💙Daily Tracks Appreciation💙

Chapter 3 - How Will I Know

Tracks had been on dates before, but that was on Cybertron or amongst those in the Ark. He was still unfamiliar with how exactly you court on a first date, especially when you’re in disguise, and lying to someone you care about. He made sure his holoform was in something nice, a pair of comfortable jeans and black boots with a red leather jacket along with his usual cropped shirt. He wasn’t entirely sure how Raoul would react, but he knew that he just wanted to look perfect. Tracks quietly waited outside the diner, fixing his holoform’s hair, or checking that his form was consistent without any of the pixels from before. Being in his holoform was a learning curve; it was more so an extension of himself, but still him. 

Tracks always noted that things felt so much bigger and more exciting than when he was in his root mode. He remembered the day Perceptor informed them about the holomatter and how it could be used for stealth and such, which Tracks immediately offered to be the test guinea pig. He remembered the buzzing excitement, learning to walk in his holoform, and the joys of customizing it. He thought about all this as he quietly checked himself over in the window of the diner. He was trying to decide if it was too late to change the color of the leather jacket. However, he looked in the reflection of his lovely holoform, and from a distance saw Raoul making his way across the street to meet up with Tracks. He whipped around, flashing a sweet smile as he waved Raoul down.

”There you are, Lucky Star. You had me waiting, y’know?” He sweetly teased Raoul as he finally was right in front of him.

“Hey! You’re here earlier than I expected!” Raoul felt a bit bashful, realizing they both were eager to meet again. He looked over his date’s general appearance, and was just as blown away at how stunning he was again. Raoul was still stuck on the fact that someone like Tránsito wanted to be around him.

“I’ve been eager to see what we could do together.” Tracks laughed a bit, hoping the date wouldn’t require leaving his Corvette alt mode behind in all its red glory. The further he was, the harder it was to keep his holoform in check. “I haven’t been on too many dates, honestly, so I thought this could be fun.” Tracks gently took Raoul’s hand, letting Raoul gently guide him to the red Corvette.

“Well, I thought you’d like to maybe see some cars together? Probably a bit cheesy, but man it’s always a fun time!” Raoul shrugged, hoping Tránsito took the bait. The black haired mech thought for a moment as he got into the driver's seat.

“That could be fun. I’ve honestly not had a chance to go to car shows. The last one I went to, I apparently dressed too exceptionally.” He started up the engine, looking over as he noted Raoul’s flushed cheeks as the engine revved. That was Tracks’ favorite thing about Raoul, he knew his human couldn’t deny loving the sound of his engine. It was subtle, and maybe something they’d never speak of, but it made Tracks’ holoform fizzle for just a klik over how cute his reactions were. “Everything alright?” He cheekily asked the question as Raoul shrugged off the feeling.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” He put up an air of confidence as he scoffed. “You worry too much, man.” Raoul laughed a bit, to not come off too aggressively or rude. The last thing Raoul wanted to do was scare off his date.

“Of course, well where is this show? I haven’t heard any buzz in any of the tracks I’ve visited recently.” Tracks easily pulled out, getting into the streets of New York City without a problem. He quietly turned up the radio, listening to Raoul’s instructions. It felt different being inside his own subspace. He was aware of how it looked and such, but it was- interesting to say the least that he was driving himself around. Well, more so holding onto the wheel and mimicking driving habits he’d seen from Raoul.

It also felt different being right beside Raoul. Tracks was honest with himself, he’d abused his holoform before to sneak a peak at Raoul out with friends, or to go out dancing at the same bars as Raoul, but they’d never been close enough to touch or anything this intimate. This was the first time that they’d actually- be this close. Tracks instinctively tried to focus on driving and listening to Raoul’s instructions.

“Hopefully, you haven’t had a chance to get to know other racers, right? Poplock and Rocksteady have some friends meeting up over by their place, and I thought you’d like to join me?” Raoul prayed silently that his date was up to socializing.

”Oh, I usually am not too fond of meeting new people, but I do like looking at other models of cars. That’s always been my favorite pass time on the road.” Tracks spoke sweetly, mostly focusing on the road while Raoul felt the pang of anxiety hit him. Of course someone as interesting as Tránsito wouldn’t want to sit around and meet Raoul’s friends.

