[TF] Scars of Yesterday - 11

[dracoqueen22]

Scars of Yesterday
Chapter Eleven

His dreams were always far more vivid than his waking sight. Soundwave didn’t understand how that worked, how everything sharpened and brightened, clarifying into clear shapes. He didn’t know if the faces he saw matched the faces in his life, or if he was merely filling in the blanks, making assumptions.

Maybe it didn’t matter.

His dreams were focused, vivid things, and Soundwave rarely remembered them upon waking. He didn’t have reality for comparison.

All he’d seen of Sideswipe and Sunstreaker entwined on the bed had been brightly colored shapes locked together, the scent of their lust thick and heady, their moans and cries enough to make his face flame and for him to flee, appalled by his own reaction, embarrassed that he hadn’t thought they’d need privacy. They were, after all, two young harpies in their prime. Of course they’d want to touch one another.

Laserbeak had seen more than enough.

“They’re so pretty,” she’d chattered. “But maybe we ought to talk to Ratchet or something, because Sunstreaker was biting Sideswipe awful hard.”

“It’s not uncommon, flitterling,” Soundwave had argued, flustered and wishing they didn’t have to have this conversation. Laserbeak was much older than she appeared, and he knew she capitalized on her size and cuteness to get what she wanted.

However, he wished he’d been paying attention so that neither of them had stumbled on Sideswipe and Sunstreaker’s moment.

Laserbeak chuffed at him. “I know that, Soundwave. I’m not stupid.” She kicked out her legs and flicked his ears. “I just mean, you know, they were only around humans and rude harpies. What if they’re hurting each other accidentally?”

Oh.

The thought hadn’t crossed Soundwave’s mind. He had, of course, given all of his siblings the “talk” when they’d come of mating age, and even beforehand, when perhaps they were curious and experimenting. He’d done his best to explain matters as frankly and honestly as possible while allowing room for questions.

No one had been there to do so for Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.

“You have a point,” Soundwave had demurred. “I will speak with Ratchet about it.”

He fully intended to do so. The opportunity hadn’t arisen by the time dinner rolled around, and then showing the twins their new nest afterward. It wasn’t something that couldn’t wait, however, so Soundwave resolved to tackle the potential problem the next day.

He hadn’t anticipated the dreams.

Sharp. Fragrant. Vibrant.

He tasted their arousal around him, and felt the pulse of the heat in his own veins. Sunstreaker murmured to him, and Sideswipe chuckled throatily, and two pairs of hands roamed his body, pressing warm and inviting against his.

Two sets of clever, clever fingers nudged between his open thighs, coaxing out his clava, stroking over his antrum. One of them kissed him, handsome and gold, his tongue clever and sweet. Sunstreaker stroked him, and Soundwave shuddered, content to lie back, allow them to lead the charge.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been touched with such affection, such desire.

They spoke to him, their words flowing in and out of his ears, and that was how Soundwave knew it was a dream, because they spoke fluently. Not the mix of Adaptasian and Human language the real Twins used, but the Adapatasian dialect of Soundwave’s youth. They sounded like home, strumming the strings of longing Soundwave occasionally harbored for his old aerie.

Pleasure thrummed through his entire being. Soundwave gasped, turning liquid under their hands, his core throbbing with want. He tried to grab for them, but it was like touching smoke. They vanished under his fingers, though they touched him easily enough.

The other kissed him, sly and crimson, a hint of teeth, scraping over his lips, laughing into the kiss. Soundwave hummed into the kiss, chased after the lips as they departed, and his clava throbbed in a hold that was too loose to be anything more than a tease.

Their warmth withdrew from him, and Soundwave reached out, but they slipped through his fingers as though made of smoke and light. His world blurred, back to the shapes and colors he was more familiar. Their voices vanished, and his nest was empty again, with only the warmth of their presence lingering.

A pang of loss gripped Soundwave’s core.

He woke up.

