#blindingimage

TF! Mirage x F!Human!Reader

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Description: It was hard; living from day to day, paycheck to paycheck, managing the house with your older brother and his girlfriend. But what was truly eating you alive was boredom. You couldn't move out, basically being trapped in the small city with no perspectives. Until one day when your brother, Richard, came back from work, pale as a ghost. Something has happened to him, and he needed both you and Grace - his lover - to see this. Driving somewhere you feel for the first time in what felt like forever excitement - just never expected to be followed... or found. By something- someone, who wasn't exactly human. --- Author's Note: Before you start- This isn't a fanfiction regarding specific timeline of any Transformers timeline/AU. I yearned for something that would give "TV series" vibe; hence why some characters may seem to be OOC (including their look). Because they are, but I still tried to keep their essence unchanged. I hope some of you like it! Warning: May contain grammar or spelling errors, since english is my not first language.

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” ― Carl Sagan.

The air was thick enough to cut a slice with a butter knife, as the three of you rode in the car without anybody saying anything. You passed another road sign, slowly getting further and further away from the city, until it became nothing but a smudge of dark shapes in the mirrors. 

Riding in the back, you sucked in the need to sigh, as your nervous brother tapped on the steering wheel frantically. You felt quite out of place, with Richard’s girlfriend occupying the passenger seat. Why did he even dragged you with them? Yes, your- most likely- clumsy nature usually led to you getting into some unexpected troubles, but you’re still an adult that tried to stay in the house to get some sleep after working non-stop for the past months with only breaks on Sundays. 

Instead, you have been dragged into the car hastily after your older sibling marched into the house, keys clanking loudly as he jogged, already anxious. Without the chance to even properly protest as he cut you off with “Don’t argue with your brother”, Richard was already shoving you towards the entrance door. Not used to him acting this way, as he was the collected and reasonable one, you simply complied, putting on the shoes and a jacket that hung somewhere in the eyesight.

So there you all were, in a car, driving somewhere. And the brunette guy still hasn't answered any damn questions. Nor Grace, but you gave the woman some credit for the doubt, as her face hasn't betrayed any emotions other than concern. Like she might also be kept in the dark regarding man’s unusual behavior. 

–Ri, please, talk to us. Talk to me. –Grace finally spoke, putting her hand on his knee, giving it a light squeeze, trying to get his attention at least for a minute. 

So she’s clueless too, then. You thought, frown deepening. He didn’t tell her? The woman that he told everything, since they met in first grade? Even family secrets? Woman he entrusted your four months old self at the time, even if he was hesitant to leave you with family members? 

That only cemented your worries that something is off. Very off.

He sighed, like he held his breath the whole ride, but hadn't spoken yet, just licked his thin lips before shutting them into a line.

After being met with even more silence, you checked the phone, out of curiosity. 

Forty minutes has passed already? The sun completely disappeared by now, making the moonlight and car lights the only source of visibility.

Richard sighed, trying to relax his shoulders, which made both you and the girl in front tense instead. Focused on what the driver had to say.

–Do you remember that job I took? –He started. –Recently, of course. The “scrap that, take that apart” I told you about. –Pausing, the man looked between the two of you, clearly collecting his thoughts. –Yeah. That shit is weird. Fucked up. –Richard sighed, gripping tighter the steering wheel, before he decided to add anything more. –Straight up insane.

He brushed his face with one hand after finishing, ruffling his dark bangs that were covering his eyes. 

–What? What happened? –Grace grew more anxious and you simply froze, afraid to even breathe the wrong way. He never said anything like it. Nothing was weird, everything was rational; “If you can’t understand it, it’s not for you to learn and use”, he always said. 

–I don’t know. –Your brother shook his head. –I signed off fucking immediately after one guy disappeared. And then second. And third. After one day. But they demanded that I at least finish off the damn thing. Still don’t know what it was. Weird ass shit. –He mumbled, scoffing at the pure absurdity of his own words, like he couldn’t believe what sentence just escaped his mouth.

There was another moment where nobody could utter any words, shocked and in deep disbelief.

–So that, in the perfect world, would be the end of the story and we wouldn’t be driving at night. –Grace summarized, sensing that’s not all he had to say. She looked at the back of the car, where you sat with your arms crossed, eyes jumping around, avoiding interfering. The black girl in the passenger seat probably debated with herself the reason why he brought you too. And you did as well.

Because she being here was pretty obvious; he most likely had to vent, get it out. But you could wait a bit more to be included in the story. 

Unless something was unexplainable.

–No, we wouldn’t. –Richard admitted, changing the gears and letting the car loose the speed in a safe way, looking clearly at the forest on the right side. Searching for something- most likely another road to turn the vehicle into. 

–Ri, come on. We’re already sitting here, going with you even if you told us nothing. We’re on board. Spill it. –She encouraged, nudging him slightly to ease up the tension. Instead of it causing the desired effect on the man, it made him freeze in his seat, vein popping on the neck like it did when he was scared. 

–Something fucking shot me. –Finally admitted in a small voice. –Not a gun, though. Like… I don’t know, fucking energy ray. –He hit the side of the wheel with an open palm, frustrated that he had to put it this way, having no other explanation for the event.

If previously you thought the air was thick, now you thought it was solid, making it almost impossible to breathe. The three of you became silent as dead, making the soft noise of the car engine sound thunderous. 

You swore you could even hear the ticks of the hands of a clock inside Richards wristwatch. 

–I know you find me insane. –He almost chuckled in irony. –But that’s what happened.

–No, we don’t. –Grace shook her head reassuringly, even if her dark eyebrows remained scrunched, making her nose wrinkle above its bridge, not sure what to say to make him feel better. 

–I do. –You finally groaned, your throat dry from remaining silent. –You lost your marbles, dear bro. –Mumbling you felt tempted to just kick his seat as Richard looked at you in the mirror facing the back. –Mostly for not telling us sooner that something actually happened, you fucking moron. –Sinking deeper into your seat you felt Grace’s gaze on you, as if she tried to thank you without really vocalizing it. For believing him, as it must have been a grueling exercise for the man to admit that something hurt him. Something he can’t name, nonetheless, digesting his realistic side alive. 

–Are you okay? –His significant other gently put her hand on his arm, but before he could answer, his eyes finally found the turn he tried to make this whole time.

It was almost a non-noticeable path among the trees, with just enough opening from rails to fit a civilian vehicle. But you doubt that something like an SUV would make it through. 

–Yeah. Like I said; not a gun. Just a ray of energy. Not hurt, just… sometimes I feel funny. In my hands, in my bones. That’s actually the first reason we’re going there. –Richard lowered his voice to an almost whispering one, as he led the car in between tall oaks, birches and pine trees, following a barely visible road. 

–There means where, Ri? You’re really secretive lately. –Grace added, worried. Who wouldn’t be? About their loved one experiencing something so deeply confusing and scary that they don’t tell you about it, immediately in fear of being dismissed, laughed at maybe? Because you know him; he would have laughed at himself. Couldn’t risk that, couldn’t risk being left alone with that kind of turmoil. Always having Grace by his side, simply not used to facing anything on his own. 

–And I hope you’re going to explain why I am here as well? –You added, feeling anxious. 

Third wheeling in the intimate moment of trust between long term lovers, while the crazy shit is happening all around you. Not really a good love story writing, whatever that novel of your life is. 

–You’re here, because I may have borrowed something from the site. –He raised an eyebrow, eyeing you in the back, as your face twisted in an unspeakable mix of emotions at his antiques. 

He even stole something?! From the things that shot him?!

–Whoa, whoa, WHOA! –You put your hands in the air as if to defend yourself from his genius idea.

–You’re the guy to scrap something and turn it into a profitable piece of metal, not me. -you protested, switching to look at the passenger seat, trying to get Grace to take your side. So you don’t end up intertwined in something illegal your brother got tempted into getting in himself. 

–Yes. I’m the ‘take it apart’ dude. –Richard nodded, eyes never leaving the darkness of the forest, trying to make Sis, I took you here, because you’re happy go lucky ‘put it back together’ person. -Finally, he smirks. Smirks to make your blood boil.

Cursing under your breath, you tried to choke in the bubbling excitement. No, you can’t be excited about that. Even if mingling with machinery is a somewhat interesting, engaging activity- Richard took something from the site. The site that people went missing from, most likely. Something that was probably a part of the mechanism that created a ray of energy that did something to him. 

Too many unknowns to just get excited for a piece of scrap metal! 

–That’s the spirit. –He chuckled, getting you out of the whirl of thoughts, making you realize you smiled despite yourself. 

God dammit. 

You shook your head, expression growing serious, as if resetting your own emotions to default. At least trying to, even if this whole situation sounded more like adventure now than a thriller. Or a very bad romance movie, with a third wheeling sister in the back for the two love birds. 

–Alright, I may help you put it back together or… work it out. Somehow. But, just one small “but”. Do you even know what the fuck did you take or just grabbed whatever was shiny and looked complicated enough to be important? –Questioning his decision making, you felt like you completely broke the tension with your little remarks. 

While your older brother was a responsible man, he sometimes did something stupid, impulsive; he just always had a backup plan. Never tempted to do something illegal, but always knowing what to do “just in case”. Maybe because of his friends? Maybe because he always thought of the worst case scenarios, where doing something under the law was the only way to wiggle the three of you from a difficult position- just never actually having to go for such lengths, slipping just under the belt of probability. 

–It flickered once activated. I’m pretty positive it's a kind of power source. It would do no good if left there, at least I felt like it. Whoever those people in charge are and whatever they told us to disassemble? Yeah, shady stuff. Better pretend nothing happened and that…battery was never there. –He explained, his frame more relaxed in the leathery seat. 

Now only the woman sitting in the front car seat was left anxious, not quite settled and satisfied. 

–You know something more. We’re not just going to a secluded place so Y/N can tinker with a thing you took. Ri. What did that thing do to you? And where are we going? –She spoke, her voice calm but firm and demanding an explanation. Tone deep, like a river on a calm wind. 

Perfectly describing her personality, too. She was just his age, about ten years older than you, but sometimes you felt like she was that age, mid her thirties, for all the time you knew her- your whole damn life. Even now Grace has proved that she’s somehow in charge; noticing things others fail to pay attention to. Knowing Richard too well to let it slip. Knowing both of you, like you’re her own blood. Never making you feel excluded but a part of the family. Never overlooked or left behind. 

Your brother sighed again, like a kid caught in trying to make a parent forget about the report card from school, knowing they failed their math class. 

-Yeah. I know what it did. I just would rather show you than explain it in the car. -He reached to scratch the back of his neck with one hand, sheepishly. -And we’re going to the old warehouse. Forgotten for long enough for surveillance cameras to break, not long enough for it to become a hazard.

You blinked a few times. It… did something to him.

Reality sinked into your mind and soul, grounding you in the present, as your mind clearly has drifted off. It did something to him. Even if he’s not hurt, the words “ray of energy” are now re-playing in your mind. What did it do then, if it hadn't killed him? 

–Richard? –You haven’t expected your voice to suddenly become so meek. 

Your brother clenched his jaw slightly, probably also cursing his own choice of vocabulary. Or maybe knowing that now you might worry, when everything went surprisingly well. He hates making you worry; always trying way too hard to be the perfect image of a big brother, protector of his younger sister. Guardian, since he took you from your parents, as they never really acted like they acknowledged having more than one kid anyway. Couldn’t just leave you alone, to fend for yourself. 

But once upon a time he was a kid too. Just the one that lived purely for the purpose of saving you from fate of being basically abandoned. But he can get hurt. He can get scared. And you worry for him as well as he worries for you.

–You still will believe me and won’t try to drag me to the psych ward, even if I say much weirder shit next? –He asked, as he managed to get the Nissan to the clearing, where the previously mentioned building rose from behind the trees, broken wiring welcoming you at the arrival.

–Alright then. –Upon hearing no words of protest, he stopped the car, but hasn't unlocked the door for any of you. Worried that you might go. Leave him.

–I think I can open fucking portals. And we’re here to test that, before I submit myself to that psych ward.  

~***~

Oh, he already hated that. Mud sticking to his wheels and rims where he can’t reach, branches that he can feel getting way too close to the openings of his internal systems through the altmode’s airlocks, making his processor stir with dread at the mere thought of the organic mass inside of his sensitive compounds. Or dirt. Ugh. 

I will just ask Optimus to explain to me once again why Bulkhead or even Wheeljack couldn’t go to the coordinates. No humans will be there at this hour! But no, I had to go. “Just in case someone is there, Mirage. You can hide easily, Mirage.” 

–Just in case my aft. –Mumbling, he shuddered when the tires slowly rolled into the primitive scrapyard, even for locals. Made on spot, specifically for the machine one of them had found and wanted taken apart. At least it looked like it. –Frag it. –He said, before smoothly transforming into his bot form. This place is abandoned, at least that’s what Jazz’s report said. 

Apparently some organic natives had found and activated one of the ground bridges that Cybertronians used to shelter others and themselves in the earlier stages of their war, way back before humans would start evolving, making this mud ball a secluded oasis. Safe from horrors and destruction. But something must have prompted their kind to leave this planet, abandoning the technology as it broke down into the pieces. Maybe when the war intensified they decided to aid their side? Or maybe someone dragged them on a different planet, that now is nothing but a pile of death and ashes. A cemetery. One of many they left behind. 

Mirage grimaced, turning off his face visor and tuning down his biolights, making a conscious effort to do so. Remembering the scourge Cybertronians have left behind is never an easy thing. Especially for him- the things he has done thinking about profit. But after so many cycles, after so many millennia that passed- whatever wealth he has gained is now worthless. And after experiencing the reality of a bot that had nothing under his name and nothing to gain anymore; he looked around. Became fascinated with the simple way the simple organics of Earth lived; even if eerily similar to Cybertronians- wars, conflicts, corruptions. Things that make billions of them succumb into darkness just to die a horrific death.

And yet. Humans still live. Laugh. Cry and hate with passion. Love like that’s the only thing in the world. Exist on their own homeworld. They are still connected to their plants, still live here, dependent on survival on their home. Connecting to it and to each other. 

Will his people be able to do that once again in the future? Or are they simply bleeding themselves into extinction, drying energon into the bedding of another world, just to take its life too at the end? 

He grew sick of it. Truly. Entirely. 

That’s why he completely abandoned his previous lifestyle of a mercenary that usually took Decepticon’s requests. They paid well, but are set on destroying Earth. 

It took some convincing and coaxing to get to Optimus' good side and let him join the Autobots. Some of them are still very wary of him. Not that he blames them, but it leaves an incredibly bitter feeling of loneliness in his spark at times. Always was alone, but the others have some relationships inside the inner circle; he doesn’t. 

Focus, Mirage. He reminded himself. You will pity yourself later. 

He vented in the air, getting different scents to analyze; searching. Fleshy things already went through a lot of digging and scrapped the outer lining of the protective plating on the bridge. But it seemed empty. Like they didn’t get to the core of its chassis, didn’t understand the binders, weird technology too complicated for their tools to get to the internal systems, to take it apart completely. 

–...And yet there was an energy surge that we received. Couldn’t do that without scrapping the power lines- –As he talked quietly to himself, as he touched the parts in the thought process, making a visual trail while making inner notes. 

–...Transformer cores- –No, not that. Untouched.

–Or… Frag. –Mirage tensed, realizing he got to the worst part. –Reactor. Power Source. –He mumbled, touching with his servos empty socket. A little bit scratched and torn cabled a subtle indicator that the thing was brutally forced out. A human doing; a Decepticon or even Scavenger would take the whole socket or take apart the bridge before lunging in for parts if they couldn’t make the mechanism pop it out; Cybertronian tech being so scarce in this part of the Universe, making it truly a treasure. 

He carefully touched his audial sensors, tuning in the comm links, deciding to get to Jazz first. Would use more details before reporting. 

First in command surely would snitch on him later, but Mirage needed to buy some time to investigate, before the big guy decided to join the squad. That always catches the eye of their enemy, and taking in that he was near a rather small city, but full of clueless souls? 

Not risking it. 

–Jazz? Mirage’s here. I need support. You have your last report on deck? –He started after hearing a slight radio buzz that indicated a channel connection.

–’Sup. Yeah, I’ve got it on me. Something’s wrong? –The lieutenant was relaxed enough to help ease Mirage’s own nerves. 

–Nah, I got to the site. But it couldn’t exactly go as you assumed. I think. 

–Huh? What’cha mean, Raj? Power surge. Reported no human casualties, dig site closed and work halted, ‘cus humans didn’t want to work with the crap company. Ground Bridge must be operational since no sight of Decepticons registered. 

The intelligence officer kindly enough read the summary for him, once again, making Mirage quite sure it’s going downhill from here. Better buckle up for the ride, right?

–Yeah, about that-

–Decepticons? –Could hear Jazz tense up on the other side of the comm. 

–Okay, not that. It’s not operational and I wanted to make sure that there were no reported human casualties. 

–’Kay, the frag happened there, Raj. You got me off guard with all that. 

–The power surge came from the reactor powering the whole bridge. It was yanked off, must have been a curious organism's doing. Don’t know what the technology that makes you transfer matter through a wormhole can do to one of them. Could be fatal. 

–Should be, Raj. –The other mech added, making the ex mercenary tense up. –Change of plans. I’ll try to get a hold of the energy waves from that surge and track their source. If it hasn’t created a bridge, it still has to travel somewhere. 

–I don’t think I like where it’s going. –He added, standing up and transforming into vehicle mode, rolling on the street and getting his engines up and running.

–The reactors in the old bridges are supposed to make an energy surge, create a wormhole from one place to another, then close it, get the power back and redistribute back in the secluded components in the safe form. That one- didn’t retract to the reactor. –He heard on the radio, where his comms are located after transforming. 

–Your theory? 

–It either sends some poor dude up into the dead space where the last coordinates pointed, Primus knows where since everything has to be years off from original location- –Mirage almost physically recoiled, imagining some poor native being thrown into the cold void just to die a gruesome death. But that wasn’t the end of the sentence, as he prayed that the other thing was less… brutal in the outcome for the human.

–...Or?

–Or the energy is still inside its body. Stored in them like in the secluded components. Humans are weird and the more I stay on Earth, the more I realize that everythin’ is possible for ‘em. So that’s my other take. 

–Somehow I don’t think I like that either. But that version at least implies that the fleshy’s alive.

–Yup. ‘Aight, I think both us and them are lucky. I got somethin’. Which means they lived, and there are still no registered human deaths on board. Sending you coordinates. Oh, and Raj? –He changed his tone. To a more playful one, like his whole personality. Cunning and playful.

–Yeah? –He didn’t like that. Not that finishing line, not from Jazz. He’s in trouble, isn’t he?

–Better prepare to write a damn fraggin’ good report explainin’ that to Optimus. Gotta go. Fill me in later, I have to hear ‘bout it. –And he severed the connection with that. 

–Oh, I’m in deep shit. –Mirage mumbled, speeding up the road, leading right into the middle of the woods, scans indicating an old building to be settled there, but not graced by human activity in a long time. Abandoned for the sentient natives, of course. 

Whatever, whoever that was? He really never was religious, but at that moment a prayer was the only thing he had in his processor; that this little thing is alive and okay. They shouldn’t have ever been subjected to experiencing harm from their side. They’re too fragile to handle their tech, their war. 

I need to fix it. Quickly.

TF! Mirage x F!Human!Reader

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Description: The longest night of your damn life goes on. Separated from the rest of your family you can finally relax with your newly aquired friend. This relationship is fresh and both of you are confused about each other. Alien. None of what happened was supposed to, leaving you to deal with your inner mess of thought. At some point you just go on with the chaotic flow of your mind, letting yourself loose. And your unveiled recklessness surprised even Mirage, who thought he seen everything human may have to offer.

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Author's Note: Don't worry, it will get messier in time, I promise.

Warning: Just brace yourself for recklessness.

“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it.” ― Mae West.

–I have a question. –You ask, turning around in his hands to meet his blue eyes that, until now, were searching for another passage. 

This whole place was fascinating even if the look of it was simple. No real decoration, just some linings and cables neatly put together, some alien-looking vents and lights; it wasn’t much, but it made your eyes linger, absorb in the view, trying to already put it apart in your brain, seek on what’s inside. 

–Well, hit! I’m the best person to ask, so you’re in good hands. Quite literally. –He said cheerfully, and you could almost feel his inner systems rumble pleasantly from where you were seated. 

–You’re aliens. Where did you come from? –You say, stretching you hurled up your legs, letting them sit on his inner wrists, hoping that it’s alright for the bot, but you were getting cramps from the position. Still surprised that it felt oddly right to be held like this, like you always have done this. You honestly wanted to blame only Mirage’s easy going personality for the level of comfort you felt with him around, as well as the soothing warmth that radiated from his palms as you tucked yourself closer to the softer parts of his limbs. 

–Our home is called Cybertron. It’s a planet so far away from this system that you can’t even spot the galaxy it’s in with your human technology. –His voice grew softer as you locked back in your gaze with his eyes. They were full of nostalgia at the question, which twisted your heart with guilt at recalling something unpleasant in the gentle giant. 

–I- I’m sorry… -You started, but a quiet chuckle right above you cut you off. 

–It’s fine. Don’t worry, you won’t make me a sniffing mess with a lil’ bit of melancholy. Earth’s fun enough to make up for missing home. Your “social media” thingy? Banger. –He scoffed, which made you giggle in return. Didn’t really expect the aliens to get into YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, but now you couldn’t unseen Mirage shaking it violently to some trending sound on the latest platform, turning your giggle into wholehearted laugh. –Hey, it can’t be that funny. –He pouted, just making your wheezing fit even worse. 

–No, no, it’s not! –You gasped, struggling to get the air in, holding for your dear laugh onto his fingers. –I just- I just imagined something, and now I can’t stop- Hahaha! –Trying to regain composure you failed miserably, now fearing how many of the Autobots can hear you from there right now. 

Instead of a request alongside “Could you calm down right now?” which you had expected to hear, to your ears arrived the metallic, rumbling sound of alien’s laughter, leaving you with a warm feeling in your heart. 

–Okay, okay… I will remember that. You daring to snicker at lil’ old Mirage. I see, I see. –Chuckling as the words escaped his mouth you knew there was no real heat behind them, prompting you to stay at ease with the little gasps of the remaining fit you just had. –We’re at our destination. Let’s try to make you a comfortable place to recharge at, shall we? 

With that he lowered his stance, giving you a chance to get down on your two feet; to explore. And the place you arrived at?

–Whoa… –You gasped, taking two steps in, not believing your own eyes; previously the rooms were huge, spacious, but this? Enormous. Looking back at Mirage, he looked small here, making you seem like a spec of dust in comparison here. 

But it wasn’t entirely empty, no. Most of this room was clearly a fully emptied warehouse, with few underground doors, leading to recesses made into places that reminded you of pit stops or smaller sci-fi armories. For guns and other alien techs.

–What is this place? -Twirling around, you jogged for quite a bit to create a safe distance from the bot for you to take in the new experience. 

–Oh, this? This is our hangar. We usually use it to train or create ground bridges here for the whole squad if there’s a mission other than patrolling around. It’s the only room at the base in which mech can accelerate and rub off some of the gum from tires here. –He pumped on his feet, clearly pleased at the thought of speeding around the hangar. Your interest piqued at the word “mission”, but you didn’t want to pry it for now. It seems like a much bigger topic to talk about, and something tingled you that Richard and Grace should be there to hear it.

Going deeper, you spotted scaffolding leading to different stagings set around a cylindrical structure. Metal stairs lead to the mezzanine, clearly not made for them. At the moment you remembered that Optimus has mentioned something about this place being an old factory. But it did not look like one.

–How about these things? –You pointed with your finger as Mirage halted in his step, searching for the thing you were trying to get him to look at.

–Oh, this? We lacked materials by that point to cover it up. Remnants of the previous building. -He shrugged, stepping closer. –Never had the reason to waste resources to do that either. Not like it’s bothering us by existing. And that in the middle? Yeah, that’s our elevator. We just… scoot it in there. With a lot of folk around you need a loooooot of space. -Emphasizing the last part he bent backwards, pointing at the vast space of the room in a theatrical way. 

–There was that big factory in here? Human factory? –You frowned, having a hard time imagining a building this size up in the open without anyone being even slightly interested. 

–Nearby. We moved it. Most of it without change. –Moving again, over and to the side, leaving you in front of the metal construction. Tempted, you slowly walked over, climbing on stairs until your feet were standing on the platform, allowing you to be at the height of Mirage’s neck. Getting in the sheer size difference between the two of you.  