”We could do something else if you want!” Raoul blurted it out, as if he didn’t have to call in a bunch of favors and friends locally to get this mini car show to happen.

”Hm? Why? I’d enjoy it. I’ve just never really had the time to meet anyone new between races.” Tracks wasn’t lying, knowing very well that his work didn’t afford him much time or luxury to just aimlessly speak with humans on any occasion he pleased. Honestly, it usually got too flirty and it made him uncomfortable since he had optics for one human and one alone. “Don’t change your plans for me, Raoul. I’ll enjoy it regardless.” He smiled and held Raoul’s hand as he quietly steered the wheel.

Raoul relaxed once he felt Tránsito’s hand holding his. Something about it felt so familiar, so comforting. He gently squeezed his hand back and breathed. He let the anxiety roll off himself; allowing him to just be without overthinking every move.

“Yeah, yeah. I mean I’m sure it’ll be a good time.” Raoul smiled as they eventually pulled up to the lot. His date swiftly parked as close to the garage as he could. Tracks was sure to get out so he could pop open Raoul’s door for him.

Tracks was sure to read up on human courtesies when it came to dates and such. He wanted this to be a good date… even if he had to cut things off after all this was over. His spark ached at the idea of letting Raoul go in this context. Being human with Raoul was easier. He didn’t feel so self conscious or worried about how tall he was or hurting Raoul by accident due to his stature. He could just be… and it was nice. 

“Tránsito? Hey, hey, are you okay?” Raoul waved his hand in front of Tracks’ face, trying to recapture his attention as the other stared off into space, aimlessly looking at the pavement. Tracks thankfully blinked his eyes a few times.

”Hm? Oh, I apologize. I just had a thought on my mind, Raoul.” Tracks snapped back to reality, abandoning the worry in his processor, taking Raoul’s hand and following him into the parking lot of the garage. It was only then that he noted- several of the other racers were people he had beaten in races on several occasions. The awkwardness filled the air for everyone else but Raoul, causing Tracks to stare down at his holoform’s feet.

”Raoul, you didn’t tell us you were bringing our competitor…” Some of the others laughed a bit, causing Tracks’ face to heat up all shyly. His holoform slightly tried to shrink behind Raoul despite his height difference. 

“Hm? Tránsito, you didn’t tell me you competed so often around New York.” Raoul sighed a bit as he smiled, taking in the fact that his date kicked ass out in these races. It was attractive to him that he’d managed to get a date with probably the most skilled racer around.

”I- well, I race around. I told you, I love New York.” Tracks tried to awkwardly get past the fact it was obvious his “free spirit roadster” back story was slowly crumbling due to his former opponents confronting him. He hoped Raoul would just trust him.

”You sure do, it’s like we see you at every race, Tránsito.” The other racers chimed in, laughing together as Tracks felt his pixels somewhat fizzle in annoyance.

”Oi, leave them alone!” Rocksteady had emerged from the garage to establish he wasn’t having any of the snark or attitude from their friends. The group sighed, heading into the garage for the free beers they were promised. ‘I called you idiots here to make a safe, private car show for them! That means leaving them alone!” The group sighed, heading into the garage for the free beers they were promised. Tracks felt himself finally relax as Raoul looked up at him to check in. Raoul had set this up since the Popsteady Garage was the safest place in New York beside Sparkplugs. 

”Hey, don’t worry. Steady wouldn’t let them do anything, and if anything I wouldn’t let them near you.” Raoul cracked a smile, playing all tough for Tracks, and it sent his spark spinning once again, as if it were the moon and Raoul was the Earth. He so easily kept his attention, which he wasn’t used to. How could anyone but himself be so interesting and so… perfect all at the same time?

”I’m sure I can easily handle myself, lucky star.” Tracks laughed shyly, trying to protect his pride as the two slowly walked through the lines and lines of race cars. It was quiet for the most part, minus some light rock being played from a radio in one of the many cars.

”I’ve always been a fan of car shows, but you seemed like you prefer quieter scenery? With you being a loner and all, y’know?” Raoul was trying to get a peg on who his date was and the things he liked. It was his first time being with someone who wasn’t Tracks.

