Once again, I'm sorry I took long to write this. I'm a gamer, and when Destiny 2 came out, I spent a lot of my time playing the game for Xbox and PS4, and felt completely lazy to write a new chapter. I did wrote a few, but it didn't save and I lost everything. I felt discourage and decided to take a break. So I hope this can make up.

Chapter 32: Bonds Beyond Time

Heatwave found himself a secluded forest, far away from town. As soon as he transformed to his Bot form, he punched a nearby tree, knocking it down. He could feel his spark clenching painfully in his chamber. The look on Sam's face… the way he looked at him like he's a complete strange…it really hurts him.

He thought back on the promise they both made back on Cybertron. Before he left Cybertron with this team on a routine patrol. Heatwave knew it would be an extremely very long trip, and Sam had said he would return to where he came from and they won't see each other for a very long the two made a promise to never forget each other.

After Optimus told them about the war that ravaged Cybertron and the deaths of their people, he was afraid he had lost Sam. The strange little creature that came up to him when he was down in the dumps, the one that helped him open up to others, the one that convinced him to stay at the academy just when he was about to quit. The image of his lifeless body was enough to make him cry out in anguish. The first person to ever call a friend dead on their lifeless planet. But he kept it bottled up. No one must ever known of his existence. That was the one thing Sam told him, to keep his presence a secret.

But that didn't stopped him from sneaking out of the firehouse and into an abandoned cave to scream out his pain, to mourn his death. He prayed to Primus and the AllSpark, he begged for them to bring him back, to bring back his first friend. As if his prayers were answered, he and Kade received a call from Cody about a Sam Witwicky visiting and staying at their place for the time being. Wanting to see this for himself, Heatwave rushed back to the firehouse to meet his dearest friend, ignoring Kade's cries. His spark jumped for joy when he spotted Sam staring at him. Many years has passed and he still looks the same.

But after all that excitement, it turns out that Sam had broken his promise; to never forget each other. Spark-broken, he drove off to the forest to vent out his anger, by punching down defenseless trees. Repeating that scene in his memory banks just fueled his anger. He blindingly punched every single tree, asking himself why Sam forgotten all about him over and over, until he punched something hard. He hadn't realized he had his optics shut. As he regained his vision, he saw that he had just about to punch Optimus Prime if he hadn't grabbed his fist.

"I'm extremely sorry, Optimus, sir!" He quickly pulled back his arm and stood up straight. "I'll accept any punishment for the assault, sir!"

"No need, Heatwave. At ease." Optimus rubbed his hand that Heatwave punched. "I've been wondering why you're up here alone, and not spending time with the Burns family?"

Heatwave paused for a moment to try and come up with a way to explain his situation, without exposing Sam. How is he going to explain about a human that once walked on Cybertron to a Prime? "You see…I met someone back on Cybertron, and he happens to be here on Earth."

"This is about Sam." Optimus stated. Heatwave gave a surprised look. Before he could ask about his knowledge of Sam, Optimus answers his unspoken question. "I was the one who brought him here. I wanted Sam to meet with the Rescue Bots. But it seems something happened with you and Sam to have left the firehouse in a hurry. Mind explaining what had transpired and how long you've known Sam?"

Heatwave told him about how he met Sam, how he convinced him to stay at the academy, the promise the two made, up until the firehouse where he stormed out because Sam had forgotten him.

Optimus nodded, listening to every detail of the story. Once he finished, it was Optimus's turn to explain everything he knows about Sam. "Heatwave, what I'm about to tell you will answer your questions you have about Sam, and why he was on Cybertron."

"Dinner is serve!"

The Bots, Sam, and Chief Burns arrived at the station's bunker with plates on their hands. The stomachs of the Burns Family growled loudly at the sight of delicious food: T-bone steak, rice with demi-glace sauce on the side, and honey glazed smoked ham. As soon as Chase placed the last plate on the table, the group all groaned at the sight of lobster.

"There is no way I'm going to eat that!" Kade said in disgust. After what happened at the Lobster Festival, he just might be allergic to seafood.

"How about I shove a knuckle sandwich down your throat?" Sam has his fist right up Kade's face, ready to shove it down.

"Actually, lobsters sounds lovely." Kade grabbed a piece of the lobster and smiled nervously at Sam. The others agreed with Kade and each grabbed a piece, feeling slightly terrified of Sam.