–Moved it? How? –Tilting your head, your eyes scanning the distance from floor to ceiling, the futuristic look of the elevator the bot mentioned; it didn’t make sense to you. 

–Materials. We’re big, baby! –Showing like a human man flexing muscles, he chuckled. –No, but for real now. You could see already that we can use ground bridges, right? What we use is working a tad differently from what your lovely brother has found. –Scoffing at his sarcasm, you rolled your eyes. But you didn't correct him. Can’t correct if someone isn’t wrong. –Desperate for some shelter, something that was more… homey? Yeah, there was some hard work to modify the bridge to change the location of the construction, but we managed. What got broken we modified, what was too small we expanded. Like this lovely room! For that we used the broken ships. And that’s pretty much it. –He clapped once in his hands, concluding his whole speech.

–Okay… but how nobody gave a single fuck about this? I mean- it’s humongous. Somebody had to notice. –You pointed out, turning your back at him and spreading your limbs, matching his energy in gesturing. 

–Not if it's inside the mountain. The only thing that it’s up on the surface is the very end of entrance doors. And they have their own masking system. We’re kinda smart, y’know? –He winked at you, as your mouth opened in realization, forming a circular shape. Oh, that is very smart. 

–It’s… insane! In a good way tho, I love insane. –You giggled, now even more excited. Like a kid that just learned of a place that is a perfect match for a secret hideout. 

–Cushioning. Remember? You can explore later, you’re already stuck with us, so it probably won’t be that much of an issue. –Mirage reminded, extending his hand to invite you back in to travel in his palm. But something about the small room left by the other humans in the past was recalled to you. 

–Can I… go there? Maybe it could be a good place for the three of us to sleep at? I mean- human sized already, this sort of stuff. –You played with your hands anxiously as you tried to build a more convincing sentence to no vain. This sounded like a pathetic excuse. 

–I don’t know, sunshine. –He murmured, crossing his arms under his chest, his biolights pulsing rapidly, like they emanated his thoughts to the outside world. You bit your lip, already thinking about something that would make sense. –I don’t really think any of us went there before, just… placed it somewhere. Hard times usually make hoarders out of honest bots. Just not sure it’s safe, I’d rather you go with me now. 

–Please? It will be quicker this way! I’m sure you can fetch something nice and soft, it's for the best to already scout the place. –You smiled awkwardly, almost forgetting how to act like a cute little sister to get your way. For almost too long being overshadowed by someone else's will. This time though you felt determined enough to argue with the giant bot in front of you. Which wasn’t the smartest thing to do, actually.

–Y/N, I really don’t want to get into trouble over this. Especially if you’d get hurt. –Frown on his face deepened, taking a step closer, hand ready to catch you instead. It didn’t frighten you as much as it made the blood in your veins run hotter. Ready to play. 

–Mirage, I won’t! –You giggled, trying to sound more confident now. –I will scream if something happens. Pretty please? –Reassuring him you have already turned your back and bolted towards the doors.

–HEY! That’s a very dirty move! –He yelled, missing his hint and slim window to actually be able to grab your small frame, as your feet were taking far enough to be out of his reach. But instead of anger, which you expected deep in your core, he sighed, resigning the pursuit. –Alright, alright. I got the memo. Just… Please, I beg you, be careful and if ANYTHING happens, shout. –The look on his face made you nod enthusiastically just to make the alien feel better about disobeying the leader's orders and leaving you on your own in the unknown space to them. –And always go for the weak spots if something does happen! Usually the neck. I’ll be back in a minute. –The alien said, waving you a short goodbye as he opened the hidden doors on the side wall. 

You quietly watched his back plating before he disappeared in the most likely storage room, taking in the view of the pipes and mesh moving under the deep blue and dark gray metal. Are you going insane yourself to be this casual with the literal alien? Perhaps. 

–This is so cool! –You grinned to yourself, enjoying the palette of original experiences. 

It was something else, that one thing you were very confident in. Richard getting powers- Richard, out of all people. The man who didn’t believe in anything beside proven scientific facts. None of the theories, religions, nothing. Turns out he got those powers from living, real aliens! Not government fucked up technology, aliens! And you befriended one of them, jumped from the cliff, got teleported to their secret base- You could scream from excitement, just your promise to only do such in case of emergency making you hitch your breath in. 

Getting closer to the shaded window alongside the wall, you realized there’s no possible way of you getting in quite easily there. Because it didn’t look like that at first, but the mechanism isn’t like any of the reinforced doors you would see, especially for the factory. Isn’t it supposed to be human doing?

–What was going on in here? –Murmuring you leaned on the glass, trying to peek inside. –Nope. It's a one-way mirror. Or a very dirty old thing. –Deciding to look around you, put both of your palms on the wall. Listening. Searching. –If it’s electronic, it has to have some power lines and energy source. Even if it’s yanked from its original place, there should be something I can irk. –Groaning, you banged with an open palm on the wall. Not hollow. Not hollow. Bang. 

–Got you. –Smirking when you hit the right point, you scraped a bit of the paint to mark the spot. –Now, something I can get you open, you little fuck. -Your eyes scanned the flooring trying to seek any kind of thing that could be used as a hammer or leverage. 

With one hand stabilized on the wall, gently pushing your fingertips to the metallic surface you stepped forward. Just a pipe. A pipe will be fine. Or a crowbar. That would be Christmas coming early, mid June, to be exact. 

Like the upper force hearing your prayer, your fingers have stopped in their tracks over the delicate rim and a hunch. Locket. Safety hammer, tucked in and painted over, not noticeable at the first glance. Not a perfect tool for that kind of job, but hey, better than your nails. 

Prying open on the other side of the hunches, there the slit should be placed, you heard a soft click, before the small box parted, allowing you to be able to grab the thing you figured out was hidden in here. It didn't look like an ordinary hammer in buses or offices. No. It was almost like a normal hammer, on a plastic handle. It doesn’t look that old to be in an abandoned factory. But you could try to rationalize it later. Surely not alien’s doing as your mind wouldn’t come up with the reason they would have the need for things like that. With their size. 

You gently threw the hammer up, before catching it back with one hand, smiling proudly at your discovery.

Now that’s what I was talking about. 

Not wasting anymore of your time, you weighted the small thing in your hand. Light. But hard enough to do some damage. Real shit, not some cheap excuse for a very useful tool.

Walking over to the spot you had marked, you swung the hammer’s sharp edge into the metal, letting it sink in. Clean cut, no recoil. You felt almost proud of the inanimate object in your hands. Jerking it back off, an even wider smile adorned your lips, making your cheeks feel sore already from the joy as you watched the metal ripped like a piece of paper from your actions, uncovering the concrete underneath. 

If they lacked material and didn’t care about this room, they wouldn’t use a lot of material either to cover it or reinforce the wall with empty space behind it. Bingo. 

Feeling almost as smart as the Autobots deciding to place the base in the mountain, you ripped an even bigger piece, not to risk any cuts on your limbs, as you had also gone through the concrete. If the banging sound were hollow here, there must be either a mechanism or a gap for the door to retreat into. Chassis. 

Switching the side to the less sharp, you carefully struck it a few times before any damage showed up. But you can’t risk destroying anything that might be the way to your little treasure chest. In this a whole room full of real treasures. Or at least a small victory for your curious self. 

Finally some of the hard surfaces have crumbled, and the metal frame peaked from underneath, vacant space of the interior indicating the door has to retreat in this place. Even if they are double doors, getting the one side working will allow you to reach the room quite easily through the gap, as the size of it was quite big.

-Alright, back to the issue. -Blowing the cherry, you inspected the construction, following the cables scattered inside, wishing you had a phone or flashlight to get any visibility on it. -Shit. I feel like I’m already an animal without anything on my hand. -You whispered to yourself, doing the same thing you did before. Open palm slamming gently the metal chassis, letting the sound resonate through. Listen. Search. Follow and find. -It’s not doing anything! -Groaning in frustration you banged on it with your head. 

And then you hear the slight ping above you, and something deeper flares on. Light.

Backup power for emergency cases! It wasn’t ever used! Probably some battery storage still has some juice in it to keep it alive. Old tech was just built differently I guess. 

–Let’s get this baby back on track. –Giddy, you grabbed the hammer and located the malfunctioning panel with the help of the diode flaring up while basking the inner system with fiery orange light. 

Patting the metal back in place from where you have destroyed it (and really hoping that Autobots can fix it easier than it would take you to do it and that they won’t be angry at you for doing it without asking), you scrapped around and made another hole, smaller this time, but the one hiding the lock that kept you from entering. It should go easier from here.

With the sharp edge of your only tool available, you smacked the welded edge of the small box from which different sets of cables rose and laced around the steel bars, reminding you of ivy branches. Old and unkempt, going wild after nobody paid attention to them in years of their existence. 

Sure enough, the whole inner workings were covered in dust, just as its exterior, just thinner. Buttons still were readable, fuses intact. But it was cut off from power, as the aliens moved the whole fucking building. Ripped it apart. 

That’s fine. Just get the power to run through one course, open it up, lock it in the open position, and be happy about your work. 

–I just don’t have scissors to cut it. Well, brutal force of a mighty hammer it is. –Talking again to yourself, you did as you planned, previously establishing which cords are responsible for delivering power to the core and distributing it in the form of impulses. 

Action reaction.

Cutting off the faulty piece, you exposed the copper wiring inside of it, twisted around itself. Now just give it a little kick, and it should force the mechanism open. Doing the same thing to the cord responsible purely for delivering the current, just directing it from the emergency source placed inside the machine. Some components failed to deliver it through years of negligence. 

Loud creek roared through the wall, when you connected the two exposed endings, letting the spars ignite in a small electric show. 

Your heart swelled in pride when the rusty mechanism moved, slowly setting in motion other parts like domino and surely, the entrance has parted, dust and dirt falling through the gaps, until it stopped in place and you set cables apart, happy that the old mechanism didn’t retreat as it set in the hollow frame inside the wall, filling it with the reinforced metal door. 

Still holding, now your hammer in hand, you slowly entered the passage, until the sound of your steps echoed in the dark room, and now you regretted even more that there was no light source nearby. Or at least- not one that you could pinpoint from there. 

–Hello? –Not sure if you said that to determine the size of the room or to make sure there wasn’t any poor soul trapped in here this whole time. Praying that you won’t stumble across some corpse right now, regretting that you haven't come with Mirage, letting this sit for a while, until you at least have some resources on you to make this task easier. 

But right now your pride couldn’t allow you to go back. Not after getting through all of this trouble to pry open those fucking doors. 

Groaning, you lowered yourself into a crouching position, breathing is the air to calm your racing heart. Never once scared of darkness, not being scared by the Autobots. Why now hesitate? It’s just a room full of dust. It’s okay. And Mirage is somewhere around, one good scream and he will take you from here. He has to. Right?

–Shit. Shit, I want to go back. –You didn’t even feel the tears run down your face, startling yourself. Clumsily, you let the hammer fall from your open palms, banging on the floor, as you reached to wipe the sign of your despair running down your cheeks. What was stopping you from doing it? Just turning on your heel and getting out. Just like that. 

Before you could make yourself stand up, you felt the surge from under your feet. Like old machines gearing up and getting to work. A tiny sound managed to leave your lungs when the halogen lamps flared up in sections, a buzzing sound making you stumble and fall on your butt with a squeak. 

-Son of a bitch… -you gasped, eyes still glossy from the cry. -It wasn’t a factory. -Breathing out you stood back up, dusting your lower back, the other hand reaching for the tool and sense of security. Taking in the view of what was hidden in front of you, basking in the darkness at the reach of your hand. The machines that didn’t belong to any factory or office you tried to name.-It was a fucking laboratory. -Meekly adding up, your eyes jumping through the set of blueprints, pods filled with fluids or broken glass laying around them. 

Walking through in urgent steps, you took in everything that was there. In both horror and fascination. It wasn’t impressive in size, but in equipment. Never seeing the real laboratory. Not one like that. 

–The fuck happened here? Maybe there lies the reason why the “factory” was abandoned. Looks like someone went apeshit. What and who was working here? –Hearing your own voice soothed your nerves, allowing you to remain grounded. Not spiral like before the light turned on. 

Making your way towards the blueprint, you took one off the wall, blowing off the layer of dust off the thin, flexible paper. And sure as hell it wasn’t a cross-section of a product made for mass production. Unless there was a whole new branch of weapon making and alternative energy sources, with the sketches oddly familiar to the thing that was still tucked in the pocket of your jacket. 

Reactor that Richard took from the ground bridge. 

Just the one drawn wasn’t in the state yours was. Incomplete, broken and fixed by the imagination of the scientist that resided here. Oh. OH. You certainly could still use that! 

~***~

He felt bad. Not entirely miserable, but certainly guilty, for not telling the little thing that the door is broken. For human use, of course, they determined all the assets’ states way before that, right after they warped the rooms into the hole Wheeljack and Bulkhead drilled in the mountain. It was tedious work to do in such a short time for the natives not to notice a thing, but it was worth the effort. 

But because of the hurry, they had to cut loose some of the places, the old factory office being wrapped in the pure accident. Tired Jazz missed clicked measurements, cutting off a piece of warehouse and getting in the human sized rooms they didn’t need. It wasn’t a pricey mistake, just scraping some more of Wheeljack’s old ship and making it into functional missing parts. Easy fix, error long forgiven and forgotten. 

It just left them with a locked room they didn’t need for scrap. Ratchet and Prowl even scanned it, but ancient in comparison tech was deemed useless for now. They could access it if they’d mass shift and borrow some tools from humans- just the reward wasn’t paying off the price they’d have to pay. 

Mirage planned to straight up tell the girl that. Really did. Teasing came in more naturally that straightforward truth though, and when he looked at her hopeful and pleading eyes? Gone. Couldn’t tell her that, he wanted to let her play, scratch the wall and give up, just to see her plead him for some help. 

Cute tiny thing, helpless in the giant base. She was safe there, no tools in sight to reach and grab and hurt herself in the process. 

He sighed, getting the handy scanner placed in his arm, right above the wrist. Good thing that the Prowl was such a diligent and up-to-date bot, constantly maintaining the state of storage. Even this part. Literally called “useless bunch of human things”.

Not so useless now, are they? He could almost hear the white bot say in a stern voice. 

–What humans are using for their berths? Or nests. –Shaking his head he searched through the database, looking for anything the fellow Autobot would label as “soft”, not expecting him to bother to name it by what there indeed were. 

–Cushioning? Alright, that I’m gonna take. –Humming to himself, Mirage located the first thing, that was probably a bunch of mattresses they used for bedding. Lovely start. It doesn’t have to be as pristine as things he saw humans use on their social media. Loving to show off how they live. Covered in softness, fluffy and plushy things. 

Sure, he was a nobleman back on Cybertron, before the war erupted, he was one the folks that could afford fabric in their habsuite, in their home. It was usually a luxury, set on display or for the occasional use as an accessory. But humans? Heck, they used fluffy material to walk on, not to hurt their soft feet or keep them warmer than on wooden floors. 

So he made sure to grab also other fabrics, so the three of them can cover up. Just; where to take them? Entrance room? Even if they’re accustomed to it, it’s used by everyone on a daily basis and the hatch at the door is loud. 

The common room and the archive are the mid-stops too. He would have to stay near them so the others won’t accidentally step on them or mistake them for some trash laying around while the organics recharge. And the thought of recharging on the ground or in a sitting position? Not a fan of that. Even if Richard and Grace decided to trust him just as much as Y/N does, a spec of it, or a percentage, it would surely be a big change in their behavior, taking in the fact that currently the couple acted just as hostile as wild animals would, yanked from their natural habitat, the place they knew and recognized. He sighed, venting deeply, allowing his systems and cooling fans to turn down the speed they were going at, as his processor heated up from thinking about the reasonable solution.   

Mirage had to come up quickly with something, but honestly? It’s either his berthroom or he’s cushioning the whole mezzanine he left the girl on and call it a day, while he recharges in his assigned pit-stop nearby, so he doesn’t get violated if someone on their night route opens the ground bridge on him. Yikes. 

About the time he should check on Y/N, he realized, especially when he already had a whole box of things they can use for literally one night sleep. Really, it has to work and be even quite pleasant, considering the circumstances they all found themselves in.

–Okay, so I have here about eight mattresses, a bunch of things we can pretend are blankets, I even found pillows-… Huh? –Entering the hangar, he still roamed through the box with his servos, before his optics landed on the metal entresol human girl should be currently sitting on. 

S h o u l d . B e .

But the wall was pried open. The metal covering they slapped lazily, covering the concrete not to think about the office behind it? Sliced. Concrete underneath? Slammed open. Broken doors? 

–She opened it?! –He felt the box slip from his hands and take in the view. 

Burglar-proof doors? With reinforced steel locks? 

Opened. Fragging opened.

Still parted, their inner panel exposed, wiring sliced and reconnected. How did- Does she just casually know how to do this?! Where did she get anything to slam- Safety hammer. There was something like that, now spotting the box left unlocked too, further in. 

But how does the room still have power in, if the entrance didn’t? Did they miss something more important than they thought they’re leaving?

Mirage, don’t panic. She didn’t scream, she’s probably okay-

–Y/N? -He called her name, unsure of it. Has to see her now. –Y/N?! –Repeating himself he ran to the stair, before her little head poked through the doors. 

–I’m here! –She giggled, clearly happy with herself. Quietly he thanked Primus that she seemed to be unhurt and giddy, even if there was a tired tear staining her soft cheek. –I had some troubles with getting it to open, but I got it! Sorry for the hole in the wall, collateral damage. –She laughed awkwardly, making his spark thump rapidly. He shouldn’t have left here. It’s wrong, it’s bad. –But there is-

–How did you open this? –Sounding more firm than he thought it would, it made the girl turn on her heel, taking in his expression before her happiness mended into worry and fear. Like she did something bad. 

Crap, no, it’s my fault. 

–I just… changed the power source. It still had their backup battery intact. Older ones were used with more toxic material, as long as it didn’t leak it always held power for much longer. I just directly connected it and then locked it in place by cutting off the source once the hinges clicked. It’s not that complicated, I just had to see how it was made to work. –Explaining, her eyes switched to look down at her feet, kicking slightly in place. 

It made sense. It’s how ones do it if there’s no power lines and direct source. He just never expected her to figure it out this quickly. Heck, some Cybertronians wouldn’t connect the dots this easily, as the technology would seem ancient to them, just as complicated as to the average human. 

–...Did I do something wrong? –She asked, looking at him with a frown, and then wiped his faceplate with his hand, trying to collect his thoughts into a coherent excuse. 

–No, you didn’t, I just- Okay. Okay. I...I might have lied, alright? Or not exactly lied, I didn’t tell the whole truth. -Smiling awkwardly, he looked at her small frame fixed to look at him in surprise and more… displeased way. –Fine, fine, I just knew the door was broken. I didn't want to break your heart there and tell you you can’t get in because we would have to force it open, I figured out that if I let you get disappointed I can get you to forget about it for now and just go to sleep. 

–So you left me here because you were confident I would stay by the closed doors, unable to enter? –She crossed her arms under her chest, making him feel chill around his whole plating. He did. 

And as the girl described it, it made Mirage realize just how little he thought of her, while her abilities proved to be at an advanced level, easily knocking the paint from his peds.

Unable to look directly into her judging eyes, he scratched the back of his helm. Heck, could he still look at her the same way? After being hit with a whiplash of realization that as cute and trusting she is, it’s an adult who can do surprising things. Even for them. Especially for them. Now his processor is getting into the place of how useful the little skilled hands can be? 

Well, they can be, after I make it up for her. Please don’t be too mad. 

–Yeah. I’m sorry, it… it really didn’t cross my mind. D-don’t get me wrong! I wouldn’t suspect any human being taken randomly from the street to do it, because this isn't common knowledge now, is it? So I kinda just-

–That’s fair though. –She shrugged, giggling to make him halt in his steps, soft sound ringing in his audials. Just like the cheerful laughter that still shook his whole frame as he recalled it. Did he ever hear someone act like this next to him? Without any walls around their emotions, not trying to coax into his good side for benefits or keep him at arm's distance the whole time?

Just being themselves around. 

–You… You sure? I feel bad now, Y’know? –He said, chuckling unsure, getting the bedding scattered on the ground. –For lying. 

–Not telling the whole truth. –Immediately she corrected him, leaning on the railing, grinning at him. –And no, it’s fine. Let’s call it even after you admitted doing it and your reasoning. –Y/N tilted her head as he put a big box next to her on the metal floor. –I’m just happy I did it myself and proved you wrong, Mr. “Big and Smart”. –Giggling, she covered her mouth slightly and closed her eyes, bending over the cardboard. 

–Alright, if you say so… Miss “I’m gonna do it myself”. Found anything interesting there? –He leaned over the wall as she took out the mattresses, but abandoned them right the second he finished his sentence. 

–I thought you’d never ask! –She exclaimed, running over to get closer to him. –This wasn’t a factory. 

–Huh? What are you talking about, sweetspark? –Frowning, he corrected himself in stance and leaned closer. Her smile got wider, and her eyes sparkled in the dim light. 

–”Factory” was a cover-up. This isn’t an office room, Mirage. It’s a laboratory. And whoever worked there? They had a blueprint of this! –Laughing, she took out the fried reactor she was working on, back in the warehouse they’ve met, making his own optics flare open. 

–What? -he asked, turning his head to the window. –For the name of Primus. We missed a big game here, didn’t we? –He frowned as well. More humans involved in ground bridges mashup? It can’t end well. 

–Sure you did. Still, I think personally that it’s better now instead of never. Because from roaming around just for a few minutes I can say they did plan something. Their reactor was broken beyond repair and reconstruction. But there were also maps and clues. Like they had a theory about other ground bridges to dig up. Maybe we can use that? 

–Can you hold it though until tomorrow? I’m glad you’re coping so well, not so sure about Richard and Grace. –He said, putting up the rest of the mattresses, covering the floor. So the hangar will be a temporary berthroom. Fine by him.

She sighed, slightly disappointed, but a smile still adorning her face. 

–Alright. Can you just give a heads up for the others? I’m not sure how much power there’s left in the lab. I might need a battery. Or two. –With that, she took some of the bedding Mirage brought, spreading it around. –Where did you have so many blankets? I feel like a princess. –Adding playfully, the girl got on her knees to more precisely distribute soft fabric, making him now grin proudly. 

–I have my ways. And sure. We will get you some power back there. Haven’t realized we have such crafty hands on board. But hey- you helping us? Then you’re getting as much power as you please.

Oh, I can’t wait to report it back to Optimus. Let’s just hope we can get over the part when I left her alone in the warehouse, hehe. 

~***~

–What do you mean “you have no idea what you’re doing”? –Clicking your tongue you caught the worn curtain that threatened to completely collapse once Mirage let go of the loose end you asked him to hold. 

Throwing him an angry look, he pinched it back up between two fingers, so the gravity won’t screw up your plan. 

–Most of the time. –You added the part of your sentence he failed to recall. –I never learned any of this from a book or any mentor. I just… used to sneak in Richard’s workshop and play around with the tools. Messing up more things than I have ever repaired. Now I only have some ideas on how it’s made and how it should work. Then I just play puzzle games in real life. –Answering his question, you hammered some stray nails into the concrete, trying to avoid any cables, fitting the small piece of sharp steel between the free spaces. 

Mirage was really shocked when he found you in the lab. More than you’d imagine, his expression was almost scary when you poked your head back to the hangar. But now? He was intrigued on how you learn to be this “swift and handy”, asking a whole lot of questions, drilling a hole into your stomach, as you tried to cover up the opened doors, which you didn’t want to close in the same way you split them. A worn curtain the alien brought? Not ideal, but it’s okay enough to convince you. 

–Still, it is impressive. Even more when you say that nobody taught you any of it. –He pressed on, getting a sigh out of your tired body. –Hey, I’m honest here! –Sounding almost offended, you heard his spring flex a bit under his weight as he switched his body weight from one foot to another. Soft, clicking sound, almost pleasant to your ears. 

–I know you are. It’s just… I really don’t feel it. Screwing around without any proper work plan isn’t impressive, right? –Swinging a flat end of the tool in your hand, you smack in the nail, fastening the fabric to the wall.

–Not when you purposefully put it this way. –He muttered, and you could feel a warm breeze wrap up around you as his vent blew the air your way. Couldn’t really call it breathing, but surely it was similar to it. 

At his statement you banged your head on the wall with a groan. Why is he so persistent?

