So the reason I am combining two episodes into one chapter is to make the chapters a bit longer than it would be if I did them separately. There's a method to my madness! Lol.
Chapter 12: Ripples
"If you don't get up you'll be late." The mech said from the doorway. My response? Turn the other way. "Recharge is better." I mumbled, only to shriek when the fragger grabbed my pedes and proceeded to drag me off my berth.
"Ok, OK, I'm up! Shade, I'm up!"
I sat up, glaring at his grinning faceplate. "Good, cause I thought I was gonna have to do something drastic." Why that fragging creation of a Glitch!
"Like THAT wasn't?!" I exclaimed as he turned and walked out. "Nah." Was his smug reply as I ran after him.
"I hate you." I glared at the back of his helm. "No you don't." He chirped without stopping as I rolled my optics, knowing that he was right, I could never hate Nightshade.
He handed me a cube of Energon and I downed it in no time. "See you later, Shade." I gave him a hug before going for the door.
"Alright Shadow, be careful."
I laid in bed staring at the ceiling as I kept replaying the latest memory with me and Nightshade. The more I thought of the other memories the more memories resurfaced and I was starting to narrow down the possibilities of who he was to me.
He's only just slightly older than me, Cybertronian wise, so there's absolutely no way he is my father. If I got any aunts or uncles he could be something like a cousin? He most definitely ain't no boyfriend nor sparkmate, that much was clear with him telling me I need to tell Cliffjumper of my feelings about him. Fragger.
Turning over I checked the time on my phone. 3:16 am. Primus I'm tired, but I can't fragging sleep! Trying to figure out the relationship between Shade and I is about to make me lose my shit.
Shade.
One of the things I noticed in the memories is that I always called him 'Shade', not his full name. So far I have been calling him Nightshade except for… when I heard those voices a few days ago. I hadn't realized it, but I called him 'Shade', he had looked at me wide eyed and I took it for the fact that it was because I had been in pain.
Closing my eyes I concentrated on one particular memory.
We were just outside of Iacon walking down a sidewalk. It was a nicer, less busy looking landscape, similar to Earth's countryside. The two of us entered what appeared to be a cemetery of sorts, large metal boxes of various sizes holding deceased Cybertronians. Walking past rows of these boxes do we stop a larger box, capable of holding two Cybertronians.
The names Aquaflare and Flamethrower etched on the nameplate.
I remember the raw emotions I was feeling at seeing the plot. The sadness and anger. Nightshade kept his arm around my shoulders. "They would have been proud of how much you've grown." I remember him telling me. "They would have been proud of you too, Shade." I wrapped my arms around him as he did the same with me.
They were…my parents. Creators.
They would have been proud of you too, Shade.
Wait… You too?
You Too!? Gasping as my eyes flew open.
Flinging the blanket off me I scrambled to get out of bed, nearly tripping as it tried to wrap around my foot. Throwing the door open I ran farther down the hall.
It's all coming back to me.
My sparklinghood…
My parents…
Arriving at Nightshades door I wasted no time pounding on it. "Open up!" I called out as it opened and I came face to face with the concerned bot.
But more importantly…
Tears blurred my vision as I looked up at him. "Shade?" Gasping as his eyes widened. Not a moment later he transformed and stood in front of me in his holoform. Feelings of hope and anxiety washed over me. Emotions that weren't my own.
"You remember?" Now those weird emotions I would feel from time to time made sense.
It was our sibling bond.
A smile broke out as I flung my arms around him, choking sobs escaping. He wasted no time returning the embrace, clutching onto me tightly. "My brother." A tsunami of relief flooded through me, along with happiness.
"It was you I had been feeling. The bond." I managed to mutter as he nodded. "As much as it was offlining me to not tell you who I was to you, I still wanted to give you some comfort."
'I am so glad you remember me.' Gasping as I heard Shades' voice in my head, I pulled away to see the relief in his eyes. 'I'm kinda surprised that this still works even though I'm human.' I told him through the bond and he shook his head.
"Not fully, That's Why the bond is still working between us."
Suddenly a voice pops up behind me causing the both of us to jump.
"So you got more memories." Turning around we saw Ratchet at the door. Nodding, I flashed him a smile. "And our bond still works!" The doc chuckled.
"That's good." Then he had a thoughtful look. "Would you allow me to scan you since it's been almost a week since I last did so. I can analyze the results in the med-bay." Nodding I allowed him to scan me, the blue beam running from head to toe.
"Alright, I'll let the two of you know if I find something. In the meantime I advise that you get some more rest, it's still way too early in the morning for you to be up." Giving him a thumbs up he left towards the main room. Turning towards my brother, he's still in his holoform.
"Mind if I stay with you a while?" I asked as he shook his head with a grin before the form disappeared and he transformed.
"Of course, no need to ask." Lowering his hand I hopped on before he laid back on his berth, placing me on his chest.
Now that I've figured out who Shade is, the fatigue finally caught up with me. His steady sparkbeat quickly luring me to sleep. 'I love you, Shade.' I muttered through the bond.
'I love you too, Shadow.' Was the last thing I heard before I slipped into a dreamless slumber.
"Hey Shadow, wake up."
I groaned as Shade started lightly nudging me. "No wake, more sleep." I muttered.
"Don't think I'm above dragging you up by your legs." He said in a knowing voice as my eyes flew open and quickly sat up.
"Don't you fragging dare!"
"Oh look! You're awake!" I glared at him as hard as I could but all he gave me was a fake innocent smile.
Shaking my head I raised my eyebrow. "What time is it?" My phone is still on the charger in my room.
"9:45. Ratchet commed me asking for us to come see him." He gave me a nervous look that I mirrored. Did he find something from the scan?
"I guess… let's not keep him waiting." said quietly. He lifted me up to his shoulder before leaving the room. We stopped by my room to retrieve my phone before continuing to the main room. Either some were still asleep or were on patrol because only 4 were in the room already. Optimus was at the monitor while Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Windblade were off to the side talking but stopped when the two of us entered the room.
I tried to give my guardian a small smile but the worried frown he gives tells me he saw right through. Him along with the other two followed a bit behind us as we entered the Med-bay where we saw Ratchet typing on a monitor. A diagram of a human skeleton on the screen.
The sounds of Shades' footsteps alerted the medic of our arrival as he glanced at us. "Nightshade, Shadow. There's something I needed to discuss with you." He turned back to the console and typed something before the diagram on the screen changed to show a bunch of weird patches.
"After analyzing Shadow's body scan and running it through the system, I noticed these patches spread out along her entire bone structure. Come to find out those patches are metal."
"What?" I gasped in shock. How's that possible? I haven't felt any different body wise.
Pushing a button, it zoomed in on one of the patches. "Comparing the data to the possible Earth metals found on this planet, none matched, so I compared them to Metals I do know of, off world." Ratchet continued, still reading through the data.
"Compared them, until I found a match." He then turned to us with a smile of disbelief. "It's Cybertronian."
"Oh Primus." Shade breathed and I felt his shock and relief mixing with my own.
"Wait. So does that mean that it is possible for me to change back?" I breathed out. I had already lost hope that I would ever be Cybertronian again.
