I want the human/cybertronian life difference to be talked about more in canon

Cuz I mean. it’s RIGHT THERE.

Just a smidgen of true acknowledgment I BEG YOU HASBRO‼️

i mean come on all it takes is someone mentioning how long the wars been going for one of the humans to go “4 MILLION YEARS???? WHAT THE FUCK HOW OLD ARE YOU???”

And optimus or ratchet to be like “…5/7 million?” And all of the humans to have a break down CUZ WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUVE BEEN ALIVE SINCE BEFORE THE HUMAN SPECIES EXISTED??? WE WERE MONKEYS WHEN YOU WERE BORN???

And the (woefully uniformed) cybertronians to be like “??? What do YOU mean your species was still evolving when I onlined, how long do you guys live?? A thousand?? A few hundred??”

And the gobsmacked humans to be like “??? NO WE HARDLY LIVE OVER A HUNDRED ITS CONSIDERED AN ACCOMPLISHMENT?? AVERAGE OLD AGE DEATH IS LIKE MID 80s!! TECHNICALLY THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IS 72 OR SOMETHING???”

Cue the autobots being like “😨 72??? THATS A CHILD WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT⁉️”

the more attached/emotional bots looking at their charges and realizing that not only are they sparklings compared to them but they’ll die as sparklings too in just a few decades, causing them to straight up have a mini meltdown.

Yeah they’re in a war and they’ve lost plenty of friends, but never to anything as predictable and inescapable as old age.

It’s the seeing-it-coming part that gets to them, the slow dread of knowing that even if they do everything right and keep them out of danger and they stay healthy there’s nothing they can do to stop them from withering away in a couple of decades.

Most versions of bumblebee looking at their charge/friend and realizing his assumptions about the fact that since they’re both still young that they’ll have plenty of time to just. Live together and have fun- are wrong?? Immediately tears. Even if cybertronians can’t cry tears he’s doing whatever the equivalent is and running away to cry in his room. And then running back to snatch them and take them with him cuz HE CANT WASTE A SECOND IF THEIR LIFESPANS ARE REALLY THAT SHORT HES GONNA JUST HAVE TO SPEND 24/7 WITH THEM

This whole concept ESPECIALLY applies to TFP since all of them got their own little human buddy and there’s only like 5 autobots to begin with (of the main season 1 crew) they’ve lost so many of their own so recently, their numbers are already dwindling down to nothing, they’re losing the war and the kids are what’s given them a major morale boost. To continue fighting they need hope, and the kids have kind of become their hope for the future- to know they’ll die off in under a century despite how young they still are is a shot to the spark.

Look me in the eye and tell me bee wouldnt panic hearing that Raf only has 70-80 years to live. LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME HE WOULDNT HAVE SOME KIND OF FIT OVER BEING TOLD THAT HIS LITTLE BUDDY (from a cybertronian perspective) HAS A LIFESPAN EQUIVALENT TO A LATE STAGE TERMINAL ILLNESS DIAGNOSIS. Bee would start treating Raf like a kid with stage 4 cancer 😭

I just KNOW bulkhead would have the worst reaction other than bee, maybe even worse cuz he looks at miko and realizes she’s used up basically a fifth of her entire lifespan already and she’s Still So Little and straight up starts weeping. That’s his DAUGHTER you can’t take her from him so soon it’s not FAIR! He might have to go destroy a canyon wall or something to let some of the anger and grief out

Arcee is Not taking it well either.

She JUST got attached to this one, just got used to a new partner and your telling her that no matter what she does he’s never going to last as long as tailgate of cliff jumper did?? Even if both he and she do everything they’re supposed to do to protect him and extended his life?? Depression time baby

Optimus and ratchet don’t react as much outwardly to the news as the others but inside they’re both 💔💥

These kids have brought optimus a level of contentment he hasn’t felt in vorns, and he sees how bright their spirits shine- Only to now know those precious spirits will burn out in less than a century- it gnaws at him inside, yet another strike from the cruelty of fate

Ratchet is devastated but refuses to acknowledge it, these kids- yes even miko- have become his pseudo grandkids and he’s not ready, nor will he ever be ready, to outlive them. Jacks reminds him too much of a younger optimus, still learning and still hopeful. Miko is… well she has a fire to her that ratchet can appreciate (when she’s not actively annoying him) she’s determined enough to make anything happen which he does begrudgingly respect even if he wishes she wouldn’t just throw herself into any and every situation just for fun.

And Raf…

Raf is his apprentice, the only one of the kids to understand him and listen intently to his stories of cybertron. To show appreciation for his work and his ideas, to Listen and Learn and Improve his inventions. He harbors the most fondness for Raf since he sees so much potential in him, and has taken him under his wing in teaching him cybertronian language and biology.

He feels almost like he’s training a student to take his place- only for the ground to be ripped out from under him to know that Raf will never have the chance to succeed him, will never even outlive him.

A parent should never have to bury their child, and ratchet already feels that he has.

-

TLDR the autobots find out humans have fruit fly lifespans next to them and become one big soggy mess of tears, optimus and ratchet included although they try to have a stiff upper lip about it (and fail to varying extents)

I swear this was supposed to be about any and all continuities but TFP took over completely😭 idk it just fits the best since they focus so much on how attached the bots get to the kids

Edit: btw this was inspired from the fact I found out that the cybertronian equivalent to a year (yes I know technically they have solar cycles which are roughly a human year but what they consider a year vs their lifespan/time perception is different) is a vorn. A vorn is 80 HUMAN YEARS. I saw that and went “oh wow a vorn is like a whole human lifespan!😃” and then I went “OH A VORN IS A WHOLE HUMAN LIFESPAN 😀“

Some more Attack on Prime head canons, because I haven’t talked about it in a while.

Here’s the like to the story: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36583423/chapters/91243426

-Sasha can sense the Transformers, like a sixth sense. It’s not impossible for her to not do that. Sasha has been known in the main show to sense regular titans even brief moments before Mike. Her hunting skills are very impressive, and when she’s around Optimus, she smells the dirt, smoke, grime, and everything else coming from the titan. It’s obvious and unfamiliar to the smell of the trees, grass, and smoke emitting from the mindless titans. But she can also sense the Matrix of Leadership within his chest. It takes a while for Sasha to get used to Optimus because of her own trained instincts. However with Megatron, it’s a completely different story. She can smell something similar to Optimus: the smoke and exhaust from whenever he flies, but the dark energon is too much for her. It’s toxic and chaotic; it makes her want to throw up. And she has to pretend that she’s completely fine because she’s afraid of Megatron’s brutality, which is understandable.

-Megatron’s conscious is broken, and is suffering from massive PTSD and trauma which would include getting revived from the dead and getting possessed by the devil. That doesn’t excuse his actions, of course, and he deserves a fate far worse than death. Unicron and his younger self end up manifesting frequently as a result of Megatron’s mental health. Unicron always taunts him, his younger self warns and berates him for his mistakes. Both tell him to forget about Optimus and watch out for himself. That helping others isn’t in his nature. The only time they are quiet is when Megatron is constantly keeping himself occupied with tasks, no matter how beneath them they are. It helps him ignore them and shut them out. However, he can no longer sleep, and yearns for a night no longer plagued by thoughts and nightmares of his sins. But that was too much to asked. He deserved this punishment anyway.

-This is a response I provided to someone on Ao3 about Willy’s opinion on Megatron, or Matthew in this case: Meanwhile Willy, is both grateful and fascinated by Megatron, or Matthew in this case. Grateful because Megatron saved his life and his family, and fascinated because of how different Megatron acts from everyone else he's met. He's so used to people respecting him, treating him with dignity, and worshiping the ground he walks because of his name and title. But he knows without that, he would just be treated like filth. Just like every other Eldian devil on this world. Willy doesn't have the luxury of being treated like a normal person. But Megatron shows up and is not walking on eggshells around him or trying to be respectful. He's actively calling Willy out for his hypocrisy, and Willy is happy. Because someone is treating him like a normal human being. Not a god or a devil. And Willy's fascinated with that because he wants to know how someone could even think like that in a world that hates Eldians. How can someone be kind to Eldians and say they and the Marleyans are no different? Because that mentality has been heavily indoctrinated in this world. Oddly enough, Willy sees Megatron as a genuine friend.

-Optimus misses radio. I’m certain that when he was on Earth, he would listen to stuff like NPR to pass the time and learn more about Earth. He even took Fowler’s advice and listened to some country music. He thought it was pretty decent. But he liked listening to informative radio to pass the time. Sometimes when Optimus is driving through a walled city, he’ll spot a street performer playing the guitar, and he will wait a while and listen before heading out. He can’t tip because he doesn’t make or need money anyway.

(There’s a lot more stuff that I want to talk about, but it requires me going into spoiler territory, and I get particularly picky about it. I don’t mind spoiling myself. It’s not really a big deal for me, but for someone who would want the experience of being surprised, there are certain aspects of my story that I can’t talk about just yet. Maybe I’ll post a chapter when I go on my two week break before the fall semester, but I said that I would post in either December or January. I’m currently writing the confrontation chapter, but part of me feels like with what I have left, that I can shorten it. Maybe I’ll post some music I think would be fitting for the Paths II and onward. Because what I can tell you is that the Paths II and forward is going to be where the tears flow.)

(Although, for the OCs that I made specifically for attack on prime, the son is essentially a millennial while the father is a boomer.)

This account portrays both IDW and G1 Hot Rod.

G1 tag: [Reluctant Necessity] G1 or just g1

Idw tag: [Rebellious Revolutionary] IDW or just idw

IDW AU: Neutral [Almost There]

Posts that are not tagged will mainly be G1, but they may also apply for both. I am a silly guy with memory issues and I forget so often

G1 Hot Rod is portrayed after the Hate Plague. He has already been Rodimus Prime, and he hated it. Optimus is back, and he’s trying hard to adapt to being “normal” again. He’s cheerful and blunt, a little too self sacrificial, much more mature and tired than he looks. He won’t know anyone outside g1– he does not know Drift or Deadlock, and characters whose designs differ by a lot from their g1 counterparts may not easily be recognized. This Hot Rod is not from Nyon. He is quite young (around the 500 years mark) and Earth feels more like his home than Cybertron, from the way he talks about it. He’s got fucked up filters, he can’t handle alcohol, is an extreme lightweight and anything stronger than 40% alcohol is sure to give him a full system shut down. He’s still new to the whole “pure Energon” diet, having been onlined and lived for a majority of the time on what they could find in abandoned fields.

Idw Hot Rod has never taken the matrix nor has he been killed by Megatron. He has been to Earth, but did not become stranded. He mostly accompanies the Wreckers on missions— this one, knows Drift. Mentions of “Rodimus” and Prime and Matrix are met with discomfort and confusion. He doesn’t label himself a Wrecker, but he finds he belongs better among them. He’s reckless, cheerful, smart mouthed and incredibly mean. He’s also very resourceful.

He doesn’t know much about fishing or about human culture, his time on Earth was brief and was mostly recon and rescue (Sunstreaker). Ironhide did not die. He’s brash, an adrenaline junkie, and a bit of a show off— especially if you’re someone not particularly fond of him, or someone from a higher rank. He’s a little oblivious but also a pretty good actor and liar.

Neutral Hot Rod is a scavenger of sorts. He left the autobots incredibly early on, stealing a small shuttle and drifting off into space. He eventually finds Necroworld and befriends Censere. Necroworld becomes a safe spot and checkpoint for Hot Rod.

He follows the war closely, but making sure he’s not known. He goes to old battlefields and heals who he can (and those he can’t, he puts them out of their misery, gathers their parts). He’s pretty reckless but a lot more quiet, he tends to talk to himself more than he talks to other people.

✨✨La Squadra Boyfriend Headcanons✨✨

[Alexa, play Boyfriend by Big Time Rush]

Guys, I spend an ungodly amount of time thinking about La Squadra, so here are some bf headcanons for the sexiest group of assassins in Naples. No one asked but I am bringing it straight to your dash anyway! (under the cut for length lmao)

I’m going to start with Prosciutto, who has recently fallen on my radar pretty heavy! 

He’s a good and decent boyfriend, if not a busy one. Not that he doesn’t care about the relationship, but most of his energy was going to Passione things before you waltzed in and so he’ll struggle a bit between his work responsibilities and maintaining his relationship with you, but only in the beginning. 

If you are also a part of Passione, it’s a hell of a lot easier to manage. 

I see Prosciutto as the gift-giving type: lingerie, sweets, perfume, designers, etc. His salary isn’t the best, but he manages it as well as he can just to accommodate you! 

I just can’t get the idea out of my head that Pro was raised by a strict mama, that’s why he can be a bit of a stickler sometimes. He’ll catch you still lounging in bed at nine am, and be like “Why are you still in bed? Get dressed, we’re going out.” Dude!

I’m sorry to say, but Prosciutto is absolutely the ‘lecturing’ type. (He lectured someone in nearly every scene in the anime, Formaggio once and Pesci numerously and Bucci too) 

He will lecture you when you make mistakes, especially because as his s/o, he has high expectations for you and believes you’re capable of so much more. It’s never, ever out of hate. He loves you, and that’s why he chides you a bit lol. 

This does not negate the fact that he doesn't mind when you lean on him for support. He likes when you count on him, because he always comes through especially for you!

Depending on whether you’re in the mafia or not, I totally see him sparring with you, or working out with you in an effort to make you tough. Prosciutto wants you to be able to defend yourself, just in case. If you complain, he’ll tell you, “Better safe than sorry, tesoro”.

Prosciutto will respect you, period.

A good listener, goddamn! He’s up there with Risotto when it comes to who listens to their s/o more! If you have an issue, he’ll hear you out and offer advice if you want it. If you give him advice, he’ll take it into serious consideration. He’s honestly a good partner, can’t stress that enough.

Finally, sex with Pro is an entire event. Romantic dinner, candles lit, wine, the whole nine yards before he gives you nine inches of something else :) (I’m kidding!! Lmao, kinda). 

But as I said, Prosciutto is quite deliberate, and a bit of a perfectionist. He knows what to do and how to do it, you can trust him.

Ghiaccio is next only because he’s my favorite. 

The ice gremlin is probably the most interesting (and hilarious) boyfriend out of the bunch (I say this with only a tidbit of bias). He isn’t funny himself, but funny shit just happens to him. 

Because of this, he will use you as a soundboard when everyone else refuses to listen to him. He’s got a lot to say, so be prepared for his TEDtalks. LMAO!

It will take some perception on your part to notice when he actually expects a response from you, and other times he’s just ranting to get his point out. 

He will correct your grammar when you text, but barely notices when he makes a similar mistake (his brain moves in mph). Please use the proper names like Venezia, Italia, Roma and Napoli when talking to this man; save yourself from the headache.

When it comes to dates, please have mercy on him, he’s a textbook over-thinker! You’ll just have to plan something simple at home for you both to enjoy. 

He isn’t incapable of planning dates, but he’ll want everything to be so absolutely perfect for his s/o and will throw a fit when it ultimately isn’t. 

Contrary to popular belief, I think that Ghiaccio is a pretty attentive partner. He’s super intelligent and I think a part of it stems from his innate ability to read people (I’m referencing the part in the anime where he deduced what Giorno and Mista had come to look for, while going off very little information). 

The more time he spends with you, the better he gets at it. 

His form of affection will be shown through the amount of time you both spend together. When it comes to sex or anything related to that, be gentle and slow as Ghiaccio will likely be a flustered mess. 

As he becomes more comfortable and confident, he will be bolder and just ask out right if you’ll suck him off tonight or not. The man appreciates directness, so don’t bother being coy. “You want me to give you head? Cool, lay down a towel or something.” is what he’ll probably say.

Very practical 👌🏾👌🏾

Melone, good lord, he’s kind of perfect. 

A bit of a doting boyfriend here and there—very much concerned about your health. Expect him to ask if you’ve eaten, or taken your multivitamin. How are your bowel movements?  LMAO

It can become a bit much, but he really genuinely cares. He’s not asking to be intrusive or nasty! If he was, you’d know. 🤣

But I seriously consider Melone to be the one (at least among La Squadra) who is way, way invested in his relationships. He will know every little detail about you; will ask you lots of questions and expects you to ask him just as many. 

This may be annoying to some, but this dude will definitely bring up your horoscope in an argument. He’ll be like “I honestly can’t fathom why you’re being this way, though it’s to be expected from a libra.” 

Peg this bitch so he can shut up.  

Melone is also touchy as hell, but not in a clingy way. He loves touching, and just to tag onto the headcanon about his partial blindness, I want to say that he’s so touchy because that’s how he ‘sees’ you best.

Just know that half the time, he isn’t touching you to be lecherous, even if he genuinely does like the feel of your skin under his fingertips. Melone will even encourage you to touch him back. 

Rub his thigh or back and he’ll be simping.

He is obsessed with your legs, and will paint your toes if you let him. 

LOVES PDA! Melone will also tongue-kiss you in public if you let him!

Notice how I keep saying ‘if you let him’. Give him an inch and he’ll press you for a mile, so if there are boundaries you would like to establish, please do, cuz he sure as hell won’t, just saying!

When it comes to sex, Melone is a dick and coochie sensei. Oral is his favorite thing to do, probably enjoys giving more than receiving to be honest. I’d say he’s pretty much mastered sex for what it is. 

That being said, if he’s ever talking out of his neck, just invite him to put his mouth to better use. He’ll even thank you for your gracious request.

Formaggio is next 💀 

According to my JoJo compatriots from discord, he’s like the Optimus Prime of fuckboi’s so let’s ride that wave for a bit! LMAO

I hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that Formaggio is pretty shameless. He will send you a dick pic on Sunday morning before church and have the audacity to say “Just wanted to bless you real quick”. 

@autumn-kouhai mentioned him giving his s/o sickly sweet pet names and I just have to agree. 

Expect to be hit upside the head with: baby-boo, sugar plum, honey bunches, sweetums. I can imagine them becoming really ridiculous too like “the last piece of red velvet cake” or “cheddar bae biscuits from Red Lobster”

His catch phrase is “Got nudes?”

Send them, and he won’t be afraid to reply with something equally sexy. 

Be warned though, he will stockpile whatever you send him and then be careless with his phone. If you don’t mind Illuso’s snoopy ass seeing your nudes then by all means, have at it. Otherwise, send them through snapchat, so they disappear later. 

As far as La Squadra boyfriends go, he’s the most fun! Y’all don’t even go anywhere because man’s is broke. BUT, Formaggio knows how to have a good time without any need to spend money (my kind of dude tbh) you guys just crank up the tunes, dance, and get lit until the neighbors complain. 

Formi is also the CEO of jokes/memes, and will have you in absolute tears almost always! I literally tell my friends that funny guys are so dangerous, don’t sleep on them! They will make you laugh until your panties drop, it’s magic, I swear. Formaggio has that same energy. 

No matter how bad of a day his s/o is having, rest assured, he will draw the biggest laugh out of you.

Besides his fuckboi tendencies, his most redeeming quality is the fact that he’s super cool and fun to hang with. You’ll literally have a good time, always, because his energy is right! Very good vibes around this man, I swear! It’ll be exactly like dating your best friend, because essentially, he will be your bestie.

Formi has many moments of tenderness that aren’t sexually charged too—moments where the jokes stop and he’ll just rub your back or feet, this is usually when you aren’t feeling well and need some quiet. 

However, Formaggio won’t let you mope all day, he’ll pull out the big guns and call you his “sweetie baby” and when you try to resist he’ll say “What, I’m just tryna show you some love.”

He’s a good dude lmao I’d date a guy like him irl 😭

Pesci stans wya??! Let’s get into this baby boy. 

Pesci is boyfriend material, idgaf what anyone says. 

He is pretty much the least problematic to be with among all of La Squadra, even more so than Risotto (don’t argue with me). 

Pesci is hyper aware of your likes and dislikes and will literally go out of his way to make sure that you’re well and okay. 

Arguments are basically nonexistent and if they occur it ain’t coming from his side. 

I also think that Pesci has a lot of empathy, so when you’re going through something, he’s right there in the thick of it with you. If you’ve seen that meme that goes ‘when my gf is on her period it’s UterUS’ lmao that’s Pesci’s energy 100%. 

Sometimes, he’s more of a lover and not a fight, that is perfectly okay!

However, if someone tries up his s/o, say farewell to Mr. Niceguy. He will defend your honor to his dying breath. And with you in his corner, trust me, he’s not going down. 

A romantic at heart, Pesci will plan little date trips like picnics in the park or boat trips to Capri, actually, I’d like to point out that he excels in the art of date planning. If you’re the adventurous type, he’ll plan outings where you both will be more active, like biking through the city or renting a mop-ed and going sight-seeing. 

Because Pesci has a sensitive stomach, he’s very much considerate of what you both put in your bodies. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, this guy knows all about it and will cater to you perfectly. 

A true gentleman through and through, he will never force himself on you, ever. In fact, he really doesn’t like engaging in anything sexual when you’re drunk or high, sorry if you’re into that! 

Pesci is the kind of guy who keeps up with your favorite shows.

If ya’ll have similar taste in media or literature, he will immerse himself in it so that he can relate to you all the more.

If there’s anyone who will entertain anime-related discourse, no matter how nonsensical, it’s Pesci. And he isn’t just putting up with it, he’s actively engaging in the conversation so you are always heard and validated. 

He’s an A+ boyfriend, that’s all I gotta say! Haters can stay mad :)

Goddamn Illuso... idk man.

I really feel like you have to have thick/tough skin to handle this guy, for various reasons. 

The first being that Illuso can be a bit mean at first. He’ll push your buttons on purpose just to see what’ll make you tick. Will tease the living heck out of you, always, kind of a bully lmao but not to the extreme, it’s just his brand of humor—and the thing is, he won’t be mad when you dish it right back, so it’s cool. 

Secondly, Illuso has big dick energy!! 

I mean rightfully so, because he is indeed packing! But my word, he ain’t humble about it at all! 

He is not above making jokes about ‘splitting you in half’. In fact all of his jokes have hidden, dirty undertones! 

His affection is shown through speech mostly. Illuso will drop subtle innuendos and provocations, half to see you flustered and half because he wants you to know how much he wants you. 

Illuso isn’t incredibly vocal about his feelings outside of ‘I’m tryna hit that thang’ but you won’t doubt that he loves you because Illuso doesn’t waste his own time. 

If he’s spending his time with you, you can rest assured that it’s because he wants to. 

Illuso is a voyeur and you’ll just have to understand/accept that and move on. 

He loves watching you and will even creep over to your place through the mirror world just to hang or watch you do chores. Loves to surprise you and give you jump scares lmao it’ll make you a tad paranoid but it’s also fun. 

Illuso is prone to random bouts of sweetness; it’s very sporadic, very touch-and-go. 

One day, you’ll wake up to chocolates on your dresser or new shoes, lingerie, or makeup if you wear it. I imagine that if you’re low on funds, he will even help you buy your groceries that week. 

It’ll surprise the hell out of you, but that’s just how Illuso is. He enjoys keeping you on your toes! 

He’s prideful and smug as hell, so he will definitely expect a thank you, because even if he does it out of the kindness in his heart, he also wants to hear that you appreciate him

Same goes for the bedroom scene. Illuso loves making you vocal, it’s his favorite thing in the world, so he’ll make a game out of doing the things that get the biggest reaction out of you. Like I said, it's that big dick energy at work here, smh.

