Willow Writes

               “It is good to see you, Cosmos.” Soundwave stood tall in the command center, pausing in giving out orders to look at him.

               “I won’t stay long, just need a bit of a pick me up before I head back out to return to my team.” Cosmos was rambling again. Soundwave always made his spark flutter and he just really enjoyed being around the mech and well . . .

               “Stay as long as you need, you know you are always welcome here, Cosmos,” Soundwave’s voice was kind while he spoke. Cosmos felt his own face heat up behind his mask imagining that Soundwave was smiling behind his own.

               “Uh . . . right.” He was glad to be led away by Sky-Byte to get some energon and rest for a bit before he left again. He knew Soundwave would be busy, but he also knew he couldn’t linger too long. He had to report back to his team and even though he wanted to spend some time with Soundwave, it most likely wasn’t going to happen.

               So, color him surprised when a cycle later Soundwave approached him.

               “Are you well?” Soundwave began. Cosmos tried to calm his spark from the overwhelming warmth he felt hearing Soundwave’s concern. “They are treating you well, I hope?”

               “Yeah, right as rain,” Cosmos sputtered attempting to get himself back under control. Soundwave nodded but did not comment on it further. If Cosmos had to guess, Soundwave was most likely here to make his offer to Cosmos again.

               “Walk with me?” Soundwave offered suddenly. Cosmos looked up at him before he stood without a word, waiting for the other to lead. They walked down a few different halls and the further they walked the fewer bots were around them. Cosmos was glad for the somewhat private time with Soundwave.

               “Sorry, if I pulled you away from your work.” Cosmos rubbed his arm. He knew Soundwave had to be busy, and as much as he enjoyed even just walking around with the mech, he didn’t want to be responsible for making Soundwave miss work.

               “Sky-Byte is capable of handling the situation,” Soundwave said quickly. He made another turn and Cosmos found them both standing before a large glass window looking out. The view here was always spectacular, in Cosmos’s opinion. “It would have been unfortunate if you had left before I could have spoken with you again.” Soundwave seemed to be choosing his words carefully.

               “You’re always too nice, Soundwave, especially to someone like me.” Cosmos couldn’t help but put himself down. He didn’t deserve Soundwave’s attention, he was a nobody.

               “Your statement is incorrect, on many things.” Soundwave reached out placing a hand lightly on Cosmos’s helm, close to his battle mask. It was the human equivalent of holding his cheek.

               “You’ve always been nice, Soundwave,” Cosmos spoke softly, a bit startled by having Soundwave touch him.

               “Not always,” Soundwave’s voice sounded distant. “I have changed much during this short time. You did not know me then.” Something was hard about the way Soundwave was speaking.

               “True, not like I do now.” Cosmos reached up his own hand to cover Soundwave’s.

               “My offer still stands, always.” Soundwave was moving closer to him.

               “I know,” Cosmos’s voice was so quiet even he had a hard time hearing himself. Soundwave brushed their masks together and Cosmos was so tempted to remove his.

               He pulled back.

               “I can’t, not yet,” Cosmos said, but his voice sounded like it was in pain. “I can’t.”

               “I will wait,” Soundwave moved his thumb over where Cosmos’s lips would be. “Torment me as you will, I shall wait.” Cosmos whined, gripping Soundwaves hand. He moved Soundwave’s palm to cover his mask before he allowed it to slide back, Soundwaves own hand blocking his view of Cosmos’s face, before Cosmos kissed the center of Soundwave’s hand. Replacing his mask to hide his flushed face, he held Soundwave’s hand, feeling Soundwave intertwine their fingers.

           So, when Tailgate had mention briefly at Swerve’s that he had wanted to learn more about everyone’s time on Earth, Cyclonus found himself forming a plan. They were nowhere near the infernal planet, much to the joy of most of the crew, so the idea of showing Tailgate the actual planet was out.

           However, with a bit of assistance from the crew members, Cyclonus had been able to gather enough recordings to build up an idea of what it was like. After discussing the idea with Rewind and getting permission from Ultra Magnus to use one of the largest rooms on the ship, he was able to set his idea into motion.