Ratchet grinned. "A very likely chance, though I am not sure when it will happen, but I'm positive that it will happen. However," He moved to a large cabinet with what I believe are his tools.
'Oh Primus, why do we gotta say 'however'?' I groaned through the bond as he sent feelings of comfort, though I can feel the anxiety seeping through.
"I will need to do further testing since the scan can only show so much."
I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I started to suspect what he was getting at. Oh please don't tell me… I mentally prayed that he wasn't about to ask what I knew he was about to ask.
Turning around I saw that Ratchet had a small box in his hand before setting it down on the berth beside us. "I will need a blood sample and test it for Cyber properties." Annnd there it is. Ffffuck!
*Cliffjumper's POV*
I knew that something was up the moment I saw Nightshades and Shadow's looks, even though Shadow did try to hide it. Looking back at the others I was talking to, they mirrored the same expression.
Without saying a word I followed after them, getting more worried when they headed into the Med-Bay. Primus I swear, if somethings wrong with Shadow… That thought trailed off as I stood just outside the door listening to their conversation.
Optics widening when Ratchet said he found Cybertronian metal on her bones. This better mean what I think it means.
"Wait. So does that mean that it is possible for me to change back?" Shadow questioned hopefully, as was I.
"A very likely chance, I however am not sure when it will happen, but I'm positive that it will happen. However," 'However'? The frag you mean 'however'?!
"I will need to do further testing since the scan can show only so much." He brings out a small box and lays it on the berth. "I will need a blood sample and test it for Cyber properties." That was the moment I noticed all the color drain from Shadows face.
Though the thing that caught me off guard was when Ratchet closed his optics and suddenly his holoform materialized on the berth. I turned to Arcee and Windblade who were also stunned. "Were we always able to do that?" Arcee shrugged in confusion before I turned back to the ones in the med-bay.
"I have researched the basics in human medicine along with how to take and give blood. Nightshade, If you will set Shadow on the berth so I may be able to work better. I will be done quickly and you will be able to leave."
The moment Shadow was in front of Ratchet he got to work quickly, retrieving a small square something, a band, needle and a vial. Ratchet tied the band around her arm before tearing the square package and pulling out a small cloth. He wiped the cloth along the bend of her elbow before swapping it out for the needle and vial.
Shadow helped Ratchet find a good vein before she looked towards the door. Her eyes locked onto my optics and I offered her a smile and a nod of encouragement. She took a deep breath and nodded back before stiffening as Ratchet inserted the needle.
It didn't take long for him to finish up and send them out.
"I think I will stay on the couch for now, at least till I stop feeling nauseous." Shadow said as Nightshade was careful on how fast he walked.
Once she was on the couch she laid down.
*Shadow's POV*
This is why I hate needles. Have to fight the nausea and not pass out.
Once Shade lowered me to the couch I wasted no time in laying down on it while focusing on my breathing, keeping my eyes closed and an arm draped over my face.
Suddenly I remembered that I hadn't told the others about the good news.
"Got some good news guys." I called out without moving. "I had more memories come back to me. I remember Shade and our Creators."
"That's amazing!" Windblade beamed, Arcee and Cliffjumper agreeing.
"Hey, Shadow?" I heard Cliff come closer to the railing. "Hm?"
"When you're feeling better, you wanna go for a drive?" He asked and before I could answer him, Ratchet cuts in.
"Yep-ip-ip. I need you and the others on patrol." He walks past towards the ground bridge with some of the others following.
I cracked a grin at my guardian's whine of protest. "I'll ride with you later on today or tomorrow, alright Cliff? This nausea I'm dealing with can last at least an hour or so." I heard him sigh.
"Okay. Let me know when you're feeling better though." I threw up a thumbs up before I heard him start walking away.
"Oh! And Cliff?" He stopped. "Yeah?"
Craning my neck to where I could barely see him, I gave him a look. "If anything happens, call for backup. Don't try going up against an enemy alone. Got it?"
His eyes softened as he nodded. "Don't worry Shadow. Lesson learned. I promise to call if something happens."
That being said I went back into the position I was previously in as Cliffjumper joins the others.
'Be safe on patrol, Shade.' I told my brother over the bond as I felt warmth. 'I will. Just let me know when you're not feeling sick anymore.'
'Will do.'
And with that, I decided to take a little nap.
*A Few Hours Later*
"How the hell are you this good at these racing games!?" I exclaimed as Raf passed me for the up-tenth time in the past half hour.
"That's for me to know, and you to never find out." The boy retorted smugly as I just gaped at him.
"I'm starting to regret teaching you that saying." I pouted as Cliffjumper and Shade chuckled from behind us.
I ended up taking an hour nap and woke up feeling a whole lot better. The bots had gotten back just in time for Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead to go get the children.
Half an hour ago Ratchet called me and Shade back into the medbay for the blood results. "There are small trace amounts of energon hidden in your blood. I'm not sure how, but it's there. Luckily, it doesn't look to be attacking the red blood cells. But I will need to do blood tests every week to observe the progression of energon count in your body." Ratchet informed us, and I won't lie, it kinda worried me considering that Energon would be harmful. We just hope that the progression doesn't start to turn and poison me. So far the only ones that know this are us three and Optimus, whom Ratchet informed.
Currently Raf is on my left while Miko is on my right watching us and playing on her phone, Jack and Arcee, however, have yet to get back.
Wonder if Jack ended up having work today after all.
"Oh Shit!" I flinched as Miko suddenly lurched forward. "Ya'll ain't gonna believe this!" She showed the two of us her phone and my eyes widened at what I saw. So we're going into 'Speed Metal' now, huh?
On the screen was a post made by the Cheerleader Sierra about Jack winning a race against Vince.
"You know that Vince is gonna be pissed about losing a race against Jack." Raf chuckled before I remembered that we weren't alone. Slag! I mentally cursed as I turned towards the two bots behind us before pointing at them.
"Not a word to Optimus. Got it?" They nodded wide eyed.
"Arcee does realize that she will get in trouble if Prime finds out, right?" Shade raises a brow.
"Seriously, and she says I'm the trouble maker!" Cliffjumper huffs as he shakes his head.
"No, no no, you are still a trouble maker." I grinned as he shot me a look of fake offense.
"I am not!"
"Yes you are." Shade and I said at the same time, chuckling as my poor guardian rapidly looks between the two of us in disbelief. "You're not helping, Nightshade!"
The two kids then went off towards the front, saying that they were going to meet Jack. It didn't take long for the speed racer to approach us. "So, um, yeah. It was only a one time thing, but would appreciate it if Optimus didn't find out."
My brother, Cliffjumper, and I glanced at each other while I debated on telling him not to race again no matter what. But I decided to let this play out, even though I know we all get in trouble tomorrow.
"Alright Jack, we'll keep quiet."
The boy sighed a breath of relief. "Thanks guys." He says before walking off.
"Why do I get the sneaking suspicion that Boss bot is gonna find out either way?" Cliffjumper groans as Shade nods. Leaning against the rail I leaned my head in my hands.
"Probably because Primes' not stupid, it ain't gonna take long."
*The Next Day*
I was currently sitting on Shades shoulder as us, Bulkhead, Bee, and Cliffjumper were talking and watching Raf play his game when Jack walked up.