Sorbet and Gelato in a polyamorous relationship with you? Let’s get it! 

We don’t get anything substantial about these two except that Sorbet follows the money, so these are all personal headcanons for how I see and write them. 

Here’s the juice: when it comes to you as their s/o, these two are possessive as hell. You are theirs and that’s that on that! 😭 Don’t ask questions, just go with it.

Sorbet is the chill one of the duo. He can be a bit smug at times, but he’s mostly a laid back dude who doesn’t get bothered by much.

When it comes to you, Sorbet likes to spend quality time with you more than anything, and will ask you to cook for him at your place so he ain’t gotta spend money. Oh? Did I not mention that I kinda think of him as a cheapskate? Lmao cuz I do.

Sorbet will come by your place just to steal your coupons from the mail then head out; you’re not using ‘em so why should he let them go to waste?

Gelato is the complete opposite; personality wise, I headcanon him as a mix between Melone and Formaggio lmao

But it’s not as crazy as it sounds, he’s cute and outspoken like Melone, while maintaining a free-spirit like Formaggio. One quality that I like is that he’s quite devoted to you and Sorbet. If anyone crosses either of you, goodluck to them!

I like to think Gelato’s also just really boujee and high maintenance. He loves to pamper and be pampered. You and him tag-team Sorbet’s wallet and go on spa dates together at his expense (not that he ever really stood a chance)

While Sorbet is cool with just being in the same room as you, Gelato loves hugging/cuddling with you and Sorbet—will definitely fight for the middle spot between the two of you on the couch during movie nights.

He baby, so let him have it lol

In the bedroom, I would salute anyone with the guts to take the two of them on. They both lay down that work, period. 

Sorbet gets his kicks from teasing and edging you (his sadistic side comes out a bit), while Gelato loves when you give him extra TLC. To put it short, they know how to take care of you, so there are no issues there. 

Last but not least, Mr. Risotto Nero himself.

Man, idc on the lowest of keys, he seems a little bit like a grandpa to me

The type to sit at home and do crosswords, has a bird feeder in his yard and plays old Italian hits while washing the dishes. It’s very domestic 💀 (I find it cute, whatever!)

As a boyfriend, I can’t imagine him suddenly being spontaneous or outgoing unless you drag him out of his home/comfort zone.

Be patient with Mr. Nero, and he can come to surprise you

After a while, it won’t be just you dragging him out and about; one day he’ll ask you to come over and you’ll be greeted with a nice, traditional, homemade meal

Pay attention and you will notice him watching your face to see if you like his cooking 🥺

After seeing his fight with Doppio, I must admit that Risotto is very, very observant, almost scarily so.

I can totally picture him pointing out random things about his s/o that even they don’t know

One night, Risotto may come up to you and say “I talked to your neighbor about the dog, they’ll keep it inside now.” And you’re just staring like 😳 how did he know the barking was keeping you up at night????

He’s sweet, and will take good care of you as a boyfriend should.

Very good listener, won’t talk as much but will hang on to your every word, I promise. He could even recite it to you verbatim.

He’s a big dude, that ain’t news, so expect to be swallowed up in hugs and sometimes even picked up (as a tall girl myself, I simp!!!)

Gives A1 piggyback rides, lol

ALSO RISOTTO IS HUMBLE ASF!

Big dick energy, but on low volume 👏🏾 after all, he doesn’t need to do much talking, because a night with him is more than enough!

Listen babe, you better stretch, do some squats, and prep in whatever way you can before Mr. Nero gives you that work. 🤐

Lowkey a freak, but it’s well hidden behind his ‘quiet giant’ exterior

So, who are y'all dating? Personally, I’m going for Formaggio and Pesci hehe

Stress

[(Platonic) TFP! Optimus Prime x Reader]

A/N: So this was just a little vent fic I needed to do since school is going to start up tomorrow and I am not ready for it. Sorry if it's bad, but then again, it's a vent fic. Also I finally decided to watch Transformers Prime and I really like it.

Ah yes, it was back to school day. Winter break had unfortunately passed by way too quickly for anyone’s liking, but what else could they do? For you, the first day was always so dreadful. At least you only have one more year left before you enter college. Until then, you were stuck with kids you didn’t want to be around, dreadful school lunch, and assignment anxiety. Luckily, you got to go to school with Jack and Miko. You never really knew them at first but after getting caught up in an incident between the Decepticons and Autobots, you got to meet Raf and soon, your bonds with them grew (the Fearsome Foursome as Miko would call you guys). 

It was your last period before school ended. You were absolutely waiting for the moment when you got to ride with Optimus, as he was your guardian. Sure, he was a busy ‘Bot, but he always managed to make time with you. You stared out the window at the driveway, feeling excited with which shenanigan was going to take place today. But you were suddenly pulled out of your thoughts when you hear your name get called by the teacher.

“[Y/N], do you have your assignment?” The teacher questioned as she had a stack of papers resting in her arms. Oh, son of a- you’ve forgotten to do your assignment throughout the break since you were too caught up in having fun with your friends. Then again, who the hell assigns homework on winter break? It’s called a break for a reason. Twiddling your thumbs guiltily, you shook your head no and swallowed a lump in your throat. Please don’t get detention, please don’t get detention, please-

“[Y/N] you had all of winter break to finish your assignment. You’re a 12th grader, please be more responsible. You have detention after class.” She said as she went to her desk and put the sheets of paper down. You could feel your cheeks burn with embarrassment as you heard the teacher resume the class and lesson. Oh great, you lost homework credit and got detention. That assignment had 50 points and it went down the drain! Welp, guess it was time to say goodbye to your grade. You felt a cloud of pessimism shadow over your head as you did your best to pay attention to what was on the whiteboard. Time slowly passed by and finally, the school bell rang. As the students rushed out of the classroom, you slowly made your way out of the room as well and instead of walking out of school, you walked to the detention room. You gave a quick message to  Jack to tell the others that you were in detention. Once the text had been sent, you entered the detention classroom and sat all the way in the back row, next to the big window. 

For some reason, time seemed to drag on even more slowly. There were a few students in the room, but they were either asleep or doing their homework. You might as well do your homework as well since there was nothing else to do. As you fetched your utensils and the sheet of work, in the corner of your eye you saw a blue and red semi-truck waiting on the driveway. You couldn’t tell, but you could feel the old leader’s gaze resting on you through the window. You prayed with all your might to not get lectured tonight since you weren’t in the mood for it. You know that he means well, but it was still irritating. Clicking your pen, you looked back down at your paper and tried to solve an equation. Unfortunately, with the heavy gaze still on you and the worry of his lecture and disappointment, you got little to nothing done on your work.

Once you were able to leave, you packed all of your stuff and quickly left the building, soon making your way towards the semi-truck. You kept your eyes on the ground as the door flung open and you entered the passengers side. As soon as the door slammed shut, the engine came to life and you two made your way back to the base. The ride was pretty quiet as your hands rested on your lap. You refused to look away from your lap and continued to brace yourself for the lecture.

“[Y/N]...” Ah, there it was. After a moment passed by, you looked up at the radio and waited for him to continue. “Jack told me that you had detention. Care to explain why?”

Ah scrap, here we go again. You sunk into your seat and crossed your arms before answering his question. “Um, I forgot to do my assignment. That’s it, I swear.”

You could hear a faint sigh coming from his radio, though you couldn’t tell if it was a sigh of relief or a sigh of disappointment. No other words were exchanged as the ride continued on. After some more time passed by, you two were back at the base. You grabbed your backpack and got out as Optimus transformed out of his vehicle mode. You looked up at him as he looked down at you, his expression unreadable. You then went on to make your way towards the couch upstairs, but you were stopped once you heard Optimus’ voice once again.

“[Y/N], please take caution on when your assignments are due. I worry that you won’t be able to graduate at this rate.”

There wasn’t much to say at that statement. You just gave him another guilty look and nod before continuing to make your way towards the couch. You could hear Miko tease about you getting attention while Jack told her off. Raf offered help for your homework, but you politely declined. As the trio went down to hang out with the other bots, you stayed at the couch and twirled the pen in between your fingers as you tried to complete your homework. Okay, maybe you did need help. Though,  it was too late to ask for any just as you went on to decline it. Your pride got in your way once more. Plus, Raf was having fun with the others and you didn’t want to spoil that. The dark cloud that loomed over your head had yet to disappear but instead, it continued to grow as each second passed by. You furrowed your eyebrows and glared intensely at the equation you were stuck on. If it were possible, there would’ve been a hole going straight through your homework as your stare was that intense. For some goddamn reason, you couldn’t concentrate on anything. Your mind and thoughts kept jumping from the time you got detention to the time you had your ride with Optimus. It was honestly very frustrating and you could blow up with anger at any given second. The sounds of the ‘Bots and your friends having fun at the other side of base didn’t help you either. 

Eventually, you tossed the pen on the table and leaned back into the couch. You stared up at the ceiling above you and let out a deep sigh. Ratchet took notice of your sigh and took a brief moment to look at you. You looked utterly exhausted while your eyebrows were still knitted together. The medic raised an optic and questioned you.

“Is there something wrong, [Y/N]? You look like you’re about to fall apart at any second.”

Lazily, you moved your head to the side and looked at him. By now, you were too tired to even give him a weak, reassuring smile. You just had to hope that Ratchet trusted your word. “No worries, everything is under control.” He didn’t believe you.

“Doesn’t look like it. Are you having problems with your homework? Optimus told me about  what happened earlier.”

Of course he would know. You were embarrassed once more and looked back up at the ceiling. You sighed once more and nodded your head, telling him that you were having problems. Ratchet let out a small hum and called for Raf. After you heard the mention of the little boy’s name, your body snapped straight up and you looked at Ratchet with panic. Before you could protest, Raf was with you. You meant no ill intent or offense towards the boy, but you couldn’t believe that you were getting help from a 12 year old.

“[Y/N] needs help with their homework.” Ratchet simply says before going back to work.

Raf nods and sits down next to you. “So, what do you need help with?”

Grabbing the sheet of paper in front of you, you showed him what you needed help on. You then stop him before you could begin solving the equation. “It’s not that I don’t know how to solve it. It’s just...it’s kinda hard to concentrate, y’know? I think I’m having one of those days.”

And Raf did understand. Everyone had one of those days where they couldn’t focus. But that didn’t make you stupid. All you wanted to do was spend time with the others, especially Optimus since one, he was your guardian. And two, Decepticon activity has been exceptionally high lately and even though he picks you up from school almost every single day, you still wanted to be with him.

“I understand, but maybe you should take a break before getting back to work. It helps a lot.” Raf suggested but you politely declined. You explained how you wanted to just get everything over with so you could hang out with the others as soon as possible. He wanted to insist, yet he respected your decision. As some time went on, you still couldn’t focus on what was happening. The young boy continued to try to explain to you the equation, but in the end you gave up. Optimus had just finished his duties and returned to the base. He laid his optics upon you and made his way towards you. Now, he could fully see the frustration and irritation written on your face as you aggressively clicked your pen.

“Is something the matter, [Y/N]?” The old Bot asked.

“[Y/N]’s having a hard time concentrating. We haven’t even finished a single problem yet.” Raf answered for you.

“Hmm, I see. [Y/N], get ready. We’re going for a drive.”

You stopped clicking your pen and looked over to Optimus, who was already in his vehicle form. Your shoulders dropped and you tossed the pen back on the table before standing up and stretching your body. You then looked back at the young boy and gave a weak but kind smile. “I’ll be back soon. Just make sure Miko doesn’t spill anything on my homework.” You tell him before waving and making your way back down.

Once you entered the vehicle, he drove his way out of the base and went outside. It was starting to become night time and there was a lovely sunset on the horizon. The gloomy cloud that was now a storm started to drift away from your head and you could feel yourself relax. It was quiet, but you liked it. One of the many things you could appreciate from Optimus was that you two would just have comfortable silences together and you loved it. You tapped on the window and signalled for him to roll it down and once he did, you stuck your head out and rested your chin on top of the door. The breeze nicely hit your face and ran through your hair. Everything was instantly better now. It was quiet for a while, but Optimus finally decided to talk to you after seeing how relaxed you are now.

“It seems that you are calm now. I’m glad that I could be of some use.” He chuckled. “Is there anything on your mind? Anything you want to...vent, as you call it?”

It took a moment for you to reply. You were contemplating on whether to tell him or not. You didn’t want to bring him down with your problems yet then again, you could really vent out right now. And so you did.

“I- um, I don’t know why, but it’s just so difficult for me to focus. I can’t focus in class, on my homework, and I couldn’t even finish a single problem. I’m always so forgetful and even when I set up reminders on my phone and what not, I always forget. I don’t get or understand why. Is there something wrong with me? Am I just dumb?”

At this question, Optimus slowed down and came to a full stop. Thankfully, the two of you were in the middle of nowhere. If he could, he would place you on his shoulder while stargaze under the night sky. Unfortunately, he would be at risk of getting his cover blown.

“You are not dumb. Having trouble focusing or remembering does not make you dumb. But if you truly feel that there is something wrong with you, I highly recommend that you either see Ratchet or another professional. Just know that the Autobots and the other children will be here to support you. I know that things may seem tough right now, but you must trudge through. Things will get better soon, I promise you.”

Just like that, your worries melted away. Optimus has never broken a promise and he doesn’t plan on breaking one any time soon. You know that you can trust him and you’ve taken every one of his words to heart. Nothing else needed to be said as a relieved smile entered your face. You leaned back into the seat and rested the temple of your head against the door before shutting your eyes.

“Thank you, Optimus. Thank you for being here for me.”

“Always, [Y/N].”

Silkling, I really love your writing. Could you please write a TFA fic of Isaac and Bulkhead bonding over growing up on farms?

You know, I always forget Bulkhead grew up on a farm. But I would be thrilled to! I hope it’s to your satisfaction!

———————————————————————————————————

Bulkhead was painting again. That in and of itself wasn’t something new. He painted a lot. What made this time different was that he was alone at the base. Sari had taken the others to something she’d called a “theme park”. He didn’t understand exactly what a park had to have to be called a theme park, but she’d told me it usually involved lots of things called “rides” and lots of games. He also didn’t understand how a ride could be fun, but then again he didn’t know what a ride was. He had a feeling that the way Sari used it, these “rides” weren’t the kind of ride that was defined by the dictionary definition of the word. She had also, helpfully, said that theme parks were always popular and the funnest part of the “rides” was the screaming. He had opted out at that point, being more confused by what exactly that weird park entailed. So, here he was. At the base, alone and painting with peace and quiet.

He rather liked it, actually. He knew Bumblebee didn’t understand, but it was moments like this Bulkhead found himself really getting Prowl. Stillness and quiet could be nice, sometimes. He was intending to do a big project today, wanting to take advantage of the rare peace to be found in their make-shift home. The others had said they’d be gone all day. He wasn’t expecting them back till close to sunset.

So when he heard a voice from the front of the base, he was rather startled. Thankfully, he didn’t ruin his painting as he jerked, and he sighed in relief before dropping the brush in the water pot. Then he turned to the voice, head tilting as it called out again. Oh, wait. He knew that voice! The large bot lumbered towards the unexpected guest, and as soon as the smaller form came into view his engine let out a soft churr of greeting.

“Hey, Professor Sumdac.” he said contentedly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

The human had turned at the sound of approaching pedes, his gaze locking on the Autobot at the soft rumble of his engine. He blinked rapidly, not having expected the largest of their alien guests to be the one to greet him. He would have thought it would be Optimus, or perhaps Bumblebee. Still, it wouldn’t do to be rude. He may have had more humble beginnings than most of his wealth, but his mother had taught him manners and he intended to use them. Besides, Bulkhead had been polite enough to come out and greet him, even though he was technically intruding on the gentle giant’s own home.

“Good afternoon, Bulkhead. It is very nice to see you. I apologize for the intrusion, but I was looking for Sari. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?” he asked hopefully.

Bulkhead only blinked a few times, looking a little surprised. “She took the others to something she called a theme park. I stayed behind. Screaming for fun doesn’t really…sound good. I’m surprised she got Ratchet to go.” he paused. “Actually, that may be because I’m pretty sure she has blackmail on him.” he added, as if to himself. Then he seemed to remember the point of the question, and he frowned at the older human. “She didn’t tell you?”

“That she’s going to a theme park or that she’s blackmailing senior alien robots?” Isaac said dryly. “She told me neither of those things.”

Bulkhead smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Professor.”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. I’m certain she would have found a way to the theme park either way. I do wish she would stop skipping her lessons, though.”

Bulkhead blinked. “I suppose. You’re very patient with her. On Cybertron, if a youngling consistently misbehaves than their creators wouldn’t be as patient.” he said offhandedly.

Isaac blinked. “Youngling? Is that your word for a child?” he asked. Then the second part of the statement caught up. “Ah, pardon me for asking, but what are “creators”? I was under the impression you are living robotic organisms, not built by someone else.”

Bulkhead hummed. “Yeah, youngling! I’m one, technically. Though I’m closer to being considered a fully grown mech than Bumblebee. I’d be considered the equivalent of a 16 year old human?” he said, running the calculations in his head. “Yeah, somewhere in that range. Bee is the equivalent of a 13 or 14 year old.” He was pretty good with math. His numbers were mostly right, or at least close enough for his point to be understood.

Isaac was staring. “You and Bumblebee…are not yet adults?” he seemed stunned.

“Nope!” Bulkhead was cheerful. “Bossbot and Ratchet are. Prowl is too, I think? He’s really private but I’m pretty sure he is. He’s older than Bossbot is, anyway.” he smiled, humming to himself. “I actually think Prime is only just considered a proper mech? Like, uh….between 19 and 21 in humans terms?” he tapped his chin with a finger, only just then noticing the open mouthed gape the professor was sending him. The large bot squirmed, uncomfortable. “Professor?”

Isaac snapped his mouth shut with a audible click, then shook his head. “You and Bumblebee-“ he cut himself off, shaking his head again before he kept speaking. “You are not yet adult on your world?” he repeated, still internally flailing over that revelation.

Bulkhead blinked. “Well, no.” he said, tilting his head. “Why?”

“Because if you’re still so young you shouldn’t have been allowed off the planet!” Isaac answered, his hands flapping with his distress.

The Autobot frowned. “Well, I’m close enough to being an adult that I’m considered capable of any type of non-combatant work. When I flunked out of the Academy that left space bridge repairs.” he said. “My creators were fine with it cause they were sure I’d be staying in Autobot space territory, and since they know how well I know space bridges they weren’t actually worried about me being in danger.”

“What about Bumblebee? You said he’s even younger than you!”

“Ah….” Bulkhead hunched his shoulders. “Bee, um. He doesn’t have creators. He wasn’t cold-forged, which means he wasn’t just placed in a protoform after Vector Sigma spat out his spark, but he was a abandoned at a Youth Center as a sparkling. A, uh, a baby.” Bulkhead explained awkwardly. He squired at the probing stare. “Please don’t make me explain Cybertronian reproduction differences. Ask Ratchet.” he said desperately. He did not want to have that discussion.

Isaac sighed. “Oh, very well.” he agreed. He didn’t want to make Bulkhead uncomfortable, after all. “So, creators…I gather they are the equivalent of human parents?” he tilted his head. “Would you mind telling me about yours?”

Bulkhead perked up. “Yeah!” he confirmed. “My creators were real proud when I joined the Academy. I’m lucky they weren’t disappointed that I flunked out. They understood.” his gaze went soft and fond. “I do miss them. I know they were a little sad I didn’t want to continue on with the family business like my older brother, but…” he shook his head. “Breakdown didn’t mind staying at the farm. I always wanted more.” he sighed. “Roadbuster and Beachcomber, my creators, were just happy I was getting the chance to do something I wanted.”

Isaac stilled. “Farm?”

“An energon farm!” Bulkhead supplied cheerily. “The farm was built on top of a really big underground energon spring. Our job was to extract it, purify it, then refine it into different grades and types of energon to be shipped out to the rest of Cybertron.” He shot a fond look around the building. “This place reminds me of the energon refinery on the farm, actually.”

Isaac blinked. “You grew up on a farm.” It was a statement.

Bulkhead frowned. “Didn’t I just say that?”

Isaac smiled. “I grew up on a farm as well, Bulkhead.”

The Autobot’s eyes quite literally lit up at that little tidbit, and he shot a glance at the small lounge area they’d put together. “Sit?” he asked hopefully. “I’d like to know about earth farms.”

Isaac nodded, leading the way and taking a seat on the himself couch while Bulkhead sat himself on one of the odd tire seats. “It was a dairy farm, primarily.” Isaac smiled. “My family raised cows for their milk and sold it to stores and at farmer’s markets.” he sounded fond as he reminisced. “We also made our own cheeses. I still have the recipes!”

Bulkhead tilted his head. “What happened?”

“I…” a pause. “I was always good with machines. I suppose that I, like you, wanted more. So I went to school for robotics and then, well…” he put out his arms. “Here I am.”

Bulkhead hummed. “…I miss the farm sometimes. Even if it was annoying to have to get up so early.”

“Ah, yes. Early mornings.” The human groaned. “I remember those. I despised them. Especially when I had cleaning duty for my morning chores.”

Bulkhead made a look it disgust. “Tell me about it. Cleaning out the energon purifiers and refiners was the worst job on the farm, but I always got stuck with it cause I was the youngest.”

Isaac hummed. “I remember the smell, even years later.”

“I remember the slime.”

He paused, unsure if he wanted to know. “…slime?”

Bulkhead nodded. “Yeah, see, when energon is being refined and when it’s being purified, the process involves removing unwanted contaminates or components at a base level.” he tilted his head. “The finished product comes out looking fine, but then it leaves a very thick, sticky slime on the insides of the machines that has to be cleaned out.” He grimaced. “I really preferred the work of extracting the raw stuff from the spring. It was really hard and labor intensive but at least it wasn’t slime.”

Isaac found himself grinning. “I was much the same with the cows. I detested mucking out the barn, so much so that I would prefer to do twice my share of the milking. That was dull work, but at least I could plan out blueprints for my projects in my head while I worked.”

Bulkhead found himself humming softly. “I liked the farm. I would have been happy there, I think. But…”

“It wasn’t what you wanted to do with your life.”

He grinned. “Yeah.” he paused. “I do miss the songs, though. And my brother, though Breakdown is probably annoyed that I missed so many calls. I miss my creators too.” he frowned. “I hope they don’t think I’ve offlined. I was in stasis for a while.”

Isaac softened, sighing and feeling something fond well up in his chest. “I’m sure they held out hope. Speaking as a parent…well, I don’t think I’d ever stop hoping if Sari were to go missing.”

Bulkhead glanced up, then smiled faintly. “Thanks, Professor.”

“You mentioned something about songs?” he asked with a smile in return, hoping to shift to topic in order to cheer up the green bot.

“Yeah!” Bulkhead brightened. “My creators had old songs that were passed down from their creators, and that they taught us. Whenever we were all working together we’d sing!” he seemed fond as he recalled the memories. “It was always really nice. When we were singing, I almost wouldn’t mind cleaning duty.” he shuddered. “Almost.”

Isaac barked a laugh. “I see! My family never had any songs, but we had recipes we shared and cooked together. We would all make dinner together after a hard day’s work. Those were my favorite moments of the day.” he sighed.