–Look. I’m happy you think so, but could we just, like, drop it already? Please? I’m not really comfortable hearing things like it. –You shook your head, resigned. It really didn’t feel well, it made you seem like a poser in front of yourself. Pretending to be someone you’re not. 

There was a moment of silence between the two of you, where the only thing interrupting it was a movement of the drape against the rails and floor. 

You sat on the dusty mattress, trying to see if there’s any possibility of the box springs to break and pop through the cotton and overalls. And, quite honestly, ignoring the big bot behind you, that moved slightly. Could have sworn you heard his processor working on what to say next, when you blatantly turned around not to face him. 

–...Would that mean that I can’t hit you up when I need the help of those little hands with some tinkering? –Feeling his big finger poke your back you left out a small laugh which you couldn’t contain. Even when you give him attitude, he still manages to probe you in a way that leaves you oddly light on heart. Befriending you, like you knew each other for a longer time than a few hours. And weren’t two different species. –Come on, don’t leave me on ice here. –Poking you again, with a tiny bit more force to make you lose your balance and land on the cushioning. 

–Hey! –Giggling, you trashed your limbs and body back up to the sitting position. –I’m working here. –As if to show off, you prodded around the blankets, dusting them on the side, when you deemed some too dirty to leave them be. 

–Sure thing you are. Will it be enough? I’m afraid I took everything that was soft from that storage, but I guess there is still time to rummage through the inventory before your brother and his mate will be free from Ratchet. –Mirage opened some sort of panel on his forearm and a blue screen made from light popped on like a hologram, white glyphs moving under the fingertips. –Frag, I have to update all of it before Prowler gets his hands on the check-ups. He’s going to kick my aft. –His blue eyes squinted as he scrunched his nose in a very disgruntled expression. 

–Right. –You nodded in acknowledgment. -By the way, do you have any idea how much longer it will take? Do you have any updates?

–Not yet. I’m on the comms the whole time to retrieve them or tell Doc where we are so he can bring them. But for now it’s silent on the channel. Everyone else is currently offline I think. Except for the patrol routes, they use different wavelengths. –He explained, still fixated on probably working on not angering Prowl with the gaps in his notes. Whoever this may be. You rolled your eyes. 

–Do… Do you think it means that something’s wrong with my brother? –Lowering your gaze you played with the edge of the covering, getting your legs under the blanket. Finally the blue mech looked in your direction, puzzled at first, before he smiled reassuringly. 

–Nah, It’s probably Ratchet being Ratchet up there. He’s usually very precise, but when dealing with something he has never seen during his millennia of existence? Most likely Richard is going through a triple or quadruple check right now. Don’t worry. –With one finger reaching over to your own hands, resting on your laps, Mirage encouraged you to grab his extended digit, like you’d hold one’s hand as they comfort you. –He’s alright. I promise. And if not? He will be. Richard’s in good hands, I can tell you that much. 

You sighed, squeezing the metal between your palms, feeling the tension leave your shoulders as they drop, feeling the warmth of the bot touching you. 

–Alright. I trust you. –You sighed, completely laying down now as the whole excitement and adrenaline started to slowly volatilize from your system. 

–Is someone sleepy? –Mirage teased, leaning over you, successfully covering the light that was violating your pupils with sharp rays. Tip of the tongue tickling with the urge to bite back with some riposte, yet the rest of your body decided to give up on you. –Oh, you are sleepy. –He murmured, surprised. 

–No shit. –Yawning, you stretched your own limbs on the mattress. –Good thing I don’t have work tomorrow. –You talked to yourself before turning to lay on the side, still facing Mirage, before your mind would drift off into an unconscious state.

The bot only looked at you funny, before he tapped out another thing on his panel, and the lights dimmed out until the whole place was almost swallowed by darkness. Probably realizing that humans usually sleep in the dusk spaces the best. 

–Then get some sleep now. I’m gonna be nearby. –His even softer voices seem to lull you gently and you breathe out loudly, letting the dreams come to you, ignoring the aching pain in your limbs. 

I hope he will wake me up if something comes up with Richard. 

~***~

It feels just wrong to be here now. He’s supposed to fill in every single report right now which he fell behind with from the dawn up until this moment, but how can he focus when his processor is spiraling around all of those events from today? 

Especially when he can hear the steady breaths coming from the nest Y/N mended around herself? 

Swallowing in the groan, he drew out his battle mask on, muffling slightly the sounds that might leave his intake involuntarily, in frustration. 

Tap. Tap, tap, tap, tAP. I can’t even make one coherent sentence on this datapad. Should I comm Ratchet now? Maybe when they’re all there I could focus on the task. 

He never promised her to retrieve them from the med bay himself, there was a suggestion that the medic might do it himself. But was it only about bringing them here? So the humans can hurl up in the cozy pile and rest properly? 

Of course not. He had to promise that Richard would be fine. Why? All things considered it’s quite honestly impossible that the guy is “just fine” out there. Reactor operates on the energy phases unknown to humankind, they don’t know what it’s happening inside of him. He lied to her. Again. 

Almost banging his head on the wall, he wished he could just bite off his glossa completely. Wishing he would just pat her little body and be honest. That he has no idea, and they both just should trust Ratchet and wait. Is that why her relaxed breaths feel like a sulfur rubbed into his spark? 

Messing it up. He always ends up messing everything up. One can only have as much forgiveness in them, and they don’t even know each other for one whole Earth cycle. Wants to be friends with this little human so badly, needs her companionship. Sick of being around everyone yet feeling so lonely. They’re still cautious of him, seeing the old regime in his face. See their fallen comrades in his smirk that once belonged to an assassin. Guilty of trying to live, when all came to him in his home, ready to kill. Desperate to maintain the life he knew, yet failing miserably, interlining with a bunch of criminals, his abilities useful. Doing the killing instead. Regretting every single shot he fired, every spark he offlined, energon staining his servos. 

But whose hands are clean of sin at times of war?

Finally finding the light in the tunnel, the right path, Mirage finally felt he redeemed himself- just to still be alone. He’s happy with doing the good thing. Truly. It’s just so incredibly hard doing it on your own. 

Before the stylus broke in his hands from pitying anger, his comms buzzed as the only other mech still on his legs tuned up to the main channel. Ratchet. 

–I hope someone’s still online. Otherwise the couple has to sleep in the med bay and I am not babysitting humans. –He heard the raspy whisper of the old bot. Doesn’t sound too anxious, this should be a good sign.

–Base call. I’m still up, just lulled by the first one. –One optic stealing a glance at the slowly rising and falling pile of coverings where the girl was tucked. –How's the situation? Can you disclose it yet?

–I’m not that confident in confirming it and sealing for a fact, but with what I have I couldn’t see a thing. –Could almost imagine how the white and red bot pinched the bridge of his nose with the sigh he just made. Not sure. Never sure, especially when it’s about organic lifeforms. But those words still lifted the boulder from his shoulders. So he didn’t lie. –Honestly, I don’t. For now I deem it safe, he doesn’t demonstrate any kind of bodily malfunctions, changes in behavior; nothing. Should be alright, but I’d request some of the human diagnostic tools. If that’s even possible for us to achieve. 

–We will have some town rides incoming, right? Depending on who’s gonna be the assigned babysitter, maybe we could think of something. 

–Do you think you can steal human tech from places where they save each other? Are you insane?! 

–I’m not suggesting that, Doc. A little more hope in me, hey! –Almost offended, he scoffed. But the old bot is just like that to everyone, so Mirage didn’t take it personally. This time. –Working hospitals are out of the question, I agree. 

–Not sure if I like where it’s going, kid. I’m not the mech you should discuss it with, too. If you have something on your mind then talk to Optimus. –Using the fact that the other mech doesn’t see him, he grimaced and rolled his optics. Of course he has to talk to the big guy first. But what he had in mind required more… modern methods, which the leader wasn’t particularly fond of. –Can you come for the remaining humans or should I get them to your location? 

–Mine’s sleeping. Could you make a trip here? I don’t want to leave her alone here. –Humming as he spotted the hammer put neatly near the covered with fabric doors. 

–Did you turn into a carrier there or what? –The mocking tone of the older bot’s voice made his plating itch in annoyance, flaring up the chest panel. He’s the one to talk, always running around everyone like a brooding hen, worried about its young. 

–No, just the last time I did leave her for a few kliks she found herself a weapon and pried open the doors we categorized as broken and unable to open without specialist tools. 

–Sure thing sh- SHE WHAT? –Mirage had to hold back laughing at the surprised reaction from the medic. 

Gotcha, old prick. 

–Exactly what you just have heard, Doc. So, please understand my hesitance about leaving her alone again, even if asleep. Might come back to her disassembling weapons on the Wheeljack’s workstation. –Toying with the stylus in his hand he awaited another long sigh on the other side of the comms. 

And without a doubt he soon heard the predicted sound coming from tired vents of the medic, who clearly was going to comply with the request. 

–You made them berth in the hangar? –Confirming, Mirage could hear the door, as Ratchet must have already made a move to grab Y/N’s brother and his mate. 

–Yep. The light is already turned almost all the way off, warn them so they don’t get skittish about being brought to the darkness. –Careful not to make any noise loud enough to startle awake the curious thing that was snoring quietly under the cover. 

Without any more warning the mech in the med bay severed connection, leaving Mirage standing there, clueless on what to do next. Wait. Just wait. 

Didn’t know how much time had passed until the hiss of the pressurized lock ringed in his audials, and the light peaked through the opened doors. Jogging slightly to meet the medic, he located the cuddled together silhouettes of two humans in bot’s hands. And Ratchet’s very displeased face. 

–I can handle it from here. Thanks, Doc. –Half whispering, we extended his hands and flexed servos for the humans to be able to come over on their own. He even retracted his battle mask to expose the glowing glass of his face covering, allowing the subtle light to give the sense of direction for the little organics. –Were you two behaving well? –Mirage teased, earning himself an offended look from the male. 

–The fuck is that supposed to mean? –They could hear him almost growl, at which his mate frowned, still not talking. That somehow spreads uneasiness in Mirage; the silent ones are always the ones that cause a lot of troubles. One way or another. Even if Grace helped coax Richard once or twice, her feelings and thoughts are a mystery hidden behind the distressed eyes. And it’s always a challenge to convince individuals who don’t talk over ones that do. Because there’s no indicator if you’re going the right way with them or not. 

–Quiet, someone’s already resting. –He hushed him, digits flexing and relaxing to encourage them to get into his palms. –I will get you there, Doc is probably tired and needs to recharge too. Time to change the ride, guys. –Coaxing, he inched closer. –I will grab you if necessary. –Added when they haven’t moved a muscle. 

--Enough of it, you’re not kids. –With that short sentence Ratchet decided to simply dump the stubborn pair of organics into Mirage’s open hands, no other warnings given, making them both yelp in surprise, their startled fields pricking at him unpleasantly, and yet the only thing he wanted was to laugh at the couple. 

-Should have listened when I asked. –Gently thrusting them up, just to make them lose balance and huff at him angrily. –’Aight. Thanks Doc, you can go recharge now. I will see what I can do for what we’ve talked about on the comms. Unless they got assigned to someone else. –Tilting his head, he turned around, his hands cupped to support humans’ weight better under his digits. 

Ratchet only waved two of his fingers at him, before disappearing behind the entrance he came through, leaving Mirage with three humans in one place. Two of them are very mad at him, currently. After giving it a thought, he bit his glossa and remained silent. 

It fortunately wasn’t a long walk, before he lifted them higher, Grace almost screaming from the sensation. Not trusting even in the slightest the bot. But before she did, her bottom was safely sitting on the soft mattress, near Y/N, who moved in her sleep. As expected, both of the humans immediately hurled up closer to the girl, asserting if it’s indeed their sister. 

–G’night. I will be around here; if something is happening then yell. –He said quietly, backing off to the space he prepared for himself to rest, not really expecting any answer from them. Not like he blamed little things; they were acting as expected from someone suddenly dragged into the war zone they didn’t understand. Y/N was the one behaving oddly in this scenario. 

With that, he laid down, tires on his back turning on the hinges until it was comfortable for him to lean on the wall and recharge. Finally, 

---

The morning came sooner than he’d want, high-pitch ringing taking him out of the recharge stasis, as someone tried to reach him already, before his optics could even have the time to re-focus or energon to flow properly in his circuits. 

Grunting, Mirage slipped on his battle mask, so the sound of his voice won’t interrupt humans’ sleep cycle. 

–Yeah? –Didn’t even check the frequency of the individual calling him, his processor still fuzzy and wrapped around the sound of three organics in his presence, in a very vulnerable state. 

–Mirage. Apologizes for taking you out abruptly from recharge, but I need the status. Are you and humans alright? –Almost panicking when he heard Optimus out of all potential mechs, he immediately stood up to his height. 

–Mir- I- Halt- Ugh. –He groaned at the way he couldn’t make a sound, trying to say all the things that flooded his mind at once. –They’re sleeping, sir. I wanted to report that all of them are fine and asleep. Sorry, I just came online here, hehe. 

–Good. I wanted to talk to you before the time for them to depart comes. May I come to your location? –Oh how he hates this type of questions; whole body screaming to say “no, not now”, tip of his glossa already pressing against denta inside his intake, urging him to respond. But it’s not just anyone, it’s Optimus Prime. Questions, even those that looked like there’s a choice, there’s none. Like a polite way of announcing what’s already settled. 

–Yeah. Just… Let’s not wake them up. –He said quieter than he anticipated.

–Of course. Where are you, Mirage? 

–We’re at the hangar. I will be by the entrance. –With that, he awaited the leader to severe connection, as it was almost forbidden to be the one hanging up on the Prime; understanding it, but still setting him on edge when it happens, servos urging to switch the comms to non-active before the huge mech does. 

But he can’t act like an immature youngling, the rest of the team not trusting him already. Afraid of how they would act if he started to behave immaturely on top of that. More than he is now, but that's part of his charming personality. 

There was again that hiss, pressure easing down, mechanism unlocking the door, as Mirage watched from the side how the hulking frame of the leader entered the dark space, very quietly and carefully for someone his size. 

Blue optics flickered from underneath the never relaxing frown, before Optimus located his own, as he unhurriedly bounced off the vertical surface the smaller bot rested upon. 

–Good to see you well, Mirage. –Optimus started, his battle mask retreating. His normally loud and commanding voice tuned down, adjusted to the little lifeforms on the other side of the long room. 

–Likewise sir. –He nodded, respectfully. –But I can see you were already up and on the run before. Anything new? –Pointing with his hand at the remnants of the dirt on Prime’s plating, where his altmode’s bumpers are located in the bipedal form. 

–Not in a sense that may concern us. I have yet to request Prowl’s help in locating all the data about our new allies and securing their habsuite about any Decepticon’s activity. The safest option for both them and us would be the one where they temporarily move to the base. –Absent look on Optimus’ face told Mirage probably all he needed to know about the “but” that will soon come after that pause his superior just made. 

–...But? 

–But I’m afraid that the sudden disappearance of three adults, where one of them was intertwined with what humans apparently classified as “unknown grade experimental tech” would cause more harm than good, prompting more of the organics to involve themselves in the case. We can’t risk it becoming another planet-scaled fight, not here. The war already took too many innocent lives. Enough is enough. –His fist clenched dangerously, gaze pinned to the floor. Regretting sending Cybertronians here, bringing Decepticons to Earth. 

–I can stand behind that. –Mirage agreed with the leader. –It’s still not all, right? –He probed around the topic. Optimus wants to ask him for a favor, or give him a difficult task. Always acts like it when he does. 

–Yes. Bumblebee hasn’t yet returned from his scouting route to the other side of the city, and both him and you are the only ones that are quite fluent with human culture and camouflage capabilities. May I entrust them to you for a little longer? After we regroup there will be a more suitable schedule. 

Knew it. It was about giving them the honorary role of the babysitter. Or how Prime likes to call it, “Guardian”. But this also is a very good opportunity. 

–Sure. –He nodded, already predicting that he will be the one to fulfill this role. –Just one question, not really about the topic but still. Ratchet said something about not being sure of his diagnosis over Richard. 

–Go on. –This time Optimus encouraged him to continue, changing his stance and crossing his arms under his chestplace, pressuring him with his firm gaze too. 

When Mirage was still new to the Autobot’s side, this stare was enough to make him falter in his stance. Now he was more accustomed to it; it was just the big mech acting, not trying to accuse him of anything. 

–Right. Apparently Doc wished he had more tools tailored specifically to human biology. And I thought of a way we could acquire them. 

–I’m not fond of stealing from healthcare institutions, Mirage. –The leader reminded, no real heat behind his words, as he glared with interest at what more he had to say. 

–Well, how about ones that are not working? –Prompted, gaining an even deeper frown from the Prime. 

–Then the machines wouldn’t work either, if they’d still be present at the building. And we’re in no place to properly repair and calibrate them. –Already excited to disclose some very useful and interesting information with mech, he smiled crookedly, letting his biolights in the cables around his neck flare in excitement. 

–We’re not, right? But someone is. –He grinned even wider at the confused face in front of him. –Y/N turns out to be pretty good with tinkering and repairs. And she’s the one cooperating already. 

–I’m not so sure about it, Mirage. I do not want to pry for favors from the ones that do not owe us anything. –The leader hesitated. Of course he would. Probably doesn’t believe him to the fullest anyway. But it’s not so stupid, and low risk.  

–Me neither. But what if something does happen to them, even under our care? Or something turns out to be wrong with Richard? Human doctors may not be able to help. Besides, if she says “no”, then we will just have some more scrap for Wheeljack or Ratchet to work with. 

He could see the leader consider all the possible scenarios going through his processor right now. 

–And how would you acquire it? We’re not good enough with energon to allow ourselves to use holoforms for prolonged time. Let alone recognizing and taking the right things. Because we may not be able to visit one place for the second time. –The whole speech made sense, but Mirage couldn’t shake off the feeling that Prime tried sometimes a little too much to eliminate every tiny bit of risk from plans that involved interacting with natives’ or their buildings. 

–I’m just… giving some suggestions. It really could help us, sooner or later. One way or another. But I won’t press on if you really deem it unsafe to proceed.

–Which is admirable, Mirage. I am not criticizing you or your ideas. Just doing my job as a leader to ensure that we’re not throwing ourselves into something that can turn out the way we can’t utilize anything from. What if Y/N is not willing to help? This is not a bad idea, but I must think about it and not decide hastily. –Optimus explained, which made Mirage want to whine in disappointment. “This is never going to happen”, just said in less hurtful words. –Do you understand? –With that the agent already knew that the leader is only making sure that he won’t try this on his own. Trusting he won’t disobey his orders.

–Yes, sir. –He nodded with a serious but tired expression. This was pointless to ask him, but the medic insisted he tried getting the huge mech’s approval.

–Thank You. Then the humans are under your care. –Prime nodded, opening the door to go back to his habsuite, probably. –I will be at your base in case you need support. 

–Sure. –Acknowledging his words he watched Optimus make his way out of the room, before he turned his head towards the mezzanine, where little being slept. He’s so frustrated he wants to actually kick something. 

A sight left his lips, before he pressed them into a thin line. With so many things happening, how can someone expect not to take any risk for some gain? Even if they didn’t use the machines for Richard, maybe there was something in that laboratory in the back they could repair? 

Almost facepalming when he realized he forgot to mention the whole secret lab situation to Optimus. Promised the power to be distributed there too. He’s gonna fail her soon, isn’t he? 

Unless… 

There’s still those parts that engineers brought a long time ago and haven’t moved ever since. Maybe it’s coming as hoarding, but something inside of him itches him that he should do more, bring more, that he’s close to something. 

Oh, how I hate this feeling. I know I’m supposed to push it forward, but I have no clear vision on what’s in front of me. Maybe if I do kick it will by coincidence settle down into a solution by itself. 

As he roamed around, his optics landed on a piece of tech on Wheeljack’s workstation. One without

–Power source. It all comes down to lack of power. –He whispered, looking back at the pile of blankets, at Y/N. She did say about the locations where the other bridges should be as the notes pointed, right? Maybe he should check it out, call it a casual ride around the town? Waiting for the green light will only lead to Decepticons getting their hands on it first. 

Maybe they’d get to Richard, Grace and Y/N first too, if he hadn't acted on instinct back there, dread spreading through his circuits, right under the biomesh. No. He can’t allow that to happen. Besides, what can go wrong there?

TF! Mirage x F!Human!Reader

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Description: Nothing like that ever starts off calmly. You should have expected that, when the device in your hand gave you creeps; nothing you had ever came across looked like this. And the more you inspected? The weirder it got- at some point, even the shivers started to feel like you were observed, as you eyed the device. Who would have thought that your paranoia would lead your impulsive self to actually get an answer on who has been staring at you?

--- Author's Note: I never hoped to reach that many people with prologue alone, lol. I hope that whoever sees this will enjoy what's coming next. I'm writing this anyway, but to be fair- expect a really slow burn and a lot of action instead. Warning: Shooting, first contact and Decepticons being Decepticons

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein.

You took the circular device back in your hands from the table you almost ungracefully slammed it onto, getting impatient over charred pieces not doing what you’d want them to do. 

–Whatever it is: I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it. Not that I’m that much of a tech girl. –You grimaced, after something that looked like it should rotate locks in the inner mechanism, preventing the rotor from moving the way you wanted it to. –It seems to lack something, even if it looks like the-

A loud bang came from where your brother and Grace decided to train his new found ability, making you jump in the seat. Turns out that Richard can indeed teleport things, but he’s not very good at it. You pinched the bridge of your nose, worried that whatever the device in your hands is; to cause all of it, even if it didn't already harm him, will do it. Just further in the future. But now both of them seemed to simply try to crash test it. Loudly. 

–...Power source. –Realizing that none of them listened to you rambling your way into getting a slight idea how to work the strange thing out, you just sighed. 

Taking a look at the box of already eaten through boxes of clothes were tossed into the bright circle, just to fly across the room from the other side of the portal coming into existence as Richard waved his hands and flexed the muscles. 

That was an eerie view, even if you used to enjoy superheroes’ comic books. Just not when those strings of energy, that look uncomfortably similar to veins, are placed right under the skin of your own brother as he breaks the laws of physics, making the hair on your neck bristle. 

-You having fun? -You raised your voice, turning off the lamp you managed to find somewhere in the building. Suspecting that the place might be often visited, you searched through it first. 

It must have been abandoned right after closing, an insane amount of boxes, full of different things, just laying around, scattered everywhere; in their original packaging, too. Ready to be distributed, just never having the opportunity to be actually shipped. But now? Worthless. 

Well, except for being a perfect dummy for Richard, as he lunged another box through the portal. 

–Almost. –He said, a drop of sweat running down his face. –I think I got the part to open in front of me, but I have no idea where the exit goes. And it’s always a different place. And different speeds that the box is traveling at. Sorry love! –Yelling as Grace massaged her head with a disapproving look, like he opened the exit on purpose, for the box to hit her right in the forehead. Luckily it was quite slow and light weight, just making her tumble over and fall on her butt. Beads in her braids made a soft noise from where she stood as Richard came over to massage her head, ruffling through her hair. 

The wooden accessory’s clanking made you all painfully aware of how big the place, and how empty it is, the sound hitting the metal walls, spreading with ease through the blank space; amplifying.

–Sure. You owe me for that. –She grumbled, clapping her hands together. –One more? But don’t overdo yourself, Ri. –Reminded him after spotting what you have noticed; his exhaustion painted on his whole body frame.

–Maybe a break then? –He said, taking the box of clothes and throwing them in one move on the ground, close to your makeshift workstation. 

You cringed, knowing that now they would listen. While you didn’t want to assume anything, having no clue what it is. What were you supposed to even say? You realized that neither your older sibling nor his significant other would pressure you to get the answer at that instance, but you felt guilty with having basically no progress on what happened to Richard.

You watched them take a seat on the cozy pile, tempted to just join in and admit that this might be well beyond your abilities. Heck, you felt like you shouldn’t be even close to it. Whatever this device does. 

Or did, looking genuinely…

–Fried? –Your brother loomed over you, eyeing the device that you still played with, because it couldn’t be genuinely called “working on”. Even if he was right, as that word previously crossed your mind, you tossed him an insulted look. Couldn’t bear to hear it, those accusations. Which would potentially only mean “useless” or “beyond repair”. 

You might have been a little disheartened, but you simply lacked proper light and tools. You wouldn’t cross it out completely like that just yet. 