"Hey Raf?"
Poor boy jumped, breaking his concentration on his game and crashing.
"Uhh, is there any way for me to borrow Bumblebee for like, an hour?" He asked as said Scouts optics went wide.
"You want Optimus to offline me!?"
"Jack, you know racing's against the rules. What if Optimus finds out?" Raf tried and failed to convince Jack to back out.
"I'll join the Allspark is what'll happen." Bee slumped. He is such a drama queen, much like my guardian.
"But Raf, he's gotta get the girl." Miko sided with Jack. The 12 year old just stared at them. Yeah, guys, that won't move a tween who probably hasn't experienced any crushes yet.
"And beat the bully." Miko urged.
"Well…" Raf trailed off.
"Come on Raf, just this once." Jack said with a hopeful smile as Cliffjumper snorted.
"Ain't that what he told Arcee yesterday." I nodded, pulling my lips in a thin line.
Raf ended up giving in, much to Bumblebee's dismay.
"So what are we supposed to do now?" Shade asked as Jack and Bee started for the entrance. That's a good question. I know Knockout shows up and goes after them and ends up taking Vince as a hostage thinking that he was with Bumblebee.
If only there was a way to avoid an idiot bully from getting taken. Like a distraction.
"You and I will go with them."
The two bot's looked at me as if I grew another head. "Um, Shadow, you do realize that all three of us will get in even more trouble than we already are in once Prime finds out." Cliffjumper hissed, clearly not liking this.
"No, what I mean is that Shade and I will "join the race" but in reality, we are watching over them two to make sure they don't get themselves hurt." I explained, using air quotes, hoping that my brother will cave.
I gave said brother puppy dog eyes who groaned in defeat. "Fine, fine, we'll make sure they stay safe." He lowered me to the ground as my guardian stared at the black mech in disbelief.
"You two can't be serious." Cliffjumper hushed bewildered as Nightshade transformed and I walked up to the open door.
Glancing up, I gave him a reassuring smile. "We will be alright, but there is a reason why I'm saying for us to go."
Cliffjumper ran his hands down his face exasperated as I got in the car. "Let's go."
Speeding out of the base we headed after the two, easily catching up. Shade rolled his window down as I hopped in the driver's seat.
"Shadow, Nightshade… Please tell me you're here to take us back?" The poor scout beeped hopefully as Jack looked between us, lost.
Chuckling, I shook my head. "Sorry Bee, but no. We will be acting like we are racing but in reality we'll be watching over you two." Bee whined as Jack gave us an 'are you serious' look.
"Just go back to base. It's just a little race, ain't nothing going to happen." The hormonal teen glared at me as I responded with a 'bitch, listen here' look.
I ain't got the time nor the energy to argue. "I ain't bout to play this game with you Jackson Darby, we will be accompanying you. End of story." I snapped before rolling the window up and moving back to the passenger seat. He'll realize that this was a big mistake in a bit.
Groaning as I placed my head into my hands. I hadn't realized that Nightshade turned on his holoform till I felt his hand on my shoulder. "Deep breath, Shadow. He'll learn the hard way." He sent calm through the bond as I glanced at him.
"Yes he will. That's for sure."
Leaning back into the seat I rested my eyes until we made it to the Circuit. Bumblebee pulled up at the front beside the red headed bully as we pulled up behind Bee.
Rolling down the window, I got the attention of a girl looking to be in her 20s walking by. "Excuse me, how long till the race starts?"
She looked at her phone before looking back at us. "About 10 or so minutes, they will announce for all racers back in their vehicles." Nodding, I thanked her before turning to my brother.
"I'm gonna walk around a bit, clear my head. I'll be right back." He nodded before I stepped out. Looking around, I decided to walk towards the side where I saw some pretty awesome classic muscle cars and sports cars.
Pit, someone even has a 1968 Mustang. Wonder just how much they paid for it? Slowly walking past each car, admiring the details and engines. I almost forgot that I was no longer in my old dimension as this reminded me of the time Renee and I went to a car show in our town.
"Such lovely vehicles, though I do prefer the newer model muscle cars." I jumped and spun around as a voice spoke from behind me. A 6 foot man with combed back red hair stood before me. But that wasn't what caught my attention.
It was his voice. Knockout.
"My bad, I didn't mean to startle you." He said apologetically.
I had half a mind to alert Nightshade, but I have my doubts that the con would actually do anything with all these humans around, only after the race starts.
With that in mind I calmed myself and pretended as if I had no idea who he really was. "It's fine, I really should be used to it by now." I really should be with how many heart attacks the damn bots give me on a near daily basis.
The cons mouth quirked up a bit. "You from around here?" Of course he would try and find out where I lived and report back to Starscream. Like hell I'll let that happen.
"Nah, I'm visiting some friends that I grew up with." If he didn't believe me he didn't show it.
I continued walking past the cars as Knockout followed. "So out of all these cars, which one do you like best?" Now that is a question I can answer honestly.
"I would have to say the 4th car, the 68 Mustang, though I believe it would be better with a metallic red like the 2nd car."
Looking back, he hummed before nodding. "I think I would agree. Red does suit more vehicles."
Suddenly I felt a slight panic through the bond. 'Shadow, I need you to come back to me!' He must have noticed Knockout in the line up. I was about to tell him to send me a text so as to not make him suspicious, however, I didn't need to as the DJ that had been blasting music called for all racers to their cars.
"Welp, I gotta head back to my car. Nice meeting you." I spoke before jogging back to Nightshade. The moment he was in view I felt relieve through the bond. Once inside Shade was gripping the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles turned white.
"Shade? What's w-"
"Did you know?" He interrupted as he glanced in the rear-view. Sighing, I nodded. Ain't no point in hiding it now. "Yeah, that's why I wanted us to keep an eye out for Jack and Bee."
"You knew it would be Knockout." It was more of a statement than a question as I nodded again.
"He showed up in the original timeline, there was a chance that it could have changed, but knowing about his addiction to racing, it was very likely that he'd show." I could feel the anger through the bond as I glanced down at my hands in my lap.
"Shit happened and Knockout ended up taking Vince thinking that he was friends with the Autobots. I wanted to avoid him getting taken but I couldn't force Jack out of this without causing problems in his personal life. He has to find out the hard way. Shade, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." I didn't mean to piss off my brother, I didn't think it would be this bad. Maybe I should have convinced Cliffjumper, or hopped in with Bee instead.
"Circuit drivers, are you ready?" Looking up I could barely make out the cheerleader through Bee's windows.
"We'll talk about this later." I flinched as Shade growled. I royally fucked up this time.
"Fire em up at 5. 4. 3. 2. 1…" I grabbed the door handle as he slammed on the gas pedal, effectively throwing me back into the seat.
Bumblebee instantly passed Vince and we were on parr with the bully with Knockout right behind us. "We need to keep Vince from following Jack and Bee. Can you open a comm with Bee?"
"I was just about to contact you. Is that who I think it is behind us?" The scout bleeped.
"Yes Bee, Knockout is here. You need to get Jack out of here, fraggers gonna try coming after yall. We will distract them."
"Them? Are there more than one Con?" Jack sputtered.
