The "B" Word
...
It was a Thursday when Aria went back to work. A morning shift, at that. She sat at the table, half looking at a poetry book, half watching whatever nonsense was on TV that Wheelie abandoned.
Ironhide insisted he take her to work the day before, and arranged to appear in the living room at seven. He'd come back every day since archery practice, so they came up with some ground rules when it came to randomly teleporting into her house. Last thing she needed was to be in the middle of changing and Ironhide popping up in her bedroom.
In preparation, she'd let Sirius outside.
Her skin prickled just as the holoform materialized in the same spot he did before near the table.
"No mutt?" he questioned, glancing around.
"Good morning to you too."
He hummed, his eyes only met hers briefly before finding the open book under her hand. "Poetry?"
"Yes, Edgar Allen Poe, to be exact."
Ironhide sat down. "And what does he speak of?"
Aria slid the book over to him. He took it, pinching the page awkwardly and flipping it. It was probably the first time he'd touched a book, but he managed not to tear the delicate pages.
"Annabel Lee," He read. "That's the same name as William's child."
Who now?
"Oh, Colonel Lennox's daughter. Yeah, it's a semi common girls name."
If Ironhide heard her, he didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he squinted at the page and began to read.
"It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;"
His voice was robotic, but his face fluctuated through a volley of confused expressions.
"And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me."
He stopped.
"Well what do you think?"
"She lived with no other thought than to be loved by him? That does not seem realistic."
"It's poetry, remember? You're not supposed to take everything literally."
Ironhide hummed again, going back to scanning the words on the page.
Aria got up and called Wheelie from the base of the stairs. "I'm going now!"
She went to put on her shoes at the door.
"And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee."
He looked back at her. "What does that mean?"
"It's a metaphor for their love. Even though she died, he will continue to love her. And death itself can't truly keep them apart."
Ironhide joined her at the door. "So souls are a metaphor to humans?"
"Kind of? Some people do believe in them. They're like our life essence and makes up who we are." Aria let Sirius back in as they left the house.
When she turned back to Ironhide, she was met with his intense gaze. "Do you believe in souls?"
"Are you testing me, Ironhide?" Aria smirked at him as they began their way to the bus stop. "I don't believe humans have souls, but that doesn't mean I believe the same goes for Cybertonians. That's what your spark is, right? Your soul."
"Did Wheelie tell you that?"
"He did. The day we met."
"And what brought up such an intimate conversation between you and that scrap drone?"
"I had Jetfire's spark in my livingroom."
Ironhide made a similar face to Wheelie that very day.
"I didn't know what it was!"
"Then why did you take it?"
"I…didn't want to leave him behind."
"Where is it now?" Ironhide spoke considerably softer.
"I buried it in the garden by the steps."
Ironhide nodded, looking ahead. "A human burial."
"Yeah, sorry. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want to tell you guys."
"You are correct about our souls," he said after a moment. "They make up who we are, what we look like, what we feel. And once we die, our sparks join the others in the afterlife. If you cared enough about Jetfire to bury his spark here, then I know he watches over you."
That was if he hadn't forgotten about her again. She smiled non the less.
"Is that why I had to rescue you, then? You were mourning at his death?"
"I didn't even realize it was you. When you grabbed me, and then when you drove me to the ship."
"You went through a lot that day. I barely recognize you from that girl in Egypt. To think, I would become her chauffeur."
"Chauffeur? Not sure if you noticed, we're at a bus stop."
Ironhide made a half hearted humph as he scanned around the area of the bus stop. From the houses to the trees and back to the road.
"Did you see something?" she asked, sitting down at the bench.
"No."
Still, he looked around.
It wasn't the first time he'd done this. He did it before, after archery practice. Then again the day after. And now today. Was he worried he was going to be caught? Her first guess was one of the Autobots was onto him, but it wasn't her place to ask.
"Do you want to sit down?"
"No."
Yeah, one of the Autobots was definitely onto him. That was the perfect opportunity for him to make a comment to embarrass her.
There was only one option left.
She leaned down and rubbed her ankle.