”Hm? I honestly prefer the nightlife. The lights, the music, the dancing.” Tracks recounted the nights he’d spent on his own in bars just enjoying the nightlife. “The only thing is doing it alone…” Tracks shook his head, looking away from Raoul as he eyed some other cars. ”But that’s the roadster life, I guess?” He shrugged. 

“Doesn’t have to be that way, y’know?” Raoul smiled at him, holding Tracks’ hand gently. “I think it’d be pretty rad to go out dancing with you sometime.” Raoul’s eyes wouldn’t meet his as they meandered through the lot. Tracks scoffed a bit and got shy.

”Really? No one ever wants to go dancing with me! Something about work in the morning, all the time.” Tracks scoffed, annoyed, but he himself also had work later in the evening. He and Blaster had lots going on with patrols. He’d warned Tracks of burning the candle by both ends, but having an extra battery for his holoform was helping negate needing an extra recharge. Tracks looked at different cars, taking in all the custom work done on them as he held Raoul’s hand. Eventually he heard a whistle come from Raoul as they went by a car with some racing stripes and hooded tires. Raoul looked over the car, abandoning Tracks’ hand.

”Raoul? What the devil is it?” Tracks himself was unimpressed by the car and its tacky color palette. His eyes rolled a bit as his mechanic of a date took note of the car.

”Now that is a car. I bet the engine on this thing is something else.” Raoul spoke as he waltzed around the car curiously.

”Oh please, that’s nothing on my engine.” Tracks scoffed as he turned his nose up at the tacky ride. “Honestly, should be a crime to be that shade of neon….” He crossed his arms over his chest, feeling his spark fizzle in a certain way at Raoul giving this model the attention he deserved. Tracks didn’t go through all this work on his holoform to be outdone by some neon mess.

”Oh, c’mon. You can’t tell me the decals aren’t cool!” Raoul laughed a bit as he kept eyeing the car, looking at its matching interior. “Damn, nice leather seats too.” 

“I have leather seats, and you haven’t said anything to me about them.” Tracks felt his face flush, his heel clicking against the pavement. It took a moment for Raoul to finally look at him, and see that the very vain racer was jealous. He noted Tracks’ crossed arms and annoyed expression, his blue eyes refusing to meet Raoul’s.

“Well, I didn’t think you took so much pride in your car.” Raoul decided to prod at him a bit, see what made his date tick. He noted Tracks’ holoform twitch as he looked at him.

“Of course I take pride in it. It’s the least I can do for my date to have a decent ride.” Tracks flipped his hair back over his shoulder, acting as if everyone should just know his alt mode is the most important thing to him. The familiarity between himself and Raoul was becoming more and more apparent. He felt too comfortable showing off and being confident in himself. Beside Raoul, Tracks didn’t have to shrink himself to be loved. He could exist and be loved all the same. 

“You are a pretty impressive driver, I’ll give you that, man.” Raoul laughed a bit, watching as Tracks’ holoform settled and smiled all sweet.

”Oh honey, you haven’t seen the half of me.” He winked at Raoul, and walked ahead. The statement caught Raoul off guard as he watched his date look over other models. However, usually Tracks said that kind of thing. At least, based on Raoul’s memory, but it could just be a coincidence. He shook his head, catching up with Tracks as they walked through the rows and rows of cars.

Since they were models of close friends, Raoul was able to look under the hood and sneak a peek. They went by a few different models, until they got to another that caught his eye.

”Damn, look at the engine on this? Top speeds could send you flying, I bet. What do you think, Tránsito?” Raoul inspected the engine and the inner parts carefully, only hearing a scoff from his date again.

”My engine is far more impressive than that and you know it.” Tracks quietly teased, fighting the urge to rev his engine from a distance. Mostly because he couldn’t stop himself from looking at Raoul slightly bent over the car. It wasn’t his fault he got such a good view, but keeping his focus on the conversation was a must. He couldn’t look desperate now.

The comment only made Raoul sigh dramatically and smile at him. He liked the pompous and confident attitude. The afternoon sun just made Tracks look irresistible to Raoul, the warm sunlight bringing out the warmer undertones of his skin. The rays somewhat caught his bright blue eyes in a pretty way, as if he were from another planet. Raoul felt drawn to him, the unspoken familiarity certainly wasn’t helping either of them. 