“Your parents must be proud of how far you’ve come.” Bulkhead mused.

Isaac smiled sadly. “They’re dead, Bulkhead.”

“Oh…” he reset his vocalizer. “I’m sorry.”

The human sighed. “It is alright. I have had time to mourn and grieve. And you are right. They were very proud. My father was proud even when I left the farm. He was happy to see me trying to pursue a better life. My mother was disappointed that I would not carry on the family legacy.” he sighed and tilted his head up. “But she did come to terms with it. In the end, she was happy for me and proud of all I’d accomplished.” He glanced at the Autobot, considering. “I own the farm now, though I no longer work there and I have far fewer cows. One of my cousins stays there when I am not to take care of the few cows there are, and I return with Sari during holidays sometimes.” he shot Bulkhead a warm grin. “In fact, I was going to bring her there again for the upcoming Fourth of July. Perhaps…you would like to come as well? I can show you life on a human farm in person.” he offered.

Bulkhead almost seemed to vibrate with glee at the prospect. “I’d like that a lot, Professor! And hey, if you’re ever on Cybertron, I’ll show you may farm!” he said brightly.

Isaac laughed, loud and free. He doubted that he’d ever see the alien planet, but the sentiment was still very nice. “I’d like that very much, Bulkhead. Thank you.”

Just then, he heard the sound of approaching engines, and when he looked towards the door he realized he could see the sun setting. Goodness, he and Bulkhead had been talking for hours. As the other bots stopped and transformed, Sari hopped out of Bumblebee before he did so and froze when she saw her father.

“Uh, hiiiiii, dad!” she squeaked.

Isaac sighed. “Sari, you should have told me where you were going! I was worried about you!” he scolded. “Come, we’re returning home. It’s getting late and I have the feeling you haven’t had proper food all day.” he said.

“But dad-!”

“No buts! The car is outside. Go, please.”

She groaned and grumbled, but after a quick goodbye to the others she obeyed.

Isaac turned to Bulkhead, smiling. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Bulkhead. I enjoyed it.”

Bulkhead, for his part, merely beamed in response. “You’re welcome! I had a lot of fun! It was great to learn more about you, Professor Sumdac!”

Isaac smiled. “Please, Bulkhead. You can call me Isaac.” he said warmly.

The Autobot blinked a few times, and before smiling even more brightly. “Right. Isaac.”

Isaac grinned in response. The young bot’s joy was positively infectious. “I would enjoy talking further another time, Bulkhead. For now, I must take my leave. Goodnight!” he said, before walking out the door.

Bulkhead waved. “Goodnight, Isaac!” he called.

When the sounds of the human car had faded into nothing, Bulkhead turned to find everyone else staring at him. He smiled at his teammates, standing from his seat. “Hey guys! Did you have a good day?” he asked. Then he realized he had forgotten his painting. “Awe, scrap. You can tell me about it later! I have to go!” And then he was gone, hurrying to see if his art couldn’t be saved.

Even if it couldn’t, he didn’t mind. He’d gained a new friend today, and that was worth a thousand paintings in his optics.

Back in the main room, Bumblee could only stare after his friend. “Uhhh…what was that all about?”

———————————————————————————————————

And there it is! I hope you liked it! I gave Bulkhead a family because I wanted to, and yes his big brother is Breakdown. That means his brother-in-law is Knock Out. Ratchet is horrified when he learns this. Roadbuster and Beachcomber are very worried for their youngest. They were told he’s dead but like Isaac said, a parent never stops hoping. The team is currently very confused about what they just witnessed.

Also, poor Ratchet. Sari will never let go of her blackmail on him. How does a child get blackmail on a millions-of-years-old giant alien robot? It’s Sari. You could tell me she convinced Megatron to agree to peace purely by annoying him and I’d believe you. I love her. :D Anyway.

Until next time, folks!

Hello and thank you for this. If possible could I ask for some Hot Rod and Skyfire interactions based in your Prime Consorts universe. Either Skyfire explaining something to Roddy or them finding some previously unknown common interest/passion. You can choose the appropriate time and rating =D

Common Interests

It takes Skyfire approximately two seconds to register what his optics are seeing before he darts across the library and lifts Hot Rod out of harm’s way before he can fully cycle a ventilation.

“Hey, what’re you--”

“Those shelves are not enough to support your weight,” Skyfire says as Hot Rod dangles from his hands. It pays to be so much larger than most of his peers in this instance. “They would have toppled and you would have suffered terrible injuries which would immediately have been followed by…?”

Hot Rod goes limp in his hold. “Ratchet yelling,” he mutters.

“Ratchet yelling. Precisely.” Skyfire carefully set Hot Rod on his feet. “What were you doing, climbing the shelves like that?”

Hot Rod folds his arms and stares at the ground, a bit of color rising in his cheeks. ‘The book I want is on the top shelf and I couldn’t find a ladder.”

“So you decided to climb the furniture?” Skyfire asks, aghast.

Hot Rod shrugs. “It seemed the quickest solution.”

Skyfire’s mouth snaps shut. He presses a palm over his optics, shutters them, and takes several long, slow ventilations.

“Next time, please ask for help instead. I would be happy to retrieve it for you,” Skyfire says once he’s calm enough not to snap at Hot Rod as if he were some errant youngling. “Which book was it?”

Hot Rod’s shoulders hunch, and a small curl of embarrassment leaks out of his field. He rubs the back of his neck. “Stellae Fabulae, volume two,” he says in a quiet voice.

“The Story of Stars,” Skyfire echoes, and a small smile curves his lips. “That’s one of my favorites. Have you read it before?”

He moves past Hot Rod, reaching to the highest shelf to remove the aforementioned story. Come to think of it, the reason it is so highly placed might be Skyfire’s own fault. He believes he might have been the last one to read it, and as the tallest person living here, he’d likely put it on this shelf without thinking twice about it.

“Just volume one,” Hot Rod says. “I've read that one about a thousand times. When I realized I could probably find the rest of it here, I decided to look and…” He trails off, spreading his hands. “Here I am.”

“Yes. Here you are.” Skyfire offers him the datapad. “You enjoy mythology?”

Hot Rod takes it with a nod and another small, almost shy smile. “There’s not a lot of entertainment in Nyon, but we used to sit on the roof and stare at the stars, and we tell each other stories about the ones we didn’t know.”

“We?” Skyfire asks.

“My friends,” Hot Rod says, but he doesn’t elaborate, and Skyfire doesn’t push. They all had to leave something behind when they came to be Optimus Prime’s Consorts, and for many, it is a wound still too raw to address.

“I enjoy stargazing as well,” Skyfire says. “I have a telescope on my balcony for the clearer nights.”

Hot Rod’s optics light up. “I’ve never had one.”

“I’m sure if you asked Optimus, he’d get one for you,” Skyfire says.

“Yeah, he’s kind of sweet like that.” Hot Rod grins, his spoiler flicking up and down in a manner Skyfire finds too adorable for words. “I don’t know how to use one without breaking it though.”

“Then I’ll teach you.” Skyfire thumbs his chin, thinking. There are no acid rains this evening. It should be clear. “Tonight, in fact, if you want. It’s a good night for it.”

Hot Rod’s optics widen. “Really?”

“Yes, of course. Honestly, I’m happy to find someone else as curious about the stars as I am. Starscream, sadly, tends to appreciate more practical ventures,” Skyfire sighs, but it’s fondness rather than exasperation.

Starscream has little time for fictional stories, which is a shame, because Skyfire feels he could stand to remember what it’s like to dream a little.

Hot Rod hugs the datapad to his chassis, and his whole being vibrates with an excitement that’s palpable in the air. “He can get kind of stuck up about that. I asked him about a constellation the other day and he spent an hour telling me how long it would take to travel to each star, and why we’d bother doing it.”

Skyfire chuckles. “Yes, that sounds like Starscream.”

“So, um, after dinner?” Hot Rod asks.

“If you're not otherwise occupied, that would be wonderful,” Skyfire says.

Hot Rod grins. “Nah. I think Ratchet has dibs on Optimus tonight.” He winks and lowers his voice conspiratorially. “I hear someone has been avoiding a vent flush.”

“Oh, my.”

“You’re telling me.” Hot Rod shakes his head. “I’m not the brightest bulb, but even I know better than to ignore Ratchet.”

“You’re a very wise mech,” Skyfire agrees, his spark clenching at the brief note of self-deprecation in Hot Rod’s tone. He will have to do something to address that. Perhaps tonight. “I will see you after dinner then?”

Hot Rod beams at him. “Absolutely.”

“ Then it’s a date,” Skyfire says, and knows he’s made the right choice when Hot Rod lights up with a very palpable joy.

***

Up in Flames chapter 2 - Come and Take Her Hand (Ashes Part 2)

Warnings: Major Character Death, Chose Not to Use Category: Other Fandom: Transformers Relationships: Megatron/Sunstreaker, Megatron/Sideswipe, Sideswipe & Sunstreaker Characters: Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Megatron Additional Tags: Dubcon, Mechpreg, Sticky Words: 3727

I must confess I'm addicted to this Shove your kiss straight through my chest I can't deny, I'd die without this Make me feel like a god Music, love and sex (Adrenalize me)

— In This Moment - Adrenalize

( Previous )

Skywarp did make sure they made it back to their quarters after a surprisingly pleasant evening of games and bad movies.

Earth movies. That surprised them more than a little. With the way the ‘Cons talked, you’d have thought they’d hate all parts of Earth, or that Megatron, at the very least, would ban all Earth things for the sake of banning them. 

But no, it looked like they rather freely used the entertainment on offer. On a second thought it made some sense, because there wasn’t much else available.

And admittedly the jeers aimed at the organics in the movies had been more than a little savage. Optimus would have never allowed the kind of talk the Seekers had thrown around freely.

Optimus wasn’t here, though. So… They could’ve joined in without anyone getting on their afts about it, and Sideswipe did laugh at a lot of the things that were said.

But Autobot manners had dug themselves deep and they could scarcely allow themselves to have negative thoughts about the humans on the screen. If they thought about how much they didn’t like the organics for the sole reason of them being so incredibly organic… Well, Optimus would have had even more talks with them than he’d already had.

That was in the past now though, wasn’t it? Even if Megatron had let them—and that wasn’t going to happen—how the pit were they supposed to ever go back to the Autobots? After everything they’d done? After everything Sunstreaker had done?

Maybe they should try to move on, instead. Give up on the Autobot pretenses… 

Could they do that?

Not yet, that was for sure. Everything was too fresh and the corridors of the Victory still felt so… Surreal. Like looking at a painting that didn’t make sense. They were so badly displaced that it was impossible to not feel out of their depth, even though the Seekers really hadn’t been anything… Out there. They were mecha like any other, chatting and talking, laughing. Making fun of things.

They weren’t Autobot and it was impossible to mistake them for being Autobot with the things that came out of their vocalizers, but slag, just how big was the divide between the two factions their species had broken into?

Was it as big as everyone liked to make it?

Because it hadn’t felt that different from nights spent in the Ark’s rec room.

It was a lot to compartmentalize after Skywarp said his good nights and skipped down the hall. Sideswipe went straight to their berth faceplanted onto it, groaning into its surface. Sunstreaker could feel his brother’s processors practically cooking from the conflict of expectations versus what reality had been so far.

So far. These were the ‘Cons, and he fragging well wasn’t going to trust there wouldn’t be unpleasant things coming for them down the line. More than just Megatron clawing their insignias for them. 

He sat down next to Sideswipe and his brother turned his helm to the side enough to peer up at him. “So… Skywarp seems nice.”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“And the other Seekers weren’t so bad either. Although they never introduced themselves. Huh.”

He didn’t get a chance to answer because there was a ping at their door. It was more of an announcement to someone’s presence instead of a request to come in, because the door swept aside almost immediately.

Megatron.

Who else?

“You haven’t heard of knocking?” Sunstreaker scowled. Sideswipe turned around and pushed himself to sitting.

“You’ll do well to remember it’s my ship,” Megatron rumbled as he stepped inside, letting the door close behind him. He utterly dominated the already small space, and right then Sunstreaker didn’t really feel like sitting anymore.

So he stood up. Not that it did him a hell of a lot of good when Megatron still towered over him. He craned his neck and glared up at the tyrant, who met his optics annoyingly neutrally. 

Like Sunstreaker wasn’t a threat of any kind to him.

But that wasn’t true, was it?

Before he could decide on what manner of pain he would deliver on the warlord, though, Megatron had moved to the reason for his visit. “We should discuss my expectations of you while you’re carrying.”

Ugh. Seriously? “What slagging expectations can you even have? It’s my fragging life,” Sunstreaker snarled.

Megatron wasn’t impressed and returned his glare. “That presently involves my sparkling.”

Not untrue, but slag him if he was going to let that affect a damn thing. It hadn’t stopped being his life just because he happened to be carrying. “So, what?” Sunstreaker snapped accordingly, “You want to turn me into a helpless carrier just that sits pretty until the sparkling’s separated?” To keep it safe from harm or some slag like that? ”Not going to happen.”  

The tyrant didn’t need even a second to consider what he’d said. “Will you fight for me, then?” Megatron asked without any fanfare, “Against your former comrades?” As if he had been expecting a retort along those lines.

The twins? The matter of who the slag they’d fight for was bound to come up eventually, but they hadn’t really foreseen it coming up so soon.

Or so directly. 

Maybe they should have. What was the point of dancing around the obvious? They were warriors. Fighting was what they did, but now they’d switched sides. Sort of. Not because they wanted to. 

So where did their loyalties lie right now?

Not with Megatron.

But Sunstreaker didn’t think that needed to be said, Megatron had to know already.

What of the whole reason they were here, then? “You’d risk your sparkling?”

Megatron had an answer prepared for that as well. “I would not shelf one of the best warriors Cybertron has to offer just because they’re carrying,” he near growled, like that was something he felt strongly about.

Sideswipe blinked and even Sunstreaker rocked back on his heels. If the sentiment wasn’t entirely unexpected—they were assets to whoever they fought for, and they knew as much—the emotion behind it was.

But Megatron continued, “What would Optimus say? That you need to put your whole life on hold so as to not endanger the sparkling?” Now he growled properly.

And was that it? That he once again disagreed with a stance the Prime took?

Was it a stance Optimus had? They hadn’t exactly had the time to verify that, but Megatron sure sounded like this had… Come up before, or something.

Sunstreaker narrowed his optics up at the warlord. “The way you decided to let everyone know about the goddamn sparkling, we didn’t really have the time to find out what Optimus would’ve thought.”

“He has made his stance clear in the past,” Megatron snarled. “He wasted your talent to begin with, only to set you aside completely if he found out you were harboring new life.” 

Considering how rabid Optimus was about protecting life in all of its forms… Honestly, that wouldn’t have even surprised them, although Sunstreaker wasn’t about to take just Megatron’s word for it.

And what was all this talk about how good fighters they were? Best Cybertron had to offer, wasted on the Autobot side of the war?

Frag off. “If you’re trying to soften me to the idea of fighting for you, it’s not working,” Sunstreaker growled back. “You fragging destroyed my life.”

“Didn’t you do that yourself, Sunstreaker?” Megatron asked, and now he leaned in in a way that forced Sunstreaker to take a step back—or move as far back as he could before the edge of the berth hit the back of his thighs. “The sparkling was about to come to light regardless, and it was my right to lay claim on it.”

“You had no right to have me ousted me as a slagging traitor!”

“But that’s what you are. You think they wouldn’t have found out the truth eventually even if your medic had kept it a secret?”

Sunstreaker’s engine growled hard enough that he began to worry for its integrity, his face twisted in a motherfucking snarl. Megatron wasn’t wrong, on any front, but slag him all the same! Maybe things wouldn’t have ended like this if the damn fragger had just kept his mouth shut.

“It is my sparkling as well, Sunstreaker,” Megatron continued. “I was not and am not about to let the Autobots keep me from it.”

“So that makes it okay to just walk in and force me to join you?” Sunstreaker hissed, shoving at the warlord’s chassis with both servos. “Get the slag out of here, we’re done talking.”

But Megatron grabbed his servos, lifted him by them, and threw him back onto the berth. Sunstreaker landed with a grunt, but sat up and snarled at the tyrant right after.

Megatron didn’t make a move to follow him, but his optics were burning on him. “We’re done talking when I say we’re done talking. 

“How did you even know to show up at just the perfect time, anyway?” Sideswipe spoke up suddenly. Megatron glanced at him as he’d forgotten his brother was even present, which wasn’t that much of a surprise. In any scanners they’d show up as a single reading, and with Sideswipe as still and quiet as he had been, following their little conversation...

“There’s little Soundwave doesn’t know,” Megatron answered.

The implications settled in quickly. “You were keeping tabs on me?!” Sunstreaker demanded in a near roar that he was sure would carry up and down the hall if the room wasn’t decently soundproofed. 

Megatron glared at him like he was an unruly youngling getting on his nerves. “My sparkling, Sunstreaker. How many times do I need to repeat that?”

“My life! How many times do I need to repeat that?!” That infuriating fucking–

“Okay, okay,” Sideswipe piped up again, bringing his servos up to diffuse the situation a little bit before Sunstreaker jumped up to strangle the fragger. “I get it, it’s your sparkling and you have rights to it, and that conflicts with our right to our life, but you decided the sparkling was more important than letting us decide what the slag we were going to do.” Sunstreaker glared at his brother for good measure too, but Sideswipe didn’t pay him mind. “How much freedom do we have, though? We were allowed to walk around the ship, which was honestly more than we expected, but…” he trailed off, frowning.

“I will not make you prisoners unless you force my hand,” Megatron said, significantly more calm in responding to Sideswipe than he was with Sunstreaker.

That could have something to do with Sideswipe just acting less aggravating, though.

Slag his brother for good measure. What the fuck had him acting so reasonable? 

“So we’re allowed to leave the ship if we want to?” Sideswipe prodded further.

“With escort, yes.”

That was… Really surprising, actually. Sideswipe stilled for a second because they really had expected the answer to be a simple ‘no’, but Sunstreaker found his words without too much delay. “What, don’t trust us to not fragging run away?”

“I would drag you back even if you did. There’s nowhere you can go where I wouldn’t find you,” Megatron glared at him where he very much didn’t glare at Sideswipe. “I’m more concerned with your former faction. I will not let them separate me from my sparkling.” There it was again. Apparently Megatron was really serious about having the sparkling for himself. 

“Frag you too,” Sunstreaker muttered before he raised his volume back to normal levels. “What about the fact it’s my sparkling as much as yours? If I’d rather the Autobots had it over you?”

This time Megatron’s voice was calm and steady when he answered, “I would not allow that.”

That was the trouble with fifty-fifty rights to something. If you wanted different things, at some point one would need to overrule the other one way or another. 

In this situation, there was little question that Megatron was in a far better position to overrule anything Sunstreaker said or wanted. 

Sunstreaker growled, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t like he actually wanted the Autobots to have the sparkling. Who the slag knew what they’d do to it… “So what do you slagging expect from me?” 

“I expect you to stay with the Decepticons until you have delivered it, and care for it to the best of your ability during your carry,” Megatron rumbled. “You will not deny me access to yourself or it, and after it has separated, I will have it.”

Right. And what could he do to argue any of that? There was a bit of a power imbalance going on here.

“And if I want to have it too, after it’s separated?” Sunstreaker asked with a growl. Did he want that? Frag if he knew, but he was curious for the answer regardless. 

“You’re welcome to stay, but the sparkling will not leave.”  

So… Stay among the ‘Cons if he wanted to have a part in the sparklet’s life after he’d delivered it.

Sunstreaker scowled. “It sounds like a hell of a lot like you’re expecting me to put my life on hold until I’m no longer carrying.”

“I am the sire. I have a say in what happens to the sparkling, even during the period it resides in your frame.”

They were just going in circles here, weren’t they? Sunstreaker threw his arms up before flopping back onto the berth, frustration coursing all over his frame. “Does it matter one crap what I want, here?”

“We can discuss your options again after you’ve delivered my sparkling.”

Sunstreaker snarled, and in an angry moment of true genius, kicked at Megatron with both legs. Fucking bastard, walking in all dangerous and titillating and proceeding to turn his whole fragging life upside down.

Because Sunstreaker had played no part in that, oh no.

Megatron caught his legs easily. The tyrant’s optics flashed and Sunstreaker had a moment to consider how big of a mistake he’d made, before he was tugged to the edge of the berth—with Megatron between his legs.

Sunstreaker growled twice as hard. “Get the slag away from me.”

“I seem to remember you quite love my spike,” Megatron growled right back at him. “It has been a while, hasn’t it?” His servo slipped to Sunstreaker’s valve cover and Sunstreaker tried to tilt his hips away from the touch, to no avail.

And slag, but he didn’t want to think about all of the spectacular frags they’d already had before their little accident. A traitorous part of his mind whispered that what did it matter, the damage was already done.

There was nothing more to lose, so why not just enjoy what there was? 

A larger part of his mind, though, remained entirely too stubborn to just give Megatron what he wanted. Sunstreaker did nothing when the warlord’s claws dug into the seams of his panel despite the way Megatron raised an optical ridge at him—would he retract, or would he not?

He had every time before, but every time before there were questions to be avoided.

There was no one to ask those questions, now. Everyone knew already. 

The panel stayed shut.

Megatron’s other optical ridge rose up as well, a second ahead of his claws sinking in and dislodging the entire cover. Sunstreaker grunted at the pain as the tyrant simply tore it off and threw it aside. 

Wetness already greeted Megatron’s digits when he shoved two of them into his valve without preamble, the sting only revving Sunstreaker’s engine higher. “Are you ever not wet for me?” Megatron hissed at him, leaning down even as he began to pump those digits in and out. Sunstreaker’s hips jerked into the motion before he could stop himself, followed by a furious growl—furious at himself, furious at Megatron.

“Frag off and stop flattering yourself.” Slag, but Megatron’s already thick digits would be nothing compared to his spike itself, and heat was pooling in Sunstreaker’s core just at the thought of that. His engine growled harder, anger rising in time with his arousal.

Slag Megatron for always turning him on so fucking effortlessly. Without even really trying, though at least he was taking the time to somewhat prepare him—a third digit slipped into his valve, spreading his calipers further with just another little sting. Sunstreaker’s helm fell back against the berth and he had to bite back a moan.

That was enough for the tyrant. His digits pulled out, then the familiar click of his spike cover retracting heralded the nudge of a very sizable spike against his valve entrance.

Sunstreaker had just the time to prepare himself before Megatron thrust in, all the way… But even having expected it, he couldn’t keep a groan from escaping his vocalizer no matter how he tried to strangle it. Megatron’s servos, so massive compared to him, caught his hips to keep him in place.

Not that Sunstreaker would have found himself too motivated to go anywhere with the warlord’s length splitting him open to the most exquisite strain of his calipers.

And that was even before he started to move. Once Megatron pulled out, only to push back in the next moment… Primus.

How wrong of him was it to say he’d slagging missed that stupid spike? Sunstreaker couldn’t keep himself from rocking his hips into the steady, heavy, deep thrusts. Megatron chuckled. “You’re hungry for it.”

“Slag you.” That did not come out as a fragging moan, dammit.

Sideswipe kept physically quiet, but in their spark his chortling reverberated all over the place. Sunstreaker growled harder at that. They were both laughing at him, fraggers.