"Now be nice to Sam. He's the one who prepped all this food for us." Their father said as he takes a seat next to Sam.

"If you needed help in the kitchen, you could've ask us. We be glad to help out." Graham offered kindly.

"It's an easy task. Now eat up. And don't be shy to ask for seconds. There's plenty enough for thirds or fourths."

"You should've made more. My stomach is like a black hole. No matter how much I eat, I still have room for more." Kade spoke boastfully, showing off his arrogant smirk of his. "In fact, I have gone undefeated in every eating contest we had."

Sam was about to take his bite before stopping midway. He placed his fork on his plate in an elegant manner. "Undefeated, you say? You were going up against amateurs, but you never faced me in a eating contest."

"Is that a challenge I hear?" Kade stood up and leaned over the table. Sam did the same as well.

"You bet."

The two are staring eye-to-eye, shooting electricity out from their eyes, if possible. Neither one of them ever budging from their spot. Their staring contest was ended by the Chief.

"Now, now. Save it for the next eating contest. Tonight, let's just enjoy a nice dinner."

The two boys sat down and started stuffing their mouths with food. As the family started talking to each other, Sam's eyes would wander to the passageway Heatwave took when he stormed off. After rescuing Breakdown, he couldn't help but worry about Heatwave's safety. Who knows if Silas knows about this place, or if he knows about the Rescue Bots.

"Something on your mind?"

Sam snapped out from his thoughts. He looked at Chief Burns who was staring at him with a questioning look. "I'm worried about Heatwave."

"He's a big bot. He can take care of himself." Kade said without a care.

"He's right." Chief Burns patted Sam's shoulder in a reassuring way. "Heatwave knows the rules about staying hidden. Just give him time to cool down and then he'll return in no time."

"And in case he forgets, I would like to apologize on Heatwave's behalf for his behavior. He is not one to apologize for anything." Chase added.

"Yeah. He's as stubborn as Kade." Dani pointed at Kade, laughing at his confusion.

"Ok." Sam looks unconvinced. MECH took down Breakdown while his guard was down. So it won't be a hassle for them to take down Heatwave. But then again, if Heatwave stays anywhere near public area, then MECH won't be dumb enough to strike where there will be witnesses.

"So, Sam. Why don't you tell us about yourself?" Chief Burns asked. He could sense Sam's feeling discomfort, so he hoped having Sam tell everyone about himself would help.

Sam smiled at Chief Burns and began to tell his story and adventures he has had with Optimus and his team. The fact the he knows Optimus and his team has gotten them really excited, including the Bots. Everyone started asking him many questions, all at the same time. As Sam does his best to answer their questions, his mind would wander to Heatwave. Hopefully, Optimus finds him and keeps him companied.

"Who would've thought our Sam was a time traveler." Heatwave said in amusement.

Optimus nodded. "That is why the present Sam cannot know that in the near future, he will stumble across the Sword of Vector Prime and travel back in time to Cybertron, before it was ravaged by war."

"Understood." That came a total relief to him. The only reason Sam didn't recognized him was that this Sam hasn't traveled back in time. That pained feeling he was getting in his spark disappeared. "I never knew we had that kind of technology to travel back in time."

"We don't. The Sword contains Vector Prime's power to travel across time and space. Vector Prime knew of the dangers that could happen should his sword falls in the hands of the Fallen. If he does, then he can conquer worlds through time and space, and manipulate history. Before his untimely death, he tossed his sword into vast region of space, hoping it will never falls into the wrong hands."

"If that's the case, why not destroy it."

"I've asked the same thing. But according to Alpha Trion, Vector Prime believes someone can put it to good use."

"Like Sam." Heatwave thought out loud. Optimus nodded in agreement. "But I thought the sword can only be used by a Prime. Sam is definitely not a Prime."

"No, but we have reason to believe it was the will of the AllSpark. But Alpha Trion dismissed the idea."

It still comes a shock to Heatwave as to how Sam became a vessel of the AllSpark. At first, he didn't believed it. But looking back, it mostly explains Sam's weirdness and his powerful smack. He could still feel a dent on his head. "With all this information, what's our next move?"

"I have a new assignment for you and your team, Heatwave." Optimus spoke with such powerful authority. "I will permit Sam to visit on the island. But when he does, you and your team are to protect Sam, at all cost. Is that understood?"