It was early. Earlier than he usually woke. The nest was fully dark, without even the early streams of dawn to break the shadows. Soundwave was overly hot in the blankets, Laserbeak tucked under one arm, Buzzsaw sprawled atop his chest, Ravage curled against his other side. He could hear Frenzy and Rumble breathing from their nook -- obviously having opted not to join the pile last night.

Distantly, he heard Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, restlessly stirring in their curtained nook. Rather than sleep in their private nest, they’d opted to stay in their nook, as they did on occasion. Laserbeak liked having them close. Soundwave did, too.

Perhaps too much.

He listened intently. No one else had stirred. No one else was awake to bear witness to the heat thrumming through Sooundwave’s veins, and the slick between his thighs, and the head of his clava poking from its sheath.

His face heated.

He hadn’t woken like this since he was very young.

Soundwave breathed deeply and evenly, trying to ignore it away. He consulted the calendar at the back of his head. Yes, it was getting close to mating season, which meant he was perhaps in the earliest stages of the upcoming heat. His body was prepping itself for a mating Soundwave knew he would not indulge.

His arousal would not fade.

Damn.

Soundwave extracted himself from the nest-bed with the sort of care once reserved for sneaking around the palace grounds with Megatron. He scooted Buzzsaw into a cuddle with his sister, and slipped out from beside Ravage -- who probably noticed him leaving, but chose not to comment.

He didn’t go far, only onto the balcony, where he drew the curtain shut behind him. They rarely bothered to close the curtain, but for the moment, Soundwave needed the privacy. It was dark still, no light from the rising sun on the horizon. Here on the outer edge of their tree, his balcony was shadowed by an overhang and a carefully cultivated growth of vines.

It was private enough.

Soundwave sighed and leaned against the inner wall, knees drawn up, staring down at his traitorous groin. His clava throbbed yet, the scent of his slick floating up, sweet and warm.

He should have grabbed a pillow.

He resolved not to think of the twins as he wrapped his fingers carefully around his clava and rocked into his loose grip, copious amounts of pre-spill already slicking the way. He did not think of their voices, the way they smelled, the warmth of their bodies. He didn’t imagine how beautiful they might be -- he’d been assured of such, but Soundwave had only the beauty of their auras to go by.

And beautiful their auras were. Sunstreaker shone in radiant beams of gold, full of love for his brother, endlessly curious, reserved but determined, focused. Sideswipe brimmed in shades of crimson and strawberry, reckless and eager, overflowing with love for his twin, desperate to throw himself into a life the humans had taken from them.

No, Soundwave did not think of either of them.

He focused on sensation. He thought of faceless, nameless hands. He thought of his carefully hidden accessory -- ready to be used once mating season began. He stroked himself, touched his antrum gently, flicked his clitoral nub. The pleasure rose within him faster than usual, and Soundwave had to clamp his lips shut to hide the sounds.

He didn’t think about seductive whispers or warm bodies or sweet kisses. Nope. Not one bit. And he certainly didn’t come to the thought of two pairs of hands stroking him as one of them whispered, “Come for us, beautiful.”

The pleasure seemed to last forever, radiating through Soundwave’s entire body, as he arched and gnawed his lip to silent himself. He splattered over his hand, his thighs, and wished he’d had the good sense to grab a towel. As it was, he’d have to do the creep of shame back into their shared nest.

Pleasure was nothing to be ashamed of, but Soundwave had no interest in the endless barrage of curiosity his siblings would subject him to.

This year’s heat would be one to suffer, apparently.

Soundwave sighed and leaned back against the tree, sticky with his shame, as the thinnest sliver of dawn woke on the horizon. He would have to speak with Ratchet soon, he realized. He had no clue if the Twins knew anything of mating season or the Festival of Adaptus. Normally, Soundwave would have no problem addressing it with them, but considering the circumstances…

No, it was best he not discuss such carnal matters with Sideswipe or Sunstreaker. It would be better if it came from Ratchet.