Sure enough, Ironhide was at her side a second later. "Are you alright?"
She resisted the urge to smile at her victory. "Yeah, wrapped it up for extra support. Last thing I need is to trip and fall over with a crowd of people nearby."
"But it doesn't hurt after walking?"
"Ah, a little bit."
"Would you be able to run if you had to?"
The question came out of nowhere and his tone didn't suggest it was a joke, either. "Huh?"
"From the crowd of people you fall in front of? Or will I have to come carry you again?"
"Ironhide?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
He grinned.
The bus arrived a couple minutes later. They sat down in the same spots as their previous ride last week.
There were quite a few people on the bus. Many recognizable from Aria's other unfortunate morning shifts.
As per usual, Ironhide didn't talk much when other people were around. Perhaps because he didn't want to draw any more attention to himself, or maybe he was just uncomfortable around strangers.
Not that she blamed him, at least three of the other women on the bus stared at him shamelessly throughout most of the ride. A pair that sat together would occasionally stop for a moment in order to whisper and giggle to each other.
Seeming to read her mind, Ironhide's holoform leaned in. "What is wrong with those females?"
It took Aria a moment to reel in her thoughts that seemed to fall out of her brain at the sound of his low voice so close.
She then turned her head to whisper back, "They think you're attractive." She tried her best to keep her tone indifferent.
His eyes slid down to meet hers. "Do you think I am attractive?" he asked with a poker face.
Aria opened her mouth and then closed it again. What the hell was she supposed to say to that? She couldn't tell if he was being serious or not thanks to that damned neutral expression he wore.
She reached up to fiddle with her glasses. "I mean—uh, objectively you would be considered attractive, but it's completely s-subjective who an individual finds physically appealing, and uh..."
"That doesn't answer my question," he said, quirking his lip.
Aria broke eye contact. "Err, yes? I mean your holoform is," she clarified more to herself than anyone.
"Don't worry, Aria. It does not affect me either way," he chuckled deeply as he followed her gaze out the window. "It does explain why so many females bought me drinks while I watched over you though."
Aria couldn't help but let out a huff of laughter. Okay, that was funny.
...
Ironhide walked Aria straight up to the front doors of the museum. He told her he would be back that afternoon to see her during her lunch break, you know, in case he needed to carry her.
After parting, she glanced over her shoulder to see Ironhide's holoform disappear into the crowd and out of existence.
She walked straight to the offices, locating Mark's door labelled Maintenance Manager. She gave a gentle knock before entering. Immediately Mark looked up from his monitor and smiled.
"Ah, there's my favourite head janitor!"
His fake enthusiasm was a joke.
Aria crossed her arms. "Nice to see you too, Mark."
"There's that glowing attitude we all love. Anyway, I want you to work close to Eli today. Don't want my star janitor hurting herself again."
"Okay." She resisted rolling her eyes.
"Good, try not to have too much fun." He winked.
Aria scoffed and exited the office. Mark seemed to think her and Eli had a thing and it was getting pretty annoying. At least Wheelie had moved on to teasing her about Ironhide.
"Hey, Aria!" Eli greeted when she found him in the storage closet sitting at the little table in the back.
"How've you been?" Aria returned his grin, grabbing her jumpsuit and putting it on over her clothes.
"Bored without you."
Aria sat down across from the lanky boy. "Aren't you always bored?"
"True." He nodded. "Speaking of boring, my car's at the mechanics."
"How's that related to boring?"
"My dad's lending me his."
"What is it? Something cool?"
Eli raised his chin. "Brand new Toyota Camry. Six cylinder. Over a hundred horses."
"Wow," Aria deadpanned.
"I know right? Want to go joy riding after work?"
He looked way too excited about a Camry. "Uh, no?"
"Fine. Can I at least drive you home? I want to meet these legendary horses of yours."
"You want to meet Azi and Zen? Actually?"
"I mean, it's basically like meeting wild horses, isn't it?"
"Why's that?"
"Cause you never ride them, remember?"
"Hey!"
They continued to chat for a few more minutes then started gathering supplies for their carts.