But slag, the way Megatron’s pace increased until it was enough to put all of his previous berth partners to shame—he wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to that. His valve was singing its praises at him, pleasure rocking his whole damn world until he couldn’t do more than grab onto the berth’s surface in a doomed effort to ground himself.

Megatron wasn’t kind, he wasn’t gentle. His hold on his hips was tight enough to dent and he pulled him back into every punishing thrust, as if the motion of his hips alone wasn’t violent enough. 

Sunstreaker wouldn’t have it any other way. Fragging forget Optimus—forget Ironhide. Optimus couldn’t even pretend to be anything other than soft and thoughtful, always so worried about Sunstreaker’s comfort every step of the way. Ironhide could try, but it never stopped feeling like he was just acting.  

The other Autobots weren’t even worth mentioning.

Megatron was nothing like them. He wasn’t acting, he wasn’t pretending, he was just himself—intense, demanding, taking.

Giving just by accident, as an afterthought. Megatron chased after his own overload so roughly Sunstreaker doubted they’d ever have a single frag that didn’t end up with him looking like he’d gotten thoroughly ‘faced, but frag–

It was fucking worth it. He could fix himself back up after, but in the moment, in this moment, only the sheer ecstasy Megatron was driving his frame towards mattered.

He couldn’t keep quiet. Fuckit, he tried, and he wasn’t a loud individual, not prone to voicing his pleasure—but he couldn’t not do that now as Megatron drove his spike into him over and over again. Sunstreaker writhed for more of it, shoving into every thrust until Megatron’s engine was rumbling in approval and Sunstreaker himself was moaning with every violent invasion into his frame. 

“Your words never seem to agree with your frame,” Megatron growled at him, shoving in particularly roughly to punctuate his words.

Sunstreaker couldn’t will his optics open, couldn’t stop his groan—but he growled right back. “Trust my words. I hate you.”

“But not my spike,” he could hear the tyrant snarl, and was his voice coming closer?

Then there were lips on his, as rough as the thrusts into his valve.

Sunstreaker was moaning. Why couldn’t he stop himself from moaning? And he shouldn’t– Frag, but he shouldn’t be winding his arms around Megatron’s neck to pull him ever closer, and he definitely, he definitely shouldn’t part his lips at the demanding bite at his lower lip that was only followed by Megatron’s glossa invading his oral cavity.

Slag it all. If the fragging Autobots had seen him now, moaning his pretty spark out as he took the warlord’s spike and moaned for more, let him kiss him, let him use him… Oh, he was a traitor, alright.

He took it until he couldn’t anymore. A hoarse cry rose from his throat as his overload hit him with all the energy of a bolt of lightning, arching his frame from help to pede—against the frame above his. Megatron growled as his valve clenched down, and a moment later Sunstreaker could feel further wetness assaulting his already sopping valve—could feel the charge from Megatron’s frame crackling against him, pulling him into another, smaller overload before the charge from the previous had even finished dying off.

He slumped against the berth as the last remnants of that finally abandoned him, his vents heaving. As were Megatron’s. At least he wasn’t the only one who had found that… Satisfying.

Megatron pulled back with one last nip on his mouth, letting his spike depressurize into its housing. As ever, a veritable flood followed its retreat, streaming from Sunstreaker’s valve, onto the berth’s edge, and to the floor from there. 

“Should we do that again, hm?” Megatron asked from him, and Sunstreaker finally found the willpower to open his optics to glare at the damn mech.

“Go to hell.”

There was a twitch at the corner of Megatron’s mouth, an almost smile that didn’t quite materialize before the warlord turned to leave, taking the step to the door. “Have Hook fix that cover,” he said as it opened for him.

Like they even knew where Hook’s repair bay was, but Megatron didn’t much enlighten them on that front before he just walked out.

The door closed on his heels.

Pits.

Sideswipe scooted into his field of view. “So…” his brother said, inspecting his heated, panting frame, spread legs, and the fragging mess between them. “I’ll clean that up. You just… Enjoy the afterglow,” Sideswipe grinned.

Fragger was teasing him. 

Sunstreaker snarled, but… Yeah, he didn’t really feel like moving.

Frag everything.

( Next )

Optimus Supreme TFA AU Part 2

for @lazyartist04  Part 1 here

Ratchet and Optimus have a father/son relationship. Ratchet was pissed about Omega’s body being used for an experiment, even more pissed to learn they are shoving a young academy bot’s spark into a large frame filled with slave and obeying coding all connected to him

After some time once Optimus’ spark filled to match it’s casing after the aid of the ASD’s injections, no one expected for him to wake out of stasis, but unable to transform, locked in alt mode, so Ratchet set him up with a holoform that matches his former self and together they don’t tell the others and they all assume they just got a new leader.

Prowl was suspicious from the start, he knew a holoform when he saw one, but couldn’t find out why or where the holoform was coming from, until after the bomb on Megatron went off, causing the holoform to flicker for a time, he confront’s Ratchet about it when Bee and Bulk are looking for their leader while the medic is focused on the ship to bring it out of stasis. after this, Prowl begins to understand Optimus more and helps him keep it a secret from Bee and Bulk

Bumblebee and Bulkhead found out after Sari found out, after using the key to fix the parts of the ship to stop the cons underwater, after too much, Prowl just told Optimus to drop the holoform and focus on shooting the cons, to which he did after some hesitation. Bee and Bulk are completely stunned and are given a short, “Optimus is the Orion, now don’t stop attacking!”

Bumblebee gets really excessive with all the questions for Optimus on what it’s like until ratchet and Prowl finally shut him up after explaining the slave coding, now he’s calmed down, but still thinks it’s very cool “Much better than any prime!”

Bulkhead is much more polite about the situation, but is curious none the less, but he likes to go to the ship to clean up the place, and made a promise to change the Orion’s paint job to match what Optimus wants, he really likes that, orange is not his color

Sari is trying to remove the code and get him out of his alt mode, but... it’s easier said than done, but at least it allows them for lots of bonding moments, Sari is like a little sister to him, and his sentinel coding agrees to let nothing happen to her.

Blackarachnia, oh dear, first she can’t poison him, then realizes her attacks do nothing, but after running an electric current though him and fizzling out his holoform does she suspect something, she changes her demands from “give me the key” to “Tell me what that was!” and he does tell. and.... she doesn’t believe him, not at first, not without proof, and when she has proof... well even she doesn’t even know what to do, she feels bad, but she can’t let this get in her way of her goals

Sentinel, Has no idea what happened, everything continues on as normal, until Bee and his big mouth spills to Magnus and Sentinel about Optimus, all the bots face palm, but Bee is too angry at them for letting Optimus fall under such torture. Magnus and Sentinel are surprised and don’t believe it until given proof, then... Sentinel was quiet, not a word came out of him, not even a smart remark, Magnus had to do everything in his power to not break something. They eventually left, originally wanting to take Optimus with them, but he refused to leave Earth unprotected, so they left him, with a full plan to get to the bottom of what happened, Sentinel in a way, is like a jerky older brother, who suddenly realized that his younger brother has been suffering for years without him knowing, and he wants to try to help

Below from discord with @moonlightdeer739 :

Moonlightdeer

I had the idea that, before the crew finds out their captain is their ship, Bulkhead accidentally misses a recoil of his wrecking ball, this is back when they were a repair crew, and it instead crashes into one of the 'Orions' landing gear, leaving a significant dent.

Across on the other side of the space bridge, Op ended up shouting in pain and clutching his pede, a significant dent suddenly in the side of it, Ratchet is the closest and when the others come to investigate, Ratch is already over-riding the holofoms base controls to make it look like he's sucessfully pulling he dent out.

NekoNoKami23

yep!

I love that

Moonlightdeer

Op and Ratch claim one of the boulders lying around came loose and took Op off guard, and when Bulkhead brings up that he may of mangled one of the Orion's landing gear, Op sighs and says he and Ratchet will fix it.

NekoNoKami23

I was thinking Prowl figuring it out after the bomb goes off on Megatron and Prowl is the only one to notice Op disappear before reappearing with a visible show of pain

Moonlightdeer

And a good bit of shrapnel in him that look like exit wounds instead of entrance wounds, almost like the bomb went off... inside him?

NekoNoKami23

all the usual stuff happens, but after they crash, the Orion goes into stasis, and when the team wakes up they realize that Optimus is missing, and Prowl confront Ratchet as Bee and Bulk go to find their boss

Moonlightdeer

"Optimus isn't missing. Is he Ratchet?"

NekoNoKami23

"No... and I think I can't lie to you anymore, He's in stasis...."

Moonlightdeer

Prowl looked to the stasis pods. "And given he's currently not in one of the pods, as we've already ascertained, he... he is the Orion?"

NekoNoKami23

Ratchet nodded, "Yeah... Optimus is the Orion... locked in alt mode and filled with bad code..."

Moonlightdeer

"Is that why he acts so... by the rules?"

NekoNoKami23

"and why he does whatever I say, yes, he will die to protect a single autobot, he's unable to care for himself"

Moonlightdeer

Prowl nodded, solemn. "So... he's and Omega Sentinel."

NekoNoKami23

"Yes, but.... not always..."

Moonlightdeer

"Not... always? What do you mean?"

NekoNoKami23

"I mean he used to be a plain academy bot forced into a giant slave frame, and used as a just in case weapon"

Moonlightdeer

"Oh... and then I'm guessing they locked him in his alt mode and he never even complained? Never resisted? And just went on his way with us when he was made into a repair ship..."

NekoNoKami23

"It's not like he can resist or complain, and he came with us because I'm here!"

Moonlightdeer

"So you're the one he's imprinted to?"

(When the code gets removed. Op: That... that was so fragged up.)

NekoNoKami23

(yep)

"Not like that was my choice either!"

Moonlightdeer

"Oh? How do you mean that?"

NekoNoKami23

"I mean it just happened, I was involuntarily the mentor for Omega Supreme, and then they use his body and throw a young bot's spark into, and suddenly I have to be mentor again, do you really think this is my fault!"

Moonlightdeer

Prowl backs up. "Oh... I'm sorry, I assumed that Optimus was another Omega Sentinel, not Supreme."

NekoNoKami23

"Yes... just... for now help me bring him back online... as the young bots handle what's going on on the surface, and keep this a secret.."

Moonlightdeer

Prowl nodded, and followed Ratchet to do just that.

(might add more later so keep an eye on this post)

A Talk With The Prime Himself

(Reader insert-ish)

I stood by in the entrance of the warehouse, one foot outside the ajar door and my shoulder resting on the other. I heard the calm rhythm of the rain against the forest floor and trees. With each subtle gust of wind, a spray of mist cooled my face. Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh of content. Nothing could ruin this peaceful moment.

" Is there something troubling you?"

Ok you'd think a giant, metal robot breaking the silence would, but his deep, gentle voice did the exact opposite.

I turned slightly and made eye contact with Optimus over my shoulder. It wasn't too hard to find his glowing, blue optics in the dark.

" No. Why do you ask?"

He came a step closer. How he managed to do so with little sound, or sneak up on me to begin with, baffled me.

" You are normally in stasis at this hour. The others, including Ratchet, are deep in slumber if I might add."

I grinned. Of course he checked on everyone before heading to bed. If he ever slept that is. He was always the first one up and usually the last one, besides Ratchet, who was still up working on a datapad late in the night. He never showed any signs of fatigue so maybe he did rest every now and then. That or he was just good at hiding it.

" I just wanted to see the rain is all."

" I see...do you mind if I join you?"

I shrugged.

" Not at all."

We stood and watched the rain with the door fully open. I thought back on the first time Optimus had seen rain. We were on the open road when all of a sudden he'd panicked at the first drop on his windshield. Speeding to the nearest shelter, with the rest of the Autobots in tow, I found myself cluttered under a rock formation with them.

I'd barely gotten the chance to ask what was the matter in the mist of it, so I did once they'd seemed to calm down. Ratchet didn't hesitate to scold me on not mentioning earth's toxic rain. Which of course rose many questions. Optimus took the liberty of answering them, still clutching me to his chassis, as the others stared fearfully at the downpour.

I kindly asked him to put me down, then proceeded to step into the rain despite their protests. Once they all saw that I was indeed not burning alive, one by one they came out of the shelter. We'd probably spent a half an hour playing in the rain. By which I mean Ratchet watched as the others, especially Bumblebee, ran around and jumped in mud puddles. Optimus, however, kept his head titled to the clouds, optics shut. I'd never seen him more at peace.

It was one of my fondest memories of them. Optimus had even kept the cab's heater on so that I wouldn't get sick. Although I could've dealt without paying for all of them to got to the car wash.

After what couldn't have been more than six minutes, the rain came to a slow stop.

" Huh......I thought it would last longer." I whispered.

" I did as well."

Oh right, I keep forgetting how sharp their hearing is. It really doesn't help for those who think out loud a lot.

" Well," I stretched out my back with a groan. " Guess I should head to bed." I began to walk towards my room before pausing to see if he was heading to his. He was still looking out the door.

" Are you staying up?"

He blinked as if coming out of deep thought.

" I was contemplating on watching the stars. The sky seems to be clearing faster than I expected."

" Oh, well don't stay up too late. Can't have our fearless leader falling asleep during his own speech."

His shoulders shook as he let out a small chuckle. It was a sound I rarely heard, which probably added to why it was one of my favorites.

" You have my word. I hope you have a pleasant stasis."

" You too. Goodnight." I only made it ten steps before turning back around. " Actually I have an idea."

----

Optimus strolled through the forest, his peds creating a soft smush sound on the rain-drenched grass, while I sat on his shoulder. I don't when the habit started, but whenever given the chance I'd find myself situated on his shoulder. Sometimes, I did so to chat with him, others was just to have a comfortable place to read or on occasion nap.

Optimus didn't seem to mind at all. He was normally the one to put me up there if I couldn't reach. No one seemed to question our ritual either. A few perplexed glances at first, but that was it. It felt nice though, having the privilege of being this close to him, his presence calming me. The view was nice as well.

We soon arrived at a cliff in one of the clearings. It overlooked the rest of the expansive forest, trees seeming to go on for ages. However, our view was turned upwards.

The stars were brighter than I'd ever seen them. Growing up in the city truly deprived me of such a sight. If only I knew every constellation.

" Are you enjoying the view?" I asked him. He was now sitting on the edge, peds dangling. His posture inclined backwards enough so that I wouldn't slip off of him.

" Immensely." he replied, optics not leaving the sky.

We sat there for several moments in a peaceful silence, besides the occasional cricket. Then I remembered something that I'd been wondering for a while.

" Do you.....like it here on earth?"

" Yes. Why do you ask?"

I looked to the ground.

" It's just that...I can't imagine needing to leave my planet then settling on another and starting over. It just seems so...terrifying."

He hummed in thought. His audiual fins twitching slightly and quite adorably.

" It was a challenge, settling here, but I've come to admire this planet dearly."

I smiled, but it soon turned back into a frown.

" I wish that this war didn't happen."

He turned to me sharply, as if concerned.

" Are you sure that you're alright? First you stay up later than usual and now this."

" I'm fine I just," I groaned and sunk my head into my hands. " I just keep thinking about how better your lives would have been if you weren't at war. I know that my time with you has barely been a fraction compared to long it's been going on, but even to me it's becoming tiresome. You've all gone through so much and you deserve to be happy yet...."

" Yet?" he pressed on.

I sighed.

" Yet everytime I think about the war not happening, I get sad. Your conflict with the Cons is the only reason why you came to earth. So if it never happened then...."

" ...Then we never would have met you." he continued.

" Exactly," I let out a quiet, sorrowful laugh. " Isn't that selfish? Me getting all mopey over you being happy without me."

I could feel my eyes sting with oncoming tears. Come on! Now is not the time to cry. Not in front of Optimus of all people.

" I don't think it's selfish at all."

I was taken aback and made eye contact with him again.

" Really?"

" Of course, in fact, you're one of the most selfless beings I have ever had the honor of meeting. If anything, I'm the one who has been selfish."

" What?! Optimus I think you of all people are incapable of being selfish."

He gave me a small smile. It held a bit of guilt to it.

" You have done everything in your power to help us even though you are merely a bystander in this war. You have put your life on the line countless times for our sake and I have not repaid you in any way. I haven't even been able to protect you properly." his field radiated with regret. I'm still surprised that I can feel it. Not as strongly as a cybertronian would, but there was still a faint feeling when were close. Since that was often, I've learned to distinguish each emotion. Regret, however, was rare, especially directed towards me.

" I won't deny that there have been close calls," I felt a chill go up my spine at the memory of Megatron grabbing me, much harsher than any of the Bots. I had been sure that I'd die then and there in his cold, tight grasp. " But you have repaid me. Countless times actually."

His audial fins perked up.

" I have?"

" Of course you have. Do have any clue how in a funk I was before you guys arrived. I was lonely too but I guess thats on me for living in the woods. But when you showed up, it's like everything was new. By showing you my world I realized just how much I love it. Some people not so much, but the goods ones for sure. Then I was able to further my knowledge, learn about an alien race, make new friends AND fight killer robots,"

I caught my breath which soon turned to short giggle.

" Opty, I'd say you paid me in full before you even owed me. " I still can't believe he lets me call him that.

For a while he just stared at me fondly and I did the same.

" When all of this is over. When everything is safe here on earth....I'm going to take you to Cybertron."

My head whipped to face him although he was still looking at the sky, determination in his optics.

" Really...?" I muttered in disbelief. " You'd...you'd do that? You'd take me there?"

He turned to me and nodded.

" If it's to repay me then you don't need to. It would be too much of a hassle and what would the others think of you bringing an organic? As a Prime no less!"

He stared at me intently before raising his servo and cluthing me gently. It's what he normally did when I was distressed.

" I'm not taking you to my home because I feel that I need to. I'm taking you because I want to. I want you to experience my world as I've experienced yours. And ....to be completely honest...I...."

I gingerly touched his digit to urge him on.

" I don't think I'm quite ready to part ways with you either....For this to be over..."

We both didn't need to ponder on what this was. We never did and probably never will. Whatever it was it was certainly mutual. The Bots knew too. Probably even the Cons.

" I don't think I ever will..." I leaned my head against his faceplate and he nudged back, optics closing in content.

" I can't promise that you'll be accepted. I can't promise that it'll be all that you hoped. And I can't promise that I'll survive to be able to take you....but I promise that I'll try...with all my spark." he whispered with his optics still shut.

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I let a few fall.

" You have to promise one more thing. And not as a Prime or even an Autobot. Just as you and only you."

" And what would that be?"

"....that you'll never forget me, no matter what happens."

He chuckled. Almost sadly as if realizing what I meant. That even if he did survive my lifespan would dwarf his. It was inevitable.

" How could I promise such a thing? Primus himself couldn't stop me from forgetting you."

And he didn't.

He never did.

STUDY :     Ironhide of Simfur

—    basics.

▸     is your muse tall/short /average? He’s about average? A little on the shorter side at 22ft, but.

▸     are they okay with their height? Sure, at least until he has to have someone grab something from a high shelf for him.

▸     what’s their hair like? Silver-streaked black, shoulder-length and a bit wavy. But you would never guess since he almost constantly has it tied up in a bun. It smells like lavender and he loves it when someone tries to braid it.

▸     do they spend a lot of time on their hair / grooming? Truthfully, no. He likes to stay clean - although after a good workshop binge he’s usually a right mess - but he doesn’t put a lot of thought into anything else unless he has a reason to, or unless someone else volunteers to help. Pulling dents and buffing scratches just isn’t worth it.

▸     does your muse care about their appearance / what others think? Not particularly. He knows he looks a bit odd even by Cybertronian standards, but he doesn’t care. And obviously some people out there like it. ;)

—    preferences.

▸     indoors or outdoors?     outdoors. ▸     rain or sunshine?     sunshine. ▸     forest or beach?     if he has to choose, forest. He’d take the desert over both of them any day, though. ▸     precious metals or gems?     gems. Precious metals are pretty but usually weak. ▸     flowers or perfumes?    flowers. ▸     personality or appearance?     personality. ▸     being alone or being in a crowd?  alone, or with a just few people he’s close to. ▸     order or anarchy?     order. Although a little anarchy always keeps things interesting. ▸     painful truths or white lies?     painful truths. ▸     science or magic?     science. ▸     peace or conflict?     peace. ▸     night or day?     day. ▸     dusk or dawn?     dawn. ▸     warmth or cold?     warmth. ▸     many acquaintances or a few close friends?      a few close friends. ▸     reading or playing a game?     reading.

—    questionnaire.

▸     what are some of your muse’s bad habits? Biting his digits, chewing on objects such as styluses or tools, occasional but excessive drinking, forgoing recharge, forgoing fuel, working himself ragged and/or until he gets hurt, forcing himself into his work when he’s angry or upset and hurting himself...

▸     has your muse lost anyone close to them? how has it affected them? He lost most of his unit when Simfur fell - the only confirmed death was Shimmer, and Brontide made it out, but he doesn’t know if anyone else survived, including Igneous. Shimmer’s death hit him really hard; she was his closest friend in Simfur and if she had survived they probably would have ended up becoming amica endurae.

Not knowing if Igneous is dead or not haunts him a bit. Despite it all part of him will always care for them, and sometimes he wonders if he should have searched for them.

Sunstreaker hasn’t been officially declared deactivated, but him defecting to the Decepticons shook Ironhide; he and Sideswipe were about as close to kids as he thought he would ever have, and that betrayal stung. And not knowing whether or not Sunny is even still alive...

Watching Optimus die was its own special brand of hell.

▸     what are some fond memories your muse has? Making his first blaster. The first time Shimmer kissed him... and more. His first Festival of Solus Prime as Igneous’ personal guard. Moving to Iacon. Having fun with Kup in the academy The barfight he lost his denta in. His first date with Ratchet. Opening up his workshop in Iacon. The time Sunstreaker broke into his apartment. His first sparring match/teaching session with a newly-appointed Optimus Prime. His first visit to the library of Carsus. Breaking out of a Carsaic prison...

More recent ones? The first awkward interaction driving Lennox home. Holding Annabelle for the first time and not having her cry. Driving way too fast with Sarah. Tearing around the desert with Ratchet and/or Sideswipe.

▸     is it easy for your muse to kill? Hah, no.

▸     what’s it like when your muse breaks down? He doesn’t. He shuts down. He keeps going. He forces himself to just keep going, hides in the workshop and takes his anger or frustration or sadness out on some metal until he accidentally hurts himself - then he breaks down. He gets mad. He tears apart the workshop. He hurts himself more, until he finally just starts crying.

▸     is your muse capable of trusting someone with their life? Yes. He trusts far too easily.

▸     what’s your muse like when they’re in love? He’s soft. Quiet. A lot more open emotionally. He’ll try to take care of whoever’s on the receiving end of his affections, and he’ll try to impress them.

Tagged by: @venenataa​ Tagging: I don’t know I’m tired, say I tagged you.

[Part 2 of the Truck Stops and Tribulations series (link)]

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The way home - chapter 1 (T rating and warnings will change)

Din Djarin, Paz Viz(s)la, Baby Yoda, Jack “Agent Whiskey” Daniels, Poppy Adams (modern AU, all human, road trips, found family, family reunions)

---

Din just wants to keep this kid safe, but the effort is taking him cross-country and he's loathe to admit he can't do it alone. Paz is the trucker who rescues them one night, and is strangely happy to keep on helping them. Jack is the estranged, obnoxious brother Din likes to pretend he doesn't have, but beggars can't be choosers.