Soundwave was making for a poor guardian and mentor, he knew. He should also speak with Megatron. Perhaps it would be better for the twins if someone else could look after them, if Soundwave was so shameful as to have erotic dreams starring them.

He rubbed his fingers together, his spill tacky between them.

Yes. He would speak with Megatron at once.

~

Megatron was alone when Soundwave sought him out, knowing it was too early to check the office and always welcome in Megatron’s personal nest. He still waited outside for a moment, listening intently, to ensure he would not interrupt any personal moments between Megatron and Rodimus.

Once would be quite enough, thank you.

All was silent and still, save for the occasional rustle.

Soundwave twitched back the curtain and stealthed inside, for naught however, because Megatron was already awake and breaking his fast, the curtains to his balcony drawn wide. Of Rodimus, there was no sign. It would be the first time Soundwave had seen his Liege without the Liege-Consort within reach.

Rodimus had been understandably clingy as of late.

“Good morning, Soundwave,” Megatron greeted, sounding well-rested and pleased. “As you can see, I rose today without your aid.”

Soundwave managed a smile. “I’m proud of you.” He joined Megatron at the table, and inclined his head as Megatron nudged a fruit bowl within reach.

“There are pears,” Megatron said.

He knew Soundwave so well. “Much appreciated.” He sought out the pears by feel alone, and bit into the ripened fruit with a sigh of relief. It didn’t completely ease the discomfort running through his veins, but it was a start.

Megatron made a non-committal noise, his quill scratching across the notebook, before he rippled with curiosity. “Something on your mind? Are the twins all right?”

“All twins are well,” Soundwave said, luckily not in the midst of taking a bite, otherwise he might have choked on it. The innocent question had reminded him of several embarrassing moments. “Information to share.”

“Oh?”

Soundwave nibbled on the pear, organizing his thoughts as he did so. Megatron waited patiently, accustomed to this, and Soundwave was ever-grateful for his dear friend’s understanding. It was one of the reasons he had so willingly followed Megatron out of Crystal City, and consented to Megatron’s leadership.

“They are involved,” Soundwave said, picking his words carefully. “They are already in a sexual relationship, and have likely mated each other, though I have not checked for the marks.”

Megatron made a contemplative sound. “We suspected as much. I can have Ratchet confirm.” He rustled a few papers. “They’ll face no punishment for that here, of course. I will reiterate that to the flock, and inform our single members not to approach them.”

“They are possessive of each other,” Soundwave said.

“Most mates are.” Amusement fluttered around Megatron, easing the worry clouding his aura. “However, if they are inclined to share, I will leave it up to them to make any overtures.”

“Wise.”

“I suspected so.” Megatron’s curiosity warmed. “What else?”

Soundwave nibbled on the pear a bit more. “I intend to ask Ratchet to speak to them about the Festival and mating season. I’m sure their education is lacking.”

“Good catch,” Megatron said. He paused, waited a long moment, and then turned to face Soundwave directly. “I get the feeling there’s something you’re dancing around.”

He knew Soundwave too well.

Soundwave set down the latter half of his pear. “You should find another guardian for Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. I am no longer suitable.”

“And why is that?”

Humiliation burned in his cheeks. If this was anyone other than Megatron, Soundwave would have already walked away from the conversation, but there were few he trusted more than he did Megatron.

“You were insistent on looking after them. What changed?” Megatron asked, and his concern turned to worry. “Did something happen?”

Soundwave shook his head. “Nothing like what you’re thinking.” He fiddled with the pear. “They are, however, two attractive smols, and it’s not appropriate for a single bara such as myself to look after them.”

“You think they’re attractive?”

“I’ve been told as much.” Soundwave cocked his head. “You disagree?”

Megatron hummed. “No, it’s true. They’re quite beautiful.” He drummed his fingers on the tabletop. "I don't think it's a matter of appropriateness. There's no one here who'd believe you one to take advantage of them."

"I am grateful for the faith in my honor," Soundwave said, and tried not to squirm as he elaborated, "They, however, may be under the impression they need to buy their comfort with their bodies."