“Want to show me how good that engine is?” Raoul approached Tracks slowly, closing the slight gap between them. Tracks glanced over at him and easily caught the shift in mood. This was new for him, feeling his spark swirling a mile a minute just trying to keep himself from losing his pixels.

“Honey, I doubt you could handle this ride.” Tracks smirked to himself and flicked his hair over his shoulder once more, walking ahead as Raoul was left with nothing but a lovely view that nothing, could top. He noted the “Hot Ride” tattoo also extended into a tramp stamp his date hadn’t shown him yet. “However, I’m sure I can show you how to take this ride for a spin.” He lightly chucked, appreciating his own wordplay and sauntered off to his Corvette alt mode. He was trying to keep his composure, but Tracks could already feel Raoul eyeing his body.

Raoul couldn’t take his eyes off of him as they headed back to the red Corvette. Tracks leaned against the hood of his alt mode, holding himself together as he fought the urge to rev his engine. Raoul looked hesitant for a moment.

”Oh come now, Raoul. I don’t bite.” He winked at Raoul, causing the more nervous individual to relax.

”Hey, I don’t know that.” Raoul chuckled a bit, getting between Tracks’ legs, gently placing his hands on Tracks’ thighs as they both looked at one another.

”Raoul, there’s something you should know.” Tracks sharply breathed in, feeling the anxiety burning in his chest as Raoul’s brown eyes looked up at him.

”Sure, sweetheart. What is it?” Raoul spoke warmly, his tone more sweet than usual. It made Tracks’ holoform flicker for a klik, but he kept himself calm.

”Raoul… I live a pretty lively life. It wouldn’t be right if you and I started… dating. I’d be away, quite often. I really… really like you, but… the last thing I want to do is lead you on.” Tracks rested his hand on Raoul’s chest, halting him from getting any closer. This was just how things had to be. It was the right thing to do. He couldn’t lead Raoul on like this. He couldn’t keep lying to him.

”I can wait…” Raoul smiled lightly, looking up at him with a kind expression. The cheeky devil knew how to get whatever he wanted out of Tracks, including his holoform. Even if Raoul was unaware this was Tracks, he could play his spark in his direction.

”Raoul, you deserve to find a nice person who will stick around. Someone who will… be here for you. I can’t give you what you need.” Tracks’ spark felt like it was falling apart as he spoke. Tears were already welling in his eyes as he looked away from Raoul. “You deserve better and more than what I can give you. I’m too much of a hassle. Too much for anyone, really… I’m so sorry.” He scrunched his eyes shut, waiting for the yelling, the screaming, the being angry… he knew Raoul hated losing people. He knew Raoul hated the feeling of being left behind. He remembered when he left Raoul behind to head back home to the Ark and it left the poor human torn up inside. When he came back to NYC, he had never seen someone so depressed…

Yet all he felt was Raoul’s lips on his. Tracks couldn’t hold back anymore, pulling Raoul closer as they kissed on his hood. He knew this wasn’t the plan. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go, but here he was… completely caving because Raoul always got what he wanted out of Tracks. It didn’t matter what universe or lifetime, his spark belonged to Raoul.

They parted for a moment. “Raoul… Raoul please, this isn’t how this was-“ Tracks was swiftly interrupted by Raoul kissing him again. He could feel the desperation as Raoul’s lips gently moved against his, trying to get Tracks to stop talking, which was a very hard thing to do. Tracks couldn’t help but lightly moan into the kiss as things got more intense, Raoul somewhat pinning his hips to the hood of the Corvette.

They parted again with Raoul panting, and Tracks left feeling flushed. He couldn’t think with Raoul this close. Not when he could feel him so closely for once. If he could reveal his spark to him right in that moment, he would. It was a tender feeling for Tracks, something he had missed from prior to the war.

