The creature being featured

Boring. That was the word many bots used to describe the Decepticon base. They were either attacking or being attacked by the Autobots. But in the time between, there was nothing. Nothing. No experiments, no hobbies, no drama. Unless, of course, you count Starscream and Megatron yelling at each other until their vocalizers gave out as drama. Well, it was a little entertaining. Until Shockwave, who was trying to his work, was interrupted by Starscream living up to the second part of his name. Screaming. 

Shockwave stood at his desk, trying to focus back on what he was doing. However, that was cut short by - you guessed it - Starscream. Would that mech ever shut up? It seems that all he does is- 

“No Megatron! You shut up!” 

“What did you just say to me?!” Their leader snaps back, much to the annoyance of his lead scientist. Shockwave groans, fighting the urge to run in there and tell the both of them to cease this incessant shouting. He found it illogical for the two of them to continue this bickering. 

This went on for what felt like hours. Maybe it was, but Shockwave could never tell - even with a clock. Luckily, he could vent his shared frustrations with Soundwave. Even though the silent mech was loyal to their warlord, there were times he got on his nerves. Well, that wasn’t entirely the case. Due to his exceptionally sensitive audials, the volume of the other’s voices hurt. On especially bad days, he’d have headaches that would render him in pain for hours. Shockwave had a similar problem. However, his pain was from the mental side of it all. 

“I must admit, Soundwave, it is hard to get anything done. Especially when all I hear is Lord Megatron and Starscream challenging each other in a yelling competition.” 

Soundwave, being almost entirely mute, just responds with a simple nod. 

“At least you understand my frustrations.” The scientist sighs.  

There was  a silence, although whether comfortable or not made Shockwave shift the way he stood. If there was one thing he hated, it was uncertainty. Uncertainty meant variables, and variables left spots for vulnerability. He knew if he was vulnerable for even a second the Autobots would- tap! 

“Eh?” He snaps out of his spiral, only to find the screen faceplate of Soundwave touching his cheek. He didn’t even noticed the subtle blush displayed on the communication officer’s screen. Wait. Blush? The scientist had never seen that type of expression from him before, or not that he had noticed. 

“Soundwave, may I inquire what the meaning of this is?” Shockwave looks at him with confusion. Soundwave’s screen displays a very cartoonish looking heart. 

“Wh-What..?” He was still confused, if not more so. The implications were… concerning. Actually, that might not have been the right word. He wasn’t quite sure how to describe it. Even the way he spoke. He didn’t know how he was capable of it. He’s never stuttered a day in his life, but there he was. It was almost like he had never spoken a word in his life. Soundwave doesn’t elaborate, only pressing his helm against the other’s shoulder. Why was he acting so… domesticated?

“What is the matter with you?” He asks. His tone wasn’t unkind, but held clinical concern. 

Soundwave shakes his helm. There was something in his posture that seemed to evade Shockwave. He couldn’t tell what it was, but he looked… oddly cute. It made the silent communications officer look like just another innocent mech.

“What in Primus’ name are you doing?” The bewildered scientist asked. Before he could get an answer, Starscream interrupted every thought in his processors. 

“I am your Second in Command! I deserve to know your plans!” 

“You will find out when it comes to it, you insolent brat!” Megatron growls back. 

“You never tell me anything! Are we going to destroy the Autobots or what?! At this point, I’m starting to believe you’re intentionally stalling!” He had a point, despite how absolutely insufferable he was. 

“I tell you what you need to know, and I am not stalling! It is a tactical decision that you don’t seem to understand. I should send you to the brig for this. Maybe then you will understand.” 

“Master! That is completely uncalled for! I think you’re the one that doesn’t understand!” 

“Then I strongly advise you LISTEN!” 

A loud, metallic crash echoes through the base. Shockwave groans, assuming that to be the sound of Megatron dealing out Starscream’s punishment. 

“Whatever… this is, I  recommend you see Knockout regarding this. I fear something has gone awry.” He takes a step towards the door, but not before Soundwave stops him. He lets out an annoyed beep, his screen reflecting it with an equally annoyed emoticon.

“What? I merely think it is a good idea to—” 

Soundwave cuts him off with a siren-like sound. What was that all about? 

“What is the matter with you?!” He asks again, even though he didn’t get an answer the first time. The rope that was his temper was slowly being cut away at. Despite being the communications officer, he wasn’t very good at communicating. This was a most inefficient way to communicate with anyone.

“Never mind. I need to handle this. Immediately.” Shockwave lightly shoves Soundwave out of the way, making his way to the door. The mech was baffled, the emoticon on his screen displaying the same thing. He plays an audio clip he caught from Starscream a while back. 

“You can’t leave me here! This is unacceptable!” 

The scientist pauses. He froze like deer that heard a branch crack ten feet away. 

“What..?” He looks back, his optic focusing on Soundwave. He knew he was a bit of a spy, having audials around the base and such. Despite that, he didn’t know he would record something and use it for later. 

“You can’t leave me here!” He repeats the clip.