–Alright, alright, I haven’t said anything. –He mumbled, getting back to the seat next to Grace, who looked more indulged in the situation than as fearful as she was the moment Richard first showed what he meant after calling his new condition an “ability to create portals”. 

I have to think of a better name for that shit.

–It does seem odd. –The girl mumbled, voice quiet but interested. –But… What do you think we’re dealing with? –She asked, leaning to lay her head on her boyfriend’s shoulder. You turned back to the table and turned the light on, praying that the reinforced backup battery has way more energy stored than you gave it initially. 

–Depends on what you mean by it. It could be anything for the measure. Literally, I have no fucking clue, even if I was to…take it apart to the smallest pieces; never seen or heard of anything like it. –You scoffed, no real heat behind it. 

–I mean like, I don’t know, government’s toy? –She looked at both of you, but this time Richard decided to speak up, shaking his head with a slight click of his tongue.

–No, they would have already flooded the site with people and shoot us for messing up. No matter which government. But a crazy scientist? That is more likely. –Threw it as a joke, but taking in the possibilities of this situation? May even be a considerable explanation.

–Wouldn’t have any funds if he or she hadn’t any connection in politics. Probably would have to retort to stealing on a mass scale…or tax fraud like crazy. Resulting in getting caught before they could even develop this. –You waved the little device in the air, hearing some internal components dingle, making you curse under your breath. 

–Right. That. What is that? –The simple question made you stop right in your tracks, rethink your words. Not to lie, not to exclude possibilities. That are endless. 

You took in a deep breath, trying to relax your muscles and clear your head. 

–If we want to be vague and accurate: a sort of device that manages power. But that tells us exactly nothing for what we need. So my take? It looks like the… main power source. It’s just tiny, but looks somewhat like schematics to… I dunno, the only thing in my mind is a nuclear reactor. Miniature though. Pocket version of a loop, strengthened and reinforced for its mass worth. Wheels rotating to distribute- something? –Mindlessly fidgeting with the thing, you tried to guess anything at this point. –And that’s as far as my theory can go, since the mechanism locked itself, like a security thing, that can’t operate on its own. Or I broke it because it’s a sensitive part. Fuck me then. –You scoffed under your breath, toying with the outside parts, trying to see any soldering or seams. Screws. Whatever that could allow you to peek at the inner part. Anything. 

But it’s so foreign, almost like it’s…

–Aliens. I’m sure of it. –That word took you off guard, feeling like you missed some of your brother's speech, too focused on the battery in your hands. 

You snorted, not amused with his humor’s timing. His girlfriend probably shared your opinion as she threw him a gaze that spoke volumes. 

–Be serious right now. –Grace mumbled, taking a piece of fabric that looked like a blanket and covered herself with it, the air growing colder when they stopped exercising for a bit. Richard looked almost offended at that remark; and honestly? You don’t really blame him for coming to this “conclusion”, even in a joke. 

This whole damn situation? Pretty positive it does belong to a comic book and not to the real world. 

–I am serious, Gracey. –He put an arm around her, sharing his warmth with his significant other as you turned around on the bar stool you found among trash.

Looking at both of them; cuddled on the ground beside you, made you once again feel like an intruder. Forcing yourself not to grimace at the sensation, you shook your head. 

–I wouldn’t cross that out entirely either. –Mumbling you did not spare them a second glance, but you felt both of them drilling holes in your head with their eyes. 

–That was a joke, Sis. –Picturing his crooked nose scrunched in concern, you only shrug your shoulders in response. Not really wanting to elaborate, your brother’s imagination already stretched thin from the whole ordeal. 

Anything other than stuff from movies was on the table for him to consider. He never believed in any sort of monsters, aliens or magic. Laughing at it and those who did believe in it. 

Did you though? 

Well, it always felt oddly right. Knowing the size of the universe that was always expanding: it felt logical to assume that there had to be something. You were fascinated by the thought of not being alone in the vast ocean of stars, imagining different species that just... lived out there. But actually taking it into account? 

No, that does sound stupid. It has to be something a little bit more trivial. Could be a foreign government doing; some men in suits paid to scrap the non-working machine on an assumed waste-land, not expecting to be discovered, years later. 

Which doesn’t really sound “trivial”, but still more realistic than extraterrestrial life shoving their junk on your planet. 

–Is it that unrealistic to consider some sort of forbidden weapon? –Grace asked, probably feeling a bit left out. She was never into mechanical or tech things: as a mere office worker, she never had any need to either; always having both Richard or you in the house to fix things. Even if you were never confident in your abilities, most of the things just suddenly popped back into place after nudging them a bit. Not really knowing what you are doing, just trying. 

But Grace thought differently, praising your knowledge and skill, which made you feel both warm and weird. Like you’re lying to her. To them. To the whole world and yourself.

–No, it’s not. Like I said, it’s different from anything I have laid my eyes upon so far. Not that I have any experience with reactors, I’m talking more about…other factors.

–Seams? Metal work? Mechanisms? Yeah, the whole construction was a nightmare to take apart. Like our tools couldn’t get through. –Richard mumbled, getting up from his position, making Grace groan in disapproval. -End of break, let’s try again. We’re not going back home until I figure out how to control the exit point. –He clapped his hands, making you jump and the sudden noise, earning a chuckle from your brother.

–Jerk! –You yelled at him and he moved further away this time, probably worried that he may hit you by accident, as once the box landed just an elbow length from your desk. He stuck out his tongue in response, flashing his piercing in the middle of the muscle, earning a light punch in his arm from Grace.

You sighed, lowering your gaze to the wooden plank and the weird device sitting on top of it. Having nothing beside your fingers to tinker, you decided to simply admire it for a bit. Not forcing anything anymore, efforts useless for now. 

You had to admit it: something about it was simply… beautiful. So small, precisely built, and yet so powerful. Seamless, like it was forged from one piece of metal, elements fitting so perfectly into each other. The surface was so smooth, only a few lines remaining as a sign of inner working, barely noticeable under your fingertips nonetheless. 

After hearing another loud bang you didn’t even react, as the couple started joking and laughing in the distance. Not wanting to bother them, you forced yourself to mute out the sounds of their antiques, happy laughter and bickering, shifting your attention to other noises. Like the hum of the old light bulb that worked diligently to provide you with visibility. Or the soft wind hitting the foil on the other side of the windows.

A tiny groan escaped your mouth as you realized too late that you gripped the device a little too tightly, under the just wrong angle, as it slipped from your hands, landed on the ground and rolled for a bit on the ground. Your face twisted into grimace and exhaustion, but not really any surprise that it has happened.

Perfect description of your luck, isn’t it?

A loud clank coming from the battery made you tense up and look back at Richard and Grace- but they haven’t noticed your little mistake, too absorbed in training man’s new found ability. 

You rose from your seat, following the path the reactor made, praying that it hadn't broken more than it already was. It made quite a distance, forcing you to step into a corner darker than you’d like. 

More aware of your surroundings than before, you realized just how quiet it got, without any noises noticeable while sitting next to the desk. No, it was silent here. Very silent, as the hair on your whole body bristled to a halt. 

Something’s wrong. 

It was just a moment; a second, maybe two, before your body completely froze. Preparing, like a doe spotting the hunter’s rifle just before the shot. Too late to get out of the bullet’s trajectory.

Suddenly feeling spotted. Watched. 

You couldn’t move, paranoia or panic overtaking your body. Moving so painfully slow to reach for the reactor, trying not to scream and bolt, while being so sure, aware that- ...That the device bumped into something. But there’s nothing in front of it. 

~***~

He felt like a lost sparkling as he entered the tattered building, his masking ability on. What he had in mind scrapped the moment not one, not even two, but three voices of organic sentient life forms reached his audials. Forcing back a groan, the mech moved incredibly slowly further in, to observe the humans and trying to figure out the new plan of securing the one that had been hit by the surge. 

Mirage chose a place that seemed safe to crouch, getting closer to their level. It was a challenge; trying not to alert such tiny beings, but he thanked Primus for his cloaking ability. A true miracle they haven't heard his roaring engines from miles away, though. 

He came at the quite peaceful moment, where two of them sat on the nest, while one of them was tinkering with-

Don’t. Don’t tell me they’re playing with- Yeah, of course they’re playing with the fragging reactor. Why wouldn’t they? Why should my job become easy now, when it can get HARDER, am I right? No, that’s fine. Sounds just like something I should be doing to condone for my sins, sure. 

Watching them come up with theories of what that little thing was turned out to be quite humorous, but Mirage needed to know which one of them got affected. But the longer they talked, the harder it was to make a clear solution on how to kidnap one. How could he? It was clearer than Prowl’s data-pad’s screen that the three of them were a family. And very closely bonded with each other. If he took one from that trio, they’d probably either go insane or cry themselves to death. Most likely.

From their conversation he figured out that the pair cuddling on the nest are mates, while the female toying with the device (that could potentially hurt her) is sister of the guy. Which makes it somehow an even harder task for the Autobot, considering the circumstances. 

Finally, the couple moved from their place, saying something about “training”. So that’s why they’re all here? Wait… did the surge change their bodily functions? No, that should be impossible. They can’t possibly handle that type of matter, can they? Shouldn’t, Mirage was pretty positive about that fact. All of them are so fragile, tiny, squishy. Not made to that type of molecules, let alone-

BOOM. 

His spark twisting in unease as he watched the small native create a literal ground bridge. Power surging from the depths of his organic body, before retracting back to it, flaring lights under the flesh, a mixed look between human veins and Cybertronian biolights.

He fought the urge to lunge forward and grab poor thing in his servos, to closely look at his body and if that manifestation of power caused any damage to its fragile inner systems. Organs, as they call it.

But as Mirage’s optics scanned the man’s face for any agony, he found none. Instead, the human chirped soft noises at his mate and they both laughed, careless. It didn’t cause him any pain? Interesting. Dangerous, if either Decepticons or other humans find out about this- either way, this dude is prone to being dissected, and the Autobot hated that thought. The poor guy deserved none of that, especially if he finds it only a cool party trick.

Too engrossed in his own thoughts while watching the man trying to understand the exact process of creating the ground bridges from his own hand, Mirage failed to pay attention to the smaller female that sat a bit further from her family.

At first he almost overlooked her, even as she sat in the light; she was quiet, her shoulders scrunched as if she tried to appear smaller in the seat. Soft face twisted in anxiety and eyes carefully following the device’s movement as she touched it. Mech felt an oddly familiar feeling inside his spark as he watched that stance; the girl being so close to her family and yet created mental distance from them. Disappearing from the view, not trying to get in between the lovers. 

Mirage didn't really think that once he stopped looking at her, she would manage to drop the reactor that, to his horror, decided to roll right to his hiding spot. 

Almost cursing out loud after he felt the soft ding when the reactor touched his ped, before rolling back a bit. Still incredibly close to his frame, he realized, as the girl began to make her way to retrieve her toy. 

Not good. Very not good. Bad even. 

Before he could even begin the inner debate whether to back off and try to not make any sound in the meantime, a little female was already in front of him, and Mirage could swear he could feel her move next to him, being this close to peds. Not touching, but almost brushing against it, causing him to internally scream. Mirage wished he actually could touch her- always fascinated by how soft they all look, draped in fabrics that are just as delicate, especially compared to metal plating of a Cybertronian. Not a lot of his kind could ever afford anything soft, their world purely metal and cybernetic; alive, but hard. Brutal. Just as their history. 

He looked down and his inner systems almost stopped - why was she looking directly at him? 

Panicking, he checked his inner analysis if any error had occurred; energon shortage, anything that could cause his cloaking to turn off, making him visible. But No. He was still hidden. Should be. So why is she staring at him? Heard him? No, impossible.

But her whole frame was shaking in fear, eyes full of tears. Clutching the reactor to herself, gaze darting somewhere along his face. Mirage couldn’t move either: unsure if he was really the source of her distress, or if something was behind him. 

She’s too close, I can’t risk turning around to see. There should be a wall, nobody could fit behind me. 

…Humans don’t have any radars in them now, do they? 

No. She doesn’t know I’m here. She can’t pinpoint where my face or body is. She just knows that I’m close. That something is close. He realizes.

Which makes it harder to predict what she’s going to do next. If she turns back and alerts her brother and his mate; he’s safe. Will just follow them, see their living place and will be on his merry way out. But if she-

Touches him. 

Without thinking when a warm, tiny hand finds his plating in the dark, he carefully grabs the little femme and transforms around her, praying that this will muffle her incoming screams, so the remaining two humans won’t come running after him. 

–Okay, okay, okay! –He says, as the startled girl finally let out the deafening screech, thrashing inside his interior as he pinned her in with the seat belt. Still hiding, he looked at the couple, if they heard her little performance inside. But no, they still happily played with the ground bridges, throwing boxes around the other side of the building. 

–What the fuck?! Let me out! –She pleaded, tears running down her face, making him feel guilty, as her EM field pinned needles him, unguarded emotions of pure terror violating his own spark. 

But he has to calm her down, his target being her brother. The one that accidentally became a new reactor to the ground bridge.

Or maybe I should get all of them, since they can get targeted too? Frag me in my aft. 

–I will, I promise, but you have to calm down first. I hate to make the girl cry on the first meeting, when I haven’t done anything! –He tried to joke, but she just backed her whole body into the seat hearing his voice come out from speakers near the radio. Poor thing probably hasn't really realized yet that he’s the whole car, not just that little voice. 

–What are you? –She asked, not yelling anymore, but shaking violently, her heartbeat drumming through his interior in a rapid tempo. 

Didn’t Ratchet say something about it? Ah yes. Their hearts can literally explode if they start beating too fast. Just fantastic. 

–Um. Heh. About that. –He still focused his sight on the couple, while keeping in check with the girl inside of him by touch. Being an agent turned out to be way more difficult than a mercenary, which hasn’t crossed his processor until now. Like babysitting a bunch of misbehaving sparklings. 

–Yeeah… So. Your theories. Funny story; one of them is kinda correct. Not kinda. Just correct. –He groaned, trying really hard not to upset the tiny thing that moved in his cabin. 

I’m so gentle right now! Both Optimus and Bumblebee didn’t have to be this careful! Come one little one, I’m friendly! Look! 

–W...What? –There we go. Her heart was still beating rapidly, but her EM field eased down, a slight wave of curiosity crashing against him. More pleasant. Piquing her interest that overcame fears for the need of knowledge. Although remained suspicious of him. –Which?

–...I really hope you liked the alien one, heh. –He mumbled, trying to lighten the mood by being more playful in his approach. What was he supposed to say to a human almost dying from their heart exploding out of fear? Make a peace sign on his dashboard?!

Anxiety bubbling inside of him when she just grew silent, her field… He couldn’t even properly name this emotion.

–Are you shitting me right now? –She grimaced at him, squeezing the seat belt in her hands, which he found quite funny as a sensation. Although her words completely threw him off the track he thought he was on. 

–Wh- How- I- WHAT? –He almost revved his engines, flabbergasted at her tone, like she, at that very moment, forgot her fears and decided that he was lying and it was the biggest issue in her life. And Mirage was fine with being perceived as a monster, because that is what he probably looked like to them, but a LIAR? When he was telling the TRUTH?! 

Oh, heck no, he’s not having that. 

–Do you want me to prove to you that I’m an alien or what? –He scoffed, inspecting her EM field, for any more signs of discomfort or cunning, but she was just…Not amused? Curious? Wary, maybe? 

Human emotions are way harder to interpret than fellow Cybertronian’s.

Mirage thought he would have to speed to the hideout and call the medic for some assistance after he felt the speed her heart was beating at just a klik ago. Maybe then he could use the girl as bait to lure the remaining two humans into a trap. Of course, for their own damn good, but still- cannot risk being seen by too many fleshies. Alerting the public that their home has been invaded by aliens. 

But right now? She sounded oddly at ease. Naive and way too trusting of him, after mere jokes and a light coaxing. On the other hand- she already tried escaping, trashing against him. Maybe she’s simply trying to comply just to beg for freedom later? 

Well, Mirage decided he’s taking that over a potentially dead human inside of him. Ugh. 

–Maybe? Alright, you know what? Yes, prove it! Right now! –she demanded, her cheeks flushing red in determination. What is her plan? Or is it any plan to begin with?

–Wha- I can’t prove that to you here?! –He accented every syllable in a hushed voice, suddenly more aware of the remaining two outside. 

His primary objective. 

–I’m- Okay. Listen. I am a very friendly alien, who came here to collect your brother, before he hurts himself of you, or his mate. That lil’ thing you have on you? Yeah, that. Sorry, broken. Yes, our tech. Sorry it messed up your bro tiny bit, but- Oh. Oh no. No, no, no, nO- 

His monologue was brutally cut off by the little alert Wheeljack came up with for every single one of them that detects the signal of vitals of Decepticons. 

Smart little device, but why NOW?! Jazz is too far, nobody else knows where I am, before I reach them and fill in, we’re all a bunch of scraps and blood. Not good, NOT GOOD-

–W-what’s happening? –A little female inside him was startled. Right. He’s not even half way finished convincing her that he’s the good guy, what’s he going to do with the rest? If they run now, they’re gonna get caught by whoever is approaching this location. Rapidly. A seeker? Vehicon? Primus, not the Shockwave or-

–Troubles. –He said, before his own processor betrays him by overthinking it instead of doing. –Alright. Alright. Not alright, I- Okay. How much do you believe me when I say I’m not the bad guy and I really want to help? Because whatever our technology did to your brother- we want to make sure it won’t harm him? Not if you do, how much. –He said, getting straight to the point. Measuring his chances.  

Let’s go with what he’s best at. Gambling his own life.

–I have no id-

–Don’t do me like that, please, we don’t have the time. The really bad guys are approaching, we’re in danger. Just- I need to secure all of you out of here, before something happens. –He groaned. –Or just tell me how to do it. How do I convince in something like thirty second both you and them-

–Do you promise you won’t hurt us? –Her firm but scared voice suddenly brought him back out of his spiral. Those words; even if questions, are full of trust. Trust born out of clear lack of choice. 

–I promise. If I wanted to do it; I would have already done so. –Mirage stated. Eerily, but truthfully. And it somehow seemed to have worked.

–Then just yank them inside, like you have done to me. If you need us to get out. And whatever happens next? Probably better than wondering. –She said, her little voice trembling. Probably already regretting, doubting herself and him. At least that’s also what her field indicates. 

–...Then buckle up, sweetspark. –With that, he revved his engines, loudly and intentionally, taking off his cloaking. And flashing his lights at the two humans left. Taking in the distance the Decepticons were at, it was safe to assume they also have now tracked both the broken bridge and the new energy’s host. 

They looked at him, faces twisted in shock, before trying to scatter. But just now noticing that the little female isn’t where they’d left her. Freezing them in their spots, not wanting to potentially leave her here. Herding creatures, after all. 

His wheels squealed as he took off, his speedometer getting from zero to way above the limit, going straight at them. So they don’t manage to run. 

He hears them scream, right before he jumps and transforms just enough to be able to stretch out his limbs, create hands and servos to grab both of them, while the girl inside of him is wrapped securely to the inner part of his chest as Mirage operates his plating not to accidentally crush any of them. Shock? Scare? Sure. But never cause any physical harm to them. He promised. 

Somehow that went easier than he thought it would, as he landed back on the ground, turning back fully into his altmode, with now three humans secured in his interior; both females in the front, while the guy got all off his limbs strapped, just in case he’d tried to fight him or open the ground bridge. Or however they call it. 

Hearing the two of them scream just like the girl first did, they looked at her, clearly demanding answers, before he revved his engines again, helping them to shut up for a second. He needs to get them all out, and now having them argue won’t help with the thinking process.

–Aaaaand hello there ladies and gentleman! –He started, turning around so he could face the exit doors and bolt outside. –As your friendly neighborhood alien that turns conveniently into the car, I’ll be your ride today, but buckle up for some turbulence! Oh, and the name’s Mirage. 

–What?! What the fuck?! –The guy trashed against him, way more violently than his sister did. 

–Ouch? –He groaned, turning back on his cloaking device. He really hopes he didn’t completely drain it from its energy reserves and won’t be forced to plug it in his own energon lines, just for the Decepticons not to spot them. 

–Guys, please, I think we need to calm down! –A girl sitting in the driver’s seat tried to ease them down, but her own voice was shaking. 

–Y/N, what the hell are you even talking about?! –Another female, the one in his passenger seat, joined in the conversation. Or an argument? He couldn’t decide. Not when all of his focus went to the not so friendly forest path he had to take in his altmode, going way too slow to his liking. Especially when the sound of an aircraft reached his audials. Scrap, of course it had to be the seekers’ trine. Why wouldn’t it be?

–It- He’s an alien. –Y/N, as he assumed, mumbled. –At least that’s what he said. 

–I said I can’t prove that yet, but I literally transformed around you. TWICE. Do you really doubt me now? 

–You could still be a robot? 

–Robot?!

–Well, sentient? –She awkwardly smiled, looking at the other humans, whose hearts were pounding too, but calming a bit as he conversed with the girl in front. Their fields calming too, making it easier to focus. He thanked Primus it was that one who approached him, as the remaining two clearly value her safety and comfort over their own. And by coaxing her, he got on their good side.

–With your technology? –He doubted playfully, but the alert going off disrupted his plan to further explain the situation, forcing him to focus on the danger. 

The seekers got right above them, scanning around, probably already finding the building empty to their dismissal. And fearing Megatron’s wrath at failing the mission of getting the human that stole the energy, they will look very diligently. Which filled Mirage with doubt of his own abilities, as three more lives depended on him in this moment.

–What was that? –Grace said, putting a hand on his door wing, as they all heard as the Skywarp warped himself to the different part, being now closer to the tree crown above them. That jackass probably being the biggest danger to the organics, reportedly tormenting some for pure pleasure of feeling their fear pricking at his own EM field. Psycho. 

–The mentioned turbulence. You caused quite a ruckus… What was your name, the one in the back? 

–What?! –He felt the guy tug again at his belts. Hostile towards him. Feeling like he’s too far from the girls, even if the distance is tiny. But he’s immobilized, so Mirage can probably understand his stance towards him. He kidnapped all of them and their trust hangs on a thin thread of “trust me bro” he pulled on the Y/N. 

The female in his passenger seat yelped something, which the mech had to assume was the guy’s name- Richard. 

–Ouch for the second time. Don’t do it, I am the car, remember? And yes. We didn’t think that any of the remaining scraps, like the leftover ground bridge you have found and activated, worked, or had any energy in them still stored. At first we wanted to retrieve them, but without the reactor or the accumulated energy? Yeah, they’re useless. 

–You want the energy back then, right? –Richard’s mate said, grabbing at the handle, nervous. Worried for her lover, for what Mirage would potentially do to him.

–Depends. Yes, we would like the energy back, but not if it’d harm him. The other story is for the guys above us- they won’t care about his life at all. That’s why I’m here. So none of you gets hurt. 

–What makes you so sure of that? –Richard trashed, realizing that Mirage prevented him on purpose from using his ability. That he observed him, as the human male trained. 

–Your first clue would be that big gun pointed our way from the red robot on the left. –He hitched in his voice, turning the gears up to avoid Starscream’s shot. They must have the scanner with maxed out sensitivity to the energy waves to manage to sense the human inside of him, his plating probably unable to completely hide it, just tune it down so it took them longer than expected. 

–Everyone grab something, don’t be gentle anymore, I will handle it. Except for you dude, you’re unarmed. Heh… Yeah, I’m gonna stop. 

It took some dancing around to swiftly get back to the asphalted road, but the open field made them a way more vulnerable target. He needs backup, he needs a ground bridge to the base. 

The humans went quiet, squished into his seats, terrified. All of them. Him as well, realizing just how deep in the troubles they are. Oh how he wished he admitted to the Optimus they might need to include some human lives in their case. But he feared that he might have called off the whole mission for more preparation. What then would have happened to the three of them? So vulnerable. In the hands of the seeker’s trine. Yeah, he no longer regrets that. Just needs backup asap. 

–Jazz. Jazz, report. JAZZ, I DON’T HAVE TIME. –He commed the only other mech filled in his little rendezvous, broadcasting the distress signal to the base simultaneously, hoping that Ratchet would be up and open the bridge without question if Jazz didn't answer.

–Jazz to the Mirage. You good? What’s happenin’?

–I need you to open the bridge from my location to the hideout. I’m with a special package, three in the price of one, but some other clients are also interested in the offer.

–...RAJ? You were supposed to get one possibly still alive human?! Frag you talkin’ ‘bout?!