"Yeahh, no, the moment yall leave the circuit fucking Vince is gonna get all pissy and try chasing you down."
"SERIOUSLY!?" The boy exclaimed. At that moment we noticed the con started going on the other side of Vince.
"Shade, watch out!" Knockout pit maneuvered Vince as he narrowly missed us.
"What the frag is that glitch doing!?" Nightshade snarled as Knockout started to pass us.
"Bee, get out of the circuit NOW, keep driving and DO. NOW. STOP. UNTIL WE TELL YOU!" I grabbed a hold of the 'oh shit' handle and gave Shade a nod. 'We need to intercept.'
The moment Bee jumped out of the drain-way Nightshade sped up just in time to cut off the con who attempted to follow. Gasping as he pulled me into his side as Knockout hit the side of Nightshade.
Shade wasted no time in leaving an oil trail before jumping out after the other two, relieved that I could barely make out Bee's tail lights with how far they were ahead.
By the time we saw headlights behind us we were already 2 miles ahead. "I see headlights, but I don't know if it's Knockout or Vince." I informed the mech.
"Hey guys, I called base to send a ground bridge for us, is that you I see behind me?" Bumblebee comes over the speakers.
"Yeah, that's us. We see headlights bout 2 miles back but not sure who they belong to." I answered as we started getting closer to the scout and teen. Before long we were driving side by side and the lights behind us disappeared.
When the vortex opened up in front of us we wasted no time driving through… and stopping in front of one very disappointed Prime and 3 very pissed off bots. Well, shit.
Jack and I stepped out of the bots to allow them to transform and before I could utter a word, Jack spoke up. "Optimus, this was all my fault." At least he realizes that now.
I avoided looking up at Optimus's look of disappointment, and Arcee's, Ironhide's, and Ratchet's angry expressions. Though I'm sure that Arcee's anger is pointed towards her human partner.
Glancing to the side a bit I barely caught Cliffjumper looking at me with his arms crossed. So now what? Everybot gonna be pissed at me? I thought as I kept my head down as the Prime got explanations from everyone that knew.
"I will assign appropriate punishments tomorrow. Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, take the children home." Not a word was said as the bots transformed and the kids were taken back home. Now that leaves me.
"Shadowstalker." Flinching as I slowly looked up at my old friend. For a moment we just looked at each other as I grew even more anxious.
"The rest of you are dismissed." He left no room for argument as the rest of the bots, save from Ratchet, left the command center. Ratchet left us in favor of the computer.
Suddenly It was just Optimus and I. He lowered his hand to me as I wordlessly climbed on. "Ratchet, Shadowstalker and I will be above if you need anything." And with that the Prime made his way towards the lift.
Exiting, he walked towards the edge as I looked up at the stars that could be seen between the clouds. I would have been able to admire them more if it wasn't for the fact that I was in trouble at the moment.
A moment of silence passed by before Optimus's deep baritone voice startled me. "Were you aware of tonight's events, before they happened?"
Nodding while still staring up at the sky. "I did. It was an episode on the show. If it wasn't for Nightshade and I interfering then Knockout would have taken Vince as a hostage, thinking that the boy was Bumblebee's human friend. Luckily, in the episode Vince was knocked out so he wasn't aware of the Cybertronian war on Earth."
He was silent, probably processing what I revealed to him.
"Was there not a way to avoid the events all together?" I knew he would ask me that.
Sighing, I finally turned and looked up at his bright eyes. "Trust me, I weighed the pros and cons. There's only one reason why I didn't stop Jack from racing tonight, and that was so he didn't get bullied even more than he already does."
The Prime blinked in confusion, but before he could speak, I continued. "The public school system Is broken, there are kids that will go after those they deem as 'weak' and will terrorize and bully them. And 9 times out of 10, not one teacher will do a damn thing about it. Bullying is a huge problem in schools and can be anything from being Physical, verbal, or even virtual bullying. But not only that, there are hundreds of cases where a child that is being bullied, simply cannot handle it anymore and will… take their own life." Optimus's eyes widened in alarm.
"That's why I didn't stop Jack, I didn't want his life at school to get worse than it probably already is."
I can see the wheels turning in his head as he mulled over what I just told him. "Will this happen again in the future?" I shook my head. "No, after tonight Jack realizes how wrong he was to do that."
He nodded as he hummed.
"I will deal out appropriate punishments in the morning and once the younglings get back after school." I nodded in understanding. As a leader and role model, he has to keep a firm standing on his rules.
"I understand."
We headed back inside and I started for my room after telling Prime and Ratchet goodnight.
As I was walking I couldn't help but wonder why Shade got so mad. I mean I understand being upset that I didn't warn him about a Con showing up, but he was beyond pissed.
And he's probably in his room so i'll have to wait till tomorrow to talk to him.
Sighing as I approached my door I stepped through…
Only to jump in fright at the large figure sitting against the wall.
"Jesus fucking Christ! Shade, what the hell? Scared the ever living shit outta me!" I exclaimed with a hand on my chest as I walked past him towards my desk.
"What do you know of Knockout?"
I glanced back confused. A lot of things ran through my head as I tried deciphering what he meant by that. Sitting in my chair, I rolled closer to the bot.
"Only what I've seen from the show. If there's supposed to be any memories, it hasn't surfaced." I studied his face. There was definitely anger, but also concern. He's trying to suppress his emotions but they are leaking through the bond.
The anger and concern, the panic he had earlier, and asking what I knew of the Con…
"We knew him, didn't we? Like personally?" I said softly as he looked away as his fist clenched.
"He's a fragging traitor, is what he is." He growled lowly, but made out a hint of hurt. I wish there was something I could say to make him feel better, but that's hard to do if I don't even remember who the red con is to us.
Actually, there is one thing.
Standing from my chair, I walked up to my brother and placed a hand on his. He looked back at me. "It's gonna be alright Shade. At least we have each other. I'm here now, and don't plan on leaving you anytime soon."
His face softened before he closed his eyes. I was about to say something before jumping as his holoform materialized next to me.
"I swear, if y'all don't stop scaring me like that, i'm gonna have an actual h-" My words were cut off when he suddenly pulled me to him.
He held me firmly as I relaxed, leaning my head on his shoulder. 'You don't have to worry anymore. I'll always be here for you. You'll always be my big brother.' I said softly through the bond.
'As I'll always be there for you. I won't let anything take you away again.'
Needless to say, neither one of us wanted to sleep alone, so I told him he could stay with me tonight if he wanted. I will do everything in my power to never let him feel that betrayal and loneliness again.
*2 Weeks Later*
"Here, this is an extra one that I had." Jack handed me a multi-function pocket knife/ fire starter. Smiling, I thanked him and clipped it to my jeans. But inside I was crying.
I don't wanna! Fuck that spider bitch!
"You might also want to spray this on ya." He grabbed the bug spray that I tossed to him. I had already sprayed myself.
"What's that you too are spraying on ya?" Cliffjumper asked, eyeing the can.
"It's a bug repellent spray. Helps keep bugs, mostly mosquitoes off us while in the woods. Hate mosquitoes, fragging irritating." I explained we walked to the ground bridge where Arcee was waiting.
"You two ready?" She asked as we nodded. Though, me, not so much.