"So how's the injury? Mark said you sprained your ankle?" He nudged her playfully.
"Yeah, pretty much healed now. Could have used the rest of the week, but hey, I like money."
"So no running any marathons in the near future for you?"
"Hah. Jokes on you. I'd never run a marathon anyway."
The pair started cleaning around the test model Hubble Telescope. Eli moved on to quizzing Aria's knowledge on it. She happily spewed out facts about it from how it was built to the "Hubble trouble" it had when it first entered orbit and took fuzzy pictures.
Eli openly praised her knowledge which only encouraged her further. As they passed other crafts and objects from the space race, he asked her more and more questions with genuine interest. He seemed to be particularly interested in the subject.
Eventually they drifted apart, cleaning different areas of the museum. As per usual, patrons were happy to ignore her presence completely. Not too far was the woman Mark hired almost a year ago guiding a large group of people to a pair of space suits on display. That should have been her.
Stupid Mark.
"Hey Aria, lunch time." Eli called, coming up to her.
"About time. My ankle is killing me."
"One of the guards came looking for you, said there was a guy here to see you. I told him I'd pass on the message."
"Ugh, I told him to wait outside." Aria attached the mop to her cart.
"Come on, I'll walk you to the entrance." He gestured behind him with his head. "Guess I'm eating alone this afternoon."
"Sorry, Eli!"
The museum was much busier now. They made it to the entrance where people waited in lines to purchase their tickets. Frank, the security guard she tripped over months ago, told them her guest was waiting in the customer service office.
Like the rest of the building, the office was crowded. Passed the people standing at the desk she spotted Ironhide sitting in one of the chairs that lined the room. He seemed to notice her at the same time and stood up.
"Well, who's this?"
Aria nearly jumped at Eli's voice. She didn't realize he followed her into the office.
"What? I had to meet the guy who came to see Aria."
Like a bird of prey, Ironhide's eyes snapped over to Eli. It was a look that could strike fear into the heart of any foe. Eli was either aloof or stupidly brave, because all he did in response was hold out his hand to shake.
He grinned at Ironhide. "Elijah Thompson."
Ironhide's eyes merely narrowed further at Eli's outstretched hand. After a moment he clasped it in a noticeably firm grip.
Eli made unwavering eye contact. "Aria never told me she had a boyfriend," he commented releasing Ironhide's larger hand.
Oh no, Eli thought Ironhide was her boyfriend. Why did he immediately have to come to that conclu—wait, she had to introduce him! Why hadn't she thought of a name for him yet? Was this really the first time it's come up since she started spending time with his holoform?
She needed a name for him, one that was simple and easy for her to remember. Her mind raced through names of men she knew, trying to think of on that suited Ironhide's masculine holoform.
"Uh—yeah, this is John," she blurted. Oh crap.
Both Ironhide and Eli looked at her surprised. She opened her mouth to backtrack, but Eli beat her to it.
"Wow Aria, and here I thought you wanted to get with Sam's girlfriend."
"Hey just because I think she's good looking—"
Ironhide cut her off. "Come Aria, it's time for you to eat something."
She looked between the two who both looked at her. Did they have to be so awkward?
Again, Eli broke the tension. "See you later Aria. Have fun on your date!" he sung as he turned to leave.
Ironhide didn't comment while Aria felt her face heat up. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice their exchange.
"Do you need your bag?" Ironhide asked as they left the building.
Outside the sun shone brightly, rays of sunlight reflected off the Ad Astra—the needle shaped sculpture that decorated the front of the building
"No, I've got some change in my…" pocket. Damn it. She was still wearing her uniform. Well that was embarrassing.
"I think I'm going to run back in and…"
There, on the road partially blocked by busses, was a large black truck.
"You like what you see?"
"You're actually here?" she squawked back in response.
She looked between the truck and the smirking holoform in pure disbelief. Seeing the beautiful black truck parked proudly on the street nearly brought tears to her eyes.
She wanted to be upset with him, for blatantly coming to where she worked in broad daylight. The museum was only minutes away from their secret base. All it would take is one person to see, one Autobot to drive by.