And Poppy is the up-and-coming drug mogul who will make them all reconsider their life choices.

Set pre-Kingsman: the Golden Circle.

Daylight is low, the sun all but set, and the air has sharpened with the oncoming chill of night when the three men emerge with the child from the Kentucky diner.

Din Djarin has barely slept since the Eastern bounty hunter's guild of Nevarro cut ties with him a week ago. He could have survived without the guild's network but the bounty on his own head doesn't help with the matter of getting a restful night's sleep.

Not when he's already running to protect one smaller and so much more vulnerable. A bounty is too large a burden for any toddler to bear.

They’re risking a lot in the hope Din's twin, Jack Daniels, can help with that.

“So, the ones following you.” Jack glances over his shoulder, waving them toward the black Wrangler parked out front and centre. “Who are they?”

The practiced answer catches in Din’s throat when he sees the way his driver looks at Jack’s jeep: Paz Vizla has a mean glower when he wants to use it.

“We’ll bring my truck,” Paz says. He doesn’t sound nor look interested in arguing the point.

Jack cocks an eyebrow from the six-feet-five-inch trucker to his blue, gold and red semi-trailer waiting by the adjacent country road. The cowboy blows out a long exhale and tips his hat back at the truck so large it couldn’t fit in the diner’s lot.

“Well,” he shakes his head. “I don’t mean to sound indelicate but-- aren’t we trying to fly under the radar here? Maybe Optimus Prime ain’t the ride you want for a quiet entry where we’re going.”

Paz shakes his head, frowning and lost. “Where are we going?” 

“Distillery,” Din says, quiet and firm. “Right? Same place?”

His brother nods, scanning him with a considering look. Din wonders if he’s weighing the risk of bringing them home -- a stranger and the one who spurned the opportunity of a lifetime.

Well, one man’s golden goose was another man’s choking hazard.

“Why--?” Paz begins to question, but Din catches his eye, holds it, anchoring the man with him. 

Caution, they had agreed. Not too many questions.

After a heavy pause, Paz huffs impatiently under his breath. He straightens, stubbornly resigned, broad shoulders pushing back under that unseasonably thin down jacket (what an envy, not to feel the cold). They had agreed to err on the side of caution with Jack, but Paz placing his trust in Din at all is still a wonder to him. At the end of the day, he and Paz are still strangers to each other. One week is not long enough to know a person.

“Fine.” The driver looks to Din’s brother. “I’ll follow you. I’ll park a block away and come the rest on foot. Keep a line open to let us know when we’re close.”

Din watches his brother adjust the kid on his hip. Jack had been awful reluctant to give up the chance to carry the little one, even just a little bit farther. 

The kid’s small hands are closed tight on his thick sleeves, dark eyes gazing up into his face, lips parted and glistening with the threat of a fresh dribble. Jack looks down into that round face with a small smile. The little one burbles a soft noise of wonder, entranced. Maybe it’s the moustache. 

Jack looks to his brother, jerks his head at their taller company. “Do we need him?”

Ugh. Din sighs. Jack has never been shy about speaking his mind and making Din’s life difficult. And people complained about Din’s manners.

In the long shadows of dusk, Paz’s frown pulls deep. Din glances away before the man can catch him staring. 

“He’s coming,” Din says. “And the kid’s booster seat is still strapped in. All our stuff is on that truck.”

Jack glances between them, coming to some conclusion, and it rankles how his mouth again draws into a shallow shrug: if you say so, little brother. “Note the license,” He directs Paz to his Jeep’s black plates. “Don’t get lost.” And then to his twin, “Take it you’re riding with him if the kid’s seat’s up there?”

Din frowns at the Jeep, gently biting his inner cheek. 

Has it really been only days since he met Paz? It feels like months. Maybe once they’ve spent more than a week together, Din will trust the kid alone with him. 

Unlikely.

I don’t trust anyone.

Din steps in and opens his hands for the child. The kid automatically raises short arms in response, and Jack’s expression softens. He hands him over with the familiar confidence of someone accustomed to handling tiny, floppy humans, and Din wonders what small children have been in his life lately.

“You mind giving my brother and I a minute?” Jack nods to the semi waiting on the other side of the road.

Behind Din’s shoulder, Paz grunts in assent and steps off, the crunch of gravel fading with his distance.

Jack watches him leave, gaze lingering on his broad back until he’s satisfied, then his hands find his hips and the look he gives Din makes his gut churn in old anxiety.

“Where the hell did you find him?”

“He… found me,” Din explains lamely, throat dry. 

The child pulls itself up higher on his chest with a loud yawn, small hands in his collar. 

“And why was he looking for you?”

“He was passing through the same diner on his way to finish a job. He saw us getting shot at. He stepped in.”

Jack’s expression twists with ugly skepticism. “Awful samaritan of him.”

How was Jack always so infuriatingly patronising? 

“We’ve been running for a week, Jack,” Din snaps. He is so tired and his brother is annoying. “He took a big risk giving us cover. But don’t worry. I’m cutting him loose.”

“Hey, I’m not worried. It’s your life. But you could have come straight to me.”

Din snorts under his breath. “Right.”

And all would have been forgiven after Din left him with a broken jaw and a black eye.

He swallows, throat tightening. “You told me not to come back,” Din reminds him.

Jack shrugs it off, shaking his head. “And when the fuck have you ever listened to me? We’re brothers. Remember, you and me? That’s all we got.”

Din scowls at him. He’s not the one with a memory problem.

“We got a lot of catching up to do,” Jack murmurs, searching his twin’s face. “It’s been three years, Din.”

Din bites his lip, his gaze dropping. Gravel crunches under the kick of his boot. “Yeah,” and goddamnit, his voice still cracks. 

There are a lot of things they could (and should) talk about, but this isn’t the time and he can’t name a single subject he’d volunteer to start. 

He’s grateful for the excuse of the child, shifting the warm bundle to the cradle of his other elbow to give all his nervous energy somewhere to go. 

Small fingers curl into his short beard with a quizzical noise. The kid’s dark eyes search his, sweet mouth pouting up at him, as though asking, What are you doing? Where are we going?

He tugs the kid’s thick beanie low around its ears and heavy lashes blink under his brush of its nose. It’s going to be okay.

“You look alright.” Din notes the good state of his brother’s clothes, the lack of shadows under his eyes, and the absence of bourbon on his breath. Three years ago, it was a different story.

Jack snorts a quiet laugh, pleased as always for every compliment. “And you look like you ain’t seen the struts of a real bed in months.” His voice drops. “I can’t get you inside, but we can get close enough and get the kid seen to. We got lodgings usually used by tour groups, but should be space enough for the two of you and the--”

Jack tips his hat in Paz’s direction and shrugs for lack of a satisfying way to summarise.

“-- Trucker.”

Din just nods, refusing to rise to Jack’s scathing tone. His brother can keep wondering. “Thanks.” 

For helping with the kid. For their shelter. For not asking all the questions Din had expected, and agreeing to see him at all. He doesn’t remember his brother as a generous man. He swallows, just a mite nervous. 

“I can pay you.”

Jack waves him off, nose wrinkled. “Don’t want your money. But the ones following you and the kid. They close?” 

“We got a day’s lead on them. Maybe less.”

“You’d gain more if you ditch that guy and his transformer. The semis are known and tracked. If they saw you get in that thing, they’ll see you coming for miles. And this guy.” Jack’s shoulders rise with the casual shrug of his offer. “He sounds too convenient. Am I gonna have to shoot him?”

It’s an honest offer and as casual a gesture as taking out the trash. Jack doesn’t even ask if Din could just dismiss the guy. It’s so Jack, and sheds years of distance between them. Some of the tension drops from Din’s shoulders. 

He wants to argue that there are still good people out there.

He shakes his head.

“If it goes bad.” Din glances to the truck and Paz is watching them, leaned up against the tall wheel, thick arms folded, eyes dark. “I’ll shoot him myself.”

///

Once back in the truck, Din says, “After this, we go our own way.”

Paz has just shut his door behind him. The cabin is briefly swamped in darkness, and pale light washes in from the diner’s sign over the dashboard. He stares at Din, the weight of his frown prickling on Din’s neck. The silence draws out a beat longer than comfortable. 

Jaw tight, Din keeps his attention on buckling the kid into its booster seat between them.

“What did he say to you?” Paz asks, low and cautious.

The little one watches Din’s hands with keen interest and his small feet kick happily once secured.

“Your truck is distinct. We need to stay discreet.” Din reaches for his own seatbelt and looks ahead to the road. 

“The truck the only problem?”

Din worries the inside of his cheek, rolling his jaw. “Your taste in music could use some work.”

Paz snorts a laugh and his seatbelt clicks into place. “You mean: you could use an updated education. Hick.”

Din bites his lip to repress a smile, looking out the window.

The truck rumbles to life. For a moment they idle, waiting for fuel to warm the engines. It’s not so cold that Paz probably needs to worry about the lines freezing, but there’s snow out there and Din has learned Paz is not the sort of man who likes to take chances with his home.

That’s what this truck is, after all: more than a transport and a vocation, it’s the man’s mobile home on the road. Din hasn’t asked if there’s a more permanent place waiting for Paz at the end of the line. The thought makes him uncomfortable in a way that’s difficult to name.

A soft thud lands by the kid’s booster seat. Din startles at the tall, feline face that suddenly rears into his vision, the weight of heavy paws pressing against his thigh.

For such a large animal, Paz’s maine coon is adept at sneaking up on him time after time. Din’s had a week to train his senses, but this giant among cats only makes a sound when it wants to be heard. Din could stand to learn a few pointers from its stealth.

He sags, shoulders dropping their tension. The ginger cat sniffs his cheek, his chin, blinking up at him curiously. Long whiskers tickle his beard. Maybe it’s scenting the roast he had in the diner. And to his surprise, the creature is purring.

Din glances to her owner, wary at her proximity. The last time she got this close, she was glaring him down into the pillows, fur aglow in the late afternoon sun wondering why this stranger was waking up in her human’s bed. 

Where else was he supposed to sleep?

It is not lost on Din that he's painted a target on Paz, too.

The kid perks up with a burble of delight, small hands reaching for the cat's thick tail swishing back and forth in his face.

“She deciding if she wants to eat me?” Din asks, leaning away from her roving nose.

Paz shifts the truck into gear with an easy smile and reaches over for his charge, stroking a firm hand down her back. His fingers disappear in the long fur. “C’mere, baby.”

The feline meows at the familiar touch, turning and pouncing immediately into Paz’s waiting lap. She’s large enough to fill his arms and make him crane around the impressive flare of her tail as tall as his torso. Din stares and wonders, not for the first time, why Paz decided on an attack cat instead of a dog like any normal trucker.

Din hasn’t known many truckers, but there’s something different about Paz. 

The other man blows out a comical breath of exasperation at the cat circling over and over in his lap to find the perfect spot. She fills his face with fur as he checks his mirrors and pulls them onto the road. He pats the dashboard, “Up” and she follows the instruction seamlessly, well accustomed to this routine.

The cat stretches along the dash’s full, impressive length and Paz tosses his cap up beside her. She’s a driving hazard, but one Paz is clearly familiar negotiating.

“You ever thought about giving her a real name?” Din asks, pointing to his brother’s Jeep waiting at the street corner.

'Ms Kitty' worked so long as there were no other competing felines in the district.

Paz grunts an unimpressed noise under his breath and pulls the truck into convoy. “You call your kid ‘kid’.” It’s a nudge, not unkind; don’t judge me. Pot, kettle.

Din almost smiles . But the kid is not his kid. 

Not that Paz needs to know that. 

“Point taken.”

The distillery is not far from the diner. A twenty minute drive at most. 

The cat dozes with its long limbs stretched out and the kid yawns into his over-large jacket collar. The quiet has almost settled back to the silent ease they usually enjoyed.

“What you said in the diner….”

Din looks over at their driver. “What?”

Paz is watching the road, eyes intent. The muscles of his jaw visibly tense. “Have I… done anything to make you not trust me?”

Din is grateful for the shadows and Paz keeping his eyes on the road so he can’t see the warm flush rise on Din’s neck. Damn it. He bites his tongue and idly grinds one fist into the palm of his other hand, wishing for the gloves in his pack behind the seat.

“It’s nothing personal,” he says, eventually. No, that feels… not enough. He sighs and unclenches his jaw enough to push the words out. “I’m grateful. For your help. You didn’t have to help us in the lot and... driving us cross country. Now, with Jack. I know it's a lot.”

“It’s fine,” Paz says quietly.

“We’ve asked enough. We'll be out of your hair soon,” Din decides. 

It has felt unsettling leaning on someone like this: like easing down into a familiar chair but wary of how long its frame will hold. It’s sad to say, but he hasn’t asked for nor accepted the help of another person in a long time. 

They’ve travelled together for a mere week. But a week in Din’s book would convert to long months by a normal person’s standard. And he hasn’t enjoyed many measures of ‘normal in his life’.

“If you want to go, I won’t stop you,” Paz says. He sounds distant, mind faraway. “It’s been my honour to help you two.”

Din frowns, hand closing tight over his fist.

It makes him uncomfortable when Paz speaks like this-- the air electrifying around him, his words falling with the gravity of things Din can’t see or understand. Paz would sound ridiculous if he didn’t sound so genuine.

It’s unsettling being in the presence of… that. Whatever that is.

“What you said,” Din parries the attention. “Growing up with guns. Running. Was that true?”

“It is.” Paz nods, glancing over his shoulder to change lanes as Jack’s rear lights signal a turn ahead of them. The long wave of Paz’s dark fringe almost falls in his eyes and Din watches him push it back with a hand, fingers threading through those heavy waves. “It was rough. I wouldn’t wish that on any kid.”

Din thinks about that and the way it resonates, the ghost of an ache down to his bones. “I’m sorry.”

Paz shrugs. “I’m not a kid anymore. I’m doing all right.”

He glances Din’s way, catching him with a wry smile. Din can’t help but return it and huffs a laugh under his breath. A warm stillness blooms through the tension in his chest left from his conversation with Jack.

Maybe there are still good people out there. But he’s not going to wait around to be disproved.

A small, loud yawn breaks between them, tailing to an exhausted whine. 

Din winces with guilt, looking down into the kid’s slow, teary blink under the lamp lights streaming by. How does something so small make such a large sound?

“Aw, kiddo.” Paz sighs, equally pained in sympathy.

Din leans in, heart twisting when the kid turns its face up to the hand he smoothes over its tufty hair, thumb gently stroking its forehead. “Not long now,” he murmurs. “I promise.”

The kid closes its eyes with a soft, unhappy sound and leans into his palm. So small. So vulnerable. He doesn’t have it in him to pull away, fingers sinking into the short, black fuzz of its hair. This kid needs -- the kid deserves more protection than he can provide.

He’s guilty to admit Paz had answered some of that anxiety up until now. But they can’t hide here with him forever.

It’s mere minutes later that Paz announces, “All right, pulling over.”

Din steels himself and strokes the baby soft skin beneath his thumb. Forever is a nice dream, though.

///

Humidity is supposed to be good for one’s skin, but Poppy Adams would sooner dehydrate and mummify than weather another night in the jungle without air conditioning.

Night brings little relief. The jungle hums, chirping and screeching, the nocturnal shift of nature leaving no illusion of her party’s solitude. These ruins were ‘undiscovered’, but although no other humans linger within radio distance, they are not alone. It doesn’t matter.

This is her home now.

Break over, the scream of chainsaws fills the night and Poppy’s team resumes the heavy work of clearing the jungle strangling the old settlement.

Sighing, she turns the electric fan up beside her to its max setting and sighs at the fresh blast of air, collecting her hair up off her neck. Squinting at the monitor before her, the video feed is difficult to see beneath the glare of floodlights casting their clearing as bright as day.

The black and white picture on the monitor freezes and distends. Poppy scowls, pressing buttons to no avail. What the hell is this, the actual 1950’s? After a patient stretch of seconds longer than any technology deserves, she throws up her hands in disbelief. 

“Eli!”

The technician appears at her elbow, shoulders hunched and drawn. Poppy’s face wrinkles at the acrid stench of sweat that fills her nose from an arm’s distance. She expects a certain level of dress sense and hygiene from her people, but...

“Baby, why do you smell like that?” she asks, gaze lingering on the thick sweat of his brow. “Am I not paying you enough for deodorant?”

Taking Eli on was a favour to her late father, the man’s previous employer. Eli is her man for telecommunications, her doctor for everything technological. Getting a clear and reliable signal this far out from civilisation is reason enough to sweat, but that’s why she brought him on board. Eli was supposed to be the best and worth all the times he made her teeth grind with his nervous twitching. Nervous people are so annoying.

“I’m sorry, Miss Poppy. It’s just--” 

“Poppy,” she corrects, appraising his pitiful, shiny demeanour.

“Poppy.” He ducks his head in apology. Poppy pulls a face when he mops his brow with his sleeve and it comes away with a wide, dark streak. The soft grey of his suit is already stained with all shades of jungle. Well, she won’t be sending him to represent her at any board meetings, that’s for sure. “I will re-apply as soon as I get back to my things.”

Poppy waves off his ramblings. More constructively, she thrusts a hand at her unresponsive monitor. “Why does my surveillance feed look like a boiled VHS tape?”

Eli blinks, wide eyes darting to the suitcase-mounted computer. “Ah. That may be… m-may I?”

Spinning the computer around to her tech support, Poppy sits back, fanning herself even as the electric fan whirs on. 

Getting the diner water-tight and wired up with A/C is the first priority. Until then, the building is a dank tomb trapping the worst of the humidity and she is better off braving the elements with her fan, the work site’s bright, bright lights and all the jungle’s insects it attracts.

An uncomfortably large cricket the size of her hand falls down dead with a loud zap by her thigh. She brushes it away with a grimace.

The things she endures for better world order.

Eye on the prize, Poppy.

Eli straightens before the computer and turns it back round to her. “There you go, Miss Poppy. Please try again.”

She blinks at him, slow and heavy. She does not spare a glance to her restored monitor. “Eli, baby, I’m not inspired with confidence in your abilities when you can’t even remember how to address me properly.”

His eyes fly to her face and his sweat-flushed complexion pales to a pallor that almost makes her cringe in pity.

“I-I’m sorry, Poppy. It’s just how I was raised. Respect for our elders--”

“Oh, you’re saying I’m old?”

Eli pales even further. His shoulders begin to shake with his nervous tremors. “N-no it’s… respect for superiors, a-and--”

Poppy throws up her hand to mime a beak closing. “Your face, your voice. They grate on my nerves. I’m sorry, I feel terrible saying it, but it’s true. So, be quiet. And let’s see if you fixed this.”

She presses play on the video. This time, the visual snow resolves into the high vantage of a large parking lot filled with cars. The image is smooth and fluid as the seconds tick by. In the bottom corner, movement --

She claps in exasperated delight. “Oh, at last! It’s working.”

It’s difficult to make out at first: the blur of indistinct shapes coalescing into hooded figures under the tall street lamps. A long semi-trailer occupies the bottom right of the frame. 

Light flashes in the dark at the foot of the Waffle House stair; the spark of a gun firing.

Poppy glances up at Eli, hovering with some trepidation at her shoulder. “Is there sound on this?”

He tests a few commands on the keyboard. “N-no, Poppy. It doesn’t seem so.”

She hums in disappointment. “Oh well.”

The surveillance footage lights up with more flares in the dark, glittering around the carpark like the desperate putters of dragonflies. Multiple shooters. 

“Just a moment,” Eli reaches past her again, the image paling and brightening under the magic of his intervention.

“Oh that’s much better,” Poppy smiles when the featureless dark encompassing much of the image sharpens with the outline of vehicles parked row upon row, a full customer contingent even at 2am in the morning. 

Where are they….?

Poppy leans in, squinting at the barely discernible figure standing strong at the foot of the stair, a significant lump high on their back. 

The picture almost whites out with an abrupt flare of light from the bottom right of the frame, long and spitting. The gout of flame peters out and at its source towers a new person: broad-shouldered and stalking towards the figure at the stairs.

“Whoa,” Eli breathes as the flamethrower erupts again, spewing at the bounty hunters now cowering back against the cars for cover.

Poppy leans in. “That’s him.”

They watch the tall one shift the heavy flamethrower to his back, something equally bulky but short sliding into his hands from the opposite shoulder. The muzzled puff that alights from the barrel of this artillery is an anticlimax after the draconic display.

But Poppy’s eyebrows rise at the consequent explosion engulfing several cars in a furious inferno.

“Okay… okay,” she murmurs, knuckle brushing her lower lip as she considers the possibilities. 

It looks like the target had called for support, and the cavalry was packing heat.

“Update the intelligence,” she glances at Eli still gaping at the monitor. “It looks like he has help now. Advise they’re heavily armed.”

As they watch, the figures dash to the cover of the semi-trailer. The large truck shudders to life, a new explosion billowing up in the car park as it pulls onto the road, the carnage covering their escape. And conveniently lighting up the night well enough to get a read on the license plate.

“It’s only a partial,” Eli clarifies as they both squint at the frozen picture, the image’s fidelity failing to stand up to the demands of magnification. “But between this and the truck’s markings, it might help.”

“Up the bounty.” Poppy fans herself, settling back in her seat, face wrinkling as her shirt clings to her spine with sweat. “If people are going up against that kind of firepower, they’ll expect to be well-compensated.” 

And let nobody say that Poppy Adams won’t compensate for a job well done.

Eli almost bows to her, head low. “Yes, Poppy.”

She snickers, watching him. He’s endearing, for all that she wants to dunk him in a pool of deodorant.  “Go now, Eli. We’re on a deadline.”

<< previous part | next chapter >>

Blowing Smoke (one-shot)

Aka Lemon Diesel (bless you @harutemu and @meridianbarony )

Listen, I started this over a year ago, and then when I had to go clean for work I had the deep desire to get back into it

Also my need for TFA OP/Ratch is so strong

Title: Blowing Smoke (Lemon Diesel)

Series: TFA

Ship(s): Ratchet/Optimus

Rating/warnings: Mature/Explicit for smoking Space Weed and getting high, shotgunning, high sex, oral sex, age difference (but both adults). Just a lot of getting high and Ratchet being old and Optimus being very into that

Summary:

“Ok, I’ll give you that I probably shouldn’t try to use the bong again. But maybe you could shotgun me?”

“You need to take a break.”

Optimus frowned over his shoulder and already Ratchet could see the resistance he had expected.

“I had my break earlier--”

“Don’t mean a shift break and you know it,” Ratchet insisted, crossing his arms to make it clear he wasn’t interested in an argument.

Optimus had been running himself ragged again and Ratchet was done watching the young mech push himself closer and closer to the breaking point. With everything they had to deal with, the last thing any of them needed was for their Prime to finally crumple under the pressure he put on himself.

Too young to not still have plenty mistakes ahead of him to make and learn from, and yet too stubborn and prideful to accept that fact, holding himself to impossible standards.

Ratchet had been haranguing Optimus for nearly a week now and Optimus had dismissed Ratchet’s concerns at every turn. But not today. Today Ratchet was going to make the Prime take a fragging night off, even if he had to strap him down to make it happen.

Though, as pleasant albeit inappropriate as that thought was, Ratchet didn’t think it would come to that. Optimus was running out of arguments, and by Ratchet’s estimations all that was left was the how.