"You three have fun." I smiled and waved as I went into the vortex. Trust me, we won't.
'Hey, we're heading out. See you later on.' I informed Shade who was on patrol.
So we had a week of punishment that we had to complete. Raf and Miko were grounded from coming to base for the weekend while Jack was grounded from coming to base for 10 days. I was grounded from leaving the base for a week, which sucked, especially since the bots were alternating between cleaning Energon fuel tanks, among other stuff, and all day patrols.
Arcee and Bumblebee's lasted 10 days. Bulkhead and Cliffjumper's lasted the weekend. Mine and Shade's lasted for a week.
Thank Primus we are no longer grounded, but now I wanna go home!
As we exited the vortex the woods felt very eerie. Usually the woods gave me a feeling of peace and happiness, however the giant creepy crawly roaming around kinda ruined the feeling.
As I followed Jack and Arcee I avoided any and all poison ivy while Jack seemed to still be swatting at a swarm of mosquitoes.
"I don't think you used enough spray there Jack." Arcee smirked as she glanced back at us before giving me a look.
"Apparently not, the mosquitoes on this routine recon are the size of vampire bats. They drink just about as much blood."
"Quite the outdoors man huh, Jack. Now what in the world are you doing, Shadow?"
"Well, you see Arcee, I am avoiding the poison ivy like it's the plague." Arcee's eyes widened the moment the word 'poison' came out of my mouth. She was about to speak when Jack beat her to it.
"How allergic are you?"
"Not deadly allergic that requires a trip to the ER. As long as I take a full body shower with Dawn dish soap within a few hours then I won't break out. But if I do break out, I just have to be careful cause it can easily spread." I explained to the two as Jack nodded but Arcee still looked concerned.
"I'm fine Cee, I've dealt with poison ivy rashes plenty of times growing up but it doesn't stop me from enjoying strolling through the woods." I reassured her.
"Luckily, I'm one of the few rare ones that don't get affected." Jack grinned knowingly as I flipped him off.
"Fuck you, bastard." He chuckled as I walked past him.
"So how bad have the break outs gotten?" Arcee questions as she walks beside me.
"Eh, they form little blisters that itch like crazy because of the oils from the plant. Have to be careful to not have the blisters spread. It's a bitch to deal with and the longest I've had to deal with it is almost a month. Usually it'll last for a week if it's just a small section. As long as I immediately shower and wash these clothes when we get back to base, I should be good."
"I guess I'll have to take your word for it then." She stopped when the device beeped. "That's odd. Ratchet's satellite scans were accurate but subterranean energon deposits don't cause this kind of surge." We continued following the device's GPS until it beeped the moment we came upon a trail of broken trees and disturbed ground.
"What happened here?" Jack asked as he looked around.
"Crash landing. You two stay behind me, low and close." Arcee warned as she started down the direction the trail went before she started going faster. Jack and I sprinted after her while the eerie feeling in the pit of my stomach grew. I need to try and keep myself calm and block my emotions from going through the bond. The last thing I need is to worry Shade.
The three of us crouched behind a large tree as we came to the shipwreck. It's so much bigger than I thought it would be.
"Autobot or Decepticon?" Jack glanced up at his guardian who shook her head.
"Can't tell. Wait here." She brought out her blaster as she snuck towards the ship. Even though I knew Arachnid is quite a ways away, I still can't help but be anxious as Arcee disappeared around the ship.
"I got a bad feeling about this." Jack said lowly as I nodded. "So do I."
It didn't take long at all till we spotted Arcee stumbling and holding herself up on the side of the ship. I didn't say anything as I ran to the femme.
"A-Arcee!?" Jack called as he followed after me. I knew she's in shock by knowing just who is now on Earth.
"Arcee." I called as I got to her.
"Arcee, what's wrong."
"I know who this ship belongs to." She closed her eyes briefly before rushing to contact base. "Arcee to base, I need a ground bridge asap." She looks around as if the owner was watching.
"Wait wait, why? Who's ship is this?" Jack tried asking but Arcee ignored him. "Base, do you read? Scrap, comlink's dead. Ship's got to be transmitting a high-frequency scrambler pulse." She said mostly to herself as she walked further into the woods where we noticed prints in the ground. We sprinted to keep up with her since she's in a zone.
"Arcee, you're kinda freaking us out here." Jack tried again as she stopped.
"Wait here." Was all she said as before going ahead some. I grabbed Jack's shoulder as he went to follow her. He was about to protest till I interrupted.
"It's a cons ship." Was all I said before walking towards Arcee who was knelt on the ground.
She didn't even hear us approaching due to the flashback she was likely having. She was looking ahead but her face screamed anguish.
"Arcee." I said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder, effectively snapping her back to the present. She gave me a sad look before glancing behind me at Jack. Jumping when she suddenly transformed.
"Climb on, hold tight." Was all she said as I threw my leg over and scooted back, Jack hopping on after. Jack didn't even have time to put on his helmet as Arcee hit the gas. I would have been thrown off had I not grabbed the startled teen.
Jack yelled in fear while I kept my eyes shut and held on for dear life. The moment he started yelling out her name, I remembered the big jump ahead. Oh, fuck me sideways! Arcee, YOU GONNA GET US KILLED!
I screamed as I felt weightless before grunting in pain when we hit solid ground. The moment Arcee drifted to a stop I painfully scooted off the back, bent forward rubbing my inner thighs. Fucking Pit hurts like a Bitch!
"Okay, what the hell?! Was that really necessary!?" Jack exclaimed, getting off then turning to me. "You good? That probably hurt like hell."
All I did was glare at the bike currently trying and failing to contact the base. "Do that again Cee, and you will see just how pissed I can get."
"Look, I've seen danger before and-"
"Wait here, I mean it this time." Ok, I know you're traumatized, but this is getting way out of hand.
"Okay, first you shut me out and now you're ditching us?" Que her transforming. "I thought I was your partner."
"No Jack, you're a kid. You're only here because this was supposed to be no risk." She bent down with a glare. "Got it?" Well, that was fragging harsh. I thought as she transformed and sped back the way we came.
Groaning, I stood up and walked past a pissed up Jack. "Yeah, I'm pissed at her too. If she was thinking straight, then she would have gone farther out till she could call Ratchet." I walked to the ledge of the small canon, Jack coming up next to me.
"Guess… we should try making our way back after her?" He questioned unsure as he looked down. I tried looking off down the canon to see if there was a bridge or at least a lower drop.
Squinting as I tried focusing past the trees before mentally cursing Arcee out. Grabbing Jack as he bent to climb down, he was about to protest before I interrupted. "If she took two seconds to think then she would have seen the fucking bridge that's just past those trees there." Jack looked to where I was pointing.
"You're shitting me!" Jack threw his arms up exasperated as we sprinted.
"What is going on with her? I've never seen her this way." Jack asked as I shook my head.
"This Con has tormented Arcee on Cybertron. She's not thinking clearly, only revenge." We crossed the bridge and headed in the direction the blue bot went.
After a few minutes of running we started to hear sounds of metal on metal. "Over here." I said lowly as I slowed before using the trees for cover when we got closer to the two. Grabbing Jack as he tried to go past down the hill. Shaking my head as I pulled him next to me and put a finger over my lips.
