to his feet, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead.
"Go back to bed Sam."
The wince his words received was cause enough to worry, but he'd already known what Ratchet's report had said. The nightmares were getting to him, making sleep the absolute last thing he wanted. The scout however knew the terror as well as he if not better. "I'll watch over you."
Turning away, Sam refused the offer flat out, rather disgusted with himself and the situation. "I'll be fine."
"No, you won't"
Sam stiffened, staring out towards the door, his hands limp at his sides. He didn't move, didn't speak. Bee closed the distance silently, draping his arms about the boys shoulders, hauling him close before he could protest the contact.
"It's not your fault." Bee whispered, holding his boy tight. He kept his voice soft and tried to soothe Sam's fears. Unwilling to listen the teen fought, rebelling against the offered safety and the gentle, but unfamiliar touch. He didn't want to be held, didn't want to be soothed and comforted. He just wanted to leave.
Shaking in within the hold he sagged against his captor, exhaustion finally catching up him."Let me go."
Bee refused the entreaty, ignoring the obvious complaint as he said what exactly what he needed to.
"-couldn't protect it. I was not strong enough, but we were able to send it away."
His words were vague, but his meaning wasn't. He was referring to the All Spark. Nuzzling Sam's hair he continued his voice tinged with regret. The last thing I remember about that day, so very long ago was the sight of the cube disappearing into deep space moments before he tore out my vocal processors. I did my duty then as I do it now-"
Turning the disturbed human in his arms Bee drew Sam close, supporting him as he cried; pushed finally past his limit. Cupping his face, the apparition leaned brushing his nose against the love of his life. He was truly sincere as he moved to kiss his boy again. "-This time I will not fail in my mission."
For a moment there, clutched against Bee's chest Sam forgot to breathe; his tears stopped and he simply felt. Shutting his eyes he allowed the energy within him, the source of an alien species, to flow through him into the being holding him so tightly. Light flashed in his mind's eye illuminating every spark, every single Cybertronian he'd ever met.
Faces swirled with memories of different sparks; there inside he saw friends, enemies and even the offline. It was then all too much and Sam freaked, pulling away as the light began to reach for him. Bee's voice however was all he needed to hear, the strong fingers intertwined with his own. "It's alright to be afraid as long as you don't let your fear doesn't rule you."
Names and titles came and went. The brush of the energy danced through his chest, his skin glowing blue. The light reflected off pale skin and golden paint and somewhere inside Sam touched himself. There small, but strong. A single light with tender trails spreading like webs. The connections, which tied him to Cybertronians as much it made him whole. His eyes shut, and he embraced it, letting the power flow.
The air of the garage was cool, but welcome to as Sam came back. Bee managed a gentle smile, his eyes somewhat dimmer, the trails connecting them fading from sight. He lifted his hand before their eyes pressing a small kiss to the boy's knuckles. To his own surprise, Sam did the same before leaning closer of his own volition a shy smile on his lips.
He wasn't afraid.
The sound of squealing tires and sudden flashing lights filled the space of the garage at once spoiling the brief interlude. Whirling to face the oncoming threat, Sam was horrified to see the Cybertronian known as Barricade unfolding from his root mode. Towering above the pair, the Decepticon chuckled leaning down to examine the petrified human. His jagged smile widened in recognition as Bumblebee started forward.
Extending a claw-tipped hand towards the boy, the interceptor inclined his head in a familiar gesture.
"Hello again fleshy."
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The wall shuddered under the impact of a Cybertronian fist and the resulting vibration kicking up a fine layer of sand from the Nevada desert. Brushing particulates from his shirt, Trent looked up at the Autobot and arched an eyebrow. The action was more out of habit than anything, but she could read his posture as easily as any woman he'd known.
"What?" her tone was clipped, but he shrugged it off. In the past couple of weeks he'd gotten pretty used at that sort of thing. The Army, despite his father's misgivings had taught him well. He'd relished the change, but admittedly missed a few things, people in particular.
"I came to see how you were."
"I'm fine." She growled back shifting her stance ever so slightly.
"I can see that." Trent replied lifting a hand to shield his face from the light of the setting sun.
"Then why are you still here?"
"If I left, I'd feel guilty about the property damage."
The flat look she gave him was universal in any language. "And your being here negates that how?"
Stepping forward he ignored the slight and pressed a hand to the femme's leg. "Let's go do something productive."
