#transformers thunderclash

time seems to move a little faster when there's something to look forward to, an observation that's kept him from entirely loosing his optimistic demeanor. most certainly there's still some warming up to do, as there isn't an effortless banter between him and his organic companion quite yet, but it appears to be a slow and steady race he's more than willing to compete in.

speaking of, the notion hits Thunderclash rather aggressively that he hasn't heard from you today, as he normally would. at first, transmissions and messages were formal and strictly business, as if you were hesitant in the beginning to even divulge any information to him, a defensive trait he could only be impressed by. it was natural instinct, to be so on-guard, especially around someone you didn't know, or didn't believe just yet that you could trust.

as the days meld into weeks, you've slowly started to reveal some more personal attributes, your laughter a common sound now between phone-calls. just two weeks prior, you had actually stepped foot into his temporary home, dawned in coveralls with a sheepish offer to help in repairs when he had mentioned it offhand the day before.

it wasn't a easy or fault-free path that's led him to this moment in time, but he's so lucky to be where he is at this point. so when you stray from your typical schedule, or go radio-silent as you have today, an insuppressible wave of worry washes over him. you didn't have to adhere to the plans, Thunderclash was very adamant that you called the shots and he was just along for the ride.

with all that in mind, it still doesn't quell the unease that finds him.

he'd last spoken to you yesterday evening, yourself mentioning a typical work shift and then giving him a call to think of some plans for the night. Friday's were typically hours that had become structured around fixing his falling-apart ship, but it was not exclusive. you always asked what he wanted to do, as he weren't already having the best time being in your presence.

so imagine the disquiet when every attempt to reach you heads directly to your voicemail, not even ringing once to offer the idea you were on the phone with someone else. his inbox proved empty as well, no text to extend explanation for non-radio activity since sixteen hours earlier. worry now swirling in his chassis, he tries you three more times, unable to scrounge the words to leave a voicemail, opting to set out into the chilly night to try and catch a glimpse of you somewhere around town.

if only to relieve his panic. at least, that's what he keeps telling himself.

the area around his crash landing was starting to become frozen, ground hardened and frost skating over the blades of grass. with careful steps, you maneuver across the environment, bundling a little deeper into your coat as visible puffs of air escape past your lips. it was downright freezing, fingers stuffed deep into pockets to try and seep in some lingering warmth.

within your backpack contained a warmer change of clothes, but for now, you wasted no time in getting straight from work over to Thunderclash's hideout. conceivably, you believe you've finally gotten past that rooted fear of someone so...large, as he's shown you nothing but unapologetic kindness and patience. for someone so strong and intelligent to ask for your help, it seemed like the only rational response was to find any route possible that led him to the success he was searching for. his company was unimaginably comfortable and soothing, always making it the priority to not appear overbearing or daunting. as if he could read your thoughts as to what truly troubled you from the start, but in all honesty, there was no unrest to be found between the two of you.

you liked him. Thunderclash was the optimist everyone wishes they were, to see life with every ounce of exuberance and view any roadblocks as obstacles that were meant to be overcame. you swear you've caught him with a frown once, and that is when you practically screamed your head off at his transformation from a truck to a thirty-something foot tall robot.

later on, he deemed your reaction fair.

"I've come to realize I have gone about our first true meaning a little...rashly," he'd rumbled, almost shy- as if embarrassed by his own behavior. "I do apologize, y/n. I frightened you, and that was not my intention."

even with the pit of nausea still sitting in your stomach, you had swallowed thickly and shook your head no. "S'okay," with some unavoidable stutter, you tried to console him. "You just...caught me off guard, that's all."

approaching the familiar double doors, you give pause as they don't open at your proximity as they do when he isn't already outside to greet you. it's a strange occurrence, when you'd become so accustomed to him outside awaiting your arrival, happy smile on his face and waving you hello.

it's gestures you've come to look forward to after a long day of work, entranced by his generally content demeanor even after all he's been through. you were unashamedly relishing his companionship, and not seeing him where he typically is to be found digs up some restlessness. with brimming worry, you do a quick spin around the area to see if he was just returning from somewhere, but come up empty.

your left hand slips from its spot in your pocket, raising to knock on the metallic door twice. you doubt it would to much to announce your presence, but if he was inside, perchance he would catch your vehicle between the trees where you typically park.

a confused hum slides past your lips, now patting your pockets in search of your phone to hopefully give him a call. you do suppose you were later than usual, but you hadn't gotten a chance to relay that you were going to run a few minutes over your scheduled end-time. realizing you had left the device in your car, you begin back across the grass, only to stop dead in your tracks when you hear the screech of brakes being hit not far off to your left.

a gasp leaves you when the blue and white pickup truck slips down the man-made path, a short incline that leads to the flat ground you stand on. not expecting his arrival in such a hurried fashion, your head tilts to the side in continued perplexity, watching him cautiously. his movements were erratic, no longer containing the same calmness they routinely have in the past.

even with your puzzlement evident, Thunderclash transforms somewhere just shy five feet before you, quietly dropping to his knees as his massive servos splay on either side of you.

"You're alright," he thrums, but the way he speaks it, it sounds like more reassurance than stating the obvious.

"I- yeah?" you return, tilting your head back to try and catch his gaze. "I'm sorry, I am a little late."

when he doesn't reply, your attention is drawn to the way his digits twitch against the frost, almost involuntarily, as if searching for something he can't ask for.

"Hey, what's wrong?" you press, taking a step forward. "Thundercla-?"

it's the first time he's touched you without asking twice beforehand if it was okay, and most certainly the first time he's gathered you in two servos and lifted you clean off the ground. it was unforeseen, but not unwelcome, stifling the subconscious squeak of surprise as he brings you to his chassis, cradling you there.

"You're shivering," he observes, not quite believing his own actions that he'd just picked you up so brashly like that. "Come, let's go inside."

he knows he’s just crossed an imaginary boundary, afraid he’s taken ten steps backward in the relationship he was in full adoration of. when he couldn't get in contact with you, he'd traveled through town, hitting stops he'd been with you on previous trips. your home, your job, even the restaurant you pick up your favorite meal from- but neither you or your vehicle were anywhere to be found.

an overprotectiveness was building for you, terrified as each minute passed and he could not make contact with you. what if some unknown factor had harmed you, and he wasn't there to shield and defend you? he wasn't so positive he was the only Cybertronian on Earth anymore, so the thought of you being alone amidst unfiltered chaos perturbed him deeply.

a foreign droop finds his frame as he begins to stand off the dirt, expecting you to retaliate or be angry with him, but once more, you are full of beautiful surprises.

tiny fingers splay against his chassis, and fleetingly he's fearful you can feel how quickly his spark beats in his chest. instead, you seemingly seep in his warmth, cheek resting against his plating as you almost bundle deeper into his hold, one of his thumbs coming to draw mindless circles over your lower leg.

"I guess we must've just passed each other," you murmur, squeezing your eyes shut as he steadily stands to his full height. if you can't see how far you are off the ground, then maybe the vertigo would pass you by this round, trying to hide within the confines of his servos.

"That sounds like the likely explanation." Thunderclash muses, slowly making his way over to the doors. "To answer your previous question, so long as you are alright, then I am perfectly fine."

(i can only hope they keep thunderclash's eye colour red/pink instead of changing them to blue)