I peeked around the tree the moment Arcee pinned Arachnid to the ground, reading her blaster. Originally Jack distracted Arcee from delivering the killing blow. Honestly, if she was killed here, then I wouldn't have to worry about Breakdown getting killed, but then June wouldn't get kidnapped by M.E.C.H.
Frag, we need June to know about the bots. I'll have to convince Optimus to have June brought in.
Rustling off to the side had us jumping and I began mentally shooting the Armadillo that I spotted afar. Jumping again when Arachnid knocked Arcee off before pinning her to a boulder with her webbing.
"ARCEE!" Cursing as Jack ran down the hill, completely disregarding the Con currently zeroing in on him. I grabbed a couple large rocks, ready to redirect her attention. Thankfully, Arcee was able to free one arm and shot Arachnid, knocking her out.
Sighing, I quickly but carefully made my way down the hill towards a frantic Arcee and Jack.
"- a liability!" Arcee tried as Jack started pulling at the webbing. Grabbing the pocket knife I started helping cut at the sticky substance. "Shadow, you and him need to get as far from here as possible!"
"I ain't leavin you Cee. You know I won't."
"I don't believe you. I can see it in your eyes. You're afraid Arcee. You're never afraid." I knew we didn't have that much time before creepy crawly behind us stirs.
"Come on, cut faster you piece of shit!" I muttered to myself as we went to the next section of webbing, now very aware of the movement behind us.
"You're right Jack, I am afraid, of losing you both!" Jack looks up at her stunned as I continue running the knife.
"You sure have trouble hanging on to your partners, don't you." Arachnid taunts behind us, cursing as Jack spins around, leaving me to try cutting by myself which is proving difficult.
"We both know what happened to Tailgate, perhaps I should give dear ol' Cliffjumper the same treatment." My body went rigid at the mention of my guardian. I won't let you anywhere near Cliffjumper.
"And you, human femme. Am I mistaken? Do my optics and audio receptors deceive me? Shadowstalker?" The three of us gasped as I spun around wide eyed. How the FRAG does she know me?!
"I recall hearing radio chatter back on Cybertron about Shadowstalkers disappearance by the hands of Kieshans. Who knew this is what happened." She eyed me like I'm prey. We are all prey to Arachnid.
"Don't you get it now Jack, Shadow? She's not interested in me. She hunts indigenous species and she's on Earth. That means humans!" I started side-stepping away as my heart rate started picking up.
"You! RUN!" Arcee screamed desperately, prompting us to make a mad dash back the way we came.
"Jack, we need to destroy the ship!"
"W-what!? How!?" He sputtered.
"Fire starter and Energon. Ship leaking Energon. Energon go boom!" I led Jack in the direction the crash site was. Thankfully I know where to go so we don't have to go the long way across the canon and around.
"Are you sure this is the way, Shadow?"
"Yes, I made a mental note the moment we left the ship. Straight till the canon, keep going straight."
Branches snapping from behind us had us jumping. Daring a peak, my eyes widened when I caught a glimpse of Arachnid a ways behind, but what made it even scarier is the fact that she was only WALKING. And she was starting to catch up to us.
Fragging creation of a glitch! I'm gonna have to be the distraction, aren't I?
"That's the spirit! Play hard to get."
"I'll lead her away. Go!"
I didn't give him time to respond before I made a hard left. And to make sure she keeps her attention on me…
"How bout you tell me how you know me!?" I shouted as the footsteps changed course towards me. Good that she's off of Jack's ass. But bad for my ass.
Dark chuckling came from behind. "I would love to tell you, after this game of 'Cat and Mouse' as you humans call it."
Damn, she ain't been on Earth for 24 hours and have already discovered some human sayings and phrases? Don't know if I should be impressed or confused.
Bobbing and weaving between trees as they got thicker in the hopes of losing her, while also making a note that I will need to make a beeline to the shower once back home. The poison ivy is thick through here, but getting away from the death machine is more important than avoiding the plants.
"Are we sure it's gonna turn out the way you want it too?" I pushed myself even harder. Jack, please tell me you are near the ship.
I slowly started moving right, making a big circle back to the ship.
"I am curious though, how much you remember before you became human? If I had to guess, your memories are limited." I almost stumbled. How does she know that!?
Keep going. Keep going. I need to make my way to the ship fast.
Taking a harder right I started towards where I believe the ship is, that is until my foot caught a tree root that was sticking up. Screaming as I slammed into the ground, the force knocking the air out of my lungs.
Coughing while trying to regain my bearings, only to freeze when there was nothing but silence. Slowly turning, my heart hammered in my chest as Arachnid towered over me with a smirk.
"Looks like I win."
I tried but failed to get my footing as she reached her hand towards me, dripping acid. "Time to finish what the Keishans started." All I could do was try scooting backwards as the hand came closer, I couldn't even make a sound.
So this is how I die, at least I gave Jack time to get away. I'm sorry Arcee, least one of us humans got away. Windblade, thank you for being the best partner a Shadowhunter could ask for. Shade, I know I promised I wouldn't leave you, I am so very sorry. Cliffjumper… I wish I told you how I felt.
Closing my eyes, I prepared for the pain I was sure to soon feel.
Only that it never happened. In fact, it sounded like she was straining.
I risked cracking open an eye and when I did they widened when the hand was stopped just a foot from my face. Scrambling to my feet it looked like she was struggling or something and could barely make out the sound coming from her mouth.
Not thinking twice I turned tail and hauled ass to the ship. I have absolutely no idea what just happened, but I'm grateful. I'm coming home guys, I won't leave you all after just coming back.
I don't know how long she's gonna be frozen like that for, so when I get to the ship I need to find Jack.
After a few minutes of running I started seeing the end of the ship through the trees. "Oh Thank Primus!"
Without stopping I leaped down the decline and rolled once my feet touched the ground. Quickly getting up I ran around towards the back. "Jack!?" I whispered. That's when I heard the familiar sounds of a magnesium fire starter. Jogging further around I sighed in relief seeing Jack catching a stick on fire.
Jack jumped as I came into view before looking relieved then worried again. "Where is she!?" He whispered as I came up to him. "Not far." And to prove my point we heard metallic steps at the front of the ship along with her voice.
"If you two wanted a tour all you had to do was ask. Did you spot the empty space? I hope ya like it. It's where you'll soon hang your heads." Her voice trailed off as she went . She's inside and the fire is already lit. Now to blow this bitch up. Arcee, I hope you're close cause I still doubt this will kill her.
Jack tapped my shoulder. 'What now?' He mouthed. Putting a finger to my lips I grabbed the fire stick and moved close to his ear. "Quickly but quietly run. I'll throw." I whispered into his ear. Nodding he started running, mindful of the twigs and such.
Taking a few steps back, I raised my arm back before hurling the stick into the thruster where most of the Energon was leaking from before hauling ass after Jack.
Once to the incline the Energon ignited and the ship exploded causing a shock wave to throw Jack and I forward. Grunting as I was once again slammed into the ground but forced myself up before grabbing Jack. "We can't stop, I doubt that killed her!"