She hit the wall again, rattling them both as it quivered at her strike. She pulled back briefly examining her hand as well as revealing the new fist-sized dent in the wall of the base. Giving a low whistle the officer looked back up to his guardian with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Chomia?"
"I don't want to do something productive." she said softly, fingers curling at her side. It was a nervous habit he'd come to recognize as one of her major tells, a definite signal that something was indeed wrong.
"Then what do you want?"
Chromia whirled in the sand, the blue of her chassis shining in the light. Leaning down she looked into her human's face, her optics dimming ever so slightly. Leaning away she resumed her position and drew back a fist. "To break something,"
DeMarco wasn't bothered by the damage she was doing to the wall, what bugged him was fact he knew his 'baby' was deflecting. Peeling the green jacket from his shoulders, the former football star rapped upon the extended foot of the irritated Autobot. She gave him another look, but paused in her unceremonious attack of the wall.
"Come on then Darlin'," he drawled in a fair imitation of her adopted accent. "Go a round with me."
The look of disbelief on her face was well worth the sand that would be pooling in his shoes by nightfall. He smirked and moved to the much abused wall, loosening his tie.
Peering down at him, the lieutenant was not impressed. "Oh baby, I'd snap you in half."
"Wasn't that the point?"
She said nothing in return, settling down beside him in the warm sand. He took it as an invitation leaning against her arm as they looked over the desert. It had been a long time since he'd done it but it felt right, being close to her again. He had hated to leave her, but the army had been the best option for him. Despite her reservations Chromia had been supportive of his choice, way more than his dad had been. Trent had been surprisingly alright with that. It was his decision and he knew, staring up at the transformed beauty, that he'd made the right choice.
"Talk to me Chromi."
The endearment snapped the femme from her thoughts and drew her back to the situation at hand. Her charge, still in the green fatigues the US Armed forces favored, was a welcome sight even during such a chaotic time. She could easily say she had missed him, but that wasn't what he was asking for and they both knew it. "I spoke with Ironhide today."
"Is that why you're out here ruining your paintjob?"
She laughed, it was a callous sound so unlike her that the curious teen stared in disbelief.
"Chromia."
"He didn't know. He had absolutely no clue. Ironhide thought I was the one that died."
Pushing himself to his feet DeMarco circled the Autobot the confusion clear on his face. "Is that even possible?"
She shrugged in return. "I don't know and I don't care. Ratchet saved him-",
Her tone dropped at once and she shuttered her optics, leaning back against the wall. It creaked, but held fast, supporting the Hummer's shift in weight. "-that's all that matters."
"He's bonded to Ratchet, isn't he?"
The question as brusque as it was just happened to be what Chromia needed most. Looking down to her charge and friend she gave a small smile. "He is indeed."
"And you're alright with that?" he inquired, dropping to sit on her outstretched leg.
Was she, alright with it? With Ironhide and Ratchet being together? She would have to be. Hide had loved the medic ages before she'd bonded with him. He'd confessed to her and she'd loved him all the same, bonded with him that orn. Ratchet had congratulated them both and she accepted guiltily. He bore her no ill will, and now ages later, she could do the same.
She had to.
Now they were finally together; nothing was going to break them apart, least of all her.
"I am."
"So why the building abuse?"
"Just letting out some frustration." Even if she was happy for them, she still mourned the loss of her old love. It was only natural after all.
Trent on the other hand really didn't agree. "You can't let the past get to you, once a relationship is over it's over. If I was like that over every lost love. I wouldn't be the well adjusted soldier I am today."
"So you don't miss any of your Ex's?"
He was sure she was giving him another look, but he continued casually."Girls come and go but the only one that ever seemed all that important was my baby. "
"Do you really mean that?"
A smirk found his lips and he nodded, reaching to brush some of the bits of wall from her palm
She accepted the gesture and touched his hand with a finger. "You always know just what to say to make a girl weak in the knees."
"Then we'd better be glad you're sitting down."
She laughed, but stayed put; hand in hand with her partner.
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For once no one was injured, nothing was calling his attention and the base was blissfully silent. That combination of factors alone was more than enough for Ratchet to assume the tentative peace would be shattered in the near future. Tyger Pax, the base had been named by Prime after the Cybertronian city state where the last great battle of the Autobot-Decepticon War had taken place. It was both a reminder and a symbol; a beacon for all within its walls or at least it was supposed to be.