”I get you’re a racer, Tránsito….I know you’re not giving that life up for anyone, especially not after how you have been treated, but I’m willing to be here, okay?… I don’t mind. Really.” Raoul looked sweetly at him, his expression soft and warm with nothing but love behind it. “So can we please not do this?… If you want to be the free spirit you are, I’m not going to stop you.” Raoul gently held Tracks’ hands in his own, still confused why his date insisted on wearing his racing gloves at all times.

“Tránsito, I won’t hate you. I know you think that’s what you deserve, but you don’t. Forget what other people have said.” He smiled once more, watching as Tracks’ holoform just stared at him with a warm expression that was almost unreadable for a moment.

“You know, Raoul… in all my time racing and traveling. I’ve never met someone who was okay with just… me. Usually they want me to change or… be someone I’m not. You’ve been nothing short of a breath of fresh air.” Tracks chuckled a bit, already feeling his spark spin in his alt mode, fighting to not rev his engine with excitement. 

“I never want you to change anyway.” Raoul’s hands gently went to Tracks’ waist, causing him to get shy for a moment. Tracks was still new to human intimacy, and had no practice outside of watching soap operas or sappy romance films. Raoul and Tracks’ lips met again, the moment tender and sweet.

Tracks noted how soft and sweet Raoul felt against his holoform. He’d always known Raoul and humans in general were softer, less sturdy than Cybertronians, but that softness against his form felt so right. It felt… natural despite them being universes apart. Raoul pulled Tracks’ hips closer to himself, which left Tracks flushed as they made out. He realized that things were getting more intense… Tracks already felt him pulling at the hem of his pants. While usually Tracks wouldn’t entertain them both being on his hood like this… Raoul being this close to his alt mode and holoform was sending him for a loop, so like all those novels he’d downloaded and read, he gently grinded against Raoul, causing him to moan slightly as they kissed. It was hard for him to imagine what this would feel like, but it was hot and exciting, warm, and sweet. All of it filled Tracks with anxiety as he felt Raoul slowly lower his clothes, things escalating quickly. The two parted for a moment.

“Raoul-” He took a moment, feeling Raoul against himself for the first time, and it was as exhilarating as he’d imagined. Tracks followed Raoul’s lead, allowing him to prepare himself, despite it taking some time to get used to for a moment. Especially awkward on the slope that is his alt mode’s hood.

“Raoul- this is my first time- like this at least.” Tracks softly moaned, feeling Raoul’s fingers working at his entrance, causing sensations he had never felt before. All of it felt so strange as he softly moaned and let Raoul get him stretched out properly.

“It’s okay, Ito.” Tracks borderline melted at how he’d shortened his name, speaking somewhat breathlessly from their passionate make out session. “Did you want to stop? We don’t have to go further than this.” Raoul looked at Tracks with a level of care, and he shook his head.

“No, no I want this. Please, Raoul.” Tracks flushed a bit, moaning once more as he felt Raoul’s fingers deep within him. He didn’t know when Raoul had lubricated his hand, possibly to focused on memorizing the feelings welling in his spark. 

“Okay, gorgeous. Tell me whenever you’re done. Just tap my shoulder, okay?” Raoul was experienced enough to know how to handle something as delicate and lovely as Transito. Despite the crude public openness of their moment, he was thankful the spot had some trees blocking any windows and that the garage was somewhat further out of the city, with trees, and a private lot. He was careful to stretch his partner out, listening to his soft moans. If Raoul didn’t know anything, he’d assume he was a virgin, but Transito was handling himself just fine in Raoul’s hands.

“Let me know when you’re ready for me, Ito. I don’t want to ruin your gorgeous self~” Raoul winked up at the taller male who looked embarrassed.

“As if- you could overwhelm me.” He scoffed for a moment, but nodded shyly once more. “But I am ready, Raoul.” He spoke sheepishly, as if he were worried about underperforming.

“Let’s hope you’re right, then?~” Raoul chuckled lowly as he finally released his length. Tracks had no clue it would so impressive in comparison to the reference material he memorized for research purposes, but slowly feeling it enter his holoform was something different entirely. His systems were too sensitive, having to grip onto Raoul as he just felt the beginning of this euphoric moment. He wasn’t sure what the plan was, but Raoul was slow, allowing Tracks to get used to the length despite already begging for more.

“Raoul, Raoul please-” He whined a bit as he took his time.