"Oh." Megatron drummed his fingers again, a common behavior when deeply considering some new issue for the flock. "I'm sure you have dissuaded them otherwise, but I'm not surprised they find it hard to understand, given the conditions we found them in."

"Yes."

Megatron briefly flickered with anger and disgust, no doubt thinking of the slavers and what they'd done not only to their kind, but to his precious consort as well. "Would that I could have killed the humans myself," he muttered. "I understand your concerns, Soundwave. I do trust you, but if you would feel more comfortable putting them in the care of another, it can be arranged."

Relief allowed Soundwave's shoulders to drag. "Honestly, they are settling in well. A guardian won't be necessary for long." He paused, considering. "Perhaps Perceptor and Drift? They've already formed a friendship with the twins."

"You're not worried Sideswipe and Sunstreaker will see it as abandonment?"

Soundwave went silent. No, he had not considered it at all. He'd only been thinking of his own comfort, not that of the twins. They might not understand that he did this for their own safety and comfort. They might think themselves to blame, when their learned behaviors were obviously not their fault.

He would have to be tactful.

Soundwave swallowed a sigh. "I... will explain." He ate the last few bites of the pear to hide his discomfort. Perhaps he would ask for Ravage's assistance as well, as such a conversation would strain his vocal cords.

"I hope they are understanding," Megatron said as he hooked the fruit bowl and dragged it closer, selecting something for himself. "I've seen them out and about, helping with duties and making friends. I'm glad for it. And that Starscream is keeping Blurr well away from them. You have told them about the Festival of Adaptus, didn't you?"

"Ratchet," Soundwave answered with a wave of his hand. "Better to answer questions."

Megatron snorted. "Aye. But that one has no tact."

"They appreciate bluntness."

"Mm. That makes sense." Megatron nodded, blossoming with approval. "If there is anything they have interest in or would like to try, I want to encourage that. We can use all the help we can get, but I'd prefer if everyone was happy."

"It is why you are loved," Soundwave murmured. He rubbed at his throat, the ache of too much conversation thick in it.

Fortunately, Megatron was familiar with the gesture, and they lapsed into a comfortable silence, Soundwave stealing from Megatron's bowl, and Megatron returning to his paperwork. He made a few more notations before surprise radiated around him, and he abruptly stood.

"I have to retrieve Rodimus from Ratchet's tender mercies before he whines that I've forgot about him," Megatron said, embarrassment warm around the edges of his surprise. "Can I take you anywhere or...?"

Soundwave rose, if a bit unsteadily, and shook his head. "Ravage waits." He did, however, appreciate the offer. Megatron was one of the few he knew did not offer out of pity, but practicality.

"Ah. Good." Megatron swept aside the curtain, gesturing Soundwave out ahead of him. "I'll be in my office the rest of the day if you need me, trying to catch up on the enormous amounts of work I've let slide while tending to Rodimus."

"Understood."

They parted ways outside Megatron's nest, where Ravage waited patiently, giving off the impression of one napping, though Soundwave knew better than to believe it.

"Where to?" Ravage asked.

"Seek Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. Much to discuss," Soundwave said.

"Mmm. I'll bet."

Soundwave cocked his head as they headed downward, perhaps to check the nests first. He wasn't aware of the Twins' schedules today -- he left that to Laserbeak. "What?"

"They are not fledglings," Ravage said as he walked beside Soundwave, hands clasped behind his back, bipedal rather than quadrupedal as he often preferred. "There's no shame in wanting them."

"Guardianship," Soundwave reminded him with a stern look behind the mask.

"But not for long," Ravage said, and mischief sang in his tone, a rarely indulged mischief as he often thought himself too old and too mature to engage in play as much as their other siblings.

Then, however, he sobered. "You're allowed to want things for yourself, Soundwave. You've looked after us for long, maybe it's time you look after yourself a little."

"The Festival approaches," Soundwave said.