"I know what you're thinking. We'll go for a drive. No one will know."
Aria swallowed. "I'm not sure if driving around is better or worse."
They walked down the block towards the food trucks. Aria bought a wrap and an iced coffee. Ironhide questioned the drink, apparently, he often heard Lennox complaining about his coffee going cold and how nasty it was. Aria laughed at took a sip. Explaining coffee to an alien wasn't the easiest task.
She walked back slowly and finished her food and drink before they made it back to Ironhide's alt form. She didn't want him complaining in case she dropped a piece of lettuce.
She grabbed the handle and crawled up into the passenger seat, it was the first time she opened the door herself since she first stopped him in traffic. She immediately rolled down the window to let the fresh air in.
Ironhide climbed into the driver side of his alt form. She looked between the radio and the holoform. Which Ironhide did she talk to?
He must have noticed because a smirk appeared in his face. "Confused, punk?"
"It's a little strange, I guess."
"You're telling me," Came his deep voice from the radio. "Normally I can't see you within my alt form, but now I can see you through my holoform."
Aria fidgeted, Ironhide had told her during one of her many rides in the past that it was an act of trust for a Cybertonian to allow someone into their alt form. He'd gone quiet after he said that, as if he didn't mean to imply that he trusted her. She teased him none the less.
"Why are you keeping your holoform activated anyways?" Aria asked as Ironhide pulled out into the busy one way.
"You opened the window, someone could see in."
"I've had the window open before."
He was quiet for a minute, focused on the road ahead. Eventually his eyes slid over to meet hers. For some reason the intense look on his face seemed familiar. She had seen it before, but not on his holoform.
It came back to her then, the night he came to say goodbye. It was the expression he made when he was completely honest with her.
"I prefer talking to you face to face," he started, turning his eyes back to the road. "And since I'm unable to, this is the best I can do for now."
Aria's chest warmed from within and her stomach fill with butterflies. She looked at the holoform who sat rigidly, eyes looking out the windshield.
"Besides, I'm your boyfriend now."
Aria's smile dropped and the butterflies turned to stone. She turned the other way focusing on buildings out the open window.
Oh no, she was hoping he didn't catch that. Judging by his teasing tone, he fully knew what he just implied. Ironhide, her boyfriend? That was crazy! He would never want to be with her, no no, she could never be with him—wait, why was she even thinking about this? None of it mattered, he was an alien, a giant metal alien.
Why Eli, why did he have to say that?
"I didn't mean to agree with him!" she blurted. "I got fixated on making up a name for you and forgot he called you that! When I get back, I'll tell him it was a misunderstanding."
"It seems like a good cover to me. From what I understand, human relationships are just friends that also find each other attractive."
Aria's face became the surface of the sun. Dating was a bit more complicated than that, but maybe he was right, it was a simple cover. Most people would automatically assume they were a couple anyway. If he didn't know about all the other parts of what being boyfriend and girlfriend entailed, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
"All right, I guess. If you really want to, we can try."
"Yes, I look forward to embarrassing you," Ironhide said with a lopsided grin.
Aria huffed, of course he did.
They drove around the city's center for another fifteen minutes. Aria pointed out buildings she'd been to and ones she wanted to. She got excited when they passed the Kennedy Center, where she would be performing next Saturday.
As far as she knew, she talked him out of going despite Wheelie trying to convince him otherwise. She was only on stage for a small part near the beginning and sang one song. The remaining two hours would probably be boring for the Autobot.
All too soon, Ironhide was parked in front of the museum again. Aria opened the door and turned to say her goodbyes, only to see Ironhide's holoform getting out of the truck. She got out as well and waited for him to walk around to her. They Crossed the road to the entrance of the museum. As they neared the hundred foot tall Ad Astra, Ironhide came to a stop.
Aria looked at him curiously. His eyes scanned the groups of people walking around them.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, looking around.
"No."
The breeze blew a couple of stray hairs onto her face. She brushed them back behind her ear.
He was doing it again.