Heavy footfalls echoed in the hall, not only drawing the medic's attention, but proving his assumption correct. Turning towards the egress Ratchet found himself facing his gruff bondmate. One glance into those optics and he knew something wasn't quite right.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Never one to dance around a subject; Ironhide's directness was definitely one of the traits he'd come to appreciate from his bonded over the years
"Tell you what?" It was another one of those quirks that leant him the advantage in certain conversations
"About Chromia?"
There were about a hundred replies that he could make, but instead the medic stuck with the most applicable "Patient confidentiality Ironhide, you know I'm not allowed to divulge any information-"
At those words a firm hand gripped his shoulder, holding him there as the mech scowled. "To the Pit with that Ratch, I died."
Narrowing his gaze the Ratchet, pried the black fingers from his dermal plating. "I know."
"I shouldn't be standing here right now."
"But you are."
"Because of you."
The memories were of that instant were fresh in his processor; the twisted plates under his hands and the scent of fried circuitry, Energon leaking and pooling on the floor as he struggled to seal the wound. Ironhide had laid still and silent, dying in his arms as he'd run out of options, back up plans and prayers. Rage had nearly consumed him as he'd peeled back the officers' chest plates to reveal the dimming spark. It was then he did the only thing he could think of. The absolutely last thing he should have. The very thing medics were prohibited from ever doing.
He had gotten attached.
Their first joining had been anticlimactic, a drain on them both; but a risky gamble that had resulted in Ironhide's survival. As he'd risen from the berth there had been no explanation necessary. Not as their optic met in the bright lights of the medical bay. That had been so long ago, centuries before they had even come to Earth.
"Yes, Because of me."
"Why Ratchet."
Incredulous, the chartreuse medic stepped away, turning back to his tools away from the larger mech. "Why did I save you? I would have thought that it would have been obvious."
"No you imbecile." Striding closer Ironhide seized Ratchet again and pulled him against his frame leaving the medic surprised, shaking in his hands. "Why didn't you say anything?"
."It wasn't my place."
"Ofcourse it was, you're my bonded."
"And your former-?"
The medic's query was cut short as Ironhide gave a bark of laughter. "Is not a youngling. She can take care of herself."
Frustrated by the dismissal, he too began to wonder. Was it simply that easy? One of their kind simply could not survive the death of a bondmate. It wasn't possible, by Primus it shouldn't have been.
Growling irritably Ratchet turned faster than he intended crashing into the larger mech, who still refused to let him go."It's not that simple."
"Why not?"
"A spark bond is" Ratchet began before stopping cold."I shouldn't be explaining this to you Ironhide. Your spark took considerable damage, more than enough to kill you."
"It didn't"
"That is irrelevant at this point Hide. Did you ever consider what it may have done to your former bonded?"
Looking into the optics of the fidgeting medic Ironhide deigned to answer. "No."
"What?" Rattled to his spark, the CMO was stunned by his mate's words.
"Frankly it isn't any of my concern. I'm no medic"
Confusion and anger flicked through the chartreuse rescue vehicle. This was the last thing he'd expected. Ironhide had been bonded to Chromia, but was rather unconcerned about how or why he'd come to be bonded to the medic himself. He was more upset over the fact that no one had told him he'd died.
"Chromia-"
"-is a strong femme who obviously doesn't need what's left of the bond we shared."
"Damn it Hide. Let me finish."
Catching his hands, the Weapons Specialist absolutely refused. "She knew how I felt the day we bonded. Yes we cared for each other. We kept each other sane, but I loved you. Always have."
Leaning closer to the solid black frame of his bondmate, Ratchet simply struck him with the wrench clenched in his hand. Ignoring the yelps of pain and the fact such a tender moment had been utterly ruined, he finally launched it to what he'd been trying to say. "Chromia, don't interrupt me, has not rebonded. Her spark, wounded as it was at your death, has scarred. What she needs to do is soothe that hurt or it will adversely affect her for the rest of her life.
"So she needs to bond, is that all?"
"No, you walking pile of scrap-"
"As long as you understand I'm your walking pile of scrap."
The wrench dropped heavily on the floor and Ratchet glared. "I told you she can take care of herself and I meant it. I do believe she's being courted already."
Thumping his bonded solidly in the chassis, the medic gave him a small smile."And you approve of her consort?"