Heatwave gave Optimus a salute. "Optimus, I understand how important Sam is to you and your team. Sam is important to me, too. After everything he has done for me back on Cybertron, I would offer up my spark to protect him."

Optimus could see such fierce loyalty in Heatwave's optics. Not just to him, but to Sam as well. The time traveling Sam never told him about his secret meeting with Heatwave, but he was glad that Sam bended the rules and interacted with Heatwave. He turned out to be a great soldier. "Thank you, Heatwave. That's all I wanted to hear."

Heatwave started to look worried. "I somewhat lashed out on Sam for thinking that he broke our promise. Do you think he'll forgive me?"

"Heatwave, Sam has a gentle and kind spark. He will forgive you. I guarantee it."

Heatwave wanted to say otherwise, but kept his mouth shut. He fears what Optimus might do to him if he badmouths Sam. He could think of a few words that describes Sam beside gentle and kind: bossy, nagging, abusive…very abusive. That kid sure packs a punch. But if it wasn't for him, he wouldn't be standing here, as a Rescue Bot.

"Forgive me, Optimus, but I need to get going. I need to apologize Sam for my outburst and hopefully be friends with him, again."

"From what you have told me, Heatwave, it is essential for you to reforge the bond you once had with the other Sam. Should the time come for Sam to travel back in time and decides not to interact with you, Rescue Force Sigma-17 will be no more." Optimus spoke gravely.

"Understood." Heatwave completely understands. Sam was the one who convinced him to join the academy in the first pace. He wanted to be a Wrecker or a Lobbing player, but Sam's persistence into joining the Rescue Bot Academy is what finally made him join the academy. He never liked it at first and was thinking of leaving the place. But he stayed because he didn't want to disappoint Sam. And he was glad he did stayed. If he hadn't met Sam, he, and the rest of his team, would probably be dead.

The family and Sam had just finished eating their dinner and starting to clean up. As the Burns family are picking up the dishes and cleaning the tables, Sam decides to use this moment to head out to look for Heatwave. He was quickly spotted by Chase's eagle eye.

"Halt, Mr. Witwicky. Where are you going?"

Sam looked back at Chase with determination set on his face. "I'm going to look for Heatwave and bring him back."

Kade groaned in annoyance. "I've already told you he can take care of himself. Just leave him be. If he doesn't want to come back, then good riddance."

Sam drew out his blade and pointed at Kade. The Rescue Bots moved to defend the Burns Family from him. While the kids hid behind the Bots, Chief Burns was the only one showing no fear, moving slowly and stopping halfway to try and calm Sam.

"Easy there, Sam. No need to act violent." He said in a calm and soothing tone.

"You don't know what's like out there, away from your little island." His tone was cold and emotionless. "There is a war out there. We've lost one Autobot. Cliffjumper, my uncle. Killed by a Decepticon while he was out there on patrol, alone. I see the Autobots as my family, including the Rescue Bots. And it hurts to see any of them badly injured. The fear of losing them terrifies me to the core. The Deceptions are not the only enemies we have here on this planets. Humans, too. Dangerous ones. And I'm not going to allow any of them to harm my family!"

Everyone stayed silent as new information starts to sink in. The Rescue Bots already know about the fight against the Decepticons, but for the Burns Family, guilt wash over them. They were so used to the happy life on Griffin Rock and being friends with alien robots, they failed to understand the true dangers lurking just across the ocean. They were already told about their dead planet, they didn't really gave much thought as to how bad it truly was. Or how their lives would be in peril should the war end up here.

Before Sam could lash out any more hurtful word, he starts speed walking to the tunnel Heatwave took. He didn't made much steps as he spotted a red firetruck approaching his way. Relief washed over him as he spotted the Autobot insignia. As soon as he arrived, he transformed back to his Bot mode.

"Hey, guys. Did I missed the party?" He asked quite casually. It's as if he storm out with an angry huff.

"Heatwave, where have you been? You know you can't drive around without someone on the driver seat. People will get suspicious if they see you guys without a driver." Chief Buns has his arms crossed and looking at him sternly.

"I know. That's why I went to the other side of the island to calm myself down. I was there with Optimus. He can vouch for me."

"Optimus is here on the island?" Cody asked in excitement. Even his siblings are interested in getting a chance to meet with the Autobot leader. The Bots told some stories about the Primes, and getting to meet someone important is like meeting with a celebrity.