“Easy, easy… give yourself time.” Raoul grunted in his lower register, trying to keep himself from getting too eager. “Ready, racer?” He teased a bit, causing Tracks to let out a breathy laugh and nod.

“For you? This isn’t my first ride on a track, let’s get some rev to that engine.” He weakly nodded down to Raoul’s length, but his cockiness was short-lived as Raoul slowly thrusted in deeper, causing him to moan again, quietly.

The two were careful, kissing to muffle the moans that escaped themselves as Raoul thrust deeper and faster into Tracks. Every time Tracks felt Raoul’s length, he tried to memorize how good it felt, since this was fleeting and may not last. The sorrow built up in his spark, but the pain, the pleasure, and raw comfort of the moment had his logical centers ignoring all the hurt. All that mattered in that moment was Raoul, and being his even if it was for just one moment.

It was like a drug, one hit and they didn’t want to let go of one another. Every movement intoxicating, making them fall further and further down the rabbit hole that was this crass, immature romance that was based purely on a  fleeting love that would most likely not last past today. Raoul took glances between kisses, taking in how lovely Tracks looked, how beautiful his eyes were, how his hair was slightly tossled from the breeze, and just how many times he whispered ‘i love you’, over and over again for Raoul to hear between each kiss. It was like he wanted Raoul to remember everything wonderful about this moment. Each thrust let out a small creak from the Corvette beneath them, and each one sent Tracks into a slight frenzy of begging for more of Raoul. He was eager and passionate, but greedy, oh so greedy to soak in any ounce of Raoul he could get, even if it was just this.

“Raoul, please,-” Tracks spoke quickly, practically gasping for air despite not needing any.

“I know, I know, just relax, Ito. I’ve got you. Just look at me. Don’t overthink it.” Raoul was sweet guiding him through the high and climax, holding him so tenderly as he continued to please and serve his  date. When Tracks finally hit his limit, it was a bit of a mess, something he realized he’d have to clean up, but listening to Raoul let out a low groan in his ear and feeling that warmth within himself was something else entirely. It was the single most invigorating feeling he’d had in a long time, better than killing a con in cold blood or getting a clean finish for the day. This was everything.

The two quietly panted, quietly chuckling and exchanging words of affection, when-

“You two are some risky bastards, banging in public? Raoul, I thought we raised you better!” Poplock’s voice made the two whip their heads around.

Tracks gasped a bit as Raoul finally exited his holoform, and quickly fixed his clothes. He was so embarrassed, quickly using his holoform’s leather jacket to clean the spot off his hood. 

“Really, Poplock!? Couldn’t give us a moment!?” Raoul sighed as he pulled up his pants and listened to his friend laugh.

“Hey, Steady was getting worried! I didn’t exactly think I’d find you two like this.” Poplock laughed a bit, watching poor Tracks stumble a bit into his car.

“Transito! Wait, wait!” Raoul caught onto his plan to speed away and immediately met him in the driver’s side window. He saw the mortified expression, and tears slightly welling in his eyes. Tracks was embarrassed, and that was enough for Raoul to try and apologize.

“I’m sorry for… my friends, Transito. It was just him looking for us. I promise our next date will be better.” Raoul gently put his hands on Tracks’ who just looked away.

“I… I don’t know about that.” He was still stuck on the fact that they shouldn’t start a relationship.

He started up the red Corvette, at least letting out the rev in his engine he’d been holding in dearly the entire time.

“Raoul we shouldn’t-” As he turned to look at Raoul, he was gently kissed once more, but rather quickly so he had no time to recover.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Transito?” Raoul grinned from ear to ear, shy to even attempt another date. He felt the anxiety practically leaking from Tracks.

“It’s a date, hun.” Tracks sweetly blew him a kiss. The two finally parted as Tracks drove off, trying to get back and recharge as soon as possible before he had to patrol with Blaster. Despite being embarrassed… he wanted to stay so desperately bad.

After the big inspection Raoul couldn’t miss, Tracks and Raoul got to enjoy their morning together, Raoul fixing cars and Tracks having some sweet banter with him. He was exhausted from his drive, but exhilarated to be home. At least home was wherever Raoul is. Tracks listened to Raoul talk and quietly hummed to the music. To him this was perfect. The soft clanging of the tools, Raoul’s voice, and the sweet music of the radio. It was all too nice, until Raoul perked up from under a car and picked up his communicator.