"It doesn't matter if I do or not, it's her choice after all." Ironhide shrugged, finally stepping back from his mate.
"Of course." Ratchet agreed.
"He's not too bad though."
"Neither are you, bonded, neither are you."
Any reply was silenced by the sudden wail of alarms through the base.
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Why wouldn't some one turn of that damned alarm?
Miles grit his teeth and hung on to the seat beneath him. He hated sirens; they always made him think of the night his sister had swallowed a bottle of pills because she thought they were candy. That had been so long ago, but the memory had stuck on the screaming ambulance and the panic in his heart.
Slowing in the hall, Sunstreaker turned into a nondescript garage; just like the one they'd occupied moments before. The base seemed filled with them, unfortunately for the three of them it was filled with Decepticons. Well, only two Decepticons, but that was more than enough.
Jumping from the overpriced sports car that had been flirting with him all afternoon, Miles stared across the room at the demonic looking form he'd come to know as Barricade standing over Bumblebee who rumbled nosily, shielding Sam where he stood. That was all he needed to see.
Rage welled within the blond and he drew a screwdriver from his pocket, advancing on the Decepticon just behind the mutilated cop car. He was going to get revenge or he was going to make somebody suffer. It was at this point his forward momentum was halted by a familiar red hand. Half turning to see Sideswipe, Miles scowled at him.
"He's ours, get Sam."
It was easier said then done, but the teen was willing to forgo violence as long as his best friend was alright. Darting forward he dropped down beside the transformation locked Camaro as Sunstreaker launched himself at Barricade. Grimacing, Milton dragged Sam backwards and rapped his knuckles against Bee's trunk as he passed. It was then as they scrambled for the relative safety of the door that a Bot intervened.
"Sunny Don't!"
Pulling up short the Lamborghini slowly circled his perceived opponent. "Jazz?"
The silver mech staggered forward, heavy damage marring his gorgeous frame."Leave him be. That's an order."
Pulling back to stand beside Bumblebee, the twins were dumbfounded. Did a direct command from a dead superior even count? Appearing very much alive, standing with a Decepticon the apparently resurrected mech was doing nothing to improve his creditability.
Cacophonic music blared from the Camaro's speakers and his engine roared threateningly. "Who'stoknowifyoursoulwillfadeatall,theoneyousoldtofooltheworld.Youlostyourselfesteemalongtheway".
The lieutenant ignored the barb, instead putting a reassuring hand to Barricade's chest as he faced his team mates. "It's not what you think."
Suddenly the alarms went dead and a restrained voice cut through the silence. "Then what is it, Jazz?"
Stalking past the human huddling in the doorway, the monochrome Autobot tactician stepped up to the base's apparent intruders. As he spoke, the very sound cut the silvered saboteur to the spark and he stiffened. In the unlit space, Jazz's cracked visor did nothing to disguise the color of his optics and he looked away unwilling to face the stern mech before him. His raised hand fell limply to his side and Barricade glared.
Scowling in return, the security officer addressed his present soldiers, door wings vibrating with barely restrained emotion."Detain them both and take them to the brig."
"Prowl, don't." Jazz entreated softly, hands clenched at his sides.
Those silver hands, he hadn't experienced their touch for so long. He'd thought, he'd known Jazz was dead, but suddenly he was there facing him. Prowl almost reached for him, but an unexpected push from the Decepticon snapped the officer to reality. He met Barricades optics and scowled at the difference in their height. It wasn't much, but he would have the disadvantage. Behind him the twins hesitated, but Prowl was in no mood for disobedience.
"Now." he commanded softly, optics narrowed dangerously.
Before them Barricade shifted, moving in front of the trembling Solstice, his stance protective as he shielded the bot from his 'friends'. Jazz accepted the defense, made no move to explain. He was practically hiding from the situation. It was rather unlike him, so much in fact that Prowl had no problem aiming a semi-automatic acidic rifle at the pair.
The impromptu stand off lasted mere seconds and ended with the abrupt entrance of Optimus Prime. Everyone turned, staring up at the sandy form as he strode elegantly through the bot-sized doorway, followed closely by Ironhide and Ratchet. Surveying the present inhabitants he laid a restraining hand to Prowl shoulder. "Hold on there. Let's see what's going on. I don't want any surprises."
