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Entry tags:

✘ tf: bayverse | sideswipe

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All Spark, it's pretty much nonstop chaos around here lately, isn't it?

[And yet, someone can't help but sound amused.]

Funny, how the 'bot you all assumed was a... horrible loose cannon or whatever you were calling me, hasn't done one damn thing. Isn't it?

I mean, all I've done is run my mouth, and here, your "Defense force"? They're going around torturing bots.

Wow I bet your face plates are hot right now, huh?

[Sideswipe. Stop. Talking. You're not helping.]

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Quit that.

[His grip tightens. He looks Mirage square in the optics... and doesn't let go.]

No. You're not.

[Then it's back to working his hands over Mirage's. Looking back down at them in silence.]

I'm not holding them, am I? I'm fixing them.

Mi dispiace.

[He can't turn those optics away, letting his hands fall limp in Sideswipe's grip.]

...Fixing them, you say. How?

Yes. Fixing them.

[He's probably doing it wrong. But, it's the thought that counts? Right?]

I saw Ratchet do it once. For Ironhide. It worked then.

[Mirage just watches, his wings going from their perked, upright position to a slightly more relaxed, at rest.]

It's working now.

[Granted it wasn't as delicate as Ratchet had probably done, but to just stop thinking about everything that had been on his mind lately, just for a moment for Sideswipe to run his fingers across his palms...

He felt spoiled.]

So, are you going to do this every time I have a tantrum?

Edited 2013-06-22 08:02 (UTC)

I noticed.

[But that doesn't stop him. He keeps it up, keeps his optics on what he's doing. Words aren't going to fix this. He's not good enough with them for that.]

[He can't fight. And that's... really all he knows how to do.]

[So he's giving this a shot, instead.]

Nope. So quit having them.

[And Mirage is calmed, seemingly in a trance. His optics dull, a soft purring coming from his engine as Sideswipe continues.

And...before he can stop himself, he leans forward, pressing his faceplating to the side of the other bots, letting a puff of hot air escape. Mirage's face doesn't allow for much when it comes to affection, so a quick nuzzle and a 'kiss' will have to do.]

[That's better. He can work with that. Nothing's fixed, and he knows it -- but this is... better.]

[And then Mirage does that.]

[His optics widen, and he goes still, staring at him. He doesn't pull back, doesn't drop the other bot's hand.]

[Just stares.]

What's... that?

[It only takes Mirage a few seconds to realize what that was all about, his head jerking back in surprise.]

Ah...I'm sorry, Sideswipe. I do not know what came over me.

Yes, you do.

[And, that said, he's going to go back to touching those hands like nothing happened.]

You're making this all a lot more complicated than it has to be... you know that?

[They both know he's a lot better at "friends with benefits" than what that little display meant.]

[All the same... he doesn't seem all that bothered by it.]

It meant nothing. I was caught up in the moment.

[His wings flick again, back to their 'alert' position.]

That's all.

[He saw that.]

If it makes you feel better, sure. You were in a moment.

...You don't believe me. Do you.

[He watches those hands again, optics dimming.]

That makes two of us.

... Not really.

[At least he hasn't pulled back. Or stopped. That means something -- coming from him.]

Look, I... I'm really not good at this. It's dangerous, that kind of thing.

...I know. I'm not either.

[He can't bring himself to look at Sideswipe. Not yet.]

I'm just...lost right now.

Could have fooled me.

[That makes two of them.]

Don't worry about it now, then. The whole... face-mashing thing, anyway. Just... All Spark, this isn't you.

[And I don't know what to do...]

You would be surprised.

[His head drops down, in thought. That was all Sideswipe wanted, right? His old self? His confidence before he saw his mentor figure shot through the chest?

Could he really do that...?

Those eyes close a moment.]

I know. Things change you, Sideswipe. This place changes you. [His head tilts up.] But I will fix it. Fix me.

[Somehow.]

Clearly...

[He doesn't know what else to say. Or do. He keeps looking down at Mirage's hands, keeps rubbing at the metal like it's going to change something.]

Well... I'm here now. I guess.

It's not like you're the only Autobot from home anymore. So... quit acting like it.

[He's trying.]

I do not need to be lectured on this.

[The tone was sharp, and maybe a little bitter. But...that was the sliver of what's left of his pride seeping through.]

...

But fine. I will.

[His optics suddenly glow. And a faint little smirk flickers over his face.]

[He saw that.]

No... I think you do. You need a nice, long lecture about Autobot pride.

[Oh no you don't. Don't you even GO there.]

Me? Need a lecture!?

[His wings flutter, pulling his hands away.]

Is the last thing I need!

[Oh, he went there. This is more like it.]

Yes. You.

[He doesn't let Mirage pull far, scooting right back up into his personal space.]

Prove it to me. Hm~?

What proof could you possibly need, Sideswipe? Who else has kept you alive back home? Who rescued you from that temple, hmm?~

[He's never letting that go.]

I could have rescued myself, thank you.

[But he's glad to hear that little quip. This is what he wanted. He shifts closer, peering up at him.]

Ahaha! You were trapped in a temple, Sideswipe! Admit it, you needed me.

[He shifts closer too. This was...more familiar.

Maybe if he tries hard enough...he could be like this again. But that was too hopeful.]

It was one time. It doesn't make you superior.

[If he has a problem with this lack of personal space, he doesn't mind it.]

[It's... better, really. Having Mirage approach, being taunted about the stupid rescue mission.]

[It's how it should be.]

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