Ravage snorted. "That sounds like an excuse. You don't get horny for any of the other pretty smols during mating season. So it's not just that."

Soundwave lapsed into silence, only because he knew there was little use in arguing with Ravage, especially when Ravage was right. As the eldest of Soundwave's siblings, he often pushed where the others still didn't dare.

"You have a lot in common with them," Ravage continued, though his voice was gentler now, more contemplative. "It's no surprise you feel a connection with them. So if you're worried that we don't like it, stop. We're fine."

"Inappropriate," Soundwave said.

Ravage sighed. "Yeah, sure. Hide behind that all you want. But when you don't have that as an excuse anymore, what are you going to do then?"

"Nothing."

"I thought you'd say that." Ravage's tail flicked out, sweeping across the back of Soundwave's legs. "You're so stubborn. But hey, it's your life. If you want to spend it alone, be my guest."

There was an ache then. A touch of longing in Ravage's voice that Soundwave did not miss, but neither did he comment on it. There was no one in Kaon Ravage found appealing, and truth be told, even for a Kaonite, Ravage was a bit odd. No one else found him appealing in return, and while Ravage had friends and family, he ached for someone to know on a more personal level.

It wasn't even about the rut. It was a longing to be known. Understood. Cherished.

"There is still time," Soundwave said, resting a hand on Ravage's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "You are young. There are decades upon us."

"We're not talking about me," Ravage said. "Don't change the subject."

Soundwave retracted his hand. "Some business is our own."

He felt the full force of Ravage's scowl. "Fine. I get your point." He stopped outside their shared nest, arms crossing in front of his chest as he looked up at Soundwave, eyes glittering through the concern. "We just want you to be happy, and think about yourself for once."

"Noted."

Ravage sighed. "I'll see you later. I'm going to check in on the newbies. Pretty sure I hear Laserbeak inside, so you'll be fine."

"Fine regardless."

"Yeah, yeah. You can take care of yourself." Ravage's tail flicked him again before Ravage loped off, back to quadrupedal strides, a few leaps carrying him into the woven canopy, where he vanished against the dark.

It would be unsettling if Soundwave weren't already used to it.

He went into the nest, sweeping the curtain aside, the early afternoon sun spilling through the balcony and bathing the interior in swathes of brightness. He could make out Laserbeak and the twins perched on the balcony, Laserbeak chattering with Sideswipe while Sunstreaker gave wordless replies.

"Brother!"

Laserbeak noticed first, scampering across the floor to scale his body and perch on his shoulder. She rubbed her cheek against his. "How did your meeting go?"

"Meeting? What meeting?" Sideswipe asked.

"Is something wrong?" Sunstreaker asked.

Soundwave shook his head. "Negative. Megatron simply wanted to ensure you were not lacking for anything."

"Pfft. We're fine," Sunstreaker said.

"Yeah. We got our own space now and everything. We got a bed and food and stuff to do. What else could we need?" Sideswipe agreed.

Laserbeak chuckled. "They have a point, Soundwave."

"Information," Soundwave said. "Join me for lunch? I'll explain."

Sideswipe radiated delight, but Sunstreaker's restraint glimmered with discomfort and disappointment.

"I mean, that sounds good and all, but Sunny's head is hurting," Sideswipe said. "Trying to keep it quiet, you know?"

"Understood," Soundwave said.

"How about a picnic?" Laserbeak suggested as she swung her legs cheerfully. "You can take them to the roof, Soundwave. It's very quiet up there and the fresh air should help."

Sideswipe blinked. "The tree has a roof?"

Laserbeak laughed. "Kind of. It's an observation platform we built up there. It's really pretty!" She patted Soundwave's shoulder. "You should take them, brother."

"It sounds nice," Sunstreaker said.

"As long as you want to, I'm good," Sideswipe said, and made a great show of patting his belly. "I mean, I'm always down for food."

"Because you're always hungry," Sunstreaker said. There was a touch of grump in his voice, likely because of the headache.