"You can't be serious!" He exclaimed as we ran. I prayed that this is the direction Arcee is. Arcee, please be near us.
The groaning of trees behind us had me shoving Jack and I to the side, narrowly missing the web that was shot at us. Arachnid can be heard growling and hissing as she shot at us again, missing.
"ARCEE!" I screamed as loud as I could. My heart is pounding so much that I'm starting to hear buzzing.
Wait… that buzzing sounds like…
I nearly shouted in joy when Arcee suddenly flew out from the side before transforming and striking the spider con in the face.
Oh thank Primus, we're saved!
Jack and I watched as Arachnid couldn't keep up with Arcee's strikes before she was sent through the trees. Making sure the con was knocked out she turned to us.
"Jack, Shadow, are yall okay?" She kneels while examining us for injuries.
"Yeah, of course. Survival kit." Jack waved the multi pocket knife as I grinned and hugged her arm. "We are now that you found us."
Arcee put her other hand on my back in a hug until we jumped at the sound of Arachnid drilling.
Cee wasted no time running after her while shooting but it was too late, the creepy crawly had already disappeared into the ground.
"Arachnid!" The bot growled in frustration before sighing. "So much for closure."
"Now Arachnid's stuck here on Earth. I'm not sure that's such a good thing." Jack looks down the giant hole in the ground.
"I'm- Sorry you had to face my demons today. You were pretty fearless there Jack." Arcee complemented the teen.
"Actually, I was terrified, mostly for you and Shadow."
"Yeah, I don't think I wanna be a distraction again when dealing with Arachnid. That shit was terrifying. But it gave us a little bit of time for you to catch up to us." I shuttered as Cee grinned before opening a com-link.
"Ratchet, requesting a ground bridge." I chuckled when Jack swatted a mosquito. "Need to get my partner away from any over-sized insects."
"Partner, huh?" The boy smirks up at his guardian who places a hand on her hip.
"Junior partner. I can still pull rank."
"Junior Human partner. Don't forget that Cliffjumper is also her partner." I pointed out with a grin as the ground bridge appeared behind us.
"Here's our doorway home. Let's go! I need to take a shower ASAP!" I said, jogging through.
The first thing that I saw was a concerned looking brother and Ratchet.
"Shadow! By the Allspark, I've been trying to get ahold of you through the bond and on your cell! Are you ok? What happened?" Shade spoke 100 mph like Miko. But all I did was run past.
"They will explain!" I yelled over my shoulder, making a beeline for my room.
When I got there I was about to close my door behind me when I heard my guardian behind me.
"Hey, what's the rush? Are you ok?" I turned to see Cliffjumper sitting on the edge of his birth cleaning his blaster. My face heated up thinking back to how I should have told him how I felt.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to take a shower."
His optic ridge raised, giving me a look saying that I ain't telling the truth.
"I'll fill you in when I get out, alright." I didn't give him time to respond before closing the door and going straight into the bathroom and stripping everything. Grabbing the jumbo bottle of Dawn and a Walmart bag from under the sink, I threw the clothes in the bag before dousing almost half the damn bottle on me, covering every inch.
I don't want to break out! I worked the soap into my hair before grabbing a small spray bottle that I put rubbing alcohol in. Spraying my shoes with it actually gets rid of the oils I found out.
After that was done and had marinated in Dawn for several minutes I grabbed my nail brush and turned on the shower before hopping in. Now for the painful part of scrubbing myself down.
*Cliffjumper's POV*
The door closed before I could say anything. I know you're lying, what the frag happened?
I opened a link with Arcee, perhaps she can enlighten me. 'Hey, Shadow seemed a bit off. Rushing into her room. What happened out there?'
There was silence for a few seconds before she responded.
'She's here Cliff. She's on Earth now.' Who's here? Arcee sounded livid and sad at the same time.
My optics widened. Wait, don't tell me. 'Arachnid?!'
'Unfortunately.' I stared at Shadow's door. She hadn't appeared injured. I swear to Primus, if she was hurt, I will personally rip that spider's Spark out.
'Jack and Shadow are unharmed, but were chased down while I was pinned by her web.'
I clenched my servo as I could imagine just how terrifying that would be to a human. 'Thank the Allspark all three of you made it back.'
I put my blaster away before getting up and going up to her door, bringing my servo up to knock when Arcee spoke again.
'Oh, and Shadow is more than likely showering due to running through poison ivy.'
'WHAT?' Poison what? Do I need to rush her to the hospital? Is she going to be alright? Is that why her face was red? All these questions were going through my head as I contemplated breaking down the door to make sure she's not dying.
'She's going to be fine. She doesn't have a deadly allergy to it. Trust me, I worried too when she told me'
I sighed in relief as I went back to my birth and waited for her to get out. 'Are you ok?' I already know the answer to that.
She sighed. 'Not really, I'm just glad to be here and not there.' Yeah, I figured.
Going back to cleaning my blaster, it took a little over half an hour before the door opened and Shadow reemerged carrying a bag of clothes she had on previously.
"Hey, Arcee told me what happened. Are you ok?" She shrugged as she came up to me.
"Not completely sure to be honest, though probably better than Cee. Unfortunately I wasn't able to kill her when I blew her ship up." My optics widened.
"You did WHAT!?"
*Shadow's POV*
I chuckled as he stared at me.
"Yeah, it was leaking Energon so I had Jack light a stick on fire and I hurled said stick into the back thruster where the Energon was leaking from while Arachnid was inside thinking we were as well. Though I knew it wouldn't kill her, but hopefully disoriented her to give Arcee time to find us."
His mouth opened and closed as he tried figuring out how he should respond, which was kinda hilarious.
"I may be human, but I'm still a Shadowhunter. Now, are you staying here or are you coming with me? I still need to throw these into the washer." Grinning as I held up the bag of clothes. He blinked several times before lowering his hand down.
Climbing on, he stood and brought me to his shoulder. "So how bad does Poison Ivy affect you?" I should have figured that Arcee would mention that to him.
"Not bad like some people. If I go too long without washing with Dawn dish soap then these tiny blister bumps start forming where the oils from the ivy are. They can easily spread on the body and itches like hell. The longest I've had to deal with Poison Ivy is a month but if it doesn't spread and don't use any kind of moisturizer on them then they last roughly a week. I knew someone who couldn't be within 2 feet of the ivy otherwise she would have to be rushed to the ER. There are a few that I know that are like Jack and don't get affected at all. They are the lucky ones."
Cliffjumper shakes his head. "So if I take you out for a walk in the woods I just need to make sure it's not one covered in this poison Ivy stuff." I nodded.
"Yeah, I try to avoid it if I can. Growing up we had a bunch of woods around the house. I loved going through them, I just learned to watch where I step and what trees I touch, because sometimes they grow up trees."
Entering the command center we saw everyone talking till Shade saw us. Yeah, once I was in the shower I reopened the bond since I unknowingly closed it off, hence nearly causing my brother to go into a mad panic.
"Hey, sorry again, I didn't even realize that I closed off my side of the bond." He is a lot more relaxed now that me and Arcee filled him in on what happened and that I reopened our link.
"It's alright, you didn't know. I'm just glad that you're not hurt."
I smiled before Cliff sat me outside the kitchen door. "I'll be right back."