           Everything was set. Swerve would give Tailgate the information to meet Cyclonus outside of the room where he would then be able to show him his own Earth, from the memory of his friends. Cyclonus only hoped Tailgate would like it; it seemed like the type of thing he would enjoy.

           “Cyclonus!” The warriors posture straightened hearing the excited tone.

           “Tailgate.” He greeted with less volume, but just as much care. “Ready?”

           “For what, Cyclonus? Nobody’s told me what’s going on.” Tailgate’s optics brightened a fraction with an uneasy feeling, but this was Cyclonus, he wouldn’t hurt Tailgate.

           “This.” Cyclonus entered the code and allowed the doors to slide open with a bit of dramatic flourish. Tailgate entered the dark room, after a bit of nudging, getting a better look into the darkness. Cyclonus entered behind him allowing the doors to close tightly behind him.

           “Cyclonus?” There was hesitation, but not fear, in Tailgate’s voice.

           “Patience.” Cyclonus reached out, wanting to cup the minibots face, but settled for touching his shoulder. Cyclonus pinged the wireless control that Rewind had shown him to begin the film. All at once the room around them became alight with the images and memories of Earth that Cyclonus had gathered. Tailgate rushed forward to the center of the room attempting to be a part of it all with Cyclonus staying close to the edge, content to just watch Tailgate enjoy himself.

           “This is . . .” Tailgate’s voice faded out as he continued to look around at the different images. His optics flashed with excitement. He could only focus on one image at a time but it was as if he was walking around on Earth with his friends when they had been there. They had been everywhere! Tailgate couldn’t keep up with everywhere they were doing and everything that was going on.

           Cyclonus watched Tailgate allowing a small smile to form. Tailgate seemed to be enjoying himself and Cyclonus had made sure not to include any footage with fighting in it. There was no need to upset him. A sudden sound caught his attention. Tailgate’s vents were suddenly hiccupping bring Cyclonus to attention.

           “Tailgate-“

           “Cyclonus!” The minibot almost wailed. Tailgates optics were fritzing static as he cried, or bawling seemed to be a better description. Cyclonus, not understanding Tailgate’s sudden distress made a motion to shut down the images but Tailgate began speaking again. “You did this?”

           Cyclonus could only nod as he was stuck frozen in place by Tailgate’s stare.

           “Cyclonus, you did this for me?” Tailgate rushed over at the second nod jumping up to hug the other mech. “Where are your memories?!” Tailgate once again sounded excited. “I want to see Earth with you, through your eyes.” The look Tailgate was giving him had Cyclonus unable to look away.

               To put it simply, Drift was an anxious mess. His emotions were running rampant while his processor kept coming up with more elaborate and ridiculously sappy explanations for what was happening. Ratchet was here. He was less than a few steps away from Drift and the poor swordsmech didn’t know what to do. Drift had missed the grumpy medic more than anything and having him so close while things were calm was nerve-racking.

               “Drift.” Why had the medic come to him? He had mentioned that he’d been searching for Drift. Why? What would Ratchet gain from finding him? He was exiled, cast aside by the mech he considers his best friend. Drifts hands tightened their hold trying to calm the storm of his thoughts.

               “Drift!” Ratchet’s voice cut through the fog, jolting Drift to attention. He looked up tilting his helm to get a better look. Ratchet stood in the doorway just looking down at him with a concerned look. “Everything alright?”

               “I’m fine, Ratch.” Drift stood as he spoke. He stretched his frame to get the energon pumping. Placing a smile on his face he turned to the medic. “I’m going to head off to recharge.” He moved away not waiting for a response.

               “Let me have a look at you.” Ratchet’s words, and the firm grip on his hand, stopped Drift from progressing further down the hall. Drift’s field became alight with his shock and anxiety. He pulled the field tight against his frame in a defensive manner. He didn’t need to turn around to know Ratchet was looking at him with concern.

