flowers + hatchets

     [✴️] “Oh, Frenzy. Transformed inta a cell phone. Got inta slag. Tha’s really all there is ta it.”

  Hide huffed, looking down at the writing on his leg with a raised optic ridge. He really hoped that would come off in the washracks later. 

     [✴️] “I’ll let ya know when I get it done. Or if I need help, but I should be good. If ya ever need me, ya can probably get my comm. number from Lennox, or ya can find me in my workshop. Or at the target range.”

                           ❝excellent, though i wasn’t aware we had a target range. i’ll have to poke around the base a bit more, hm? no matter! i.. should probably let you get back to it. you have much to do, i’m sure, & none of it involves a very nosy human. it was an honor to meet you, friend; don’t be a stranger.❞

     [✴️] “Cause ya only have ta act a few times ‘til they stop. Lot easier. Could jus’ be me though. An’ I’m sure I got somethin’ I could show ya. Workin’ on new stuff all the time. Constantly makin’ blueprints, an’ mods, an’ jus’ new weapons in general. Workin’ on a personal mod for my plasma cannon right now. Gonna get it ta shoot plasma that’ll freeze. Most cybertronians can be taken down with a few good cryo-ammo shots ta joints.”

                           the agent pursed his lips slightly then dug through his pocket to pull out a marker. he leaned over and scribbled down a series of numbers on the nearest bit of plating. With a wistful little hum, he popped the cap back on.

     [✴️] “Hey, it’s yer choice, but if ya ever change yer mind, I’m sure everyone would love havin’ ya ‘round. I know I do.”

  Hide was honestly amazed that he’d taken to this soldier so quickly. Trust usually took a while to build up with the old mech. He couldn’t quite place a digit on what the factor was, but he wasn’t too concerned. Maybe it was simply that he was so nice.

     [✴️] “I honestly don’ mind people thinkin’ I ain’t ta smart. Can use it ta get outta work. ‘Hey Hide, I need ya ta do this fer me.’ Jus’ act like yer not understandin’ what they mean an’ they’ll pass it off ta someone else an’ I can continue ta work on my own stuff. Weapons don’ repair themselves, ya know.” 

                           ❝couldn’t you just... tell them no? that you have other arrangements? like your weapons? after all, a good soldier knows the importance of weapons, so they probably wouldn’t kick up too much of a fuss. right? that way you can show off your intelligence & still get to do what you want.❞

                           maine had done the same; he’d played stupid well, as had north. it unnerved the soldier that he thought of them as he stared up at an alien. the same alien that he’d been trained to dislike, to distrust, to be prepared to kill.

     [✴️] “I can imagine ya’d get tired of listenin’ ta an ol’ mech gush over his children. Most people do. Pretty quickly, actually… ya ever wanna torture any of the rookies, send ‘em my way an’ I’ll jus’ show ‘em pictures of my kids when they were sparklin’s.”

  Hide smiled at the pat. He was really starting to like this soldier. Not that he’d ever admit it or anything.

     [✴️] “An’ ya know ya can count us as yer family fer as long as ya want, right? Don’ think anyone would complain much. Ya seem like a good guy.”

  The mech’s smile only grew when Flowers mentioned that he’d noticed Hide’s intelligence. Well, there was no way he was getting out of any work the guy might push his way by acting dumb. Pity.

     [✴️] “Takes most people I meet a while ta realize I ain’t jus’ some brute tha’ only knows what ta do when someone gives an order. Yer awfully sharp yerself, bud.”

                           ❝i would never tire of it, my friend. it sounds quite lovely actually. the young rookies simply haven’t matured enough to understand it. but i will keep that in mind should they give me any trouble & i were in the need of revenge. though personally, i wouldn’t mind see the images. i bet they’re adorable.❞

                           something caught in florida’s throat. the offer was there & ironhide’s kind words left an ache in florida’s chest. he wasn’t a good guy. he was good at pretending but he wasn’t good. no hero, not one people looked to for wisdom. reggie had told him that once, with blood coated lips; florida was the devil.

                           ❝you are... far too kind. i shouldn’t though, i don’t even know how long i will be stationed here, & you all seem to have a.. flow to your work that i would simply upset. but thank you nonetheless. you’re quite a pleasure to be speak with yourself.❞

                           polite. always polite. he offered a bright smile, eyes narrowed pleasantly.

     [✴️] “If you don’t have a family, what kinda life is that? Seems lonely. I know I miss my family all the time. Not havin’ ‘em here gets ta me.”

  And there he went, thinking about his family that was somewhere among the stars, hopefully all well and safe. He’d always been a family oriented kind of mech. It was pretty depressing being without them honestly.

     [✴️] “But, hey, at the very least, we can ramble like senile ol’ men tagether. Nothin’ like talkin’ ta someone who’ll listen an’ at least try ta understand.”

                           ❝it isn’t much of one, to be honest, but it’s easier to live that way. nobody misses you when you’re gone. which is easier on them too. my previous unit & i... that was the only family i’d ever known. so perhaps i simply don’t understand. i would love to hear about them though.❞

                           it was a moment of weakness that he’d allow himself to have; trust was important in his line of work, as was respect. he reached out again, placing a palm against armor & patting it gently to reassure.

[I’m sorry ;0; (i play)]

&--ooc

     [✴️] “Yer right, sometimes thin’s don’ work out ta plan, but givin’ up ain’t a good response. We never planned ta lose our home, but we haven’t given up on tryin’ ta make a new home.”

  The expression on the old mech’s faceplates was one of a sorrowful hope, a smile that didn’t quite reach the rest of his face, and his optics a solemn shade of blue. 

     [✴️] “I’m honored I remind ya of someone ya seem ta care so deeply ‘bout.”

                           ❝it’s a bit different though, isn’t it? if you don’t find a home, you die. if i don’t adapt to a family unit, i’m merely a friendly face in a crowd. it... wouldn’t affect my survival at all.❞

                           there was something wistful about florida in that moment. a gentle, less dangerous air about him. kind & quiet, & willing to share the information with ease--if only to cheer the other up a bit.

[*clutches heart*]

&--ooc