His statement was no more redundant as he spotted the form of his lieutenant just beyond the Decepticon. Shock registered on the faces of his companions, but no one spoke as Prime took charge.
"Well I'll be-." He whispered an odd look stretching over his facial plates. "Jazz?"
A shy smile graced the smaller bots face and he lifted his head, saluting to his Prime. "Functional and reporting for duty sir."
Ratchet interrupted with a scowl. "The pit you are, you look worse than Ironhide after Kaiba-5."
Any rejoinder was silenced as Optimus addressed Barricade. "-and you? Why have you come here?"
Barricade moved slowly, dipping into a slight bow as he faced Prime, the red of his optics practically shining in the dark. "I've come to defect to the Autobots."
This explanation was unexpected, improbable, and most likely a trap, but Optimus was not known for seeing the worst in every situation. Looking from his lieutenant to the Decepticon, the flame emblazoned mech stepped closer. Prowl stepped aside to allow it watching the Decepticon warily as Miles shouldered his buddy towards the door, pausing briefly to salute to Ratchet as he passed. The medic spared his student a curious glance and signaled for Sideswipe to follow the boy, as Prime began to speak.
"You expect me to believe that you've come to defect, here and now, after all this time?"
"Yes, I do."
Closing the distance between them Optimus stared down the Saleen, taking in the damage marring his frame and that of the Autobot behind him.
"Jazz?"
"It's true." the silver bot whispered, meeting the gaze of his commanding officer.
Even so, Prime wasn't wholly convinced. Putting a hand to the shoulder of the Cybertronian in question, he asked again; the query in his voice was more of a demand than an analysis.
"Why are you defecting? Explain."
Lifting his head, Barricade faced the Prime, Supreme Commander of the Autobots, a mech who despite appearances could be just as terrifying as Megatron himself. Sneering back at the ever pious mech, he reached behind him and pulled Jazz to his side as he answered. "I came to be with my bondmate".
As much as that statement stunned the present Cybertronians, their reactions were no where near as strong or as violent as Prowl's. Abandoning his weapon, the mech threw himself at the Con, knocking them to the floor as he attacked with the intent to kill.
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Bumblebee was silent while Miles worked twisting the wrench, replacing the missing transformation cog.
His hands were quick and dexterous, a testament to his skill and his teacher. Bee wasn't so focused on the human working with his internal systems, but rather Sam across the room. Though Sam had yet to move, his body occasionally flickered with energy, but that was nothing new. It had started weeks ago after his hectic return, only happened when he dreamt, but that was alright. It just meant he was the only one to see it.
He'd taken to watching Sam when he slept, only when he was too fatigued to stay awake. He soothed him through the nightmares, the screaming fits that could wake the dead; but never stayed too long. He only wanted to be with him any way he could. If he could just stay by his side.
Miles swore aloud and slammed the mech's hood, jarring him from his mental processes. The low whine Bee gave was enough to earn an apologetic look, but no more as the blond scrambled to the pink tool chest in the middle of the room.
Activating his holoformation Bee signaled to Sideswipe, curious about the sudden excitement.
"Prowl just went nuts and attacked Barricade."
"Why? Not that I'm complaining."
Confused the mech answered the query almost as if he himself wasn't sure "Apparently Jazz is his bondmate and he's kicking the slag out of Prowl."
Surprised, the yellow Camaro eased forward, ready to come to the aid of his teammate. A metallic rap to his hood and he cut his engine; once he caught sight of Miles clutching his projection in a headlock.
"Don't even think about it. He'll be just fine. I need you stay and do me a favor any way."
Turning curious eyes to Miles, Bee nodded as best he could, pressed into the teen's cotton shirt. "Stay here and watch Sam?"
All at once, the very notion of doing anything else seemed to fade and he agreed, holding a thumbs-up for emphasis. Miles released him and jogged for the door and the impatiently waiting Lamborghini beyond it.
"He'll probably be out for a bit, but the instant his condition changes call someone."
He nodded once more, before turning away and moving to the Sam's side, taking the boy's hand into his as he knelt beside the bed. He was pale against the sheets, much like he'd been so long ago, his chest cracked open as it had cradled the All Spark.
He'd been so terrified then, hadn't understood why. Hadn't recognized the strange attachment he felt for the human. Optimus had said it would take time, and as usual he was right. He knew now, staring at the boy's features softened with sleep.
He knew.