–I will explain at base, but I’M CURRENTLY IN THE PREDICAMENT. –He hurried the first in command, as all three of them transformed and created the V-formation, effectively surrounding him as they prepared to take consecutive shots in his direction. Probably only caring enough not to kill his precious cargo, but not if they lose limbs in the process. 

Forcing even more energy out, he created holograms, and started to meddle between them, trying to confuse them, even for a bit, as he slowly turned back on cloaking, draining himself. Just to buy some more time. Just a little more. 

–Prepare yourself to jump off the cliff. –Jazz announced in a serious voice, probably now getting his scans and seeing his predicament. Getting them a risky, but successful way out.

–WHAT?! –Y/N yelped, before shutting her mouth with hands, realizing that the other mech could potentially hear her. And he sure did.

–Mirage, I swear on the Primus and dead Cybertron, if you come to the base with more than one human- anyway. Not now. Jump. –Lieutenant groaned, and Mirage sped even more up, while making the holograms take their turn. He briefly watched as, fortunately, all of the aircraft followed those, trying to shoot at least one, but missing. 

Feeling the familiar tug of the energy, he turned off the engines, letting the accelerated wheels do the job and take them past the railing and the end edge of the cliff. They started to fall, the steep slope getting dangerously close to being their potential death sentence, if Jazz misplaced the bridge.

But the light appearing right in front of him filled him with relief when his tires finally reached the other side, touching again the solid ground of the hangar. Home. Couldn’t even turn around to see if something followed him, as the wormhole closed securely behind him, not giving any member of the trine the chance to change the route and get through after him. 

Feeling the three heartbeats and warm breaths in his interior he fully relaxed. They’re all fine. 

–Now. Explain. 

Mirage debated if he should bolt off, seeing Jazz in his bot form in front of him.

–Holy fuck. –Richard whispered, trembling. –They are aliens. A giant, metal ALIENS.

~***~

You weren’t sure what you were supposed to do once Mirage unbuckled the three of you and opened the doors. Allowing or encouraging you to leave his interior, but one glance at the giant mech with facial expression of someone ready to scold the living shit out of you- yeah, you much more preferred to be inside the safety of the devil you know. 

But, unfortunately, Grace decided to play along and stand up from her seat, leaving the cabin. And because of that, of course Richard followed her lead, carefully getting up from where he sat, massaging his wrists. Yeah, Mirage didn’t take any chances of him trying to portal anything or anyone. Sighing, you hesitated. Really not wanting to be standing between two titans. 

Not even having the chance to re-think, you felt the shift of plating all over you, as the alien decided for you that you indeed had to get up from the comfort of his car, transforming around you. You could hear Richard yelling something, probably worried about you being squished, but somehow you felt safe, just surprised at the sudden action.

Before you could blink, everything shifted and your body got grabbed by something and lifted slightly. Looking down you noticed truly giant hands, holding you like one would hold a tiny kitten that refused to get off their laps. The difference being that the hands were made out of metal and some sort of mesh, yet possessing a radiating warmth to them. 

Also noticing that you were around three meters above the ground. 

–I know I’m incredibly comfortable, but the ride is over. –You heard the familiar voice above you, now more clear, yet still having this slight robotic tune to it; soft but noticeable. 

You huffed, embarrassed and slightly offended that he didn’t give you just a few seconds more to decide to leave on your own. Turning your head around to look at Mirage with a frown plastered on your face, you felt oddly comfortable around the alien already. Either because of denial or your starved of adventure brain decided that this is the time of your life. 

As you moved, the pair of bright blue optics met your own eyes. Okay, he was indeed giant, as you were quite convinced you were barely the height of just his face. 

He looked at you, smirking and clearly amused by your antiques, but careful with his strength. His fingers held you firmly yet gently enough not to cause any discomfort. He was weirdly pretty as for a literal alien, with the glowing mask covering the lower part of his face, yet not enough to hide the lips as if to simply allow you to notice his inner fight with laughter.

Finally giving in and chuckling, he lowered you down on the ground, hands still wrapped slightly around you, as if about to catch you if you stumbled. You stood there for a bit, not sure exactly how long, just looking at him, purely fascinated that you finally had a face for that voice that coaxed you into this whole situation. Still not really sure if you did the right thing, your heart sinking at the thought that Mirage lied and now something bad will happen to the three of you. 

Before you got lost in your own thought processes and worries you felt someone yanking you away from the bot. Richard. Of course he is. He probably already hates Mirage, Jazz and everyone else, simply for the fact that they exist and took you all. Changing your lives for God knows how long. Because you doubt that Mirage went for such lengths just to explain a thing or two, shake hands and everyone goes about their day. Not after you get attacked by jets that turn into the bots, too. And they don’t seem to be friendly with each other. Apparently not friendly towards humans as well, considering how the three air crafts tried to shoot you. 

Mirage rose his hands into the defensive position, seeing how quickly your brother decided to take you away from him, trying to appear harmless in Richard’s eyes. That he didn’t intend to do you any harm. 

–Mirage. –A low, serious voice basically boomed inside your head as the other bot, Jazz to be exact, spoke. –What did I just say? –He asked, crossing his arms under his chest, which looked like a car hood. So he also turns into some sort of vehicle? How many of them are out there? Have you unknowingly passed through one on your way to work for example?

–That I absolutely can’t bring more than one human or you’ll beat my aft? –Mirage awkwardly smiled, scrunching his shoulders, making the cables on his neck glow brighter, pressed. –But what was I supposed to do, leave the two of them to Starscream and Skywarp? –He defended, pulling back on his feet from the crouch, stretching his arms to point at the three that stood between them. Forcing you to crank your neck to just be able to look at their faces. Somehow making you wish you were still held by Mirage, a little bit closer to their eye-level. 

As Jazz groaned, putting a hand on his face, contemplating probably what he is supposed to do now, you looked at your brother and Grace, their expressions unclear. You realized that Richard was holding you by your arms to his chest, clearly uncomfortable with the fact that Mirage held you above the ground, out of his reach. You can’t really blame him; can’t even phantom just how much stronger they have to be. He could have squished you on a whim, between his palms. Like a donut filled with jelly. 

But he didn’t even come close to causing you any pain. Quite sure now of his promise not to harm any of you; If he wanted to, he would have already done so. Wouldn’t probably bother this long to keep the facade.

You patted his forearm to make him let you go, move for a bit. But instead, he just looked at you with stern eyes, making you feel suddenly so small. You hated that. Being babied by him, yet not able to just confront him when he’s making that face. “Behave”, it almost said, without words. 

Stealing a glance at Grace, you saw that the woman’s whole body was turned to face you, except for the head, as she was observing the two giants. Realizing that both of them caged you between them, trying to shield you. Both worried, scared, yet putting your well being above theirs. You grew sick in your stomach upon this discovery- Why. Just why. You grimaced. Is this purely because of their instinct to protect you as always, or are they mad too, blaming you for bringing them into it? You were the one that told Mirage to grab them, they must see that he convinced you he’s the good guy, and you stood by his side, trying to coax them into believing the bot too. 

Well, you certainly are blaming yourself for that. 

–’Aight. –Jazz finally said, breaking the unnerving silence. –What do you want me to do then? ‘Cus I’m not getting you out of this by m’self. –He put his hands up, admitting defeat. Milk is already spilled, and he probably doesn’t want to out you and Grace, whatever motives they have: your deaths probably not benefiting it, judging by his expression, which is not twisted into a smile. Quite a fake one, his previous look, as scary it was, was more true to his emotions. 

–Help me convince Optimus that bringing all of them was necessary for the mission. –Mirage put his hands together, pleading with the other bot. Already straining his good will, you guessed. 

–Depends. Was it? –He said, now getting down on one knee to finally look at you, which made Richard and Grace get even closer together, basically choking you. You groaned, now protesting and trying to wiggle out from their grip, whispering quietly “I’m fine, let me go now”.

With a bit of struggle, you huffed after breaking free, even if the stare both of them gave you were close to deadly. But you didn’t really care anymore, as Richard now turned to face Jazz, covering both you and his girlfriend from his visored optics, as he tried to lean closer, to look at all of you better.

You, instead, turned your head back, looking at Mirage. It was clear that Jazz will be essentially the most interested in Richard, who got hit with their faulty technology, the others an additional issue he has to take care of later. So you gravitated more towards the mech you already knew a bit more about, feeling safe with. And you really hoped that Mirage isn’t about to make a peace sign and jog off, leaving you with the stranger. 

But no, he didn’t look like he was about to leave, watching with a frown his companion that tried to inspect your brother and Grace, probably having troubles with spotting you behind their silhouettes. 

Even if slight, your movement brought Mirage’s attention to your tiny form, clearly surprised that you decided to change your focus back to him. He smiled down at you and winked, at which you puffed your bottom lip, scrunching your eyebrows, making him grin wider. 

Stealing a quick glance and Jazz to confirm he doesn’t pay attention to him, Mirage quietly crouched too, wanting to be closer to you too. You turned your head to the side, curious. You still felt fearful, considering the sheer size difference and previous events still making your head ache, but you couldn’t bring yourself to be that scared of the bot with deep blue paint job on his plating. Which you kinda blamed on the adrenaline and curiosity for the unknown, making you crave closeness to the alien, making you want to believe his good intentions. 

Or maybe what you really gravitated to was a break from the loophole you seemed stuck in? How many times have you thought of moving out, just to be hit with millions of problems? But you needed change, needed something to move forward. Everyday feeling like you vegetated, not lived, despite being barely an adult. Loving your little family, but their never ending presence made you feel like you were drowning in a bucket; opportunities all around you, yet scared shitless to actually grasp one in your hands. Or maybe you simply didn’t want you? Just craving a change without really doing anything yourself. 

So maybe that was just the thing you needed? Finally feeling like your own person, not a mere attachment to your brother’s hip. An accessory. You knew he didn’t want to make you feel like it, but sometimes he simply did too much. Crowding you and Grace usually followed. Not blaming her. She simply went where Richard led, especially when it came to you. 

Engrossed once again by your own thoughts you got startled when you heard some snort of laughter behind you, causing you to jump a bit to turn around. Sudden actions that weren’t so thought through lead you to trip over your own feet and lose your balance. But instead of an impact and hitting the floor with your face, a pair of warm hands caught you before the unfortunate and not so graceful landing. Making you realize that instinctively you have come over to Mirage, close enough for him to be able to quickly react to your clumsiness. 

–Careful, doll. –You heard Jazz laugh, as he probably was the one that startled you previously with the sound of amusement. Probably spotting you wandering back to the bot that quite honestly has kidnapped you. 

Yeah, he absolutely must think now how I have the survival instinct of an avocado. You no longer questioned internally Richard and Grace’s instinct to protect you first. Offended? Yeah, still, but no longer surprised, considering what you’ve done just now. 

–See? How was I supposed to leave her? –Mirage decided to use that little performance of yours to prove his point. You whined, hiding your face in your hands, as bot’s big fingers found the top of your head to pet you gently. Making you wonder if you look like a badly coordinated kitten to them. 

–I was about to ask. I could understand him. –Jazz pointed at Richard, who looked torn between running to retrieve you from your captor’s hands again, and being reluctant to uncover Grace from the second bot’s watchful gaze. Not happy to potentially see what he would do to his lover. –And his mate. But I was about to ask what was that important reason to take another female. I could have sworn that humans are monogamous, and she looks a bit too old to be their offspring. –He added, pointing at you, while you decided to quite literally fuck it, and climbed on Mirage’s palm as he spread it, allowing you to decide if you want to leave or get closer to him.

–That’s my sister. –Richard hissed, watching in horror at what exactly you have decided to do. Yeah, your survival instincts do not exist in this lifetime. You apologized internally to your brother for doing the exact one thing he didn’t want you to do as you felt the alien lifting you up, closer to his face while holding you secured by both of his hands, cupping you and holding with his thumbs. 

–Oh. So that’s why there were the three of you. –The alien closer to the couple stood from his previous position and stretched his legs. –No wonder you took her with you. Seems like the type to get into trouble. –He added, putting a hand on the back of his helm. –’Aight. I’m gonna try to paint it as an absolute necessity. But you’re the one responsible for all of them, ‘Raj. Comm the big guy and Ratchet; Optimus has to talk to ‘em, and the medic needs to see what’s going on in that one’s body. A pure miracle you still kickin’, lil one. –With that, he came over to the suited desk and started clicking on its surface, until multiple screens began to glow foreign signs on them. Their language? Must be. 

–Great. Awesome. So, ugh… I guess it’s time to answer some questions? –Mirage said, his thumbs softly petting along your spine, unconsciously helping you relax. It was a really long day, full of emotions and adrenaline; exhausting you enough to consider just plopping your whole body across his palms and dozing off. Just a short nap wouldn’t hurt, right? 

Except that you weren’t alone, and your brother wasn’t having that. Nor Grace. 

–Sure, once you put my sister back on the ground. –Richard demanded, but didn’t move from his spot as his girlfriend grabbed his hand, oddly silent the whole time. She never is this speechless. Maybe it was too much for her? Wishing it’s just a dream?

–Nah, I’m good here. –You said before you properly thought about the consequences of refusal. It just felt right to be held right now. Not exactly sure why, but it really did. Like some sort of asset. You corrected your posture, sitting more straight up, looking back at Mirage, who currently tilted his head, one “eyebrow” raised, but still smiling. –What? –You mumbled, embarrassed. 

–Y/N, can you get the fuck down? –Your brother hissed through his teeth before Grace grabbed onto him. Uncomfortable as she frowned, looking between two giant aliens. Oh, she’s very scared of them. That’s why she tries to temper down your brother’s fit, worried that it may lead to your captors getting angry as well. 

–Ri, please. Calm down. She’s okay. –You managed to hear her say. Which hasn't helped at all, but before your brother could get into the argument with Grace, you could hear that Jazz decided to call someone, even if he told Mirage to do it. But as you remained in his hands, he probably realized it would go faster this way, before the remaining two humans decided to throw ruckus together around their base. 

~***~

It hasn’t gone as he planned at all. The main reason being that he hasn’t planned anything, but that was honestly a detail. Mentally prepared for some screaming, trying to pull out something funny with the ground bridges; that he thought about. Prepared himself for that, to chase the three humans around with Jazz, now his partner in crime. 

What did not cross his processor was the Y/N to happily come back to sit in his hands, while her brother and his mate decided to argue with each other. Watching the girl tilt her head as she looked down at her family, he could feel her emotions change through the contact with the girl's tiny body on his hands, as she gripped his servos for additional security, making his spark swell from a warm wave of comfort. 

She was content, even if he was a stranger. Her kidnapper, for Primus’ sake. And yet, she was the one feeling guilty. Like she provoked the disagreement between the mates. Unpleasant feeling needling at him through her EM field. Should he comfort her? Or will it be overstepping? 

Mirage was sure that at that very moment Y/N was merely using him as an anchor, uneasy by the new situation. But since he coaxed her first, knew her the longest- she probably decided that he’ll do for now. 

He wondered how he would act in this kind of situation. Would he be scared, but curious like the girl in his hands? Or terrified like the other female? Maybe throwing a tantrum like the guy, too overwhelmed and feeling the lack of control affect his emotional stability?

He hummed softly, focusing his audials, when the ex-mercenary heard a familiar buzz, knowing that Jazz had linked him into the comm channel with Optimus Prime and Ratchet. So he can listen and potentially explain from his own side that has happened. Really hoping that the leader would enter the main room soon and take over coaxing the couple, as his charm seemed to be working only on the Y/N, as he even felt her sink deeper into his palm. Comfortable with him. Which hit Mirage like a whip; was there any of his kind able to relax next to him? Another Cybertronian? 

I guess not. Not after what I’ve done in his life. But didn’t he deserve a chance to prove that he has changed? Is he truly doomed for the fate of involuntary isolation? 

Haven’t realized just how much he needed to feel another sentient being trusting him until the little female came over to him from the safety of her family’s embrace and touched him on her own, even if unconsciously. 

His mission might have only included getting Richard initially, but he was so glad now that she was the one discovering him first. Praying that it won’t be their last encounter. Can’t be. Please don’t let it be the last. 

–Optimus? Jazz reporting. We got a situation on hand that is not quite ideal. –He heard the Lieutenant say, energon pumping faster through his circuits. Okay, now he was feeling nervous. Not knowing how his superior will react to him essentially fucking up the “simple” mission bestowed upon him. A lot of its failure is not from his direct involvement, but Mirage did feel responsible for natives’ well being after getting them into this situation. 

–Hearing you loud and clear. What happened? Did Mirage return yet? 

–He did. Sure as heck he did. He’s on the line too, just a little… occupied. –Wanting to say something at the slight nab from Jazz, but deciding against it, as Y/N shifted in his hands to completely face him, eyes curiously scanning his face, slight note of fear still not leaving her. How? How can she trust him while being fearful? Humans can be so complicated sometimes, even with their emotions broadcasted through an unguarded EM field for any Cybertronian to inspect and read.

–Jazz. Report. What happened? 

–Well. The ground bridge that was supposed to be in good condition to operate? It’s not. Humans got to it and tried to scrap it for parts, not realizing what it was. One of them accidentally activated the uncovered reactor, causing the energy surge to hit them. 

–Primus. What happened to the human? –They could hear the Ratchet cut in, the medic already invested when any mission included someone being hurt in the more or less common ways. 

–That is where it’s going down the road. The human lived, but the energy never left his body. Somehow adapting to its anatomy like into the components of the ground bridge’s protective chassis. 

–What?! Please don’t tell me what I think you’re going to tell me. That we now have human in the base. We are certainly NOT equipped for me to inspect their tiny organic body right now. –Mirage already knew that the medic would protest greatly against it, yet nobody really took it that deeply into their sparks. Old mech was always against everything at first, but still complying and caring deeply for everyone.

–Then I’m not going to say it. But, um, how exactly to put it in words… Ah. Yes, how Raj did. I have bad news, Ratchet. Unfortunately humans multiply. 

–...Two of them? Oh, Primus, give me strength.

–Three. –Mirage finally spoke up, caressing gently the top of Y/N’s head, as if to soothe himself now, feeling the icy stare of the old bot on him, that he brought him way too much work with the humans.

–Are you opening a human daycare in our base?! Have you lost your mind?!

–Mirage, is this true? Have you brought that many humans to the base? –Optimus finally spoken, his voice full of concern. Hopefully for them, which somehow fills him with hope that they’re going to be fine. 

–Yes, I did. I had to, one of them discovered me by accident and before I could come up with a way to get just the one affected by the surge, Decepticons approached the same location. Looking for the same thing as I did. Couldn’t leave them there, I couldn’t! –He protested, getting the girl closer to his face, until he felt her small hand touch his chin. Really couldn’t. Doesn’t even want to imagine what would happen to them, to her, if he didn’t decide to comm Jazz back then. If he hasn’t gone to where he pointed right away, waiting for others to decide what to do. 

–Are they all affected?

–No, just one. –Jazz explained shortly. –The other problem is that only one is cooperating. Two of them, including the one hit by the reactor, are behaving rather hostile and fearful. We have a hard time convincing them to relax. 

–I will be back at base shortly. Ratchet, can you do anything right not to diagnose the human or should we retrieve something for you?

–Optimus, I will try my best. But I don’t think we can even assume I will be able to find or help him in any way. Just make sure it didn’t badly affect his body. 

–That will be enough, old friend. Jazz, can you help Mirage keep an optic on the humans for now?

–Sure. –He said, finishing writing his report in the meantime. 

–Just one more thing. -Mirage tried to calm himself. –I might have forgotten to mention a teeny tiny detail, hehe. –He laughed nervously.

–Mirage?

–Um. The energy surge did affect his body. The human now has the ability to create ground bridges on command, he’s just not very good at it. –To say this part without provoking Richard, he spoke the last part in Cybertronian. 

–WHAT?! –All of the mechs almost screamed, and Jazz turned around rather hastily, startling all of the organics inside the base. 

–Heh… come quickly? –He added, before severing the connection from his side, just staring awkwardly at Jazz, who stared at the human male with the gaze that made Richard stumble a few steps back.

TF! Mirage x F!Human!Reader

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Description: Wouldn't it be nice to have control over at least one of your days? Maybe. But it doesn't seem like you will be given this choice any time soon; normally you bacame desensitized for being bossed around your whole life. By Richard, by your boss, other people. And now Mirage comes to that picture as well, but at least this time you feel like you can do something for the sake of a few bruises... and a close death encounter.

---

Author's Note: Good Luck.

Warning: Curses, Near death encounter, Fight, Wounds, Weapons, A panic attack. Taglist: @viannasthings

“When you're in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'.” ― Groucho Marx

The hum of the engine almost made you forget that the beautiful Porsche you were sitting in wasn’t exactly a car, but an alien. Real and living alien, from space. And his inner systems running a soft noise were the only sound he made, which was weird considering the fact that not too long ago that person couldn’t stop yapping. On the other hand it might have been because Richard almost hit the radio when the bot teased him for sitting in the driver's seat. 

Sinking in the leather cushioning at the back seat, you looked at the window, holding in the urge to lean on the glass, vividly recognizing it as Mirage’s literal body part. Couldn’t phantom how it must feel to him if you did put your cheek on the smooth surface of it. 

When the bot was in his humanoid form? Sure his body looked weird, but it made sense in your head. Head, arms, legs, torso; just made out of different material, not organic based life form. When he was in vehicle mode? A whole different story. Especially when your brother decided that he has to be in front. You didn’t like it, worriedly stealing glances at the dashboard, like you could still look at Mirage’s face there. If the radio contains his voice-box, how vulnerable is he now? Considering how much your older sibling seems to despise the alien, you couldn’t help but grow anxious, if Richard’s temperament won’t lead to some disaster. 

The tension was even thicker than the previous night in the old Nissan, which was cruelly abandoned near the old warehouse. Probably destroyed by one of the “seekers” as Mirage called them. Good thing you still had a ride then. 

–At least say thank you, that would be nice. –Didn’t even realize he had already turned to park in front of your house until his voice with a slight robotic undertone ringed from the speakers. 

–Not happening. –Your brother reached for the handle, but before he could pull, the doors locked with a loud click. –Mirage. –He hissed.

–Oh, so you do know my name! Cool, now my “thank you’s”. –Almost demanding, your hand reached to the seat next to the one you were seated and patted the leather cushion, hoping the bot gets your silent plea and stop toying with Richard as if he purposefully was trying to see just how far he can push the man’s button before he snaps. And also see just what he would do to a giant alien in the fit of anger brewing inside of his body. Fortunately Mirage seems to take your subtle hint. –Alright, alright. But you could work on your manners, scrawny. –You could picture his face as he said it, unlocking the doors for all of you to exit. 

–Mirage? –Grace spoke, walking out of his cabin, earning a glare from her boyfriend. You felt your eyebrow rise in a question, too. 

–Yeah? I’m all ears, even if it doesn’t seem like it. –Watching the slight glow of his radio as he spoke, you wondered if he initially planned on throwing a snarky remark to her as well just to resign at the last minute.  

–Will you like… be here the whole day? –She asked finally, gesturing with her hands at the parking lot he decided to occupy. –Not doing anything at all?

–Oh, okay now, this sounds like you’re accusing me of loafing here. I’m tasked with watching over you so nothing happens. So if you’re staying, I am as well. Unless you decide to humor me and go for a ride or something. –Scoffing at her like she has offended him greatly and you couldn’t hold back giggling at his pretentious tone. 

–That’s just great, because, no offense, but you’re way too... shiny for this neighborhood. Especially for us. –She added, putting her plump lips and making a sound with her tongue as she always did when deep in thought about something that disappointed her or made the situation harder. 

–And? –Mirage sounded unsure where it was going, while your brain clicked. 

–Someone might try to steal him? –You asked, tilting your head. 

–Or worse. Break in our house, thinking we got suddenly rich by winning a fortune. Maybe going as far as sending us police to get a paper of the car’s license plate. Know what happens next? –Grace crossed the arms under her chest and you frowned. Shit. Haven’t thought about it. 

–Police doesn’t find his plate in the registered vehicles’ database and we’re fucked. –Richard facepalmed, groaning. –Because our garage’s roof was broken in recent thunder. Shit. –You looked around you, suddenly even happier that you don’t have any close neighbors that would spy on your trio casually talking to the brand new Porsche, in the colors that only resembled luxury; royal blue, graphite and gold. 

–Yeah, that doesn’t look good now. It looks like we stole him. –Now it was your turn to grunt as you put one hand on your chin. –What do we do? –You looked at both Richard and Grace, but they stared at you instead, hoping that taking in you surprisingly close contact with the alien you would think of something. –Mirage, is there a possibility that you could turn into a car less… flashy?

