"I don't know if that's a good idea," Drift says.
"I don't think she's going to be unhappy I'm not there," Crosshairs argues, "I know Jamie has been struggling, but not like that," Crosshairs hugs Drift, "she loves you."
Drift finds out Crosshairs made a plan with Cade, Vivian, and Cogman. Crosshairs only told Cogman his plan. Next thing he knows, Cade and Vivian are telling him they'll go to their other house in the US, leaving the house to Drift and Jamie. Cogman will stay out of their way after dinner.
"...I told them they didn't have to leave, but they thought that was better," Crosshairs finishes.
Drift knows telling Cade and Vivian they can stay at the house will be pointless. He packs a bag for him and Jamie.
Drift and Jamie walk through the portal into the house's main entrance. Cogman is already waiting for them.
Drift didn't think Cogman would wait for them to tell them that dinner is almost ready. He takes Jamie into the living room to watch TV until dinner.
Drift didn't think Cogman would bring dinner to the living room. He says nothing as he puts the tray on the coffee table and leaves the room, but he is concerned about Jamie's mental state. He knows tonight won't help, but he agrees with Crosshairs that Drift and Jamie need to do more things alone.
You even got Cogman to make Jamie's favorite food. Drift smiles. Chicken cutlet covered in cheese and cheese fries.
I've come to like this.
Drift hates how he worries about how much Jamie will eat. Happy she's eating well tonight.
Cogman comes back a half-hour later with chocolate chip cookies and milk. He puts that tray on the coffee table and takes the dinner plates and tray. Jamie leans on Drift as the two watch TV and eat the cookies.
The two watch TV for two hours before Jamie wants to use the onsen. Drift thinks Jamie will fall asleep, so he goes upstairs to get clothes ready to put Jamie to bed. Drift lets Cogman know to avoid any unexpected surprises. Though the silver mech argues he has no need to interrupt them.
Drift and Jamie shower as they're supposed to before getting into the onsen. Jamie sits on Drift's lap, leaning on him.
Yeah, she's going to fall asleep. Drift believes.
Jamie is asleep twenty minutes later. Drift is fine with allowing things to be different post onsen bath. He wraps Jamie in a towel and lies her on a lounge chair. He quickly rinses in the shower, dries himself, and wears his robe. He isn't worried about Jamie skipping rinsing. Drift carries her upstairs to their room.
Drift is used to dressing Jamie. He knows it's strange, but he only has to when Jamie is dealing with her medical condition and once when she was dealing with serious injuries.
"Good night," he whispers, covering Jamie with the blankets.
Drift sits on the bed, remembering the day he, Crosshairs, and Hound met Jamie and her two friends. Remembering the arguing, Crosshairs and Hound did while Bumblebee argued the three femmes could be trusted. How it was love at first sight, but he made himself think about it for six months. Within that period, he learned much about Jamie, which would complicate their relationship, but he still loved her.
Drift is brought back to reality when his phone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hey, I— what's wrong?" Crosshairs asks.
"I don't want to talk about it," Drift replies, not expecting tears.
"I'll be there in two."
Before Drift can say anything, Crosshairs ends the call.
Crosshairs rushes into the room until he realizes Jamie is asleep. He sits beside Drift, who is clearly upset.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"I don't know why I thought about the day we met Jamie and her friends."
Drift doesn't have to continue for Crosshairs to understand what upset his friend.
It's been ten years since we met her, and the past five years have been mentally difficult for her. It's hard to watch her struggle. Crosshairs thinks as he hugs Drift. So much for a nice night with his femme.
The two mechs move to the balcony, concerned they might wake Jamie up. The moon shines in the clear sky.
"I know how much you love Jamie," Crosshairs says.
"I probably shouldn't say it, considering how I'm a Cybertronian, and she's a human from a different dimension, but she's the love of my life."
Crosshairs smiles, remembering the day Drift told him he loves Jamie and that he had to convince Drift to tell her.
Crosshairs loves Drift but loves how things turned out, except for Jamie's mental struggle and scrap in her dimension.
"I really don't believe that crap about how things happen for a reason, but even with her struggles, I think this is how things are meant to be."
The two look into the room at Jamie sleeping.
"You want me to stay?" Crosshairs asks.
"No, I'll be fine. We'll be back after breakfast."
"Ok, see you two tomorrow."
Crosshairs leaves the room. Drift gets into bed, moves Jamie close to him, and kisses her forehead before going to sleep.
"I love you,' he whispers, "forever."
Drift doesn't know Crosshairs is watching, happy to watch the love of his life with him. Knowing it's unlikely any other bot would be happy with this arrangement and that he can still say he's with the love of his life, even if it'll never be in a romantic way.