Laserbeak abruptly hopped down from Soundwave's shoulder. "Frenzy and Rumble went to get lunch. I'll tell them to take it the deck instead."

Soundwave swallowed a sigh. He hadn't conceded yet, but Laserbeak's enthusiasm made it a foregone conclusion. He didn't try to stop her.

"Guess that's that then," Sideswipe said with a laugh.

"She left you," Sunstreaker said as he stood, and Soundwave felt the weight of Sunstreaker's gaze upon him.

It occurred to him then that neither of the twins had ever seen Soundwave navigate the aerie on his own.

"I'll manage," Soundwave reassured them. "Come."

"Are you sure?" Sideswipe asked as he touched Soundwave's elbow, and suddenly Sunstreaker was on his other side, the both of them flanking Soundwave as they stepped into the hall, luckily deserted as most of the flock had crammed themselves into the dining hall for the midday meal.

Soundwave nodded. "The way familiar. Offer appreciated, however."

"You're talking in short sentences again. Throat okay?" Sideswipe asked.

Warmth flooded Soundwave's core. "Yes. Strain, only." He smiled behind his mask. Their concern was touching.

"Save your voice then," Sunstreaker said with a light touch to Soundwave's elbow. "If you plan to talk during lunch, I mean."

"Me and Sunny can talk enough for all three of us," Sideswipe declared cheerfully. "Or at least I can since he's still headache grumpy."

"Am not."

"Fair," Sideswipe conceded, and his emotions turned impish. "You're grumpy whether you have a headache or not."

They bickered the entire walk, leaving Soundwave to lapse into silence without concern. It was a soothing noise to him, the words washing in one ear and out the other, their tones thick with affection and time-worn patterns of arguing. They were as different from his other twins as they were alike and Soundwave adored them for it.

"Ohh, so that's what this ladder is for," Sideswipe said once they arrived at the platform access.

"What did you think it was?" Sunstreaker asked.

"I dunno. Another level for the special harpies. Like maybe Megatron sleeps up there. How should I know?" He socked Sunstreaker in the shoulder, perhaps playfully, it's hard for Soundwave to gauge pressure without clear sight.

"You could have asked," Sunstreaker snapped, punching back, this time with a louder landing blow, and a grunt from Sideswipe, who reached up to rub the spot with a sourness radiating from him.

"You always escalate," he grumbled.

"You always start it," Sunstreaker growled.

"There are no special levels," Soundwave said, into the sharp-edged space between them. He left them to their angry glaring at one another, walked right between them, and began to climb the ladder. "All are equal here."

"Not really though," Sideswipe called up to him from below. "Megatron's still your leader."

"Doesn't mean he's not equal," Sunstreaker muttered.

"You can't lead and be equal."

"You can if you do it right."

Soundwave pushed the platform access hatch open, spilling warm sunlight down onto the twins. They shut up immediately, especially when the influx of a breeze brought with it the enticing odor of food. Their lunch waited for them -- which meant Laserbeak must have worked very fast.

Soundwave ascended without them, climbing into the bright afternoon, and picking his way carefully across the platform to where Laserbeak chattering with Frenzy and Rumble were easy to find. Though the space was large enough for at least a dozen harpies to lounge around comfortably, there was no one else up here. Which was strange considering the fair weather.

“What did ya do? Take the long way?” Frenzy said, the first to notice them, amusement spiking in sharp bursts around him. Not quite enough to hide the lingering unease, but it was a far sight better than he’d been as of late.

Nightmares, Soundwave knew, were quite common, and every time Frenzy woke from them, the rage burned a bit brighter. He wished Lockdown had left a little something of the humans for Soundwave to mangle.

"Soundwave's getting old, bro. Don't tease him about it. It's a sore point," Rumble said, and the two hellions cackled together while Laserbeak clucked disapprovingly at them.

"I made sure they got all the favorites," Laserbeak said as she scampered up to perch on his shoulder.