"Yeah. He's out on a personal mission." Heatwave spotted the person he was looking for. He walked up to Sam and kneeled down. "Sam, I would like to say I'm sorry for my attitude earlier."

"Heatwave apologizing?" Blades whispers tauntingly. "So it's true. Behind that angry, pouty, and tough guy personality, he just a big softy."

Heatwave heard Blades's comment and gave him his popular growling and his sharp, piercing gaze. Blades quickly hid behind Boulder and laughed nervously. "Anyway…" He returned his gaze back at Sam, who was smiling at him. He couldn't fight back a small smile that's beginning to form. "You reminded me of someone I met back on Cybertron. Surprisingly, had the same name yours, and he looks like you. I miss him, and seeing you got me all worked up. I thought I get to see my long lost friend."

"I didn't know there were humans on Cybertron, one that looks like me and has the same name."

"It was a Mini-con." He added. Good thing he created a made-up story before he returned to the bunker. "He was bossy, nags too much, and, Primus, was he so annoying when I first met him."

"That sounded like you're insulting me." Sam said with a pout.

Ah, yes. Heatwave misses that look. The look that says, "Watch what you say next, or you'll be getting my fist". Thinking back, he sure miss those punches and slaps. "What I wanted to say is, I want us to start over, be friends. What do you say?"

Sam didn't need to think it over. The reason he came to Griffin Rock was to be friends with the Rescue Bots and the family they are working with. And seeing that Heatwave is sincere of being friends, he couldn't have been happier than ever. "I would very much like that, Heatwave."

Heatwave lowered his hand down a bit to allow Sam to grab hold of his finger, and the two locked gazes, each feeling happy. There were a few Aw's coming from Dani and Blades, but they choose to ignore them. When Sam let go of Heatwave's finger, he notices his hand all sticky.

Heatwave let out a chuckle at Sam's disgusted look. "Sorry about that. Those darn kids, climbing all over me with those sticky hands and dropping their ice cream on me."

"Looks like someone needs a carwash." Sam declares. And in a blink of an eye, Heatwave already transformed back into his vehicle mode, letting out a few happy honks. Sam is amused to see Heatwave acting like Bumblebee when he's getting a wash. "Okay, calm your jets. Meet me at the courtyard while I get the supplies."

He didn't need to be told. He was already at the lift in record time, with his team right behind him asking questions. He remembers the first time the other Sam gave him a wash. It was as if all the stress in the world suddenly disappeared from his gears. Getting a carwash from Sam is better than any of the cleaning station back on Cybertron.

As Heatwave heads outside, Sam looks at the eldest sibling with a smirk. "Since you guys offered to help me in the kitchen, I have a job for you three."

The three felt uneasy at Sam's smirk, already fearing what job he has for them. When they arrived at the kitchen with the dirty dishes at hand, they let out a gasp at the sight of many piles of dirty pots and pans. There are some at the table, counter, and even the sink is buried under the many stacks of cookware. Kade and Dani glared angrily at Graham for opening his big mouth.

Heatwave has been letting out moans of pleasure as Sam soaps him up with the sponge. He hasn't felt like this in the many cycles he's been in space. Now that he's reunited with Sam, he can just call him up whenever he needs a wash. Because definitely Kade won't even bother to do it. Not that he wants him to.

He looks to his right to see Blades somewhat getting the same treatment from Cody and his father, while Chase and Boulder waits for their turn. Blades has gotten petty jealous of his special treatment, he begged Sam to wash him. Not wanting to share Sam, he asked Cody and Chief Burns for assistance. And that's where they are now. Heatwave being washed by the master, while Blades is being washed by unprofessionals.

Once the washing and waxing is done, he transforms back to his Bot mode to admire Sam's superb work. "Don't I look so good?"

Sam just rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you look handsome."

"Hey, Sam!" Chief Burns calls out to him. "Why don't you hand me your wet clothes? I'll give you some of Kade's to wear in the meantime."

"Sure. I'll be right back, Heatwave." He made his way back inside the firehouse and up the stairs. From there, he passed by the three eldest siblings washing the dishes while arguing. Once he went in the bathroom, he decided to take a hot shower while the Chief picks some spare clothes.