–What?! You want me to get rid of my glorious- okay, okay. I get it. –He grunted when your brother threw hands in the air, clearly on the edge of tolerating this type of humor the bot had. –Jokes aside; I would have to scan something first. And that’s a no-go in the broad daylight in the town. 

–You really can’t stay here like this, though. –The woman exclaimed, patting the hood of Mirage’s car form, at which his engines revved, startling her. 

–Sorry. Got lost in thoughts there. –He apologized. –I was thinking… how about I wasn’t exactly here, but still just one call from you? 

–What do you mean by it? –Grace shook her head and put her hands on her hips. 

–Well, if I can’t crash by and not risk some pesky burglar getting their greasy hands on me or your little cabin; how about I go on the outskirts and try to scan some less “flashy” vehicle? Even if it hurts my spark to do it. –He wailed theatrically. 

–Didn’t you just say that you can’t leave us? –Richard inculpated, walking back and forth on the bricked driveway.

–Not exactly, yes. –Mirage agreed with him, picking your interest. There’s a plan hiding behind those words, isn’t there? –I can’t leave all of you alone. Which is a rule that can be… left to the interpretation in different scenarios. 

–Okay bucket-head. What exactly are you suggesting? –Throwing daggers with your eyes at your older brother as he came up with a very creative nickname for Mirage, you spotted Grace only rolling her eyes. 

–Since the two of you don’t like poor lil Mirage this much and are clearly objecting from me being here all the time; how about Y/N go for a little ride? I will scan then the car she decides is fine, you won’t have to worry that I’ll be seen, causing all of those troubles with my beautiful altmode, and if there is any danger? One call to Y/N and I’m back in business, baby. Pretty smart, huh? –Explaining pretty simply his idea, you paused, realizing what he just suggested. And something at the back of your head screamed that it sounds fishy. Even if you trusted the alien not to hurt you or bring any danger your way, you weren’t so sure about troubles. Being scolded by Optimus type of troubles. But you shook this feeling off, calling it your paranoia. 

Paranoia that led you to discover Mirage at all in this warehouse. 

–Absolutely fucking not. You’re not going alone anywhere with my sister. –Richard protested loudly, only for Grace to hush him. 

–Hey! You say it like I didn’t take good care of her at all! When I’m so good at taking care of humans, even making you a place to sleep! –His tires turned his way and he bounced a bit, like his whole body itched to move. 

–This… isn’t entirely stupid, y’know, Ri? –Now the velocity you turned your head towards your future sister-in-law. Usually she didn’t butt in when the topic was solemnly about you. It was either entirely up to you or whatever Richard had said. Sometimes you begged her in mind to stand up, to no vain, so what happened? 

–What?! Have you lost your mind? We just came back, and you want her to go again for God how long with an alien? Like there’s not enough crazy currently. –He pinched his nose and you looked away. Always the topic of the conversation, never a part of it. 

–But what he said is true. She was fine the whole time she was alone with him. With them. If there’s something out there this size, it’s better to have an ally. And I agree- there’s too many things to deal with for us at once. So if his idea solves at least one of it? I might as well say we should try it out. –Putting her hands up to the level of her chest, she successfully shut his mouth. That was a very good point. 

Richard let out a prolonged sigh, like it came from the depths of his soul instead of lungs and diaphragm. 

–Let her at least take care of herself first. Everyone gets a shower, breakfast and a change of clothes. Charge your phone, too. And I’m getting updates every ten minutes, understood? –Caving in, he waved at both of you to finally step into the house. You couldn’t really believe it, blinking repeatedly as you stared holes in his back. He agreed? Just like that? So it always only took one good argument from Grace? Suddenly Richard stopped in his tracks. –A piece of hair falls from her head under your care, and you’re ending up as a salvage, am I clear? –Only turning to shoot Mirage a stern glance. 

–Ay ay, sir. –Blinking lights as agreed, the car re-positioned himself.

~***~

That went slightly too easy to his liking. Not that he minded having to spend less time coaxing the dude with more grease in his hair to make them flat against his skull than he has ever witnessed in an organic. It may or may not be an exaggeration due to the irritation Mirage felt every single time he came into contact with siblings’ field simultaneously. Doesn’t want to advocate in the relationship he knows nothing about, but something irked him whenever both of them interacted while inside of his cabin. Not hiding even in front of himself biased towards the girl, but the older human seemed to more or less consciously suffocate and scare Y/N. And he hated that feeling, praying that he’s mistaken. Family is the essence of one’s life, that’s what Mirage believed in at least. And if something inside of it is connected with a rotten string? It infects the very core of your being. Not to mention how at passing moments like before the three humans scoot to their living space, where the girl looked away as the mates discussed her decision? It didn’t look right. 

But who is he to interfere? Shouldn’t. And he didn’t, even if something in him urged to just grab the small thing and let her speak on what she wanted. Especially since it seems like she’s the one possessing more working CPU cores. Or brain cells in humans case. 

So Mirage waited patiently there, switching the channels to see if anyone’s willing to talk, idling just as he is, occasionally checking in the mirrors if there’s any sign that the girl is back, or if anyone’s really sneaking up on him. Didn’t predict that issue, but how it made his previous turmoil into a piece of cake; just what he needed. An excuse to take his soon-to-be partner in crime and, well, do crime. At least break some rules, if they weren’t going to exactly go against law. 

–I’m back! –Almost revving his engines when the cheerful sound of her voice reached his audials. Finally, Clean and dressed up in something new. Good, that only means there’s nothing stopping them from proceeding anymore. Have had enough of not moving for this long. How Optimus could just sentence him to that and expect him to be sitting there until someone else just switches him from this duty? Those tires are made for speeding, not sleeping!

–Well, welcome back, sweetspark. Are you ready? –Unlocking the driver’s door for her, she basically jumped in, a smile plastered on her face. Probably the only person in the whole wide universe to be this happy to see him. Mostly because of the ride, but he likes to pretend it’s just for him. 

Secure. That thought resonated through his whole frame as she took the seat behind the wheel, where he could sense her presence the best. Main reason why he loathed Richard switching up on the way back to the house; can’t stand the hot headed guy in his most sensitive spot, while Y/N has been shoved to his almost blind zone. Barely in sync with her EM field, making him anxious, as it felt like she was fading on him. 

–I think so. Phone charged and all, some spare cash in my back pocket… Yeah, we’re good to go. Should I pretend to drive you? –She said, buckling her seat belt gently and putting in unsure matter the palms on the steering wheel. 

Before he spoke, he adjusted her seat, as the position she forced herself into seemed uncomfortable even for Mirage. She almost yelped, before she leaned on the seat, her frame relaxing with the giggle, muttering “What a gentleman”. 

–Yeah, I’ll take over, don’t ya worry your pretty head ‘bout this. As long as it doesn’t look suspicious it’s fine. –Letting the energon flow through his circuits pleasantly, he purred his engine and rolled from the driveway. –You know a place for us out there? The less inhabited the better, heh. –Humming, he already strolled on the asphalt, reminding himself just how fast he can go inside the city. “Not fast” is the correct answer to his dismissal. 

–Uh… I rarely leave home to places other than my workplace. I know there are some abandoned buildings, like that warehouse. Town dying out and shit. I can try to look something up, just pretty sure being on your phone while driving isn’t going by the book here. –Murmuring but still diving her hand into the pocket to fetch the small device. Well, that’s how he knew he had a good friend on board. 

Shading his windows, he drove past through some curious stares, trying to get to the other side of the town; if there wasn’t what he was looking for on the side they came from, there’s always at least three more places to go. 

–I see nothing on the Northern alleys, and there should be still standing train stations. That’s a start. But there's a slightly higher possibility we’re going to come across teenagers than cars to scan. 

–That’s a start, but not exactly an ideal destination. Can you see anything more? I will try to get us to more… secluded space, I got from the reading that on the East there is no road directly connected to bigger cities. Sounds the least approachable then, no? 

–Really? Man, I don’t even know my own hometown. Just be careful, we have a school on Columbus road. Kids are going to scream once they see you. 

–Oh. Alright then. –Taking the curve, he quietly stopped paying attention to the girl's rambling, already searching for what he was really looking for; a medical facility. If the town is slowly decaying from a withering population, there should be at least one of those on the outskirts, right? 

–Um, Mirage? That shopping mall is on the other side. Where are you going? –Concern in the girl’s voice took him out of his thought process. 

–Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. It’s just- ugh… How about we go this way? Hehe...heh. –Before he could turn around to where she had pointed him, his radar pinged uncomfortably. Scanners picking up the 

slight radiation after he turned up to the max their sensitivity for any stream of elementary particles humans use in the machines to properly scan organic bodies. 

--Didn’t you ask me to look up the place that would have old cars. –She leaned over the dashboard, taking in the scenery in front of her after realizing he is, in fact, not stopping. –Okay, what’s going on. Where are we going? –Growing suspicious, she looked around and suddenly the mech felt a tiny bit less confident than he thought he would be at this moment. 

–For… the ride? I think I found something more interesting.

–We were supposed to find you a safe look, not go on an adventure. –Loud groan left her tiny frame, making him chuckle nervously. –Mirage!

–It’s a part of it. –A part of his great excuse. But Y/N doesn’t have to know that. –I promise, now honestly, that we will look for it after we’re done with the main course. Quick action, everything is under control! –Assuring her, he revved the engine, leaving only smoke behind after they passed the last building in sight, the lone road the only thing ahead. 

–I have a bad feeling about it. Is it really this important? –Letting go of the wheel, she clutched the seat belt instead, watching with unease as the speedometer showed increasing numbers. 

–Maybe not crucial, but I need to prove something. It won’t take that long, you’ll be home in no time. C’mon, a lil trust in me? Gonna break my spark if you keep shaking like a leaf on the wind here. –Using jokes as a method to soothe her nerves was currently the only option on his servos, trying not to lose the faint trace. –By the way, you don’t have that map with ground bridges’ locations, do you? 

–No, I left it in the lab. Didn’t even have my phone on me to take a picture. Maybe I could recall some, but my orientation in the field is close to non-existent. –She warned him and Mirage forced back a grunt. If he could pull out the scrap for Ratchet and the power source? They’d have to acknowledge his effort and skill. 

–It’s fine. Let’s work with what we have. 

–Alright, but can you, please at least-... –Heard her sigh softly, before her tensed body slouched into the seat. –Or never mind. –Voice barely a whisper when she said it. And he hated how her field shivered into his. Disheartened. 

–Do you want me to explain the plan? –Asking, now a bit lost on what in the pit just happened, on why her mood became so sour all of the sudden? 

There was a moment of silence, broken only by her turning her head and actually brightening. Not really confident on what he would do to fix it, but happy nonetheless. 

–First of all, Doc is not sure if he got Richard’s readings right. We never had need for human medical equipment and what’s in the med bay is rather suited for Cybertronians and not organics. The big guy- I mean Optimus, thinks that it was enough, though, and there’s no need to fetch anything suitable. 

–We’re not going to rob a hospital, right? –She asked, huffing at him. 

–Of course not. I’m getting a reading that there should be something that humans use for like; bones’ pictures? –Unsure how it was called, he realized just how many gaps there might be in his logic, as he was getting closer rapidly to where his scanners pointed. 

–X-ray machine? Didn’t realize you know about this. 

–I know a lot. Perks of having prominent abilities in camouflage that allows it to sneak in a lot of places. And I like what humans create, too. –He admitted, turning into the road that hasn't been used in a while, but still displayed characteristics of something that once was used profoundly. 

The whole street was looking unkempt, a lone building crumpling, destroyed by weather and wild teenagers making some sort of “street art” – or vandalizing the concrete walls. 

–By which you mean you simply saw it in a movie or something? 

–Caught me red-handed. –He chuckled. It was indeed he found out exactly what natives used to help each other with the illnesses, injuries or infections. Most of it, at least. Or at least he hopes so. –X-ray was the easiest for me to track down. Other things you normally use don't use radiation. Just boosting my scanners’ sensitivity to the max and letting them work for a bit. 

–We don’t use radioactive stuff for anything else? Could swear that we did. –Humming to herself as Mirage let his tires lose speed, wandering around the place. 

–Radioactive? Sure. I’m talking about machines that operate on radiation. Create it. Those you don’t use on a daily basis, unless it's a medical facility. 

–Oh. That does make sense, although I thought that anybody with common sense would rather sell them than let it rot. Which means- I’m afraid that if it was left there, it might need repairing. Do you know how to do it?

–Me? Nah. That’s why you are with me. 

–Sure- WHAT?! Mirage, I have no fucking idea how to do it! –Panicking, she hit the handle on the doors, which he closed. –I’m serious, I’m lucky, not smart! Mirage! 

–It’s fine. –Hushing her, he didn’t stop. Believed in her tiny hands and surprisingly sharp brain for someone so shy and fragile. –If you really can’t fix it, then we just scan some random pile of scrap on four tires and go back, the whole thing left and forgotten. 

–But those things can kill me if I screw it up. It’s not a joke or a playground! –Yanking on him, he wished he could somehow flinch from the sensation. Yikes, he didn’t know she would be this startled by the mere vision of working on this. 

–Y/N, I mean it when I say “it’s fine”. If it goes sideways, which it won’t, I will grab you. My body is not exactly your metal alloys, it can shield you from this pathetic radiation. Just trust me. It’s fine. I’ve got you, remember? 

Finally he felt her relax her muscles with a pained sound, hiding her face in the palms. 

–Alright! You win. Just- If I say definitely “no”, it means “no” and you’re getting me out of there, okay? –She pleaded and as response he blinked his inner biolights inside the cabin. 

–Okay. Partner. –He chuckled. 

–I’m gonna regret this so much, aren’t I? –Massaging her scalps and she mumbled to herself this, almost making him feel offended.

~***~

What exactly have you gotten yourself into? Being so excited to go for a ride without the two people whose presence made you feel so tensed up lately, you completely dismissed how suspicious the whole “plan” sounded. And now there you were, sitting inside the closed cabin of Mirage’s car form, very far away from the city. Do you even have a signal here? Power lines are devastated here. And you don’t know these alleys at all, probably not a part of Watford for longer than you lived for. 

–Are we getting closer? –You asked, hugging yourself, couldn’t pinpoint anything there. Always knowing that this godforsaken land had nothing to offer, but this? Whole street? Cut off and forgotten, looking like a post-apocalyptic zombie movie? Nightmare fuel.

–Should be. Look around with me? My knowledge can lead me only as far. –You heard the familiar voice all around you, just this time not giving you as much comfort as you hoped for. 

You felt kidnapped. Again. At least the bot had as much courtesy to actually include you in his antiques, not only as an excuse to go for a stroll on his own. 

Eyes focused on the outside was a difficult task the alien bestowed upon you; because your mind couldn’t stop wandering off to the places you’ve never imagined a day before now. Aliens. Base. Secret laboratory. Richard having powers… 

–Shit, I can’t call him here. –Remembering that you were supposed to call you brother, you looked at the screen of your phone with a grimace. No signal, like you thought. -How long will it take? I’m afraid Richard won’t hold back from calling the cops if I don’t give him any sign that I’m alive here. –You groaned, fixated on the device in your hands. 

–Depends. Does this look like a hospital? Because my readings point here. –Feeling him coming to a full stop, you turned your gaze towards the building in front of you and froze. In confusion. 

–Not really. Unless it was a private clinic? –Unbucking your seat belt, you opened the camera app and took a quick picture. Of a very normal looking tenement house, that had only three floors. Not now, but you could try searching it up later. 

–Let’s see then. –Encouraging you to leave the security of his cabin by opening the driver's door, you finally felt the brush of fresh air on your skin and ground under your feet and savored that feeling, while Mirage transformed to his bipedal form behind you. –Ladies first. Mostly because I won’t fit. –Mirage pointed at himself like you’d failed to spot his size compared to the possibilities of the human door frames. –I will look around, maybe there’s already a wall crumbing or warehouse in the back. –Flexing the springs in his legs, he moved to the side and opened the panel on his forearm as he walked. –Try looking for anything useful in the meantime. My treat. 

–Ha. Ha. –Dry laughing at his remark, you slid your phone to your pocket before you took a few steps towards the building. –I’m pretty sure this is both burglary and theft, even if it’s abandoned. –You threw him a displeased look, already worried about the consequences, only for him to give you a smirk back. 

–Good thing your cops aren’t fast enough to even smell the smoke from my tires. –Chuckling, he tilted his head for you to get in. 

Sighing and tilting the doorknob, you pushed on the wooden surface with the other hand. The entry creaked loudly, threatening to collapse under your palm, before giving in the tension and opening only so slightly for you to slip in. 

Getting your mobile device out of the pants again to use as a flashlight, you almost coughed from the amount of dust in there, trying to seek any useful information in the room.  

–It’s all faded. Shit. –You mutter, seeing the information board turned white from all the years, mold consuming the wooden frame. You need to go deeper. 

Labyrinth, that's what it was. After you passed the reception, you were welcomed by the dozens of rooms who looked identical. Empty. Maybe a few opened spaces that had remnants of furniture like an armchair, coffee table, or scattered pieces of carpet. Windows boarded up, leaving the further spaces absorbed in darkness. But it looked calm, untouched and abandoned to slowly deteriorate. 

It just didn’t have anything. While you expected it to be more logical for the big machines to be on the first floor. Is it in the basement then? Upstairs? 

–Or even further inside...--Talking to yourself, you tried to map out the layout of the rooms, but the lack of any visibility besides the flashlight from your phone didn’t make it easy. Making you hope you’ll manage to get out from here safely.

 What you didn’t expect was to enter a room dark enough that even the light you had in hand failed to help you see anything. 

–Jesus fucking Christ. –You muttered, shuffling your feet on the ground, tempted to already yell at Mirage that you can’t find anything and won’t wander in here. But then, won’t he just shove you back in? Probably will. 

Sighing, you tried not to trip on anything, although very surely soon your feet hit something, making you lose your balance and fall onto the ground. 

And then you felt it. 

Like a little shiver and a bunch of deep cracks. 

Look down. Even if it felt like a sin.

Your body trembled, without fear. 

...

The floor you landed on crumbling before you could stand.

Shit. SHIT-

Everything was sinking down, deeper into the abyss. Basement. Hell?

…

B

A

N

G. 

At once, the remaining metal reinforcements in the flooring snapped loudly, concrete breaking like a shortcrust pastry smashed between the fingers, the sounds of it thundering in your ears, making your whole body run cold.

No. No, no-

no, no

NO, NO-

Screaming from the top of your lungs, you tried to grab something, anything, but you saw nothing, even your hands as you trashed them, only dim stream of light coming from the phone you dropped, until your back hit mercilessly into the hard surface, knocking the breath out of your body. 

Tip.

Tap. 

And you weren’t sure if you were still conscious or not. 

~***~

You must be kidding me. This is bad. BAD bad level of BAD. 

Mirage stood plastered to the wall, his cloaking device working full speed, sucking energon from his circuits. But he can’t turn it off. Not when out of all the Decepticons they know about, he had to come across Soundwave. The only Cybertronian he actually feared to meet alone. 

Maybe the slender mech was only the third in command, sure. But he alone held in the grasp all of their digital firewall and information. Alone. And Autobots never managed to even touch it, not even speaking of breaking it. Fragging heck, leaving a scratch would be a miracle. 

So this is why Y/N couldn’t call her brother. Decepticon must have created a dead zone here, and Mirage failed to notice it. Of course he did. Soundwave is sly, silent and very, very deadly. But what is he doing here? Whatever the reason may be- he doesn’t care. He has to fix his mistake, grab the human he’s responsible for and run, praying that somehow they can escape the intelligence officer of the enemy. 

But for now, he had to observe as the purple and black mech moved in a very unnerving way. Looking like a predator searching for his prey. Silent in his tracks. 

He should have mass shifted and go for Y/N; only choosing the camouflage in the heat of the moment, as without a warning he heard the transformation cog and sheeting of metal on metal, barely avoiding being spotted.

Spark thrumming in his chestplace, Mirage moved only as the other mech did. So there’s no additional sounds. Why is he here? Why? 

I can’t even call for the backup now. But if I’m not at the humans’ driveway, they should be able to locate me by the latest location’s coordinates. Just not get caught by the time. Or let him-

Scream. Crack. Turn. 

Everything stopped at the moment, when the energon freezing screech pierced the air, followed by the sound of collapsing structure. Knew this sound. Lost so many lives after it. Late. Always too late by the time he has heard it. 

Soundwave heard it too, already head already turning and ped making their way to the building. If she’s not dead by now, she will be by the time he gets to the building.

No. 

The element of surprise is the greatest asset, isn’t it?

Be okay there, little one. Just get out and I will take us from here. 

With that though, and that thought only, he undid a piece of his cloaking, turning his plating into a mirror. He angled it to the side, sticking it out just right into the Soundwave’s visor. Strengthening the ray, scorching hopefully Decepticon’s optics. 

Watching him flinch, he jumped to the other side of the yard. 

-Wanna play here? Not nice, this place is occupied! -Mirage hummed, splitting his image into a hologram, who flew across the yard, taking a pretty position, while his real frame still was under cloaking, slowly walking past the spy’s vision capacity. 

Gears pumped, all circuits almost hurting from the tension of the energon that has been run through them, he made another copy that stalked into the shadows.

Feeling a shift around his arms, the first “him” also creating a weapon, he made his copy point a gun just a moment faster, forcing Soundwave to avoid the potential attack, confusing him, his real artillery already making a clear hit into Decepticon’s unprotected back. Just a second before he could react. 

It was way too little to make him back off. But he’s now injured. Badly. 

Soundwave stumbled forward, before he turned around with full force. Oh, the big mech does get angry. Whoopsie daisy. 

Frag. He has tentacles. 

Forcefully reminded that his opponent has a set of extra appendages, Mirage did his best to avoid them, as they stalked around his real frame, trying to land a hit. Audacity. 

–Want me this badly, huh? Too bad, I’m not into Decepticons. –Using his humor as part of diversity, Mirage threw one of his creations at him, his plating bouncing off the sunlight again. If his enemy can create a dead zone for signals, he will make a dead zone for his vision. 

Using the moment when Soundwave flinched again, he used the cloaking to sweep in front of the mech the remaining hologram, which was until now tucked away. 

Even if exhaustion and the state of his energon were rapidly decreasing into more unstable zones, the metal on his limbs heated once again, and he forced three shots in the limbs. Hard shots. From way closer than he’d want. 

But it worked. 

He jumped away, watching the Soundwave clutch onto his waist, where the bot had pointed all of his shots. Because Decepticon had his cords out, which meant the structure there was weakened. Vulnerable. 

Feeling the magnetic field around him prickle as the other mech took a note of the surrounding and Autobot’s physical state, Mirage defiantly put up his gun again, even if more wobbly than previously. Yet the third in command was in far worse shape than anticipated, only managing to shake a few yards with the deep frequency, decibels off the chart, forcing Mirage to put his weapon down. 

How can I still fight with him?

Frame trembling, crushed under the pulse of vibrating particles, blue mech slowly collapsing on his knees. Why? Why isn’t he retreating?! Struggling to even hold his head up, Autobot tried to catch a glimpse of his opponent; see what he’s up to, even if it hurt him greatly to go against such force. 

Only to spot Soundwave being just as still as him, clutching on the wounded parts of his frame, his plating retreated around the shoulders to uncover the speakers that were responsible for keeping Mirage in place. Waiting for something. No… Someone. 

And then it hit him- the simple fact he overlooked about that one specific Decepticon. He’s a carrier class mech, originally. Always accompanied by the minicons, his cassettes. That was the size close to a human, sneaking in places a normal Cybertronian couldn’t without mass shifting. 

If Soundwave was here, on the outside, patrolling, then one of his minions must be inside one of those buildings. And judging by the slight tilt of his enemy’s head towards the old clinic, the dreadful thought crossed his processor. 

They must be in the same one as Y/N. And he can’t move. 

~***~

Is this death? Swallowed by the darkness, embraced by the soft glow of very scarce light, sounds awfully like it. The only difference? You were told that there is no pain in the afterlife, while your whole body hurt like a bitch, making you awfully aware that you haven’t passed away. Yet. 

Groaning, you forced your body weight on your elbows, hoisting yourself upwards. Didn’t have to see your surroundings to determine that your whole world was spinning once you stood upwards. Yep, you’re definitely concussed. 