“Hello?” Raoul immediately pulled the communicator from his ear, and from the tone- it was Ratchet. Tracks immediately sighed as he listened to Ratchet’s muffled voice.

“When did he get to New York!? How did he get there!? Raoul, where is Tracks!?” The mech sounded exhausted, as if he had lost a patient… which he did. 

“Ratchet, Ratchet he is right beside me. He’s fine. We’re taking it easy and he just flew over here last night…” Raoul chuckled a bit, trying to placate the medic on the other line. He listened to the exhausted sigh that came from Ratchet.

“Does he have any clue how easily he could have damaged himself? His frame was already showing signs of exhaustion! He was told to rest!” Ratchet muttered to himself, things that Raoul couldn’t quite understand.

“Ratchet, I promise I’ll keep a close eye on him. He just was missing me is all.” Raoul laughed a bit, watching as Tracks got all shy, avoiding eye contact with him.

“Missed you?- You two are friends, why would he- unless?” Ratchet thought for a moment, replaying all the times Raoul came to visit them states away, how often the two spent time with one another, and the late night calls that would ensue for hours on end. “Oh pits- you two have been together quite some time…” He sighed over the communicator as Raoul laughed a bit.

“Surprise, Doc. It was just rough being apart… I mean I think we both barely slept, right gorgeous?” Raoul turned his attention to Tracks who just sheepishly nodded.

“Yes, Raoul.” He rolled his optics for a moment at Raoul trying to further establish their relationship. Ratchet sighed, already hearing murmuring around the Ark about bets that were either lost or won.

“Is Tracks listening, Raoul?” Ratchet shook his helm, ignoring the noise surrounding him.

“Hm? Yes, he’s right here, Ratchet.” Raoul put the communicator on speaker, allowing Tracks to hear better.

“Hi Ratchet…” Tracks awkwardly spoke, already knowing he was already scrap metal for leaving without so much as a checkup.

“Tracks- you are very lucky. You are to stay grounded for the next few days. Your entire frame needs a break and is overly exerted from the stress.” Ratchet sounded exhausted from trying to hunt Tracks down. “How long did you fly for?” The question was asked and Tracks took a beat to think about his answer.

“Roughly six um… hours? I didn’t take too many breaks.” Tracks invented, only to hear a sigh from Ratchet.

“That is the absolute last thing your systems need! You could have waited till I got the chance to look at you again, Tracks!” The older mech sounded exhausted, already stretched thin among their troops as is. 

“If memory serves me right, Tracks the last time you were injured and over exerted yourself, it only caused you to nearly crash from a lack of energy.” Raoul leaned back against a nearby counter, eyeing up Tracks as he agreed with Ratchet.

“Exactly my concern, Raoul. With you being a hybrid model, there is a higher chance that something could be wrong and it got overlooked. You are much more prone to injuries from the cyclical nature of the track you were on!” Ratchet droned on, tearing into Tracks as he questioned every choice and decision the mech made. “You need to come back to base as soon as you can! I’ll send Hoist and Huffer to tow you back- this is a ridiculous amount of mech power to exert on this, Tracks!” Ratchet was fuming since he always just had their best interest at spark.

“Come back!? No way! I’m staying with Raoul.” Tracks shook away the exhaustion and sat up a bit. “I- I can help here. I can patrol and such since Megatron has made New York City a known target! Please Ratchet!” Tracks didn’t want to go back to that awful dust heap they called home. 

Raoul decided he should back up his main machine.

“Well, Ratchet, I could keep an eye on Tracks’ injuries and everything. I learned from the best, am I right?” He laughed a bit, listening to Ratchet sigh in exasperation.

“Fine… fine, you two win, but I want daily reports on his condition! If he worsens at all, I am sending someone to get him whether he likes it or not.” Ratchet shook his helm as he sighed, listening to Tracks cheer over the communicator.

“Thank you Ratchet! Your’re the best!” Tracks spoke fondly of the mech, appreciating his understanding.