A few minutes have passed since Sam entered into the shower, Chief Burns passes by his arguing kids to bring Sam a shirt and sweatpants that Kade outgrew. Not knowing Sam is in the middle of a shower, he opens the bathroom door. That was a huge mistake on his part. For once he opened that door, he was greeted by Sam's naked back. Sam, not knowing Chief Burns gawking right behind him, bends down to dry off his legs. What Chief saw was the most delectable cheeks in the world. And if he were to look closely, he could get a good view of what's between those cheeks.

Chief Burns felt something dripping from his nose. Knowing what it was, he placed the clothes next to the sink and dashed off, slamming the door behind. Sam was startled by the noise, and he looked back to see only the spare clothes that was left behind. Sam just shrugged and started to put on the clothes. As for the Chief, he locked himself in his bedroom to try and get rid of those perverted thoughts running in his head.

Sam took the elevator down to the bunker, and was greeted by Cody. "How long will you be staying?" He asked.

"Until tomorrow, maybe." He replied. "We need to go back to continue our fight against the Decepticons."

"I see." Cody was slightly sadden that he wasn't able to hang out more with Sam and learn from him about how to bond with the Autobots. His three siblings still needs to learn how to work with them and be friends.

"Now don't you feel bad." Sam playfully ruffles Cody's hair. "I plan on visiting. And if you guys need any human help, you could have the Bots contact Optimus and he'll patch me to you and I'll be here right away."

"I will."

"Hey, Cody!" Chief Burns stood next to the elevator. His face still shows a tint of blush after seeing Sam in the bathroom. That memory will haunt him forever. "Time for bed."

Cody groans. "Guess it's time to hit the hay. Where are you going to be sleeping, Sam."

"He's going to take my bed, and I'll be taking the couch." Chief Burns replied.

Sam shook his head in disagreement. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll take the couch. I'm the guest, after all."

"A special guest. I don't mind taking the couch. My wife used to make me sleep on the couch, so I'm used to it."

Before Sam could argue anymore, Heatwave stepped in with an offer. "Chief, Sam could sleep in my cab."

"Are you sure?"

Heatwave nodded. "I don't mind. I could adjust the seat into a makeshift bed to give Sam room to sleep comfortably."

"If that's okay for Sam." He looks at Sam and saw he was nodding his head in agreement. "Alright. Sweet dreams." He gave an awkward pat on his shoulder His eyes staring at Sam's forehead. He can't trust himself looking at Sam in the eyes, not after that incident. He quickly left the bunker before those perverted thoughts returns.

"Are you sure you want me to sleep inside your vehicle mode?" He asked with uncertain. "I really don't want to be a bother, and you probably like to move around rather than being stuck in one place."

"I don't mind at all." Heatwave transformed to his vehicular mode and opened his door to allow Sam in. A smile grew on Sam's face and allowed himself inside. He saw the seats pulled back into a bed. He got comfortable and laid on his back. "Let me turn on the heater so you won't get cold."

"Thanks, Heatwave. You're the best." Being inside Heatwave reminds him of Optimus. It's so warm and comfy, and he feels completely safe. He could feel his eyelids getting heavier by the second. "Goodnight, Heatwave." He whispered before he fell into a deep sleep.

"Night, Sam. Good to see you again." He gave a warmth smile. He had already sent word to his team about Sam's sleeping arrangement, and agreed to remain quiet and stay on the ground floor. There were some complaints from Blades, but he threaten him to shut up.

Moments later, Dani arrives with a blanket and a pillow at hand. "Heatwave, my dad told me to bring this to Sam."

"Sam's already asleep, so be careful." He spoke in hush tone as he opened the door for her.

Dani stepped in and carefully placed the pillow under his head and covered him with the blanket. "Maybe we should have Sam here more often. You're turning to be more of a softy." She playfully teases Heatwave. She giggled when Heatwave gave a quiet murmur. "Goodnight, Heatwave." She left the two alone and returned back to her bedroom.

With the lights off and with the sounds of the soft snores from Sam, Heatwave decides to power down for a bit, as well. He agrees with Dani on the first part: They should have Sam here more often. That way, he can keep an eye on Sam, protect him, and make sure they forge a bond that will soon go beyond time. He owes everything to Sam and the path he led him to. The path of a Rescue Bot and saving people. Most of all, he met some great people he can call friends.

But not Kade. Kade can kiss the backside of a space slug back on Cybertron.