Finding your phone still flashing in the darkness, you were quite impressed on how it had survived the crash. Curiously you stretched your limbs to see if there’s any more damage to it than bruises; but everything seemed functional, even if only due to adrenaline still pumping through your veins. 

–Back to the topic. I need to find stairs or elevator shafts, if there’s any –Before you could finish mumbling to yourself, there was a loud blast, which made the walls tremble again, dust falling on your head. Something is happening outside? 

God, please, no. 

Original objective long forgotten once you realized that there might be a fight going on outside, and you really didn’t fancy a possibility of being in the collapsing tenement if it escalates. 

Your steps were now more sure, not caring if you destroy something, only needing to get out of here. The only issue with that quite simple new plan? 

Where the fuck is the exit. 

Following the old gaming rule “keep close to the wall”, you stalked your way to the right side, until your stretched palm found the solid surface. Exhaling a breath you held in this whole time, you almost screamed when everything got shaken again. There is no time for any hesitation, is there? Well, you were supposed to train your quick decision-making skills anyway. 

Turning your head away from the dust, you let your limbs lead you, careful not to trip, light only pointed at the ground in the front, guiding the next step. What should be your clues? Focus, focus. 

As you forced your attention to your own extremities, you felt the surge of needling ache, deep inside your muscles, as the adrenaline started to wear off. You had to ignore it, but it made you less sharp, less aware of everything and your own body except for the agony bubbling inside. 

Not sure for how long you had your eyes closed, you made your lower limbs move again, despite them basically screaming at you to stop. Can’t. Not here, not now. But you needed something; a hint where to go, not to spend the remaining energy on wandering mindlessly, getting lost in the dark, until, hopefully, someone bothers to collect you, search for you. 

That was, until you were flashed by a passing stream of halogen lights, just passing by, the deep and screechy rumble filling your ears, making hair on your whole body bristle. Immediately, you lunged to the side, gluing your back to the crook in the wall, hoping it will hide you from whatever it was. 

Because you could swear you saw red eyes glowing from the void alongside with the metal-shredding noise, blood running cold when you realized you’re stuck with it. 

–Boss must prepare me a fraggin’ FEAST ther’, ‘cus I’m not doing it for FREE! Rummagin’ in those bastard little organics SCRAP! –It said, or more like he, now, once you heard that voice. And it surely didn’t sound friendly, as something huge just flew near your head. Eyes shutting closed, even if the only indicator what happened was the breeze on your cheek and loud crash in front of you, you forced back a shriek, not really wanting to bet your life that it still may be a friendly soul. Wasn’t. You were almost sure, based on the amount of slurs for your kind he just listed. –Frag, giv’me this generator. Dust and dirt everywhere, I can’t see NOTHIN’! Grrr. –Growling and scattering around, this thing clearly worked on something down there and had the same issue as you; it wasn’t just dark in here, the amount of filth in here made it foggy, even light from basic tools couldn’t properly penetrate it to gain some visual of the room. 

What you didn’t expect was that the loud and complaining person that scattered everything everywhere was diligent enough to actually locate and turn on the power generator. And apparently it still had enough gasoline and fuel that it worked.

Electric current buzzed in the cables loudly, making its way through the unused for years circuits and wiring. Thrumming above you, until the ceiling lamps stuttered and flashed on, viciously illuminating all the rooms on this level. Well, except for the one you were in, since the ceiling collapsed. 

–Finally, some visib- huh? What in the pit happen’d in her’? –Oh, great, he’s making his way to your location now. 

I’m so fucking dead right now. 

Gaze trashing around like a scared animal in the cage, you decided that it’s better to make a move than wait here to be in the best case scenario beaten or captured, as you ducked to the side, sitting down on your legs. If he can’t see… 

Steps getting louder, you managed to spot his silhouette as he walked in, red eyes focused on the damage in front of him. It surely wasn’t a human; purple, metal frame reflecting the light from the corridor, diodes on the limbs and torso flaring in the foreign rhythm and having two jackhammers instead of arms? Yeah, human diversity is quite huge, but you’re quite sure that you don’t come in this shape, size or texture. 

In the matter of fact, you were quite confident it was a Decepticon; even if he was tiny. Well, still hulking over you, but compared to Optimus or Mirage? Human sized. Which wasn’t exactly good news, since it meant he was probably just as deadly as any other Decepticon and he could fit in the buildings. 

Waiting for him to get even closer to the rubble pile, you carefully started to sneak past, praying that the small bot can’t hear your hammering heart. Well, he hasn’t reacted to your screech and ceiling falling apart, so maybe his hearing isn’t this good? Or maybe he was already doing something there with those hammers that actually caused this whole catastrophe? Cutting off your train of thoughts (because it’s only a theory and you can’t exactly come up to him and ask to clarify), you carefully rounded the corner, begging the universe not to throw any piece of glass or chunk of crumbled concrete right under your foot that would make a sound and catch attention of the Con. 

Not sure if you even breathe at this point or not, you made it safely out of his view, but only for now. Scanning your new surrounding, basked in the light, you spotted a long corridor in front of you, where at the end was something that looked like it may be a staircase, but the way there was blocked by the line of fallen furniture; chairs, shelves, old clay pots- sneaking through there would beacon the stranger, because you were bound to make at least one thing there crack. 

Head turning the other way, you saw a dead end, finished by the storage room and broken lamps, threatening you with sparkling energy of potentially way higher voltage than your body could handle, even if it was in better shape than now. 

So the corridor of doom is your hallway to freedom? 

But then you caught a glimpse of colorful lights, dimly flaring from underneath the scrapyard the tiny alien left behind, only to be now investigating what might have been your tomb, if some chunk slumped later, crushing your body into a gore paste. 

Yeah, I better stop picturing this. Recalling your senses back into the order, you looked around again, determining that you were temporarily in the clear.

Hunched, you slipped into the other side, creeping silently towards the wreckage of… something. Yeah, that’s the most accurate word for it, as you got a better look at it. 

Ceramic tiles broken and scattered around, concrete drilled in, going as deep as it took to reach the earth underneath, just to dig in even further in. The dirt piled in around you, as you placed yourself where the bot must have been as he worked. 

What is this? 

Leaning closer, you saw a metal construction yanked brutally open, the majority of it still buried underground, but he clearly didn’t care about retrieving it whole; just getting to the inside. Your eyes followed the linings you never saw before, glyphs you couldn’t decipher, but striking as oddly familiar. Head tilting has reached your hands inside, sparing one last glance to the side, ensuring that Decepticon was still occupied. 

The moment your fingertips laid on the cold, smooth metal, you ghosted it over the tiny linings, letting the feeling of impossibly small structures engrave into your digits. Knowing this sensation. 

It clicked, when the metal popped softly under the slight pressure, uncovering the chamber inside. With the dimly glowing reactor. The same as Richard brought you the night prior, but this one is still intact. So this is why they’re here. They have locations of the ground bridges too. 

Sparing no more time to glaze over the alien tech, you ducked both of your hands inside, really hoping that you won’t end up irradiated like your sibling and end up as another magical girl, forcing the thing out. 

It was hot and cold at the same time, a slight breeze gracing your skin, like you just got close to the cooling fan in the computer. Just a tiny bit more scary that an average human set up. 

Really hoping that your fingers can detect the alien hinges in the socket and force it out without damaging the fragile structure, you wiggled them underneath some metal, deeper, the pure energy force covering your skin like a layer, like a conscious patient grabbing a doctor's wrist- a threat. One wrong move and the collaboration is over. 

Exhaling slowly, you tried to stabilize your body with the breath, going slowly with the movement, to make your hands navigate easier, gestures becoming more fluid, reducing the risk of staggering into something you shouldn’t. Really shouldn’t. Unless your dream was to become a firework or case study for some future radiologist. 

Click. Crank. Pop. 

Only by following the shapes underneath your fingers, you did something. The reactor shined one last time, before its external structures retreated, circled around each other and closed. 

Yanking your hands in retreat, you watched the cylindrical part pop with a hiss, ozone pulling from the gaps. Got it. Fucking got it. 

–HEY! You FRAGGIN’- C’MERE, organic piece of SCRAP! –You never grabbed and hid anything this quickly in your life when you heard the Decepticon scream at you; spotting you playing with the thing he definitely was after. Didn’t even register the heat in your legs, just darting to a mad run. Run for your life, only catching a moment of him transforming something and you were out of there. 

Oh, okay. Now you’re dead. Sure.

Run. Jump. Slide across. Can’t think. Can’t spiral. Think. Stop. Dead. 

Throwing yourself into a narrow space, no longer caring how much noise you make, you felt your heart rising up to the throat, choking you with fear, as the guy was getting closer. Closer. Closer. No. Can’t. He gets me and I’m a corpse. 

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. The only noise you could hear. Thundering steps and him crushing any obstacle, just to get to faster. 

And he did; with inhumane speed and lack of bodily limitations the humans had. You had. 

No. Run. Run, little bunny, run. 

–Get back herE! I will even think of letting you go! –He kept screaming in your direction, as you bolted through the rooms, corridors and spaces too small for him, too tight. 

Not thinking, only registering what’s happening as the images flow in front of your eyes, you only vividly recall what you already knew.

Staircase. 

THUMP.

On your right. Run. 

Your whole body burning, eyes locked on the place you previously recognized as your way out. 

Wind hitting your face from the speed you forced yourself to gain, feet carrying you over any obstacle, before even your brain registering them in front. Just go. Just go, go, go. 

–I SAID STOP. –The alien boomed, and then a sharp pain hit your spine, the force of the impact of whatever he threw at you sending you flying face first. It hurts. Hurts. 

But you didn’t even groan. Didn’t spend any second more on the floor, with one swift motion bouncing yourself back up, ache in your bones dismissed, not important. 

Reactor. Where. Grab. 

–Come closer and yer dead, prick. –Charged sound or accelerator speeding up, you looked up. He now had a gun, and the thing you looked after was in between the two of you. 

You raised your hands up, brain malfunctioning to create a plan. To live. To retrieve. Why won’t he shoot? Just to get rid of you? Sensitive? SENSITIVE. 

Without any thought next, you threw yourself towards the part, hoping you’re right. He can’t shoot near this, or he will send everyone into the afterlife with a giant explosion. 

–MOTHER-FRAG- You’re DEAD! –Yelling, but not attacking with his weapon, the bot jumped at you with his body weight. Barely dodging the impact as you rolled to the side the moment your hands clasped on the reactor, you bolted in the other direction. 

He will pounce on you the second you’re both in the open space. New plan.

Elevator shaft. 

He’s heavier. Gravity works against him here, and you need to rely on your strengths against the unfair fight; agility and adrenaline boost. It’s your last chance. Too late for begging. Not like you planned that at all, considering that there’s still something happening on the outside. Where Mirage was. You promised to try to retrieve something for him, after all. 

You slid on the tiles taking the turn, and you hear the alien bang into the wall a moment after, turning it into a gap between the two of you. There’s an elevator somewhere. Has to be. You’re desperate for it to be there. 

Using your brief advantage, you looked at door frames more carefully, just in case one was different, or if there was a panel nearby to call the lift. 

One, two… three, four, Oh, come on! Groaning, you skipped past another narrow corridor, not knowing where to go next. Something. Something- There. Jackpot. 

A slight gap in the metal, going back and forth an inch on its chassis. Not sparing a glance back, only hearing the alien loudly getting closer to you, you launched yourself to pry the gap to open wider, letting you slip past through. 

Thanking the hormone boosting your sore muscle with extra strength, soon you found yourself in the shaft, metal box that was once a functional lift stuck somewhere in the upper floors. 

Almost falling inside the hole with no way to get up by yourself, you grabbed at the cord on the wall, eyes scanning for the emergency ladder, only to hastily jump into it, before the alien gets to you first. 

Climbing up as fast as you physically could, surely you heard the doors being blasted open sooner than you’d like.

–You’ve got to be kiddin’ me there. OI. GET BACK! –Not answering his taunts, you only focused on getting to the ground floor. Once you get to your alien, he should be able to get both of you out of here, right? 

But then something happened that you hadn't anticipated. 

This motherfucker has boosters!

–HEY! This shit-hole will collapse on us both if you do this! –You screamed, watching with horror as he jumped almost close enough to grab your ankle, latching on the same ladder as you. 

–But I’m the one that will survive, hun’. –He mocked, but sure enough, the walls trembled and then shook dangerously as the whole shaft creaked, rusty elements scratching each other, holding on to a thought and prayer. –Frag.

–Fucking told you, asshole! –You screamed back, continuing your hike. 

–Well, giv’ me back the reactor and I will leave you alone! I dug it! –He struggled, but surprisingly decided that the chase wasn't worth the risk of being crushed by the metal elevator. 

–And I took it out first, it’s mine now. –reckoning, you spotted on the side the wide opened entrance, metal doors fully retreated and locked inside the walls. Oh, sometimes you were lucky!

–What even is that logic and’ HEY! –His voice echoed through the shaft as you made the risky jump across the empty space over his head, and almost missed your step, rolling forward on the floor, your heart skipping a beat. 

But you couldn’t stop there, so you jumped on your feet again, looking around. You were here. Just find the exit. The one you came through. 

–Humor won’t save ya’ PRICK! –Right after you, the purple alien with visored, red optics appeared in the frame, baring his teeth with the gap on the upper set. 

Not responding to him anymore, you bolted somewhere, your eyes unused to the darkness that still swallowed this floor. Fear running through your mind, you could feel panic get the control over your brain, leaving your consciousness barely there, like a specter to your own doing. Where. Where was it? You’re so damn close. Are you going to die because you can’t spot the door? 

No, no, no, no-

–Got’ ya. –You heard behind you and you screamed again, dodging his hands by ducking. –No more ‘f than running scrap. –He growled, his hands reaching for your form. –Are you made of fragging gelatin?! How are ya fleshies so daMN GUMMY- 

Struggling to catch you, you used that moment to jump behind some fallen cafeteria table, not really sure how both of you found yourself in the place like this. 

–That will not save your aft. –Huffing, he stepped closer and threw full force at the poor piece of furniture, until it broke pathetically on the wall, startling you enough to trip backwards and fall on your butt. –Game. Over. Now hand me back m’ thing. 

Frozen in place, you couldn’t force yourself to comply with his request, your whole body shaking as the alien glared at you. 

–Oh, c’mon, I’m being very nice here –He mumbled, but before his sentence could be properly finished, both of you were hit by the wave of crushing force that made every fiber of your being vibrate uncomfortably, head almost exploding from the sensation. The alien wasn’t entirely unaffected, slightly stumbling on his feet, head jerking to the side as he gritted his teeth. –Frag. ‘Aight, no time, we’re gonna do it ol’ school. –Smirking, he jumped to you, hands grabbing at your coverings, when you couldn’t react, forced on all fours from that weird force. 

You felt him take out something from your pocket, wishing you could scream or trash now, but only pathetic whine coming out of you. 

–Let’s say ya gave me a good chase there. See ya’ –Chuckling crookedly before he had stormed outside. Wickedly, yet he spared your life even if throwing so many threats.

And soon after the mini bot left, whatever had you pinned down there stopped, leaving you huffing from exhaustion and crying. 

Shit. All of this only to fail. Only to fail your first friend in a long time. Tears dripped on the ground, between your palms. Haven’t even noticed how much scratches you had on them. 

~***~ 

It felt like joors, just kneeling on the ground, Soundwave’s attack forcing him to stay put. Waiting for his minion to come back, doing whatever he was tasked to do. Primus, Primus help, help this poor little thing he brought into this. Don’t let the harm come her way. Please. 

Mirage heard the crack, and the wall from their side crumbled and sure enough, one of the Casseticons came out. Rumble. Purple bot smiling at the sight of the Autobot not able to move.

–Oh, you had a situation here, Boss! –He heard the small Cybertronian chuckle, running to his superior. –Mission successful. Let’s go. –Smiling, he jumped onto the wounded Decepticon, docking in the opened compartment. 

Deeming that his Cassette is safe, Soundwave halted his ministries, looking just as drained as Mirage. Or more, since he didn’t have any opportunity to land even a single hit on the Autobot. 

He wanted to stand up. Attack. Get them both. But I couldn't. Only watching how the third in command of the enemy’s forces transforms into a jet and takes off, he slumped closer to the building. Still praying that the human is alright. 

–Y/N? Y/N, are you here? Please… please be okay. –He pleaded, going back on one knee, already one servo on his audials. 

If the intelligence officer left, he must have sent a distressed call for medical care. And to do this, he had to lift the dead zone security. Which means Mirage can also call his back up. 

Silence. Nothing responded to him as he called out the girl’s name. 

What has he done?

But before he could spiral into his own grief, he heard a muffled sniff, coming from the inside. Not caring for anything at all now, he created an even greater hole in the building, until the daylight illuminated the small, trembling form. Y/N’s form. 

–Thank Primus. –He really wasn’t a religious mech, but surely all of his prayers seemed to be heard. –Are you okay, sweetspark?! –Taking her carefully into the servos, her form spasmed in his cupped hands before realizing it’s him.

–Y-yeah… I think. I- I might be concussed a little bit but I’m alive. –She sniffed, her eyes glossy and leaking. At instance, her foreign and yet so familiar EM field prickled at him, allowing him to peak into her inner turmoil. And his mentee was hurt. Not badly, just enough to cause discomfort and strain on the psyche. 

–You’re hurt. –Frowning, he tucked her body closer to him, against his chest and the biomesh on his neck. Instinctively at first, not meaning to, not without asking; but feeling her relax into him, clearly scared and fatigued, Mirage couldn’t help but blame himself, spark clenching and ripping apart his processor. –It’s my fault. Optimus was right, I- I shouldn’t have done this, and I shouldn’t- even have done as much as think of bringing you here- What if something has happened-? –Muttering to himself, he felt his own optics prick. 

–Mirage. –Her voice was hoarse, strained. Rumble had to spot her, chase her. He might be basically her size, but she doesn’t have anything to protect herself with like minicon. Promised Y/N that he will do it for her, but he was occupied with Soundwave. Didn’t take that into account. Failed her. 

–No. No, sweetspark, don’t. –His own voice failed him, venting in her scent. Almost lost her already. And yet there’s no hate, no disappointment in her. Still trusting him. How? Why? –I will take you back now. I-… I’m just. So sorry. –Mumbling, he nuzzled into the soft hair on her tiny head. –I’m really, really sorry. You should have been safe. –He sighed. Does he even deserve to hold her anymore? 

–You couldn’t know, it’s just-

–That’s the point. Optimus warned me about this potentially going sideways. That everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. No. I’m calling them now. Probably my backup already with Richard and Grace, trying to get the hold of us. –He said firmly, transforming around her and buckling the seat belt. 

–Won’t you get into trouble?! –Protesting, when she should be trashing and demanding him being scolded and isolated for at least a few cycles. Never allowed to see her again. 

–I will. That’s kinda the idea, sweetspark. –Chuckling grimly, he revved his engines, finally getting a reading on the comms. Almost immediately being connected with Jazz. 

–FRAGGING HECK! Raj, you were in the name of the pit have you been?! Tried to get a readin’ on ya for the passed twenty kliks! How long have you been out? Something happened? Are the humans ‘aight?

He almost smiled internally hearing a friendly voice. Liked to imagine they’re worried about him, not that he did something that could jeopardize the mission. 

–Almost. Send someone to their habsuite, as fast as possible. 

–Bumblebee’s there. Why the FRAG aren’t YA there?! You alone?! –Almost swearing he growled there, Mirage’s inner systems trembled with anxiety, making him want to purge right now. 

–No. I’m with Y/N. What was supposed to be a fun ride ended up as a fight with Soundwave. 

—...Primus. Report, are ya both alright? –The Lieutenant's voice sounded strained. Oh, he’s in deep aft. 

–Yeah, we’re fine! –She cut in, beaming with happiness. Forced one, but Mirage was pretty sure only he could sense it, being directly intertwined with her field. 

–Hi cuddle bug. –Jazz responded to her, sounding a tiny bit calmer but still stern. –Get her home and I will open a ground bridge back to the base. Alright? 

–Sure. I’ll call.  

–I hope so. –Mirage felt a pang of anger and guilt inside of his spark when Jazz severed his connection after that. Alright, he got it, he screwed up badly this time. But this wasn’t his intention. Why do they keep acting like he does everything like that on purpose? Of course he knows why. 

He was an assassin. Who would trust someone like him, am I right guys? 

–Mirage… I’m sorry, I couldn't see a useful machine. And… –Her voice recalled him to the land of the living, sadness and guilt present in it, even if she wasn’t the one to blame. 

–It’s okay Y/N. I told you that I wouldn’t blame you for a klik even if… All of this hasn't happened.

–But, listen. There is more to that. I know what those guys were after! –She exclaimed, grabbing at his steering wheel when they entered the town. – A smaller guy was digging out the ground bridge, just like the one Richard had found. 

–Wait, what?! –Almost forcing a full stop, he slowed down, reminding himself to watch the road. Okay, now that he hasn’t anticipated learning. 

–Yeah. I- tried to help, but… I don’t think I stopped him. No, “don’t think”, I just haven’t. I’m sorry. –Sighing, she slumped into the seat, which made him wish he could pet her again. 

–Hey, hey. –He hushed her softly. –That’s not something I’d ever have expected from you. I’m sure you did your best. Y/N, I really mean it when I say that I’m only glad that you’re okay. Because I do. –Probably would take every single shot Soundwave could do only if it meant that she was safe. 

–Still. Would probably fuck their plans real good if I took back that thing from that purple bastard. –She groaned, massaging with one hand, which made him smile internally. 

Mirage really hopes he gets to see her again one day already. 

No matter how long his prayers to the God he never believed in would be, the ride has ended, and he found himself stopping at the driveway, opening the doors for a girl to climb out of his cabin. As expected from the call, he spotted the black and yellow Camaro patiently sitting in the spot in front of the house, lights flickering as soon as the vehicle spotted him. Bumblebee. 

And Richard was standing next to him, worried frown plastered across his face, but after spotting Y/N, he ran up to her and embraced her tightly, clutching her head to his neck. 

Embarrassed and angry, he closed the doors and sent a signal back to the base so the mech on the other side could open the passage back home. Which wasn’t very homey to begin with, the dread hanging in the air not appealing to him either. 

As the sharp pang of light flickered in the safe distance, Mirage rolled his tires to the direction they appeared from. Watching in his back mirror how the girl runs a bit behind him, watching him go with teary eyes, before rubbing them off with the sleeves of the jacket she wore. The same one as she had when they’d met. 

TF! Mirage x F!Human!Reader

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Description: How exactly is one supposed to react when they learn that extraterrestial life is real- and here, on Earth? Giant, metal aliens, to be exact. But it's... exciting. You could feel it, the sparkles of excitement under your skin. Finally. Finally something was happening instead of misery. Feeling the gravitational pull towards the aliens, escpecially your "kidnapper"- but the more suiting term would be "savior".

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Author's Note: Please remember to leave something if you're enjoying it! I might start another series, but I fear getting irregular just yet. If you have any asks, hit me up.

Warning: None, enjoy!

“There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.” ― Oscar Levant 

It was suffocating. The atmosphere, the stares, everything. As the bot has set you back down to your own two feet, you felt like the invisible curtain of safety was lifted from you, exposing your vulnerable self. Richard’s gaze is icy cold, drilling the hole in your face. You cringed in response, feeling small, like a scolded child who ruined the wall by drawing on it. Always ending up like this. Always. Was there any point in trying to break free anymore?

You wished it was over by now; whatever outcome. Just make it stop. Need to burrow yourself under the sheets and lay there for some time. Of course you had overstepped every single boundary, chasing something that wasn’t meant for you to reach. Embarrassing yourself, potentially. Getting the hope of the change you yearned for, longed for. But the mere gaze brings you down; how could you still delude yourself, while not being able handle this much resistance? 

Helpless case. The voice at the back of your head ringed with a venom. And you wanted nothing more than to cut it all already. Go back to the things you know. So you won’t have to confront anyone. Decide. Straddle along the boat that sails to somewhere. At least with a destination.

Richard didn’t even grab you anymore, simply clenched and relaxed his fists simultaneously, jaw clenched as he followed Jazz with his gaze. Observing the alien back. Grace didn’t even look your way, holding your brother by his biceps. Anchoring herself, but this time barely finding any comfort by his presence. Clearly. He’s never lost control over his anger like that in a long time, and she found the robotic, sentient life form unsettling, to say at least. 