"Thank you," Soundwave murmured.

Laserbeak beamed. "I wanted to make sure you impressed them for the date."

"It's not a date," Soundwave said.

"Sure." Laserbeak kicked her feet before leaning in and kissing him on the cheek. "Have fun!" she chirped and leapt off, flying over to land on Frenzy's shoulder. "Come on, we have to go, you're being annoying, hurry up."

"Oy, hey, stop it! I'm not Soundwave," Frenzy complained, but Soundwave noticed, he didn't try to brush her off.

"Come on, let's go," said Rumble, and the three of them moved past Soundwave just as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker emerged from the ladder, awe and appreciation radiating from them in warm, rainbow waves.

"Damn, I thought the view from flying was nice," Sideswipe observed. “This is impressive.”

Sunstreaker made a noise of agreement, but then he seemed to notice Soundwave waiting and grabbed his brother by the arm, dragging him away from the view.

“Nope, changed my mind,” Sideswipe said as they came closer. “This is the thing that’s impressive.” He whistled appreciatively. “Look at all this food.”

Sunstreaker was more moderate, hesitant in both tone and the tendrils of suspicion weaving around his body. “It is a lot of food.”

“Laserbeak to blame,” Soundwave said as he lowered himself into a comfortable seat to one side of the gathered meal, leaving room for Sunstreaker and Sideswipe to choose for themselves. “She spoils.”

Sideswipe chuckled. “Yeah, that makes sense.” He dropped down with little of the grace Soundwave knew him capable, and yanked Sunstreaker down beside him. “So what’s this all about anyway? What information do we need?”

Soundwave waited until Sunstreaker was settled and they were both eagerly eating before he picked at a seed bun himself.

“Do you know of… the rut?” Soundwave asked. This was uncomfortable for him in a way it had never been with his siblings, though he could not put a talon on why.

Sunstreaker sighed. “Ratchet grabbed us last week.”

“Yeah, that was fun,” Sideswipe drawled, and embarrassment peaked around the edges of his voice.

“There are things that… make sense now,” Sunstreaker added as he carefully and exactly peeled open a citrus fruit, the peel coming away in a long, thin curl.

Soundwave made a noise of agreement. “Mating season to be soon,” he said, relieved that the hardest of the explanations had been handled. “We celebrate with the festival of Adaptus.”

“Dunno what that is,” Sideswipe said around a mouthful of something, his words muffled despite the heated glare coming from his brother. “Sounds like a party.”

“Similarities exist,” Soundwave conceded. He took a heavy swallow of the thick, honey-sweetened sun tea to soothe his aching throat. “Mating starts after. Recommend solitude if uninterested in others.”

Sunstreaker snorted. “You say that like we have a choice.”

Ice dripped into Soundwave’s belly.

“What’s interest got to do with it?” Sideswipe echoed. He picked through the basket of offered fruit like they spoke of nothing more important than the weather.

Soundwave curled his hands around his cup to hide how much they shook with rage. “You have a choice,” he said, slow and meticulous. “If anyone attempts otherwise, refuse. Fight.” He paused, dragging in a ragged breath, wishing not for the first or second or third time, that he’d been able to get his talons on a slaver. “Bloody them. You will not be punished.”

Silence swept over the observation deck, save the crunching of sunflower seeds as Sunstreaker methodically put them into his mouth, one by one.

“Sure,” Sideswipe said at length, though his uncertainty loitered around him like a stormcloud threatening rain. “I guess time will tell, eh?”

Words would never be enough. Soundwave kept trying nonetheless.

“You’re safe here,” he said. “I swear it.”

Neither of them felt convinced, but they made noises of reassurance and gratitude nonetheless.

“Tell us more about the festival,” Sideswipe said, his tone changing from one of guarded caution to sheer enthusiasm.

Soundwave was not the best-suited to stoke the fires of their interest, but he would do his best. “There will be music and food,” he began, and hoped his voice would hold out for the afternoon.

***