Mini-Squared

With a soft ex-vent, Hyperwing shifted her position. Tucked up in a good vantage point, she was trying desperately to clean out the dirt under her feathers. Even that could mess with her aerodynamics, so the minibot took the opportunity to take a rest and get back to peak condition.

Or what could be considered peak condition, in any case.

The mech was cleaning her?

“Delivery?” Minimus Ambus peeks up from his datapad, stylus in his servo, “I wasn’t aware that we were scheduled for any deliveries. I’m Minimus Ambus. Who is the delivery for? Where do I need to sign?”

“Was I supposed to ask for payment?”

If it was possible to look more bewildered, she would have. Hyperwing stared at Minimus with a mixture of intent concentration and conflicting thoughts. Slowly, she checked her datapad and…

“T-that is…! Too much!” She looked back up with alarm. “I-I am not used to this amount! I mean… I started delivering things during the war, but I never thought to transition to payment now… Th-thank you, but… I couldn’t possibly take this!”

“Well usually when one does a job, one usually gets paid. That is purpose of a job. To get paid. For the most part anyways.” Honestly.. Had this mini-bot been delivering this entire time without having gotten paid even once? That was a crime of its own and Minimus would know considering he knew the law like the back of his servo.

Hyperwing hesitated, looking between her datapad and the mech. Her optics were sparked with uncertainty, finding it difficult to straight out believe in this ... Generosity. In the past, things like this were...

Her smile returned to her face as she forced those thoughts aside. This was a new era. She didn't have to worry about that anymore. "T-Thank you for your kindness!"

With a soft ex-vent, Hyperwing shifted her position. Tucked up in a good vantage point, she was trying desperately to clean out the dirt under her feathers. Even that could mess with her aerodynamics, so the minibot took the opportunity to take a rest and get back to peak condition.

Or what could be considered peak condition, in any case.

The mech was cleaning her?

“I am Tundra!”

He waved in greeting, as if he hadn’t already been talking to her. Blue optics brimmed with excitement-it had been a while since he talked to another bot like this, and it made his spark flutter with joy.

“Do you live here? This is a nice place, after all!”

 ~~~~~~

“That’s a nice name.” Hope commented, being honest.

Tundra, a fitting name for the little mech considering his alternative form was a seal. She didn’t say that of course because that would be rude. She did wave back though and shifted herself to be more comfortable.

Tundra beamed, excitement pouring out of him in waves. He clapped his servos together as he spoke, childish glee in his optics.

“NO!”

The word escaped her before there was even time to process it. Her spark surged in frustration, and the internal feelings quickly became present in her expression. Small servos clenched into tight fists, optics burning bright.

“No, I don’t understand! I-I’m… I’m not strong, but I wont sit back and let you get hurt! I won’t run away!”

Feathers bristling, she jerked away from the touch- the same touch she found so comforting just moments before. Hyperwing shook her helm, trying to organize her thoughts. “You… you are more important in this fight. If anything, I should be covering for you! I am the expendable one here… I won’t let anyone get hurt because of me!”

Crossline rocked back on his heels, shocked at her outburst. He’d misjudged the ‘bot, that’s for sure. For once, he had little to say. A heavy ex-vent left the green mech, head dropping to hide what little of his face was visible.

He was frustrated. Autobots were so fraggin’ selfless. He should just let her do what she wants.

“I’ve been doin’ this too long.” He muttered under his breath. Straightening from his crouch, he turned away from Hyperwing. They’d been sitting around so long, any Decepticons that might attack would’ve already done it.

“Fine, we’ll get out together if there’s a fight. But maybe I should have a chat with your superior about his soldier considering herself expendable.” Turning back to look at her over his wings, his eyes curled in a smile. Everyone’s contribution meant something. That’s why he was here, right?

Hyperwing stared into the other's optics, absorbing the words. "W-wait, you don't have to bring anyone into this! I won't say it again, okay! Promise!"

The thought of Optimus or anyone else higher up the ladder hearing about her saying such things... She would get chewed out for sure!

Straightening her posture, she tried to look and sound more confident in herself. At least, she could try that. For now.