You understood her in some way; it was creepy, to be standing at their feet, not even close to reaching their knees. Tiny, compared to them. Fragile. That does something to a person, this realization how consciously careful they have to be not to accidentally hurt any of you. But at the very same time it leaves you with a string of trust already attached to your heart; that since they didn’t and instead tried their very best to keep you safe, that they are the good guys in this story. Have to be. You need them to be. 

–Absolutely not! –A sudden exclamation from your brother didn’t fail to bring your attention back to your sibling, who tried, to your horror, to swat Jazz’s hand, which the bot extended over to him, apparently trying to touch him. 

–Ouch. That hurt. Mostly my feelings though. –Alien’s visor brightened, and you weren’t so confident if his smile was as friendly as before. Something flickering dangerously behind that. Like he was almost restraining himself from being more firm. You could almost smell in the air how his patience was running thin for your sibling. But you didn’t want to interfere. Distanced from them both physically and mentally. Which was weird, considering the fact that you were always around those two. Addition to their lives.

As long as you could remember. 

You shouldn’t have strained this. They’re your family. Maybe you simply gave in to the fascination over the aliens? Yes, that’s it. It’s simply too fascinating for your curiosity. And Mirage was nice, so that’s why you are gravitating. Feeling a comrade in him. 

That’s more reasonable. It’s okay. Everything’s fine. Just… too many things at once. 

Quietly you came closer to gently nudge Grace’s free hand. To take you back in. She quickly turned around, asserting the expression on your face, with gentler eyes. Concerned, but still gentle. You couldn’t meet her gaze, strained already yourself. But surely you felt her fingers intertwine with yours. Yes. That’s right. Even if you’re overwhelmed a lot of times by Richard’s rules and decisions, there was Grace to comfort you with quiet hugs, and warm pastries. She’s not mad. So you’re fine. 

–Why did you get the cuddly one? -Jazz murmured, tipping his head towards you now. Unlike with Mirage, you couldn’t bring yourself to immediately trust the other bot. He was more reserved, his way of speech leaving a tart taste in your soul. Trying to sell himself as an easygoing person, yet you couldn’t help but undermine this facade. 

Before you could even react to his comment, there was a loud hiss coming from, what you have assumed previously, a wall. That was before the metal lining separated, as you never assumed was possible, uncovering the passage. Your eyes opened wide, suddenly reminded that those are really aliens. From space. With very, very advanced technology. This made your skin feel tingly from excitement, squeezing Grace's hand to cope easier. Pretty sure you’re the only one here excited for what’s about to happen. Stressed too, but for the sake of your own mental health? 

Fuck it, we ball. 

What you didn’t quite expect was the size of the bot who came through the door. To put it lightly; if you thought that Mirage and Jazz were giant? The bot who just appeared was monstrous. Hulking over the two aliens, their height barely enabling them to reach his chestplate. Much wider too, bulkier. So that has to be Optimus, their leader. At least that’s what you assumed from snippets of their conversation, before Mirage started talking in deeper, growling sounds while talking through the radio. Their language.

–Holy shit. –Finally you heard Grace say something that wasn’t a hopeless attempt to calm Richard. The short expression of shock that they do come in even bigger sizes. Probably not a fan of this information too.

–Optimus! Great to see you, heh –Mirage rose from his place, scraping the floor a bit as he stood back on foot from the crouch. Didn’t he already stand up when he let you go? Was he sitting there this whole time behind you? The hair on the back of your neck bristled by the thought, suddenly less confident about the interactions you previously had with the alien.

The leader partially ignored him, only nodding his head in acknowledgment of the statement, his glowing blue eyes immediately scanning the room until they found what he was looking for; the newcomers. You.

His gaze was something else. Crushing only with its presence, weighting your worth with a single glance. Lingering on the tiny bodies of humans on his way. Not threatening but intimidating enough to twist your guts in fear of angering him. 

With some sort of mask on it was hard to read the titan's expression. Only his eyes betraying some of his thoughts if you focused to get a hunch of what was going to happen to the three of you now. 

-I thought you said one of them was cooperating? Which one then Jazz, since they all are hurled up in one corner? -Focusing enough on the Optimus you failed to notice the smaller bot entering right after him, who grunted with so much annoyance you never heard from another being. Well, maybe some old prick at the store you worked in. 

He was essentially smaller than others, but wider than Mirage and Jazz. So this must be the medic they mentioned, right? Seems like it, with his paint twisting in very familiar designs; the ones you could spot on ambulances. Is that what he changes into? 

-She probably got a little… overwhelmed by Prime? -You couldn’t see the expression Mirage made as he spoke, but you could perfectly imagine it, just by his body language as he finally walked over and his back facing you, one hand stretched to scratch the back of his helm, awkwardly. 

–So, you’re the unfortunate souls that got themselves into trouble. –A booming voice resonated through your whole body, leaving a tingling sensation in the bones, making you shiver. Repressing the need to step back and jolt into the unknown direction, you locked your feet in place as Optimus spoke. 

Is his whole being just designated to be an intimidating leader? Because you sure felt it that was it. 

Sparing a quick glance at Richard, just to make sure he isn’t trying to throw his tantrum at this particular bot, you stepped a little closer to Grace, who started trembling. Yes, this is going to be such a great encounter. Honestly you just kept praying that you’re all going to be alive at the end of it. 

After getting no immediate response from anyone, the hulking figure carefully and slowly got closer, watching his steps, until he was close enough to kneel on one knee in front of you. Trying to get closer without spooking you any further. 

With a slight hissing sound, his mask retraced, allowing you to see his full expression, which now made more sense, matching his actions; it was worrying. The big mech was worried about you- like he never wanted to imagine bringing such tiny beings into their issues. At least that's how he looked. But maybe it was only your own delusion and childish hopes. 

–My name is Optimus Prime. The leader of the Autobots. We mean no harm to your kind and wish to protect you and your planet. Your presence here was necessary for your safety, as we would never bring you into this without any other reason. –He said, gently opening his hand as if to prove to you that he doesn’t want to hurt you. Well, it was nice to be officially introduced. 

–So… You are aliens. –Richard murmured, frowning. He relaxed a little his stance, but not fully his muscles. Still wary. Even if he perfectly realizes the fact that he stands no chance against them, powers or no powers. 

–Yes, we are. –Optimus nodded. –What are your names, little ones? I believe we have a lot to talk about. 

There was a second of dead silence, before Richard groaned in defeat. Probably coming to the conclusion that it’s smarter to cooperate with them than stubbornly chirp at them. 

–I’m Richard. –He said, putting a hand on his chest, before pointing it at his girlfriend. –This is Grace, my partner. –After saying her name, she waved ever so slightly. 

Then your brother turned a bit, so the leader has a better view on you, until now hidden behind his broader frame. –And that is Y/N, my little sister. –Mimicking Grace, you waved a bit with a silent “Hi” formed with your lips, unable to find the strength to mutter it out loud. 

–I see. May I ask then which one of you is the one who came into contact with the ground bridge? -He added, making you all look at each other in confusion, before your brother spoke again, taking the lead. 

–You, I mean Sir. –He corrected himself, feeling uneasy with addressing the giant bot. -Do you mean that weird construction? Because yeah, that was me and then I got hit with that energy ray or something. Whatever that was. –Taking a step back, he folded his hands under his chest. Trying to regain slowly more and more of his usual composure. Attempting to look more confident, despite the current position he’s in. 

–Yes, I mean precisely that. I was also informed that the energy had an unusual effect on you, Richard. We couldn’t have predicted that to happen when we first received a read on the outburst. Although you don’t feel any pain, may I ask you to agree to let our medic, Ratchet, have a look at your vitals? We have to make sure there aren't any more anomalies present in your system that can turn into… rather unpleasant aftermath.

His voice was calm, soothing. But the words that just escaped Optimus’ mouth filled you with dread. This was something you also gave a thought, back in the warehouse. That even if something hasn’t happened immediately, it doesn’t mean it won’t. 

Before Richard could protest, you grabbed him with enough force to make him look at you, breaking his eye contact with the Autobot. 

–Say yes. –You breathed, before his gaze could reach your core and make you second guess yourself. He won’t make you go silent this time and make him decide for everything. You have to act now. 

–Wh- Do you hear yourself, sis?! –He shook his head, grabbing you by your wrist.

–I do. And what he said makes sense. I also thought about it before, it’s weird that you’re okay. Well, besides that portals. But what if it’s dangerous? Do you want to go to the regular hospital and potentially get higher ups’ attention? If something goes sideways? –You said, on an adrenaline rush. And you saw doubt in his face, but you both knew you were making a good point. Riskier one? Not even that exactly. Aliens who you just have met or the government you know are a bunch of dicks and shady people, who would gladly just dissect him and keep you and Grace as hostages. 

Yeah, I’m going with aliens. 

–...You’re not going to cut me into pieces, right? Because, heads up, humans don’t regenerate lost limbs. -Richard sighed after a while. He’s not convinced, although vision of arguing with you and voicing his opinion on the bots might put him in an even worse position than he already is.

–Who do you take me for?! I’m just going to scan you and check your vitals. In a non-invasive way. –The medic huffed offended and turned to his side, earning himself a glance from Optimus. 

–Just making sure. Don’t want to risk some misunderstandings and waking up with no arm or something. –You could hear the eye-roll your brother just did while saying this sentence. –By the way. Since when are you this rebellious, sis? –He asked, patting your head, no heat in his voice anymore. Trying to make it out of here, alive. And panic won’t bring you anywhere, and he knows it. 

–It’s not being rebellious, it’s called being reasonable. –You groaned, fixing your hair. Jerk. Had to belittle you, since you’re the younger sister.

–Normally I wouldn’t say that siding with strangers, let alone aliens, whose intentions we don’t exactly know is reasonable, but this time I must agree. Even scared shitless I think I would choose them over any FBI agent. –Grace breathed out loudly as she probably held her breath most of the time. Only relaxing now, as both you and your brother started to bicker as always, your mood affecting her. 

–Is this “FBI agent” a scary thing to you? –You heard that deep voice from above, as Optimus hadn’t moved from his previous spot, those blue eyes jumping between the three of you.

–Government organization. The FBI are a bunch of humans with guns and access to private data of civilians. And let’s just say… we’re not very trusting of anyone close to the government. If you don’t want to dissect me, they will. Gladly. –Richard said, probably not entirely sure himself if he decided to trust the titans already or is this simply a matter of the leader’s curious tone. 

–Oh look, another similarity between Cybertronians and humans! Their leaders are corrupted too. –Changing your focus to Mirage, who now was leaning his back and one leg on the wall, you tilted your head. He sounded both cheerful and bitter, as everyone’s eyes landed on him at this very moment. –What? Am I wrong? 

–You’re the one saying that. Not me, fam. –Jazz put his hands up in the air, turning on his foot and going back to the screens. –I will get a hold on everyone. Should I leave a message about our new allies? 

–That depends. –With that, Optimus stood up just as slowly as he previously had moved, but his face grew more serious. -We haven’t reached that point yet. But I must know; Richard, Grace, Y/N. We must ask you for a big favor; our existence must remain a secret. Just as you, we do not trust your leaders and we fear the panic that would outbreak after this information was spread to the public. You cannot ever speak about us to any other of your kind.

–Does that mean that you’re not about to keep us trapped here? –The woman beside you spoke, her earring ringing against the wooden beads as she moved her head more rashly than normally.

–No, if you agree to our terms. I hate to press that matter onto your will, but I cannot risk my people’s safety. Although even after you agree, one of us will keep you company at all times. This will be more for your protection, as Decepticons may have a hold on you by now. -He explained, nodding his head at Jazz, probably prompting him to check something. You weren’t sure, but the smaller bot seemed to know exactly what his leader asked him to do. 

–Right, Decepticons. Who are those guys? And what’s the deal with them and you? –As those words left Richard’s mouth you could feel all of them tense up. 

–Enemies. We’re currently at war with them. A very long war. They don’t necessarily value humans’ lives, seeing it as a part of the sacrifice for their cause. But I cannot allow this world and your kind to be consumed by our matter. That’s why we will protect you and make sure no harm comes your way. –He explained vaguely, a frown crowning his face. 

–If I may then assume- you didn’t exactly want to invade our planet, did you? –You spoke in a soft voice, almost too quiet for yourself to hear. 

–That would be partially correct, little one. We chose this world to travel to, as it possesses a valuable resource for our kind; energon. But the writings of it in our archives were old, outdated. This world was described as one without any signs of sentient life, barely any. If we knew that Earth was homeland to humankind, I would have never brought here my people and in the consequences the Decepticons that have followed us. 

–Well, shit. –Richard wiped his face with a hand before pinching the bridge of his nose. -I have no energy left to doubt any of it, but I guess welcome to Earth, then. -You almost huffed at his sarcasm, but you saw no anger or even annoyance on titans’ faces. Probably understanding your brother’s feelings, which were you very thankful for. –But...We should be at home sleeping right now, so may I ask how long will it take to be… scanned and poked? –He sighed, rubbing his eyes. 

–That’s something you should ask Ratchet about. He’s already at the med-bay, preparing the accurate and organic safe tools for you. It won’t take too long, but it may vary since we have no idea what exactly went wrong or right inside of you. 

--May I come with him? –Grace spoke, putting a hand on her chest, right above her heart. She requested that quickly after Optimus had ended his sentence, probably not giving it a lot of thought. You didn’t blame her; it was regarding her significant other, of course she would instantly want to go with him. 

Titan only nodded with a softer expression. Expecting it. 

–Of course. Just please don’t mind the medic’s rather harsh way of speech. He won’t hurt Richard or you, I may assure you. –He said, putting his hand on his hips, before Ratchet came back, as if summoned. 

White and red not only spared a glance on the other aliens and then came over unhurriedly.

–Can I just take you in my servos? It will take ages until you get there on your own feet. –He suggested as he put down his hand, offering Richard to climb on it. –You mate can sit too. I just don’t want to wait until you make it all the way to the bay. 

–That’s a lot of trust you ask for. –Your sibling squinted his eyes. 

–Really, how in the name of Primus did Mirage get the nice one? –Jazz butted in with a playful tone in his voice, which made Ratchet turn his head. 

–Nice? –As if in disbelief, he went back to face the three of you. –I can hardly see any of them cooperating.

At which your brother turned to face you with one eyebrow raised. 

–What? –You looked at him, almost offended. Really, was it the time now to embarrass you? You’re not giving him the pleasure of such, but it did make you unconsciously start rocking on your feet. Well, Mirage was surprisingly warm and comfortable, and was handling your tiny body with enough care to make you trust him. And since it was getting very late, you were simply tired beyond belief, adrenaline long gone from your system.

–Alright, alright. Let’s just get over it. –Richard said before reluctantly sitting on top of Ratchet’s hand and allowing Grace to get on his lap, before the medic cupped them both securely. –OH SHIT, It’s high up there. –He added, grabbing bot’s fingers for balance, even if he was holding them firmly. 

–Um… What about me, Sir? 

~***~

Mirage really tried to not to laugh at the girl’s distressed voice as she looked at Optimus awkwardly. Doesn’t she realize that this mech would rather blow his whole arm off than cause any harm to her tiny frame? Probably not, since Prime looked like any Prime should; massive compared to them. Intimidating, serious and any other description of a perfect and capable leader. 

Her weak voice successfully made him turn his head to look at her. Mirage was sure that the bulky mech didn’t forget about the last human who stood there, but he probably had no idea what to do with the little female now. Wishing she went with her brother, that’s for sure. 

–Depends. I’d rather you return later to your home with your family with one of the Autobots. So, the question is; what do you want to do? Maybe we can accommodate you somehow. –he said, looking for help at Jazz and then him. 

The ex-mercenary bounced his feet off the wall as he came closer. He will probably have to write the report now, his processor assuring him that the girl will choose to stay there or be transported somewhere above, to feel less threatened by the possibility of being squished if anyone new decides to jolt into the room and fail to spot her on the ground. 

–Up. –That one word made him look down, to see the curious little optics fixed on him as she said it. 

With grabby hands. 

Wait. She still chose him to spend her time with? Will even Optimus agree to it?

But he smiled widely, happily strutting over to pick the girl up as she requested. Well, Prime has to agree now, the report can wait. 

–Hehe, I knew I was irresistible. –He snorted a laugh as he could an already familiar weight in his hands, the warmth of her body spilling into him like a wave, her EM field grounding him in comfort she felt after being grabbed. As absurd as it sounds. 

–As I have told you, how in the name of Primus did he get a cuddly one? –Jazz once again said, throwing his hands in defeat right now. –She did exactly the same thing before! –And he could almost feel the jealousy from the lieutenant who accented on purpose that words. As guarded as the spy was with two other humans emitting enough hostility for them to feel on the tips of their plating, Y/N was just scared. Scared but understanding. Curious. 

And Mirage knew damn well that Jazz liked humans just as much as he did, wishing he could hold one like the one who currently was getting comfortable in his cupped hands, basking in the warmth of his body. 

After making sure she wasn’t paying attention, he gave Jazz a very wide smirk, spelling out “I won” in cybertronian. 

–Assuming that means you will be alright in Mirage’s care? –Optimus said to the tiny female, making her poke her head up to look at their leader. 

–Can I? –She asked, now unsure. Which was adorable, if only he hadn't had to feel so clearly her emotions, as interacting with someone with their whole palette of inner thoughts exposed was weird. Every Cybertronian hides themselves from being seen like that. But humans? It was like interacting with something pure, an unguarded form of being. 

He liked that, but it was more as if he intruded her privacy than was willingly allowed to peek into. Sure that Ratchet has mentioned the humans didn’t even know what EM field is and that they emit it. 

–Of course. I’m just surprised. You seem very comfortable with us, while your family is rather… –The bigger bot grunted softly, trying to search for a word in his vocabulary that would be off handed, or straight up rude. 

–Name it. Wary? Defensive? Hostile even? –She tilted her head to the side where doors to the med-bay were, and he could swear that Y/N was even more relaxed after realizing that the other humans weren’t there. Letting this thought sink in, making her talk comfortably. –Because yeah, I know. Don’t blame them for that. And as for me? Half of me is more fascinated than scared. I trust that none of you will hurt me. If you wanted to, you would have already done so. –She quoted him, when he tried every last resort to coax her. 

Damn, that hit right in the spark. 

–And the other half? –Jazz spoke not even sparing them a glance now, trying to match the wavelengths of probably Wheeljack’s comm channel, as the mad engineer was always at the move. 

–The other half still think I tripped on the wet floor and hit my head, causing a concussion and all of this is a fever dream while I’m in a coma in some cheap hospital nearby. –With that the little female laid down and nuzzled her head against his servos, facing him as she fought exhaustion in her body. 

Maybe you did somewhere in the way here. 

Mirage almost whispered this in his native language, gently nudging her head with a single digit. So damn soft and fragile, trusting herself to him. Does he even deserve it? 

For you to be this comfortable with me. 

He added in his head, venting gently in her scent, letting the warm air from his inner systems blew a breeze over her, making her huff in surprise which brought a smile onto his own faceplate. 

–Well, you certainly did not, even if half of you is not convinced. I will be going back to my habsuite. Jazz, only alert others of the humans for now, we will be back to the other tasks in the morning. Mirage, please take good care of our new friend. For today it may be for the best if they stay at the base, considering how tired Y/N alone seems to be. You will take them back home in the morning. 

A tiny bit of worry filled the girl’s frame, and somehow Mirage knew why. Maybe because he was quite aware of the average human’s lifestyle and needs? Probably, and yet he couldn’t quite put any of his servos on for the exact reason. Just a confident assumption. Yeah, that sounds about right. 

–Do we have anything soft for them to sleep on? And under? –He pointed out, at which Prime just looked at him, puzzled. But nodded, regardless. 

–There should be something at the very back of the base. We adapted the old human’s factory after all, I think Prowl mentioned some cushioning which we never got rid of. You are also allowed to change one of the room’s temperature for the little ones’ comfort for the recharge. It shouldn’t cause any problems just once doing so. 

–Alright. Y/N, we’re going to make the three of you a place to sleep. Big boss’ orders. –He said, turning on his heel where the backrooms were, a place where they threw “unnecessary human stuff that might turn out to be useful one day”. 

|| Main Materlist -> Here!

Description:

Once you were drowning in the dullness of life in the small city, you knew that your whole life was meant to finish there, in Watford, nail of fate pinning you securely. But your heart remained hungry, starved for something to happen. So when your brother has an accident which after effects are more than unexpected - you can't go back. Especially when you meet him; an alien from planet Cybertron; that hunger doesn't stop - it ignites the fire inside of you.

Prologue:

|| “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” ― Carl Sagan.

It was hard; living from day to day, paycheck to paycheck, managing the house with your older brother and his girlfriend. But what was truly eating you alive was boredom. You couldn't move out, basically being trapped in the small city with no perspectives. Until one day when your brother, Richard, came back from work, pale as a ghost. Something has happened to him, and he needed both you and Grace - his lover - to see this. Driving somewhere you feel for the first time in what felt like forever excitement - just never expected to be followed... or found. By something- someone, who wasn't exactly human.

Chapter 1:

|| “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein.

Nothing like that ever starts off calmly. You should have expected that, when the device in your hand gave you creeps; nothing you had ever came across looked like this. And the more you inspected? The weirder it got- at some point, even the shivers started to feel like you were observed, as you eyed the device. Who would have thought that your paranoia would lead your impulsive self to actually get an answer on who has been staring at you?

Chapter 2:

|| “There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.” ― Oscar Levant 

How exactly is one supposed to react when they learn that extraterrestial life is real- and here, on Earth? Giant, metal aliens, to be exact. But it's... exciting. You could feel it, the sparkles of excitement under your skin. Finally. Finally something was happening instead of misery. Feeling the gravitational pull towards the aliens, escpecially your "kidnapper"- but the more suiting term would be "savior".

Chapter 3:

|| “I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it.” ― Mae West.

The longest night of your damn life goes on. Separated from the rest of your family you can finally relax with your newly aquired friend. This relationship is fresh and both of you are confused about each other. Alien. None of what happened was supposed to, leaving you to deal with your inner mess of thought. At some point you just go on with the chaotic flow of your mind, letting yourself loose. And your unveiled recklessness surprised even Mirage, who thought he seen everything human may have to offer.

Chapter 4:

|| “When you're in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying, 'Damn, that was fun'.” ― Groucho Marx 

Energon is crucial in every universe but I still feel like it's not explored enough.

We all heard about variations of the energon or how its color changes depending on the universe. Cybertronians' "blood" and fuel - so why don't we use that?

I honestly feel like energon needs to have more variations and usage in fanfictions. There was blue, pink, high grade, even red. But hear me out; there's even more to it.

Depending on how we accept and see its coming to existence, it affects both Cybertronian and organic body, which means it has compartments that can be studied, refined and changed by the environment- that's the reason we can even think about having high grade and different colour.

We can also assume that bots don't have the sense of taste like humans do, so why even bothering to do anything to it? Well, maybe taste isn't the same, but quality can still induce a feeling that they perceive as sort of "taste". Like high grade may make them more refreshed, stronger and it's easier to "digest" as the imperfection has been manually gotten rid of prior to consumption.

So now imagine that Cybertron had less variations because of planet's structure. It's wholly used, metallic and alive. There's not this much difference between the cities anymore, leaving the only remaining one being how deep they dug energon and if they refined it from any "dirt" that would have to be processed inside their tanks.

I would also like to think that there is a type of energon that might be used whenever the bot has to go into prolonged period of stasis; more dense, which affects their agility, speed and leaves them hazy, but keeps frames functioning for way, way longer than normal energon, who would get chunky, murky or degradate under exposure to extreme conditions.

You will find me refer to blue energon as the usual one, while pink one functions in my mind as the emergency, stasis one. Sometimes they will dilute pink one to use normally, but it's not as rich in the compartments as the blue one.

Right. Compartments. Chemical compartments.

The energon on Earth should be way different than the one from Cybertron; more raw and highly affected by our planets biodiveristy that sunk into raw substance; and depending on how old it is, it can be perceived as more stable and characterized, while the chunks that were near the surface as the highly reactive and hazadrous to straight consumption.

It's simply more interesting to see more natural difficulties than to "find and/or fight for it". If energon was seeded quite early in Earth's existence, let's make it more common; just wilder to actually use. So this is how I see it.

Of a chapter 1 for Blinding Image coming up today. And every two weeks from now on, since I have AO3 settled and 7 chapters written already.

|| See the prologue if you haven't yet! I'm writing my own AU, but maybe that will be some of you's cup of tea. I'm not that experienced with writing yet, but I might upload something else in the meantime after I have some of the "plot points" settled. ||