Walking through the door I went straight in the back where the laundry room was and dumped the contents into a washer. After putting in detergent and starting the machine I leaned against it.
Cliffjumper… I wish I got to tell you how I feel.
My thoughts from earlier keep replaying over and over again. I want to tell him. I had convinced myself that he would never return my feelings because I'm human. But I won't be human forever, Ratchet confirmed that much. Shade is also trying to encourage me to confess to him. Fragger. Arcee hinted at that a few days ago as well. But, would he return the feelings?
Groaning as I slid to the floor, muscles aching from the constant running and falling. Exhaustion is also starting to settle in as I brought my knees to my chest and laid my head down. What if something happened to either one of us? Our futures aren't clear. But since coming here, we have gotten so much closer. I have to tell him.
The door opened before someone knelled beside me. "Shadow, what's wrong?"
Of course it was Cliffjumper.
"Just tired." I mumbled, turning my head to pear at him. His lips quirked upward a little before he sat next to me, pulling me to him. I felt my heart quicken with the contact. I need to tell him.
"Well, you did do a lot of running today."
Huffing, I shifted to where I could lean my head on his shoulder and he leaned his head against mine. He wouldn't be doing this if he didn't care for me, right?
"And tripping, stupid tree roots don't like me anywhere." He chuckled, his thumb caressing my shoulder.
"Just glad you're safe."
I have to tell him.
I glanced at his other hand resting in his lap. Do it.
"You need to make sure to stay as far from Arachnid as possible. She threatened to give you the same treatment she gave Tailgate, just to break Arcee…" I mumbled as my hand inched toward his. He must have been watching because his hand started inching towards mine.
"...And me." I whispered as a tear slid down my cheek. I won't let her take him from us. From me.
His hand closed around mine, thumb caressing my knuckles. I can't imagine life without Cliff.
"I won't let that happen, no one will." He squeezed my shoulder in comfort. Tell him now.
"Cliff…" Gently squeezing his hand before moving my head off his shoulder, looking him in the eyes. But what do I say? I've never confessed my feelings to anyone before. Oh Primus, what if I mess this up?
I was so deep in my thoughts until I felt a warmth on my cheek. Without me realizing, Cliffjumper let go of my hand before cupping my cheek. Maybe… I don't have to say anything.
He seemed to be getting closer ever so slowly as we stared into each other's eyes, lips slightly apart. He has the most beautiful eyes. Time seemed to slow as our eyes drifted shut and our lips touched, molding together perfectly.
It felt like fireworks were lit up inside as well as butterflies in the pit of my stomach. We're… kissing. Holy shit we are actually kissing. I screamed mentally.
Slowly pulling away I saw just how flushed Cliffjumpers face was and I have no doubt that mine is as well. His eyes were soft and staring at me lovingly. Say it.
"I love you/ I love you."
Our eyes widened at hearing the other speak. He… loves me? By the Allspark, Cliffjumper feels the same!
Breathing a laugh of relief, I threw my arms around him, him holding me tight.
"Primus, you have no idea how afraid I was that you wouldn't feel the same." I pressed my face into his neck, smiling as I felt him press his lips to my head.
"Had I known, I would have confessed sooner. Thank the Allspark you feel the same." He held me closer to him before pulling away to say something, only to be interrupted by my stomach growling.
"You gotta be shitting me!? Really stomach!? Now!?" Groaning as Cliffjumper burst out laughing, standing to his feet, pulling me with him.
"Sounds like you're hungry. Better eat before my femme starves to death." He grins as he holds my hand and pulls me to the kitchen, all the while my face is red from the embarrassment and him calling me his femme.
"I'll just make a sandwich, I don't feel like cooking tonight." I said as I made my way to the fridge and got out the meat and cheese. Turning around, Cliff had retrieved the loaf of bread. "How many pieces?"
"Two slices, please. I ain't that hungry, my stomach is just dramatic." We chuckled as he put the rest of the bread up. He watched as I quickly put the sandwich together before grabbing a bottle of Jack Daniel wine cooler and sat down at the table.
"Is that alcohol?" Cliff asked as he sat next to me. Nodding I popped the cap and took a swig. "Yup, very much needed after what me, Jack, and Arcee had to deal with today." I sat the bottle down before digging into the sandwich, raising an eyebrow when he reached for the bottle and started inspecting it.
"You like it?" I nodded before he took a sip, brows furrowing as he swished the liquid in his mouth before swallowing. "Soo, what do you think?" I smirked as he took another sip.
"It's an interesting taste. Better taste than the High Grade Energon we have."
"That one is the Down home Punch, I also have Southern Peach and Lemonade. All three are good, the only one I don't like of this kind is the Cola. Too sour for me. Wine coolers are about the equivalent of low high grade energon, straight whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila are roughly the same as regular high grade, while Moonshine is basically Ultra high grade." I explained as I took the bottle from him and took another drink.
"Did you drink high grade back on Cybertron?"
"Meh, when I did, which wasn't often. Mostly low high grade and the occasional high grade. Never had ultra high grade before, though there was one time that Wheeljack tried to get me to try it. I had to decline it due to the fact I was about to go on a mission the next day and needed to be sober."
"Smart." He took a bigger drink this time and it wasn't long before I finished it off. I got up to throw the trash away before coming back to the now standing mech.
"Do you want to take a drive or bed?" He grinned as he grabbed my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. At the mention of bed I had to turn my head away as I yawned.
"I would say yes to the drive, but I am so damn tired I'll just fall asleep." I smiled tiredly at him as he nodded.
"Alright then, best that you get some sleep." He started leading me towards the door, but right as his hand went to push it open, I stopped him.
He looked back confused and before he could question me, I reached up and planted my lips on his. It took him by surprise before his arms found my waist pulling me closer, deepening the kiss.
-ke up. Huh?
"Hey, it's time to wake up."
Shooting up with a gasp it became painfully obvious that I was in my bed, not in the kitchen kissing Cliffjumper. Was it all a motherfucking DREAM!? I wanted so badly to scream in frustration.
"Whoa, I know they say caution when waking a sleeping femme, but it's nearly noon." Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I looked up to Blade who was now standing to his full height.
"How did I get here? I don't remember coming back from putting my clothes in the wash."
He shook his head. "That's because you didn't. After you went in you didn't come back out for nearly an hour so I went in to see that you had fallen asleep on the floor. I brought you to your room last night."
Groaning, I got up and looked for something to change into. "Thanks for bringing me to bed. Didn't mean to fall asleep." I said going into the bathroom.
"If you're feeling up to it, we can spar when you get out." He offered on the other side and for a second I thought about turning him down, but maybe sparring can help me blow off some steam.
"Yeah, that sounds good."
Yeah, I know, you are all pissed at me for pulling that stunt with the dream with Cliffjumper, but I do have bigger plans for them.
Shadow: *grumbling* I swear, when I get my hands on Authoress…
Nightshade: Ok, why is she pissed off this time?
Cliffjumper: *shrugs* Beats me. *looks towards where he saw Authoress run to*
Authoress: *hiding behind crates* Don't let her find me, she's scary like this.
Authoress: She might not like me now but she gonna love me later on. Until then, Shadowstalker out!