"What, worried about me?" She put a hand on her hip.
His blue eyes met hers briefly before he looked away again. If anything, he looked uncomfortable. Or was he actually worried?
"Ironhide?" she spoke quietly so no one would overhear. "I wish you would tell me what's going on."
Her words seemed to make him more uncomfortable.
"Can I try something?" she asked.
He looked down at her, nodding.
"Can I touch you?"
Ironhide gave another slow nod. "You may."
She stepped closer and reached out with both hands, grasping his. Her heart beat faster. Hopefully he couldn't hear it. "Is this okay?"
If he was surprised at the action, he didn't show it. He just nodded while he looked from their joined hands up to her face.
Next, she let go of his hands and held onto the sides of his torso. Her fingers rested just under his arms. "And this?"
Now his eyes betrayed his bewilderment, his blue irises shadowed as his brows furrowed. It looked like he was about to protest, but he nodded again.
This time, Aria took a step forward and closed the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around him fully and rested her head against his shoulder.
Ironhide stood as still as a statue, his arms still hanging at his sides. He did not return the embrace, nor did he reject it.
"Aria, what are you doing? Humans are looking," he hissed.
"It's a hug, Ironhide. Humans do it all the time to comfort one and other."
"In public?"
"Anywhere," she affirmed.
His body relaxed slightly. "Am I supposed to do something?"
"Put your arms around me."
As she had instructed, his arms came up and wrapped around her. Only a moment later, his cheek rested against her head.
"How long does this last?" he mumbled into her hair.
Her heart leaped at the sound. "As long as you want it to."
He hummed in response but didn't let go as she expected he would. She let her eyes fall closed and enjoyed the comfort of the hug. When was the last time someone held her like this?
"What is that thumping in your chest?"
Suddenly becoming aware that he could feel how fast her heart was beating, she stepped away before he could get any ideas. Unless...he was being honest and didn't know about her heart at all.
"You mean my heartbeat?"
His head tilted slightly. "That's a heartbeat? You can feel it?"
"Yeah and hear it too, sometimes."
"It is...strange."
Aria smiled lightly at him. It never ceased to amaze her how he could know so much and, at the same time, so little. It was nice that he felt comfortable enough to ask her questions, so he didn't have to wander around in an unfamiliar world totally clueless.
"Aria!"
She turned to the sound of the familiar voice. Eli was on the steps outside the doors. He gave a small wave to gain her attention.
"Hey Eli," she called back.
"Better hurry up before Mark fires your ass!"
"Yeah yeah, I am."
"Nice to meet you, John," he added with a wave to the holoform that had now crossed his arms.
Ironhide grunted in response, but Eli was already long gone inside. Aria giggled.
"What?" Ironhide said with a glare.
"Oh, nothing," Aria replied, bringing a hand up to stifle her laugh. " Anyways, I have to go back to work now."
"I'll meet you here at five?"
"Actually, Eli's giving me a ride home. I'll see you tomorrow though?"
"I'll give Wheelie thirty minutes notice."
"Sounds good to me."
"Stay safe, Aria."
"You too."
He disappeared.
Aria swore in surprise. That was a little bold, even for him.
She made her way back to her station. As she grabbed her broom, Ironhide's words filled her mind.
From what I understand, human relationships are just friends that also find each other attractive.
She nearly tripped on her bad ankle. Did that mean he found her attractive too?
...
Fastest edit ever! Lots of new dialog here. And some Edgar Allan Poe of course!
So someone asked if I would re-upload the original version somewhere else because they like some of the stuff that I've changed. I don't really want to since its no longer on par with my skill level, but if anyone else would like it, let me know (review or DM, whichever), and if I do upload it, it won't be until I've made it to that point on this rewrite. (plus there's going to be some major changes coming up future chapters).
I'm determined to finish this story before starting or continuing anything else. I mean damn, I was like 19 when I started writing it and I'm turning 29 next week. I love this story more than anything and I'm glad I'm finally doing it justice. Anyway, might be a week or two since finals are coming up and I really should study (loool) Thanks guys! xx