Optimus seemed to know it too as the Prime sighed, his shoulders drooping.

“Come on, bossbot. You can’t tell me you’ve never relaxed in your entire functioning,” Ratchet pushed, seeing his advantage and taking it. “It’s just one day. Go. Do whatever it is you need to do to get out of your processor for just a day and you’ll thank me afterwards.”

Finally Optimus turned away from his work screens, his bottom lip momentarily caught between his dentae before he replied, “I can’t just turn it off though. I’d just be thinking about everything without actually doing anything about it, which honestly might be worse.”

“Why do you think engex exists?” Optimus looked a bit appalled and Ratchet smirked as he continued, “Which isn’t to say that, as your medic, I’m prescribing getting overcharged. Doesn’t have to be engex. Lots of mechs get that same kind of disconnect from healthier options. Going on long drives, meditating, that kind of slag. Whatever works for you, kid.”

Optimus seemed to actually consider that, his optics losing focus as his thoughts turned inward.

After a moment, those optics brightened again, but his brows furrowed.

“Well, not that,” Optimus muttered to himself, his optics fading. However, Ratchet wasn’t about to let anything slip by.

“Ah-ah! Not what?”

Optimus didn’t meet Ratchet’s gaze.

“I mean, I can’t say it’s a particularly healthy idea--”

“Let the medic decide that one, would you?”

That got a quick glance from Optimus before he looked away again, now shuffling on his pedes. “I—look, I only tried it a couple times, and I wouldn’t even know where to get any now--”

Ratchet lifted a hand to stop the Prime.

“Dross?”

Optimus only nodded once. Primus did the young Prime look chagrinned at the admission.

Ratchet, however, felt a soft smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ve got you covered, bossbot.”

Optimus’s mouth was agape as Ratchet placed the large bong in his hands – “Hold this” – and then went back into his cabinet to consider his collection of dross strains. They were all his own mixtures, each specialized for specific needs, though it had been at the very least decades since Ratchet had strayed from his usual. In his younger days Ratchet had preferred his party strains that left him giggly and energized or chill out strains that left him melting into the couch, but since the war Ratchet had found comfort in strains that eased the aches in his frame and let him recharge soundly and dreamlessly. Optimus was probably expecting something more uplifting than that though. Something giggly but laid back would probably work best—

“Ratchet?”

“Yeah, kid?”

“What,” Optimus started before audibly rebooting his vocalizer, “what are you doing with all this?”

“You’re a smart bot, Optimus. I think you can figure that one out yourself,” Ratchet replied as he picked a vial. The crystals inside shifted and rolled over each other as he considered them. Ratchet couldn’t remember the last time he had used this particular one, but the seal was air-tight and the crystals were all still intact and separate, so they would still burn well.

“So you…” Optimus trailed off, still sounding dumbstruck, and this time Ratchet chuckled.

“I’m surprised you hadn’t noticed before. Figured the smell alone would tip you off.”

With his selection made, Ratchet shut the cabinet and set the lock on again. That done he turned to Optimus who was dutifully holding the bong.

And looking rather embarrassed.

“If we’re both being honest, I thought it was Bee this whole time.”

That got a genuine full-frame laugh out of Ratchet as he waved Optimus towards his private quarters.

No doubt it was because of the associations with the pleasant high that would follow, but Ratchet could already feel his frame ease as he let the first burst of smoke cycle through his ventilation system. It required him to focus on his frame, to make sure all his vents were sealed shut and his fans ever so gently turning to keep the smoke moving, trapped once his mouth closed to seep into his lines and work its magic. It was an almost meditative process that had many a time centered him when Ratchet felt lost in his own processor.

After a few seconds Ratchet tilted his helm back to blow the smoke up towards the ceiling.

“—And that’s it. You got it?”

Optimus nodded as Ratchet handed the bong and lighter to him, though his brows were still furrowed.

“I think so. I mean, I’ve done it before, but I wasn’t any good at it.”

“Just takes practice.”

“If you say so,” Optimus said, sounding hesitant. His optics flicked from the bong up towards Ratchet’s face. “And you swear this isn’t all some elaborate trap--”

Ratchet snorted as he slapped Optimus on the shoulder. “Kid, what did you just watch me do, huh? If anyone is getting us in trouble, it’s you.”

Optimus smiled a little at that before cycling a ventilation and taking his hit.

Well. Attempting it.

Ratchet already saw the danger signs – aiming the flame over the middle of the bowl and sucking too hard – but there was no time to stop him before Optimus had set the whole bowl ablaze and overwhelmed his frame with thick, dense smoke.

“Whoa, whoa! That’s enough!” Ratchet insisted as he grabbed the bong from the Prime. It was too late though. Smoke billowed from the top of the bong as Optimus started coughing harshly, a thick haze of smoke surrounding him as his vents dumped it out as quickly as they could. Ratchet winced as he covered the top of the bong to keep the remaining smoke in and with his other servo slapped Optimus on the back to help him get it all out.

“S-sorry—I told you--” Optimus managed between coughs, though they were finally starting to slow down. Ratchet just nodded as his servo stopped patting to instead rub soothing circles.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Luckily I don’t think you’re gonna need more than that,” Ratchet said, unable to keep from teasing as Optimus blinked at him. “Just lay back and relax, bossbot.”

With a couple more hacking coughs, Optimus let himself lay back on the berth. Ratchet had brought out his extra blankets and pillows to pile up on the slab, and while Optimus had insisted that was all unnecessary earlier, he was now grabbing a pillow to cover his face with.

Ratchet let the Prime have a moment to compose himself while the medic sucked up the left over smoke still trapped in the bong. It was thick and highly concentrated, but Ratchet’s frame accepted it with practiced ease. He hummed lightly as he let it cycle a couple times before finally letting it billow out from his vents.

Optimus was still hiding behind the pillow.

“You don’t have to be embarrassed,” Ratchet said as he set the bong aside for the moment, settling back against the pillows he had stacked against the wall. “There’s no shame in coughing when smoking.”

Optimus’s ventilations were evening out now as he said, muffled by the pillow, “You made it look so easy.”

Ratchet chuckled as he got comfortable in the little nest of pillows. “Well, sure. That bong’s older than you are, so I’ve had plenty of practice.”

The pillow finally shifted so that Optimus’s optics peered over it.

“Really?”

“Mmhm,” Ratchet hummed. He reached out towards the bong, patting it fondly. “Ol’ Faithful and I have been together since med school. I had other glassware, but she’s the only one who made it through the war with me.”

Optimus moved again, rolling onto his side while keeping the pillow close to his chest, and gazed at the bong with rapt attention.

“Wow. She’s sure seen a lot then, huh?”

Ratchet couldn’t help the way his mouth twisted into a smirk.

“Optimus. She’s still just a bong.”

Optimus’s face scrunched up, but it was more petulant than anything as he said, “Well, ok, yeah, but I mean. People say that about old things. That’s not a weird thing to say.” His lips pursed as his optics narrowed thoughtfully. “Right? I’m not just making that up?”

Ratchet just snorted as felt his lips wobble and the seemingly ever-present tightness in his chest shook loose.

Optimus groaned with embarrassment.

“Scrap. I’m already so high.”

“Damn right you are, kid.”

There was a moment of quiet before Optimus giggled.

And Ratchet mentally patted himself on the back.

It seemed silly considering his long history with dross, but Ratchet had forgotten how, well, silly he could feel when he smoked more recreational strains. It had clearly been too long since he had smoked to have fun and not just momentarily chase away pain.

But, to be fair, it wasn’t nearly as fun without someone else to be silly with.

Optimus was like melted slag as he sprawled on the berth, his face lax and often curled into a soft smile about whatever they were talking about or whatever was happening on the screen that Ratchet had set up. All they really got here on Earth was the humans’ banal tv shows they called entertainment, but Ratchet had to admit that the dross was helping him to actually enjoy it some.

That and openly mocking it with Optimus. The Prime had a surprisingly sharp glossa when it was loosened up.

Not that Ratchet was thinking about Optimus’s glossa.

Much.

The occasional thought would flit through Ratchet’s processor, unhampered by his usually tight control over such thoughts. It didn’t help that the high came with some warming of his libido.

But Ratchet knew better than to think on it much. If he had the energy and desire to he could overload himself once Optimus left, but for now it was a pleasant hum that was enjoyable all on its own and that was very likely going to be the full extent of it. He didn't feel any need to do anything about it

Primus, he really was slagging old.

Luckily that line of thought was stopped right there as Optimus’s leg dropped unceremoniously across Ratchet’s, startling him enough to jolt, optics going wide and bright.

Optimus gave him a scrap-eating grin.

“Don’t tell me Sammi and Ronnie’s newest fight isn’t holding your interest. This is obviously important and I’d hate for you to miss any thrilling dialogue from spacing out.”

Ratchet rolled his optics, smacking Optimus on the shin as he growled, with far more fondness than he had intended, “Brat.”

And Optimus just snickered.

While it would have been impossible for Ratchet to not notice every damn day just how young all his fellow team members were, relaxation had done Optimus wonders. His expressions were open and wholly honest without any second guessing or forced professionalism. The lines of his face weren’t twisted by tension or stress, leaving them to fully showcase how very handsome the Prime was; handsome and youthful and ever so slightly mischievous as he grinned up at Ratchet.

Ratchet realized he was still touching Optimus’s shin, but couldn’t muster the energy to move it.

“But also, hey, uh, Ratchet?” Ratchet just looked at him expectantly and Optimus’s face wobbled with barely held humor. “You wanna smoke some more?”

With a snort, Ratchet patted Optimus’s leg as he replied, “You sure about that, kid? If you have another hit like that last one, I don’t think you’re gonna be able to move your struts again until morning.”

“I’ll show you moving,” Optimus argued as he lifted one of his pedes again and gracelessly aimed it at Ratchet’s face. He only laughed more when Ratchet caught it with his servo with ease and couldn’t help a chuckle of his own.

“Truly terrifying, bossbot.”

The leg was placed down next to its twin across Ratchet’s lap again, but still Optimus moved, pushing himself up just enough to brace back against his elbows.

“Ok, I’ll give you that I probably shouldn’t try to use the bong again. But maybe you could shotgun me?” Optimus asked, still smiling but his tone softened.

Not that Ratchet could even begin to parse what that might mean when his processor was addled with dross and busy coming to terms with just what, exactly, Optimus was asking him for.

“You--” Ratchet started before his mouth closed again. He could feel how his face was contorting with confusion. More than that though, he felt a pang of heat twist low in his frame. “Really?”

Optimus’s bottom lip caught between his dentae, only to be released when he shrugged and said, “I mean, it’s easier that way, isn’t it? You have better control over how much I get and it’s less harsh, so. It makes sense, right?”

It did. Shotgunning was a perfectly reasonable alternative.

Ratchet still felt his mouth go dry.

“Sure. Just give me a second to get Ol’ Faithful billowing again.”

Optimus perked up and grinned as he pushed himself up straight. His legs stayed draped over Ratchet’s but he was sat upright at least, watching with optics overbright from some mixture of his interest and his high.

“And you know how to shotgun?” Ratchet confirmed as he picked up his bong and lighter again. Some part of his processor was trying to remind him what a terrible idea this was, but it simply couldn’t compete with the almost giddy arousal simmering in Ratchet’s frame. And what harm could it really do? It would give Ratchet a rare thrill, and give Optimus the high he was seeking, and then they would settle back into their relaxed stupor without any harm done.

“Yeah. You blow it out and I suck it in.”

“Good enough,” Ratchet said. “You ready?”

Optimus’s optics managed to flare even brighter with excitement.

“Very.”

When Ratchet pulled his hit from the bong this time, he didn’t cycle it through his frame like before. Some of the smoke swirled down his intake but the majority lingered in his mouth, held there as Ratchet set the bong aside with one servo and the other reached up to coax Optimus’s face down towards his own.

There was an undeniable heat in Optimus’s optics as his full lips parted, tantalizingly close as Ratchet let the smoke in his mouth billow out to get immediately drawn into Optimus’s. Stray wisps of smoke curled up between them as, slowly but surely, Optimus pulled more and more from between Ratchet’s lips.

Primus.

Finally the stream of smoke between them was practically nonexistent and Ratchet forced himself to pull back. He couldn’t however stop himself from watching as Optimus’s lips never fully sealed, instead just left slightly agape as the Prime’s frame lazily cycled the smoke through his frame. There was no coughing this time, just a nearly inaudible hum before Optimus finally let the smoke waft back out of his mouth to dissipate between them.

And something shifted. Intangible and inexplicable but very much real.

Ratchet’s array throbbed.

“See? Told you it would work,” Optimus said, lips curling at the corners, lazy and self-satisfied.

“Didn’t say I doubted you,” Ratchet replied. He was only half aware of how his glossa peaked out to wet his lips, but Optimus’s optics flicked down to watch it before finding Ratchet’s gaze again.

“I think I could handle another.”

“Don’t blame me if you get in over your head.”

“I’m a big bot,” Optimus insisted. “I know my limits.”

The metaphorical ground was slipping from beneath Ratchet faster than he could keep up, urging him to simply follow along, and the dross thrumming through his frame eased him into doing just that.

Another hit, and this time when Ratchet tilted Optimus’s face with the tips of his digits, Optimus moved in closer still, his own servo cupping the side of Ratchet’s face. Closer and closer Optimus leaned in, moving so slowly, and yet still Ratchet was surprised when their parted lips brushed as Optimus pulled the smoke from Ratchet’s frame.

Neither of them pulled away as Optimus held the smoke and then, slowly, released it to linger around their helms.

“You sure seem to know what you’re doing.”

This close, Ratchet felt like he was drowning in the brilliant glow of Optimus’s optics and the too soft gust of his ex-vent against Ratchet’s lips.

“I’ve done this a couple of times,” Optimus admitted, abashment finally managing to tint his tone.

Ratchet snorted.

“Yeah? And tell me, bossbot, how did those couple of times usually end?”

Optimus’s servo moved further, slipping around to cup the nape of Ratchet’s neck. The bravado of before gave way to earnestness.

“Want me to show you?”

Frag.

Ratchet’s frame heated, eager for such a rare chance and emboldened by dross. Yet still Ratchet kept his joints locked, forcing his logic processes to keep running.

“I think you’re high and will regret it later if I let you,” Ratchet stated.

Instead of being put off, though, Optimus actually giggled, his forehelm meeting Ratchet’s.

“Ok, yeah, I’m definitely high, but also – ok, can I be totally honest for a second?” Gone was the none-too-subtle seduction, but truthfully the Prime’s goofy sincerity didn’t lessen Ratchet’s lust in the least. There was something truly lust-inducing about the genuine glee with which Optimus confessed, “I’ve really wanted to do this for a while now.”

Still, even beneath the lust and dross, uncertainty twisted in Ratchet’s tank.

“I’m just an old mech,” Ratchet point out. Because ultimately there was no denying the simple truth of the matter – Optimus was young and beautiful and full of potential. Ratchet was old and bitter and felt most days like his frame was falling apart.

Yet Optimus looked unbothered, shrugging as he grinned.

“I like old,” Optimus insisted as he started to move, his free servo bracing against Ratchet’s shoulder as he shifted his legs. He was trying with some difficulty to either straddle Ratchet’s or kneel between them – which he was aiming for was unclear. Ratchet’s frame decided for the both of them as his thighs parted and his servos helped Optimus to maintain his balance as he fitted between them like he belonged there. Once Optimus was settled, one servo trailed down Ratchet’s chest to rest atop his protruding abdominal plating while the other found its way up to Ratchet’s face, tracing the deep creases and divots of his aged protoform.

Optimus’s glossa wetted his lips before he insisted, “I really, really like old.”

Ratchet wasn’t sure what he had to say to that, but it didn’t matter since that’s when Optimus kissed him.

And Primus could the Prime kiss. It was soft and unhurried, full of sweet lips and a wicked glossa, the taste of smoke and charge thick between their mouths. Ratchet couldn’t get enough of those plush lips or how Optimus’s ventilations stuttered when he held them between his dentae and pulled.

Ratchet couldn’t be sure when his servos had found Optimus’s hips, pulling them in closer as they gave small, gentle rolls against his panel. But nonetheless he could feel the heat coming off Optimus’s array and there was little doubt the Prime could feel his in turn.

“Only feels fair I warn you that old is what you’ll get,” Ratchet said when finally Optimus moved away from his mouth to nuzzle under his chin, laving the plating with open-mouthed kisses. Ratchet’s processor was getting sluggish from the onslaught of pleasure and the haze of his high, but he pushed through even as his engine rumbled with one particularly well placed lick. “I don’t get wet like I used to and it can take perseverance to get my spike up.”

“I don’t mind,” Optimus replied, his words muffled against Ratchet’s neck. “You don’t need to get wet or hard for what I have planned. It still feels good down here, right?”

Optimus’s servo caressed the bottom edge of Ratchet’s abdominal plating, clever digits tracing the seam where it met his pelvis, and Ratchet growled lowly at the pleasure it sparked.

However, Ratchet nearly jumped out of his plating when Optimus’s digits continued to move down to cup his valve unobstructed, though Ratchet couldn’t for the life of him remember releasing his modesty panel.

“Can I take that as a yes,” Optimus teased, and despite himself, Ratchet snorted.

“You better. So what exactly is it you have planned?”

Finally Optimus pulled back from Ratchet’s neck and grinned wide and bright. His digit tips slipped between the lips of Ratchet’s valve to circle the rim once before moving higher to press against his anterior node.

“I was really hoping to eat you out, Ratchet.”

The wave of lust mixed with high flooded Ratchet’s senses.

“You’re gonna be the death of me, kid.”

Time had become a meaningless concept. Between the dross and the slow blissful torture burning his frame up from the inside out, Ratchet couldn’t tell if it had been hours or mere minutes since Optimus had slid down onto his front and first pressed his lips to Ratchet’s valve.

It didn’t matter either way, really. All that Ratchet could focus on was the perfect wet heat stroking his valve from bottom to top, lapping up what little lubricant he could produce before suckling on his anterior node until Ratchet bucked his hips and the suction was gone again. Ratchet couldn’t even get any warning regarding which part of his array would have the pleasure of experiencing Optimus’s mouth next since Optimus’s face disappeared behind the protrusion of Ratchet’s abdominal plating.

Optimus wasn’t in any hurry either. The Prime seemed to revel in the act of tasting Ratchet, humming to himself as he licked and sucked and drove Ratchet mad with waves of ecstasy while lazily grinding his own hips down against the berth. Ratchet could only imagine Optimus’s spike trapped between his frame and the berth, leaking beads of transfluid to soak into the sheets.

Ratchet’s spike twitched in Optimus’s servo, still only half pressurized but still eagerly translating every stroke and press of Optimus’s digits into pure pleasure.

And Optimus had to know full well the way he was slowly but surely building Ratchet up towards overload. He had to considering Ratchet couldn’t keep his mouth shut, rumbling curses and groans aplenty.

Ratchet reached down to where he could see Optimus’s finials poking up over his abdominal plating, grasping one carefully but firmly as a particularly loud grunt escaped him. Optimus’s engine purred and his helm tilted so his finial pressed harder into Ratchet’s hold, sucking on Ratchet’s node again in reward when Ratchet rubbed his thumb along the length.

“Frag,” Ratchet hissed between gritted dentae as his valve throbbed. “C’mon, Optimus, I’m so close--”

The world went hazy as Optimus’s servo pulled at his spike more pointedly and his glossa stroked along Ratchet’s slit with greater pressure, stopping to mouth Ratchet’s node more often and for longer. The pleasure overwhelmed Ratchet’s drug-addled processor to the point where he could feel it lag, unable to do much at all except experience the pleasure.

When overload finally hit Ratchet’s frame seized up from the intensity of it, sharp shocks of climax shooting up his spine and narrowing his reality to the lips suckling him and bringing him sheer ecstasy.

And in the seconds or minutes or hours that passed as he came down from it, Ratchet idly wondered when he’d last had an overload like that, or if he even ever had.

And then Ratchet felt that maddening glossa lick at him again.

“Hey, that’s—frag me, that’s enough, I already overloaded,” Ratchet managed as he tugged at Optimus’s finial. There was one last long lick up Ratchet’s valve that sent a shiver up his spine before Optimus’s arms retreated from where they had made themselves comfortable around Ratchet’s thighs, and with some effort the Prime pushed up onto his elbows so he could peer at Ratchet over the girth of his abdominal plating.

His lips were pursed in a near pout.

“Well, maybe I want to give you another.”

A quick check of his chronometer confirmed for Ratchet that it hadn’t, in fact, been long endless hours since they had started. It wasn’t a short amount of time by any stretch, but not the unending swath of pleasure that Ratchet swore it had felt like. A second overload would easily take twice as long to achieve, and Ratchet considered the fact that that may actually fry his circuits for good.

“Did I mention that you’re going to be the death of me? Because if I didn’t, then this is me putting it on the record,” Ratchet insisted. Optimus still held his now fully depressurized spike, and with a flicker of his optics he leaned in to lap up the lines of transfluid that had dribbled down to pool in the crevice between Optimus’s fist and Ratchet’s soft spike. Pleasure registered in the sensors, but Ratchet’s spike didn’t so much as twitch. Ratchet tugged at Optimus’s finial again as he explained, “Seriously, kid, you have to give my frame a break. It’s gonna be a while before I can overload again.”

Optimus’s servo pulled up along Ratchet’s spike one last time, collecting most of the mess on it before letting go. His optics were dilated and dimmed as he licked Ratchet’s transfluid from his digits, and while Ratchet’s array was momentarily dormant, that didn’t make the sight any less arousing to watch.

And the choked noise Optimus made when Ratchet stroked his finial was the stuff of fantasies.

“Now get up here and let’s see how many overloads I can get outta that big frame of yours in the meantime.”

With a flare of his optics Optimus was moving, quick but uncoordinated. His spike bounced into view, a handful if Ratchet had ever seen one, and lubricant aplenty was streaking down the inside of his thighs.

Ah, to be young again.

Ratchet’s itched to take full advantage of the opportunity to enjoy such a treat.

Ratchet pulled Optimus close and Optimus kissed him, moaning as Ratchet reached down to grasp his spike.

“Just so you know, I’m expecting you to be good with your hands, docbot,” Optimus teased, and Ratchet grinned smugly as his other servo stroked down past Optimus’s aft to reach his drenched valve.

“These hands have been overloading bots since before you were forged, bossbot.”

And, of all things, Optimus snickered, even as his hips jerked, caught between two sources of pleasure.

“Wow. They’ve sure seen a lot then, huh?”

And Ratchet couldn’t fight the full frame laugh that overtook him.

Dross didn’t come with a hangover the way that engex did. There were no pounding processor aches or frame pain or the anything of the like. Some bots didn’t feel anything at all. Ratchet though would wake with a hollow sort of feeling in his tank. It wasn’t usually due to any actual lack of fuel in his system, but rather just an odd but not uncommon side effect of sobering up from a dross high.

As he drifted out of recharge though, he couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t also some apprehension at play as he noticed he was alone in his berth.

Not that there wasn’t still evidence to prove that Ratchet’s memories weren’t faulty. Ol’ Faithful was placed on the berthside table, the ashes of burnt dross still packed into the bowl. The extra pillows and blankets were still on the berth, though now most of them had been neatly folded and stacked at the end of it. The couple of blankets not folded were either draped over Ratchet with enough care that Ratchet knew it hadn’t been his own work, or were outright missing.