He loved this boy more than any other. When things settled, he would ask. He would tell him how he felt, no music, no running. He'd do it properly and ask him to be his mate. No matter the answer he'd love him forever and that was all that mattered. Sam shifted in his sleep, eyelashes fluttering slightly as his breathing evened. A smile crossed Bee's face. He was beautiful.
Rising slowly he leaned over his charge, smoothing a finger over Samuel's face. It happened at once and he moved, reaching to press it over pale lips to finish what he'd started. Stirring beneath him, the teen made a soft sound, his fingers curling against the bed as Bee pressed against him. Nothing, no arguments and no tears, Sam was soft beneath him, sighing sweetly as he pulled lifted him from the bed. Sam shook against him, but the look in those sleep-hazed eyes more than made up for it. He had to touch him. It was what he'd wanted since Sam had first confessed.
"Bee." he hissed drowsily.
"Shh."
"But I want-"
"Anything." the Autobot agreed, trailing a finger along bared skin.
"Don't leave me."
"Don't worry Sam, I'm not going anywhere."
Warm hands found his in the silence and his spark fluttered with joy. Bowing his head he kissed the teen again, unwilling to let him go. "I promise."
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Optimus was surprised and it was a far from a pleasant one.
The brig.
His highest ranking officer was in the brig. The concept itself was so foreign that he was having a hard time processing it. Alone in his quarters, Optimus could only wonder how such a thing had come to pass. Prowl in the brig.
No matter how it was said he still found it difficult to grasp. His second was in the brig; He'd taken Barricade down, but had frozen at Jazz's anxious protests. The entire situation was becoming increasingly complicated.
The desertion was real, no doubt about it.
Pride and fear of Megatron wouldn't let it be anything else. Not even he would resort to such underhanded means. And the victorious look in Barricade's optics as he'd admitted the fact clinched it. There was no reason to lie, if the truth was more devastating.
That meant above all, Jazz was indeed bonded to the interceptor. Ratchet was with him now, taking the time the confusion allowed to examine the revived bot. His return was a surprise, but rather welcome in the recent uncertainty. No matter the circumstances he could be trusted to keep order, or to at least try.
He'd said nothing of any Decepticon attack or new plan, rather unusual when one considered Megatron's usual behavior. Things were too quiet. The Decepticons had not yet mobilized, or even issued threats. Something was definitely wrong.
It was difficult to determine a course of action.
Megatron was not utilizing his usual methods, which meant something big was afoot. And with most of his command staff injured or otherwise distracted, Optimus worried about the outcome of the next battle. There was no certainty of survival, but allowing Megatron to claim the All Spark, to grasp Sam was inexcusable.
The boy, Megatron had always gone after Sam. He wanted the power the teen held above all else. Did the fact he hadn't attacked again mean that he had what so desired? No, that was impossible. Sam wouldn't be alive if that power had been taken. It was apart of him now as much as sparks were a part of them, if not more.
Sighing to himself Optimus found himself considering Skyfire's words. He had to speak with Sam and it would be best if he did it soon. The very fate of both of their races depended on how they reacted in the next few hours.
Megatron would stop at nothing and by Primus they would have to do the same. Samuel was still in medbay recovering under the watchful eye of his guardian. Bee wished to remain by his side until the end, and there was no reason to deny him that. Theirs was a young bond yes, but it was one that could quite possibly withstand anything it faced. So long as they remained true to each other.
Prime allowed it; there was no call to reject such support on the basis of convention or propriety. It was becoming rather prevalent in fact, humans seeking connections with Cybertronians or vice versa. Long ago such involvement with an alien species wouldn't have been tolerated. How things had changed since the golden age.
Quick foot falls and his momentary peace was shattered by humans rushing into the room. Snapping a immediate salute Mikaela Banes addressed the Prime breathing heavily as she did. "Optimus, we've got a problem-"
Beside her Reginald Simmons interrupted just as out of breath, but far more irritated about it than his companion."Do you even check your messages? I mean, is it that hard to actually look? Why do we even have your number if you're not going to even-
The Prime silenced the man with a large finger to his lips, Simmons flushed red, but he ignored that his expression that much graver. "What do you have to report?"
Taking a deep breath, Mikaela matched his expression. "Our intelligence suggests that the Decepticons are on the move-"
"And by God we'd better be ready, cause they're bringing the fight to us."