“I promise, I’m fine.” He slowly pulled his hand away then rushed off down the small hall to the only room wanting to have something between himself and Ratchet. He didn’t trust himself around Ratchet at the moment.

                                ***                        ***                        ***

               Ratchet watched him go. Drift had been too quiet ever since they got on the shuttle. After launching and safely routing a course for the Lost Light, Ratchet had begun to wonder if this was a good idea. He had told Drift that he was taking him back to the Lost Light yet Drift didn’t seem to fully get that they were going back. Ratchet had felt the shaking in Drifts hand when he had grabbed him. He knew the swordsmech was overthinking and working himself up again.

               Letting out a heavy sigh Ratchet turned back to the cockpit to sit in the chair. It would at least be more comfortable than standing for a few cycles until Drift calmed down. Ratchet wasn’t stupid, he knew the kid wasn’t going to recharge. Ratchet supposed it was a lot to take in, especially given that Drift now had time to think about what was actually going on.

               Ratchet began making a mental list of what he needed to do. He needed to check Drift over for injuries, help him fix his paintjob, then somehow inform him about the new co-captain on the Lost Light. Ratchet needed to accomplish this all on top of trying to find a way to explain to Drift how much he had missed him. How much Ratchet needed Drift to come back with him. He wasn’t letting go of the kid ever again, not if he could help it.

               Ratchet heaved another sigh before shutting off his optics. He might as well catch a few breams if they were going to spend their first few days alone together ignoring each other.

                                 ***                       ****                     ****

               Drift knew it wasn’t right to avoid Ratchet. He didn’t want to avoid the medic. It was simply that Drift didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t end with him sobbing with how happy he was that Ratchet had tracked him down half way across the universe. How was Drift not supposed to react to that? Groaning, Drift stood from the berth heading for the door. He should talk to Ratchet. He wanted to talk to Ratchet. Primus, Drift had missed his medic more than anything while being away. He had tortured himself over wondering if Ratchet had even been thinking about him. He’d never dreamed the medic was actually looking for him!

               He found Ratchet in the cockpit, right where he left him. However, unlike how he left, Ratchet was snoozing away in the chair. Drift leaned back against the controls just taking a moment or two to admire the view. How long had it been since he had last seen Ratchet? Drift didn’t want to think about it. Instead, he reached out cupping Ratchet’s cheek and slowly ran his thumb under Ratchet optic and along his cheek. The movement was light and slow to not disturb the slumbering medic. Drift had always longed to touch. It was a craving that would never ebb no matter how hard he focused or reprimanded himself. He always longed to be able to be close to his medic, just like this. Drift leaned down, kneeling before the chair by Ratchet’s knees so he could be closer. He softly leaned his helm against the medics thigh watching him sleep. This was peace. This was tranquility. This was-

               “Feeling better?” Ratchet’s sudden comment startled Drift. Alright, maybe it had scared him. He had thought Ratchet was asleep. “That felt nice by the way.”

               “I-I . . . I uh . . .” Drift suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

               “Drift.” The way Ratchet said his name forced Drift to shut his mouth and bow his head. He looked up at Ratchet using optics alone. “There are a few things we need to talk about.”

               “Yes.” He answered wanting Ratchet to know he was paying attention even if Drift was no longer looking at him.

               “First, I need to do a few scans, make sure you aren’t damaged.” Drift didn’t react knowing that Ratchet wasn’t finished. “Then we’ll get your paint all fixed up.” Drift saw a small smile come to Ratchet’s lips and it stole his breath away. “After that, there are some important things we need to discuss before we get back to the Lost Light.”

               “About that-“

               “Drift.” The tone of Ratchets voice meant there was no room for argument. “You’re coming back with me even if I have to force you to. I don’t want to, but I can’t stand you out here on your own any longer.”

               “Ratchet, you don’t need to do this.” Drift spoke honestly. Drift was already overwhelmed by Ratchet coming to find him. Wanting to keep him around was something Drift could never afford to hope for.

               “Yes, I do.” The honesty in Ratchet’s voice floored Drift.

               “Ratchet-“