If Ratchet had to guess, those missing had probably had some very incriminating evidence and had been thrown into the wash.

No doubt it had all been Optimus’s doing. Nice of him too.

But Ratchet couldn’t help the pang of disappointment.

“Hey. Nothing burned down while we were gone, did it?”

Optimus looked up from the datapad in his servos, his optics now their typical shade and brightness. The slight twitching of his lips was at least half forced as he glanced back down at the datapad, waving it a bit for emphasis.

“Not that I’ve seen so far. Prowl did a good job keeping things running.”

“Who’d have guessed?” Ratchet remarked, and at least this time the way that Optimus’s mouth continued to curl seemed genuine.

“Alright, turns out you were right. It wouldn't kill me or anyone else to take an actual break every once in a while.” Optimus’s smile faded again and, after seeming to take a moment, he placed the datapad in his lap and looked up at Ratchet, every inch of his frame serious. “But listen, Ratchet, I—obviously I got a little too lax last night, so I apologize if I took advantage--”

“Ah, ah, stop right there,” Ratchet interrupted, lifting a servo to wave the concerns away. “You know I’ve never been one for decorum so don’t worry about it.”

Optimus’s face still screwed up further as he insisted, “But I’m your Prime. I need to worry about this.”

“Since when have we ever done anything by the book?” It wasn’t the right thing to say considering the stern frown it earned Ratchet, so with a tired sigh Ratchet changed tactic, saying, “Look, sure, I suggested you take a break because I’m your medic and you’re my Prime. That was a part of our professional relationship. But I forced the issue because I care about you, and I smoked with you because I enjoy your company, and frankly? I fragged you because we both wanted to frag each other.”

Finally, Optimus’s expression softened again.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“And you’re not just saying that because I’m your--”

“Stuff it,” Ratchet growled, and Optimus laughed.

Ratchet fell heavily into the couch beside Optimus, one arm slung along the back, not touching but certainly within close enough range that it would take nothing at all to initiate it.

“So. How long exactly had you been wanting to do that?”

“I mean, look, dross hadn’t been part of the fantasy since, again, I thought it was Bee who was smoking it, but…” Without the dross, there was far more bashfulness to Optimus as he rubbed at the side of his neck, optics flitting from Ratchet’s face to off to some random corner of the room. “A while. Not right away, obviously, since I wanted to get to know you first but… yeah.”

And perhaps the bashfulness was spreading as Ratchet felt his frame heat up.

“Well, that’s flattering, kid. I am worried that I’m gonna have to do a check up on your processor, or at least your optics--”

“Hah hah, very funny,” Optimus interrupted flatly, knocking his shoulder against Ratchet’s. In truth, Ratchet had only be half teasing, since he still couldn’t see what a mech like Optimus could see in an old rust bucket like him. But there wasn’t time to ruminate on that before Optimus continued, “And you? Was last night just a spur of the moment thing for you, or am I your type too?”

Ratchet gave Optimus an unimpressed look as he said, “Are you kidding? Bossbot, you’re everyone’s type.”

The heat coming off Optimus was palpable as he squirmed, insisting, “That’s not true at all.”

“Well it should be. Anyone who doesn’t wanna frag you is a damned idiot and blind to boot.”

Ratchet got another shoulder-to-shoulder shove, though Optimus didn’t move away and he chewed on his bottom lip as he looked sidelong at Ratchet.

“So does that mean you might want to do that again?”

And, just as planned, it took nothing for Ratchet to let his arm fall against the length of Optimus’s broad shoulders, his servo squeezing and tugging him close.

“Honestly, if you hadn’t gone running off so fast this morning, I was planning on illustrating how much more cooperative you’ll find my spike after a good recharge.”

It had been meant to be at least partially self-deprecating, but Optimus’s engine started to genuinely purr and his face moved in closer.

“I mean… Prowl is off today, and Bee and Bulkhead shouldn’t be back any time soon.”

“Bossbot, are you suggesting skipping work to frag?”

The mischievous grin was back, and it took effort to not immediately kiss it.

“I mean, I can still work. I’m a great multitasker.”

“I think you’re underestimating my spike.”

“And I think you’re underestimating how really good I am at multitasking.”

“Guess we’ll just have to find out.”

Optimus’s helm tilted opposite of Ratchet’s, lips slightly parted, and Ratchet felt nearly dizzy from how they were sober in the light of day and kissing.

And it felt just as easy.

Can you please do a Drabble for Tfp Optimus and Knockout where the reader (a human S/o) has an episode of sleep paralysis (or a really bad nightmare) and goes to them for comfort? (If this is too much or if you don't want to write this you don't have to I would just love to see an imagine like this ) ^-^

((A/N - I have never experience sleep paralysis, but my older brother has, and I have to say it sounds like the most unpleasant thing in the world. I wrote about the nightmare since I can relate to it a little bit more, but if you have sleep paralysis I am so sorry and I hope you can at least get a decent amount of sleep out of your nights.

Also I made this kind of long as I got carried away writing it in the background as I was playing video games on the side, gotta do that multitasking yo!))

Optimus Prime

Everything felt so uncomfortably fuzzy and distant, you had to for some reason keep reassuring yourself that your conscious mind was real and that you existed on some kind of level of understanding- but as the haze began to grow to a very loud and distracting level, and the darkness began to consume your perceived consciousness that the only emotions your ever waking mind can begin to comprehend was utter primal fear.

What was going on?

Were you even real? Was this life even real?!

A loud and slightly obnoxious air swallowing gasp left your mouth as you felt your heavy and slightly sweaty and sticky body shoot up from your once comfortable position in your warm bed. You clutched at your chest as the once warm blanket fell from your shoulders as the cold night air hit you like a ton of sobering bricks, you can feel your heart pounding a mile a minute as your hands are also shaking uncontrollably while you try to get your breathing under some kind of control. Fear was the only thing your body wanted to comprehend at the moment, sheer panic and terror was all that you were feeling as you swung your head back and forth to scan your bedroom to see if someone or something that must have roused you from your much needed and wanted slumber.The room was just as dark and empty as you remembered leaving is as you laid down to sleep.

For some reason that thought left you feeling a little hollow and anxious on the inside as the darkness began to seep into you, you reached behind you to clutch your once forgotten pillow to your chest as an off attempt to give yourself a little comfort and ease.

What was it that scared you awake?

Obviously from what you can tell it was a bad dream, but you just can’t seem to recall the contents of said dream that caused your mind to race this way, and now that you were thinking about jt you can’t seem to understand why your brain is telling you that you are in danger so long as you are still sitting here. This has happened before to you, bad dreams are a fairly common occurrence for a lot of people, but normally you are able to recall what it was that made you so nervous and you can rectify these feelings by applying logic and reason to your mind to remind yourself that those anxieties are unfounded.

A brisk and chilling walk down the street will help you clear your intrusive thoughts maybe, it will at least ease your racing mind of the idea that you are in some kind of peril and need to evacuate the safety of your room hopefully.You threw on a light jacket that you had hanging on a chair in your room and you threw on some old and worn out sneakers, and as you made your way to the front door of the house you made sure to be very careful as to not disturb the other people that are potentially still asleep inside the house. You shut the door slowly and quietly with that small click assuring you that you succeeded in not disturbing anyone, and as you turned to begin your small walk down the empty and slightly chilly sidewalk it really hit you how cold the air was outside. It was always colder here at night since this was an arid and hot climate during the day, it always felt like you couldn’t bundle up enough to stave off the chill in the air when you want to spend some time outside at night.

You liked living here well enough but as your body shuttered when another gust was kicked up you wondered how expensive it would honestly be to move out to a tropical island where cold air just doesn’t exist. You would have to deal with a lot of grainy sand though and from what you have heard it’s crazy expensive to live in a state like California or to live off the coast of Virginia near the beach. It made your mind come to ease a little as you thought about all the amazing possibilities of travelling all over the states, it was always something that you wanted to do but you are unable to because everything was so damn expensive.

Maybe one day.

“What are you doing out so late?” You asked as you noticed Optimus Prime parked a few blocks from your house just off of a freeway entrance seemingly just trying to blend in with a few other parked semis.

“Observing human drivers and interactions at night, but more importantly, what is it that you are doing out so late at night and alone?”

A car suddenly zoomed by on the freeway making quite a loud noise as you felt your heart begin to race again, living out here in the middle of nowhere in a town that is only a pit stop for most that is a very common occurrence, people speed through the main interstate on their way to the big city of Las Vegas during all hours of the day whenever the highway patrol isn’t skulking about. That was city never slept, and honestly, you were starting to get that sinking feeling that you might never sleep again either as your body began to tell you to allow that pesky panic to set in once again. Optimus seemed to pick up on your shift in demeanor quickly from what should have been just a small interruption in an ongoing conversation, and he was able to connect the two points together in him processor as he saw your hands begin to shake a little at your sides as you stare blankly at the empty freeway.

He knew that you were always a little skittish and jumpy whenever you were alone, and he knew you liked to be up and about and active whenever you were feeling anxious and closed off. He silently opened his cab door to you as you all but too eagerly jumped into the promise of safety and serenity that was in his alt mode. He asked you again in a much softer and quieter tone what was wrong and why you were out so late alone, and you told him about your eerie and intrusive feelings that all stemmed from a simple nightmare- but you can’t remember what your bad dream was about, which was a little embarrassing as you were beginning to grow frustrated at your brain’s own interpretations of what you were supposed to be doing and how you were supposed to react.

Optimus understood what you meant though, and he will be here for you until you can fall asleep once again, he doesn’t have anywhere pressing to be so he will happy to sit and stay with you until you are calmed down enough to once again be able to drift off into a blissful slumber.

Knockout

You must have been very exhausted from the days never ending problems and events that just seems to throw themselves at you just to keep you on your toes, as you don’t really remember falling asleep on a cold and rather hard examination table that was located within the medical bay of the ship, at least you hoped it was in there because if it wasn’t it would just add to the suffocating anxiety in which you can feel begin to creep up on you that pretty much just all but forced you to jump up with a cruel and atrocious start- you can feel you body ache a little as your vision began to clear from all the moist and sticky tears that unceremoniously made your face appear to glicine in the harsh light of this room.

Why the heck were you crying?!

Come to think of it, why were you even awake to begin with?

No one was in the medbay as far as you could tell from your position on the table in the corner of the room, and the only noises to be heard around you was the quiet and kind of calming noise of the humming and buzzing of various machines running in the background of the room. It appears that there wasn’t any kind of physical disturbance to be had in the normally quiet and cool room, so there was no reason you should have been jostled awake so violently like you were just a few moments ago.

You clicked your tongue slightly frustrated that you couldn’t find a physical cause of your restlessness because that meant it was all in your mind and you had to cope with that fact, and as you sat up to stretch your body to shake off the stiffness you tried to take your mind off the ever impending anxiety and try to relax and come back into the present form it’s hazy and foggy place that was known as the dreary dream land of your unconscious mind. It was strange that you were alone in the almost always busy and bustling room, Knockout is normally hanging around during all hours of the day doing various important work on some projects or just simply jotting down some data for future references or use, and on the rare occasion Starscream was out and about around here just ranting and raving about how in his mind the state of the Decepticons have started declining again ever since Megatron was resurrected from his eternal slumber.

Funny, just it seems like you and the war mongering villain have so much more in common than you thought.

It made you always laugh about how Starscream kept trying to make alliances within the ranks, only to burn the bridge so badly that he can’t even keep a proverbial bridge open long enough to cross it and take advantage of the benefits that comes from having allies in low places. He tried to manipulate you once, but you just scoffed at his inability to learn from his past mistakes as you didn’t want to be a reason he was severliy punished again by Megatron, and declined his “overly kind and merciful attempt at keeping you alive”. He was pretty peeved about you turning him down, he didn’t outright threaten you, but when he said he wouldn’t feel bad if an accident were to happen to you well- it kind of gave you that gross and muggy feeling deep within the confines of your chest that you can’t fully describe.

Hmm, there was that anxiety again, what was going on in there brain?A loud clang reverberated through the room unexpectedly as something big and hard must have hit one of the metal walls in the room, you couldn’t help but let out a pitiful loud whine as you instinctively tucked yourself into a kind of fetal position as you were still trying to shake off that fuzzy feelings that came with just waking up from an unsuccessful nap.

“Woah! Relax there, it’s just me.”

Knockout. It was just Knockout that came slinking into your cview, he had a look of surprise as he wasn’t expecting you to be that fearful of him accidentally hitting the walls.

You let out a noise of discontent and frustration as the cherry red mech approached the table where you were once resting so nicely, he tutted back at you as he didn’t appreciate the attitude you were giving him in his own medbay because he made one accidental noise. You just rolled your eyes and stood up for the first time in a few hours as your body began to pop and creak as you stretched out your tight and stiff muscles. You stumbled as you tried to walk again as it was partly because your leg was asleep and partly because your body was forcing your heart to beat so quickly in your chest, which didn’t go unnoticed by a certain brightly colored medic, and man did you wish he would just mind his own business sometimes.

You loved and appreciate this companionship you had with him, but sometimes being around someone for a long time can be a little grating, especially when that someone can read you like an open book like Knockout can.“Hmmm, what’s wrong little grouchy pants?”

Ugh, you hated when he patronizes you.

No you didn’t, you really loved it.

You told him that your anxiety was getting to the point where you couldn’t sleep, and you were being plagued by these violent and intrusive thoughts that almost make you regret falling asleep in the first place, it was kind of hard to admit these kinds of things out loud as you always regret oversharing your emotions with people, but you knew Knockout would understand given he has shared similar experiences with you before.

He hummed with that sultry voice of his as he approached the table you were still standing on. You felt his clawed digits brush against your face and stroke through your hair in that loving way you sometimes craved for so much. He all but grabbed you off the table and took you around the lab to collect more data, and to play around with some of his experiments he has going on in the background of the bay. It was a nice distracted from your racing thoughts as you felt comfort in the arms of the mech you are growing ever closer to as the days went flying by.

(06/02/18)

Doki Doki Pretty Cure: Robots in Disguise Chapter 3

It's been a long day on Earth or rather Oogai Town. Ever since the Autobots arrived on Earth, they have been tracking down some escaped prison ship of the Alchemor until they meet with these human girls who has the ability to transform into the legendary warriors, Pretty Cure and called themselves; Doki Doki Pretty Cure and they have been creating a close bond together. Mana and Bumblebee received some quests from Optimus Prime to join forces together and they did. They finally able to meet up each other face to face. With the Pretty Cure's help, they are able to take down their first prisoner; Underbite...except for Grimlock which he is actually in probation. Together, they will work together as a team to re-capture all of these fugitives! Their adventures are about to begin here!

Chapter 3: Strongarm's and Sideswipe's trust! Cure Diamond and Cure Sword vs Steeljaw!

-Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba's Mansion- Mana and Rikka were walking in the backyard, chatting with each other. "What a tiring day!" Mana began, stretching her body. "It's been a long since we fought that Decepticon yesterday as Pretty Cure, my fighting power is feeling pumped up!" Her friend nodded. "That's right! Ever since the Autobots arrived here and fight alongside us, our Pretty Cure's spirit is increasing!" Their fairy partners then float towards them. "With a lot of trust and teamwork, Pretty Cure power will become more powerful-sharu!" Sharuru hollered. Raquel nods in agreement. "We're unstoppable-quel!" The girl smiled and giggled. Then, Mana just looked at the sky and she wondered...will she ever meet Optimus again? She began to have this same as Bumblebee like before. "Mana, are you okay-sharu?" her fairy partner tries to snapped her to reality. "Eh?" the girl then looked back at them. "No, I'm fine!" she smiled. "If you say so..." Rikka stated in concern before they heard a familiar voice. "Ow! Sideswipe you're supposed to catch me!" yep, that's Strongarm's voice. "That's the whole point of 'trust exercises'!" They looked and the cadet and Sideswipe were doing these 'trust exercise'. Strongarm looked the red bot who doesn't look happy. "Ugh, now my comm unit is busted." "Oh, sorry. Maybe when it was my turn, you shouldn't have let me fall." he spoke up, sarcastically. "Three. Times. In. A. Row!" "That's because you weren't falling correctly!" she argues. The girls spoke up interrupted their conversation. "Um...what are you two doing?" Rikka asked the two bots. "Oh, we're just doing some 'trust exercises'." Strongarm pointed out. Mana blinked her eyes. "Trust exercises?" The cadet pointed out. "It's an exercise where we learn how to trust each other." she then looked at Sideswipe and gave him a death glare. "Which somebot doesn't know how to do it properly." The red bot scoffed. "Well, why don't you demonstrate how to fall the right way, your dictatorship." Strongarm growled and began to hit him but Sideswipe hit her back and they continuously hitting each other like a bunch of kids. "These two really doesn't get along very well, aren't they-sharu?" Sharuru sighed. "Hey, knock it off!" Bumblebee's voice can be heard. "These exercises are important!" They looked with their eyes/optics widened as Grimlock was carrying Bumblebee like a bride. "Yeah, why can't you guys take anything seriously?" the green bot spoke out with a grin. The yellow bot then looked at him and sighed. The two bots tries to contain their laughter while the two girls giggled. Grim then put Bumblebee down. "If we're gonna work together to recapture all the escaped Decepticons, we have to trust each other." "I do trust Sideswipe..." the cadet spoke up with a smug on her face. "...to mess up." Sideswipe frowns at her as they began to fight each other. "Hey, calm down!" Rikka tries to stop them. "Fighting and arguing each other won't solve anything-quel!" but they weren't listening and continued to fight. Bumblebee then sighed. "This is why I can't have nice things..." "I feel you, Bumblebee..." Mana stated, awkwardly. Then, Bumblebee received a call from the com-link. He picke up the call. "Fixit to everyone." Fixit's voice spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "Go ahead, Fixit." "Can you circle back at the garage? There's something I need to show you." Bumblebee nodded. "On our way." he then looked at the others. "Let's see if we can all make it there in one peace." He transformed into his vehicle mode before letting Mana in and drove off. "Don't feel bad." the green Dinobot spoke up. "It's not that easy to be a model teammate like me." The two bots rolled their optics as they transform into their vehicle mode (with Sideswipe letting Rikka in) and drove off. Grimlock was confused at first but without hesitating, he transform into his Dinobot mode and followed them. Not for long, they arrived at the garage. Everything is stacked up like Fixit's supplies and some containment pods for the escaped fugitives. In the garage, there were Alice and Fixit but Makoto is not with them. "Where's Makoto?" Strongarm asked the girl. "Oh, she just practicing her singing." Alice replied with a soft smile. "Wow. She can sing?" the red bot spoke with a fake surprise tone in his voice. "That's cool." The cadet grunts and rolled her optics. Rikka just sighed in disappointment at Sideswipe's attitude. Fixit then spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention. "Search instruments have located a cluster of fugitive signals near here and appears there might be intact stasis pods as well." "Some easy capture devices would be nice." Bumblebee muttered under his breath. Then, they heard a voice from the monitor. It wasn't a robot or rather a Cybertronian's voice. It sounded like a human's voice. "Mayday! Mayday!" "Oh, we're intercepting an Earth based radio signal." Fixit pointed out. He turn on the monitor and as they expected, it's a human who appears to be in the middle of the sea. "This is a captain of oil tanker off coast of Oogai Town. We are under attack by what appears to be a shark, but is bigger than any I've ever seen and it looks to be made of metal!" "Could it be...?" Rikka began. "Decepticons." Strongarm pointed out. The human continued, "My crew has evacuated on the life boats. Please, send assistance immediately!" with that, the monitor shut off. "The Alchemor's prisoner manifest lists of Sharkticon aboard." the Orange Minic-Con stated, opening his Alchemor's database. "There's a Decepticon called Sharkticons-lance?" Lance questioned, curiously. "Sharkticons, Insecticons, Skunkticons, you named it!" he continued. Bumblebee then clears his throat to get his attention. "Oh right! Here's your capture device, sir." he tossed the weapon at him. "It will work this time." "Are you sure?" Bumblebee raises his eyebrow. "Not really." he chuckled, nervously. The yellow bot rolled his optics before turning to Alice. Do you have a boat that Grimlock and I can tow to the water?" he asked. "Yes we have one." she replied with a nod. Strongarm couldn't believe her own optics. "You and the Dinobot?" "Grimlock proved to me earlier today that he can be trusted in a field situation that requires teamwork." he pointed out. "But you're not going alone only two of you." Mana began. Alice continued. "We'll come with you, in case you need some our help." The yellow bot nodded at them before turning to the two bots. "You two with your partners will check out those fugitives signals. Together." "Yeah, work on that teamwork!" the green bot spoke up before following Bumblebee. "Are you sure you two going to be alright?" Rikka asked her two friends. Mana smiled. "Don't worry, Rikka. We have an Autobots partners on our side." "If anything happens, we'll be ready as a Pretty Cure." Alice finished. The blue haired girl paused for a bit before spoke up with a smile. "Alright but be careful out there." the two nodded in promises as they walks away to follow their Autobot guardians. Rikka sighed once more. Fixit spoke up. "The stasis pods are grid 4023 sector 7650." he then turned to the two bots. "Oh, and bring me back something, will you? Like a rock or a soil sample or-" However, Sideswipe ignored him as he transformed into his vehicle mode and opened the door for Rikka. "Get in." "Where to exactly-quel?" Raquel asked him. "Anywhere. Just get in." he replied. Rikka tries to argue with him but she just stay quiet and went inside. With that, Sideswipe drove off. "Hey! We were supposed to-" too late, he already left the mansion. She sighed in frustration, as she looked at Fixit. "Where's Makoto?" "Oh, she's inside, cadet Strongarm." he replied. "Like miss Alice said, she is singing and she has the most beautiful noise-choice-voice I've ever heard!" The cadet nodded and she look around outside the mansion because she is too big to fit inside the mansion, so she tried to search for her through the window until she heard a voice. Strongarm followed the voice and saw her through an opened window, singing her song called "Songbird". Fixit was right! Her voice...so soothing and beautiful just like a voice of an angel. Makoto then finished her singing. "You have the most beautiful voice!" the cadet complimented her. The girl look outside the window and saw her. "Oh, it's you, Strongarm." she spoke up. "Thank you." she then walked to the window. "Where do you learn to sing like that?" her Autobot guardian questioned. "From my hometown, actually." Makoto answered. "Hometown? Isn't this place already your hometown?" The girl shooked her head. "No, actually. My hometown is actually Trump Kingdom." The cadet raised her eyebrow. "Trump...Kingdom?" "It's a long story. You see that's where I was born and raised. That place was full of generosity people until..." her voice dropped. "...the Selfish army arises..." Selfish army? The cadet listened more to her story. "I was chose to become a Pretty Cure and tries to save my hometown. So, I sent here to Earth and began my life as a singer. When I first met Mana, I don't trust them yet as I was chose to be alone..." Strongarm's optics widened. She was chose to fight alone just like her?! And she didn't trust her teammates just like she didn't trust Sideswipe at first! "And it all changes when Mana told me who important it is to trust each other." she smiled at her memories. "That's...the most inspiring story I've ever heard." the cadet admitted, receiving a look from her human partner. "Really?" Strongarm nodded until she paused for a bit before spoke up. "Anyway, the others went on the missions and Sideswipe decided to drive off with Rikka. So, do you want to come?" The girl paused for a bit and then nods. "Alright." the cadet then transforms into her vehicle mode and let her partner in and drove off. -Location: The middle of the forest- Sideswipe keeps on driving through the woods until Rikka spoke up. "Sideswipe, you shouldn't just leave the place like that." she blurted out. He scoffed. "Come on. It's not like you wanting to hear what Mini-Con have to said." "It's not that. It's just...you're supposed to be a team player and learn to trust each other. Especially Strongarm!" Sideswipe groaned. "What? You trust her too, don't you?" The girl stayed quiet before spoke up. "Actually, I don't. Just like how I don't trust Makoto..." The vehicle stopped his track and let her out. He transform into his robot and began to questioned her. "What do you mean? You were okay with each other yesterday." "That was a long time ago before I met Makoto. It's kinda a long story..." "...I'm listening." Rikka sighed and began her story. "You know that Makoto is a singer and Mana admired her so much?" she asked, receiving a confused "yes" from him but Rikka continued anyway. "After Makoto joined our team, Mana has become so close to her that I...feel extremely jealous of her." "Jealous? Why would you feel like that?" "Mana and I were friends ever since we were little. I was pretty shy at first but after I met Mana, she was my very first best friend. She always listened to me, help me and care for me...until Makoto came along. I was afraid that she'll take away Mana from me." Huh. That sounds so familiar to Sideswipe... "But then I realized..." the girl continued. "...that jealousy wasn't the answer. I shouldn't give up our friendship with Mana or Makoto. So, I ended up becoming friends with her and I began to trust her." That sounds like...him and Strongarm! "There you two are!" a familiar voice spoke out and they saw Strongarm and Makoto walking towards them. Sideswipe sighed. "You're never gonna treat me equal, aren't you?" he bluntly asked the cadet. Strongarm glared at him. "And you're never gonna take me seriously, are you?" she crossed her arms. Oh dear... "There they go again-quel." Raquel sighed. "Ugh, I'll com you when I find something!" Sideswipe then transformed into his vehicle mode and opened the door to let Rikka in. The girl look at the cadet and Makoto for a second before sighing and went in. With that, he drove off. "Wait! We can't split up!" Makoto reminded them but they already left...again. "Again-davi?" Dabyi wondered in annoyance. Strongarm tried to com him. "Sideswipe? Sideswipe!" but her com unit is busted. "Ugh, stupid com unit! Come on, let's follow them!" she transformed before letting Makoto in and drove off. -Location: Oogai Town, in the Middle of the Sea- Bumblebee, Grimlock, Heart and Rosetta were in the middle of the sea, were being attacked by the fugitive under the water. The fugitive banged its head on the ship, almost making them lose their balance. Grimlock look under the water and saw a shadowy figure of it. "Excuse me!" he then jumped out from the ship. "Grimlock, wait!" Rosetta tries to stop him but it was too late. He transformed into his Dinobot mode and began to pound the Sharkticon but only to be carried away by him. "This isn't teamwork!" the yellow bot reminded him. He then pulled out his weapon and tries to test if it's working. He about to lose his balance again when the Sharkticon hit the ship and his weapon lose its grip from him. "Rosetta, are you okay?" Heart asked her teammate. "I'm fine." she nodded. They then see Grimlock being sunk into the water by the Sharkticon. "Grim!" Rosetta yelled in worried. Bumblebee then tries to grab the weapon but only to be stopped with the Sharkticon transformed into his robot mode and landed on the ground. The girls readied their fighting stance. However, the Con was a bit bigger than them even Bumblebee. "Kinda wish I was a bigger bot..." he muttered. -Location: Oogai Town, middle of the woods- Strongarm keeps on driving to search for Sideswipe. Makoto just look outside the window until she saw something. "Strongarm, stop!" she alerted, making her guardian stopped. The girl then went outside her as the cadet transformed. They gasped as they witnessed something. They saw some containment pods! And they all looks rusted. "What happened here-davi?" Dabyi asked in shocked. The girl shrugged. "No clue." Suddenly, they heard a twig snap as Strongarm bring out her weapon while Dabyi transformed to the transformation device. "Stay behind me." the cadet told her partner. They followed the noises as the trees clearing up and up ahead they saw another bot...but with a tail. Strongarm gestures Makoto stay hidden behind the tree and so she did. The view of the bot appears to be a wolf. "Prepare for freedom, brother." the bot spoke up with a very soothing voice as he raised his claws to strike the pod. "Claws in the air!" the cadet from behind him orders, pointing her weapon at him. He turned around and saw Strongarm. However, without raising his arms...or claws, he just casually walked up to her. "Hello, sister." he spoke again. "Did you fall out from the sky too? I'm so glad we found each other." Sister? What is he going on about? "Decepticon fugitive! By ordering from Cybertronian code section 305, you are hereby-" the cadet tries to orders him but was cut off. "Of course. You're confused." he somehow told her. "I wasn't a prisoner on that ship. I was a guard." A guard? "Fixit never said anything about a guard being on the Alchemor." Strongarm pointed out at him, confusedly. "Fixit, yes..." he pretend to remember the Orange Mini-Con's name. "Well, he wouldn't have known. I was in stasis also. My pod programmed to wake in case of a riot." Makoto just watched them behind the tree and she gasped quietly as she saw a Decepticon logo but with some scratches on it. He has a Decepticon logo but why was it scratched? "And why would you have the Decepticon logos?" Strongarm questioned him. "You've been well trained, asking excellent questions." he chuckles. "Something tells me, he's up to something-davi..." Dabyi whispered to the girl. "The logo meant to confuse the others-" he stopped his sentence before try to attack the cadet but she dodge immediately. Strongarm tries to use her com-link. "This is Strongarm! I am under attack!" she then tries to use her leg to kick her but only to be stopped by the Con's blocking it. "My postion is-!" He then swing her around and slamming her to the ground before throwing her to the rock, knocking her out. The Con then walked up to her. "Strongarm!" Makoto gasped. He heard her voice and but as soon he turned around in alert, he saw nothing. The girl is still hiding behind the tree, didn't make any moves or noises. "That Decepticon looks fierce with claws-davi." Dabyi spoke up with a low voice at her. "We should head back and call for back up-davi." The girl nodded in agreement as she began to creep away without making any noises. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba Mansion- Sideswipe and Rikka has come back from the patrol. Rikka climbed out from him as her guardian transformed back to his robot mode. "Ah, you're back!" Fixit exclaimed. "Listen, I have a very serious news to-" Rikka then look around. "Strongarm and Makoto aren't back yet, are they?" "I'm pretty sure they're fine." the red bot spoke up, not caring of what happens to them. But Rikka looked at him and glared. "Sideswipe!" the girl tries to argue with him but Fixit cut off. "Actually, cadet Strongarm called in and sound like she was in rubble-trouble! But it was too hard to hear and I figured that her comm unit is malfunctioning and I can't track her." the orange Mini-Con explained. "Wait, Makoto was with Strongarm!" the girl then gasped. "That means..." "They're both in trouble-quel!" Raquel alerted. Rikka then glared at him. "I told you to trust Strongarm but you weren't listening!" Sideswipe paused for a bit, realizing his mistake. Maybe Rikka was right about trusting Strongarm. What if she get hurts? All of this is his fault. "Scrap..." "I'll notified Bumblebee immediately!" Fixit pointed out. But the red bot denied the offers. "No! We'll handle it!" -Location: Oogai Town, in the Middle of the Sea- Bumblebee and the Sharkticon were still fighting with each other. "You have forced me to walk on two legs. How dare you?!" the Sharkticon then charged at him but Rosetta appeared in front of him just in time and create her Rosetta Wall. The Sharkticon collided with the wall, only to bounce him back where he came from. Heart then leaped up in the air, grabbing his left arm and flings him to the ground. "Thanks, you two!" Bumblebee thanked them. The girls smiled. "That's why we trusted you, Bumblebee." Heart winked at him. The Sharkticon then stand back up to his feet. The girls reunited by Bumblebee's side with their fighting stance on. "Listen here, Sharkticon." the yellow bot pointed his gun at him. "My name is Hammerstrike. Cybertron most feared pirate." There's a pirate on Cybertron? "And soon the ruler of all in this planet sees!" Bumblebee rolled his optics. "Yeah...okay, whatever. Surrender now or these brave warriors and my Dinobot partner will taking a beating then surrender." Hammerstrike then throws a bunch of boxes at them but Rosetta created her Rosetta Wall again to block them. But one of the boxes hit Bumblebee's hands, making him lose the grip of his gun as well. "Scrap..." "Surrender the light's of you." the Con laughed. "I will never been fend in the gorgeous depth again!" he then tries to claw him but Heart stopped him. "Unhand me, you foul creature!" he then tries to claw her face instead. "Don't be...selfish!" she then used her leg to kick him back. Rosetta then looked at the water in worried. "Anytime now, Grimlock." he was still underwater. Hammerstrike then charge at Heart, making her fall back but Bumblebee catches her in time. "Are you alright?" the Cure nodded in replied. The Sharkticon then jumped out from the boat and began to transform into his shark mode. "He's getting away-sharu!" but the fugitive run away. "We almost had him-lance..." Lance spoke out in disappointment. Rosetta looked at him. "It's alright, Lance. We'll get him next time." With that, Bumblebee com-link Grimlock to see if he can get to shore. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba's Mansion- Bumblebee has arrived back to their base. "Where's everyone? Rikka and Makoto?" Mana asked. "Oh, that. Well..." Fixit chuckles nervously. "Well...?" Alice waited for him to response. "Cadet Strongarm, Sideswipe and their partners are out for their alignment-assignment!" not wanting to bring up the subject, he then saw Grimlock was all soaking wet. "What just happened?" "It's a...long story." Alice reassured him. "Fixit, where are the others?" the lieutenant asked him in a very serious tone. "Well..." the Mini-Con chuckles nervously again. -Location: Somewhere around the woods- Sideswipe was strolling around a small building which happens to be an abandoned cabin. Inside, Rikka was crossing her arms with an angry expression. The red bot sighed. "Rikka, don't take this so seriously..." The girl didn't responds as Sideswipe stopped his track and spoke up again. "Look, I'm sorry. You were right about to trust Strongarm. It was all my fault that I abandoned her...and your friend..." He had a sad tone in his voice. Rikka looked at him. Was he feeling guilty now...? "Sideswipe..." "I get it. If you're mad at me, go ahead and yelled at me." "I'm not mad at you, Sideswipe. You're my guardian, my teammate, my friend." she pointed out. "Friends aren't supposed to mad at each other. And I'm sorry for lashing my anger at you either. I was just so worried about my friends that I ended up worrying you instead..." "Heh. No worries." he chuckles. "From now on, we're in the real team right?" receiving a nod from her. "Hey, look-quel!" Raquel grabbed their attention. They look and saw Makoto was running towards them. "Makoto?!" Rikka then climbed out from the car. "Makoto?! What's going on?! Where's Strongarm?!" Makoto tries gasped for air. "She's got beat up by a Con!" "A Con?! Where is she now?" Sideswipe asked. "Right there-davi!" Dabyi pointed where she and Makoto came from. "Alright, climb up!" he then opened the doors for the girls climbed in and drives off. Not for long, they arrived at the same place where Makoto and Dabyi came from. "There they are-davi." she whispered. They saw Strongarm being chained up by the same wolf like Decepticon. "I don't trust him. He looks cool." the red bot blurted out. "Kinda reminds me of someone..." "What do we now-quel?" Raquel asked in worried and concern. "If I was a half criminal Strongarm think I am, I just walked away." he replied bluntly. Rikka sighed. "Sideswipe, this is not the time to-" she paused her sentence. "I have an idea! Follow me!". The others followed her. "But giving you a second chance isn't up to me." Strongarm told him. "I'm just a cadet. My surperior officer would have to be the one to-" "I would love to meet your squadron. How many of you are there? Where are your base?" the Con questioned. "We're just over-" she paused for a second. "Wait, how do we know this isn't a trick?" "I see you've found a couple of Autobots." a mysterious...yet a similar voice can be heard from behind. The two look and saw a bot coming from the tree. Strongarm take a closer look at the bot and she realized it's Sideswipe! He has a glow Decepticon logo on his chest. "Can I get in on a little payback?" The Con looked at him and smirks. "Greeting, brother. I'm Steeljaw." So, this wolf Con named is Steeljaw. "And you are?" "Oh, I'm...Grim...bee!" Sideswipe stutters. Really? Grimbee? A combination name of Grimlock and Bumblebee? "I'm glad you are free, Grimbee." the Con, who is now revealed to be named Steeljaw, offered him to join him. "Step into the light and join me." Sideswipe then look at his logo. "But uh, what happened to your mark then, brother...?" "I destroyed it and its tracking mechanism." he explained. Aha, that explain everything. "The Autobots mustn't capture me before I can prove to them I've reformed. I want to live here now, peacefully. As I'm sure you do too." Strongarm then saw Rikka and Makoto were sneaking towards her. "Makoto, Rikka, what are you doing? Get out!" the cadet whispered to them. Makoto shook her head. "I'm not leaving you, Strongarm." The two then tries to unchained her but not until Steeljaw heard the noise behind him and turned around. "We've been spotted-davi!" Dabyi alerted. The Con growled. "What are you? Besides strange?" "Look who's talking-quel!" Raquel yelled at him. "Don't go near them, brother!" Sideswipe warned him. Steeljaw scoffed. "Treachery. How like you...Autobots." "If you want the Autobots so much, you'll have to get through us first!" Rikka and Makoto then hold out their transformation devices. "Pretty Cure, Love Link!" the girls then 'draw' the letters L-O-V-E on the screen. The middle flashes three times and trigger the transformation. It first show Rikka with the hair ornaments appeared and the light trigger her body, creating the dress. Makoto's transformation also the same but instead of her dress shows up first, her arm warmers show and then her dress. The yellow light created Rikka's shoes while Makoto's Lovely Commune is shown on her pelvis. Rikka then spin around before landing on the ground and introduced herself. "The Light of Wisdom! Cure Diamond!" Makoto also does the same. "The Blade of Courage! Cure Sword!" The Con stepped back in shocked and surprised. "With the blade of courage, I, Cure Sword, will cut off your careerism with the sword of love!" Sword hollered. Using her hand, Sword slashed the chain on Strongarm, making them break with ease. The cadet was freed from the chain. "What?!" the Con optics widened in anger. "Sideswipe!" Diamond called out. The red bot then wiped off his fake Decepticon logo from his chest as he leaped up while Steeljaw growls and leaped up as well but Sideswipe dodge his attack and landed on the ground. The Con growled more and charged at him but only to be kick in the stomach by Strongarm, making him flying and then Diamond and Sword charge at him and grabbed each of his arms and flung him to the tree. He got slams into a tree. However, it about to fall on Diamond and Sword. Strongarm then transform into her vehicle form and scooped both of them in before the tree fall. "Thanks, Strongarm." Sword thanked her. "No problem." she replied. Sideswipe then walked towards them. Diamond noticed that the Con has disappeared. "He's gone..." "I have a bad feeling we're gonna see that Con again." the red bot pointed out. The cadet nods. "I hope so." she reassured. "But from now on, let's head back." Sword suggests. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba Mansion- The two vehicles made it back to the base. Mana, Alice and Fixit greeted them. "You're back!" Mana then went to hugged her friends. "We were so worry about you." "We're fine, Mana." Rikka told her. "Why wouldn't they be okay?" Bumblebee spoke up with Grimlock, holding a barrel. Inside that barrel was Hammerstrike. They somehow managed to capture him. "Sideswipe and I were having a communication difficulty earlier, Lieutenant. Nothing serious." the cadet explained. "Anything to report?" the yellow bot asked. "Well, we found some open pod, sir." Strongarm replied. "And a Decepticon." Rikka added. "He said his name is Steeljaw." Makoto continued. Sideswipe spoke up. "Says he wanted to live peacefully on this with like minded Decepticons, but he got unpeaceful with us real quick." "Sounds like a very selfish ways to do it." Alice commented. Grimlock walked over with a barrel. "Can't wait to meet him. I'll go put this one away, and I'll do it gently." then, Hammerstrike muttered something very angrily inside the barrel but Grimlock punch the barrel to make him quiet. "If he's lying about going straight, we could be looking at a Decepticon army trying to take over this planet." Strongarm continued. Bumblebee nods. "It's all the more reason to wrap these fugitives up fast. I'll have Fixit prep a report on Steeljaw's list." he then continued to walk away. "Good intel, newbies. Apparently, I can send you into the field together." Strongarm then looked down at Rikka and Makoto. "Thanks, you two. You really saved my spark out there." she smiled. "You're welcome." Makoto smiled back at her. Sideswipe groans. "What?! I put my gears on the line for you too, you know!" he began to walked away. "Sideswipe..." Rikka sighed, still disappointed on his attitude. The red bot waved his hand. "Fine! You're never gonna-" he then slipped on the mud and almost fall down. But Strongarm catches him in time. "Thanks." she gave him a smug look. "And don't get too cocky." she then let him go and walked away. "Now, do you trust her?" his human partner asked him. The red bot looked at her before spoke up. "Yeah, I think I trust her. A bit." he let out a soft smile. The girls then giggled at each other as the sun is about to set. It was indeed a tiring day for them.

END OF CHAPTER 3

okay hi my name is jamie and me and @dedede-get-ipad made a high school au for TFA because some folks in the tf rp chat are making a general high school au, since me and whirlibird rly like TFA rn we decided to make a TFA centric one

Optimus Prime is a sophomore with a really nice charismatic attitude who’s captain of the school’s basketball team.

Ratchet's a senior who's currently job shadowing the nurse in the main office so he's usually found in there volunteering and helping out. but he has a super shitty attitude, school has taken so much out of him and he just wants to Graduate and never have to wake up early ever again. 

Bulkhead is a junior and like that kid in the back of the class who's playing video games. Fell behind in all of his classes except for woodwork and excels in that. His teachers know he’s trying his best but he still has 5 F’s. 

Prowl is a sophomore and is the resident anime nerd who watches naruto in class instead of doing his work. Constantly naruto runs in halls. Somehow seems to turn in all his work on time regardless.

Bumblebee is a freshman who thought he could make quarterback on the football team. He didn’t. He got kicked out of the football team due to accidentally launching a ball at Megatron and joined the basketball team out of spite.

Ultra Magnus is a senior who’s been basketball captain for all but one year, which Sentinel was for a time and then Optimus came around. Expects a lot from Optimus. Hangs out with Sentinel and tries to keep his ass in line since he ain’t a senior yet and can’t be making fun of the freshmen.... Yet. 

Sentinel Prime was the previous basketball captain in freshman year, super pissed that he isn’t this year especially since he’s a junior and will be a senior soon. Gives Optimus a bunch of shit for because of it. Likes to make fun of underclassmen

Jazz is a junior and also an anime nerd, he’s president of anime club and will literally pay you 100 bucks for a racer miku figurine. 

Blurr is the school senior track champion who's won the state championships 3 times in a row since he was a freshman. He talks really fast and is actually a brainiac. Everyone thinks he’s running off some kind of energy drink of coffee, no. He’s just like that.

Grimlock, Swoop, and Snarl are the school furries/scalies who constantly pretend to be dinosaurs and everybody avoids them at all costs. 

Wreck-gar is a freshman and the resident trash kid who’s locker is full of papers and fallen pens and looks like a mess. He rarely takes a shower and always blurts out the answer out in class (albeit it wrong). He’s hyperactive and doesn’t really know what he’s doing with his life but he’s having a good time

Megatron however is a senior who’s captain of the football team and has been since he was a freshman, but Optimus showed up and has been one-upping him for two years and he’s getting pretty sick of it

Blitzwing and Lugnut are Megatron's lackeys. Bliztwing is a junior and is that one kid with a temper problem but despite his shitty temper he's like the class clown, always cracking jokes and saying stupid answers. Someone says the word ass because they were reading the passage from the book? Bliztwing sneers loudly and causes everyone else to laugh. However at times Bliztwing is known to stay quiet and avoid talking to people. Nobody knows why.

Shockwave is a sophomore and the school's resident outcast who seems to get along really well with Megatron. The two have known each other since childhood and Shockwave recently went through a whole new personality and look make over for high school, however only Megatron knows who the real Shockwave is. 

Lugnut is a freshman who's been going to the same schools as Megatron since elementary and basically has seen his rise to glory as a hella good football player and is like 'DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO MEGATRON IS??? HE'S BEEN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. HE'S AMAZING SHUT YOUR MOUTH.' 

Starscream is a junior running back who’s pissed that for the third year in a row Megatron was voted as team captain over him and has been actively trying to sabotage Megatron for years and have him get into an ‘accident’ during practice so he can be voted as temporary captain as Megatron’s in the hospital. (This however fails and he ends up in the hospital instead.)

Black Arachnia is a sophomore who used to be Optimus's girlfriend back in 6th grade but because of an accident she had to move away. she recently transfers back to school with them but now she's a goth. that accident being she got bullied hella hard and Optimus was too much of a wuss to go and help her despite Sentinel thinking he could square up but Optimus was like 'it's no use we'll all get beat up', and she's super pissed about it still. 

Waspinator is a freshman who used to be one of the ‘cool kids’ on the football team. However due to an accident involving Megatron and a rake, he was kicked off the team and suspended from school. Having been grounded by his parents he basically went silent for a month. When he came back to school however he was a changed man. He was a lot more antsier and wanted to take out his problems on Bumblebee, who is the reason he got suspended and grounded in the first place.

Thundercracker, Skywarp, Ramjet, Sunstorm and Slipstream are Starscream’s siblings. They’re sextuplets who Starscream absolutely despise and they despise him in return. Welcome to Osomatsu-san seeker edition. Thundercracker is the second oldest and the snarkiest of them all, often gloating about how much better he is than Starscream. Skywarp is the third oldest and middle child, very timid and often the one to keep his siblings from fighting. Ramjet is a compulsive liar and is constantly lying whether it be stretching the truth of a story or outright denying doing anything shady. Sunstorm often times kisses up to Starscream to get favors, actually he does this to everyone to get favors. Especially Swindle. That favor being free weed. Sunstorm is a stoner. Slipstream is the youngest of the sextuplets and is overall the most logical one out of all of them. She’s the one who makes sure all of her brothers stay in line and don’t go off doing something stupid.

Swindle is a junior who sells stuff from his lockers. Pens, test answers, snacks, energy drinks, you name it. All for a fair and reasonable price of course. You can catch him hanging around his locker during lunch or passing period with somebody passing him money and he fishing something out of his Mary Poppins-locker. However if you have the money to buy it, Swindle can sell you some booze in water bottles or a bag of weed. However when the drug dogs come sniffing he’s always first to get busted and is constantly suspended because of it.

Soundwave is a freshman who's entire character is basically built by Megatron. He was a nobody who started hanging around Megatron and through his influences he became a little punk who likes to listen to his music a little bit too loud. 

Lockdown is the school bully, but not in a conventional way. People pay him to beat up other kids. He doesn’t care, he usually gets sent to the principle’s office because of it but he always finds a way to worm himself out. He uses the money to buy weed from Swindle.

i’ll add more characters as i see them, i’m still watching TFA so i haven’t gotten to everyone yet.