[Video] - Vector's temple

[cliffjumper]

[Some of you might be familiar with the noise of metal crunching as it hits something after falling at least a short distance, and Cliffjumper grunts, swears and, after a few moments, gets the video on.

It's mostly Cliffjumper's faceplate and upper torso that can be seen, plus a view of the sky and some spire-tops of Vector's temple, though he's looking slightly... wild-eyed.]

... Slaggin', rusty, scum-spewin' scrap! [The view wobbles as Cliffjumper changes his grip, then stabilises again.] Anyone else got stuck with somethin' new poppin' up courtsey of your glyphs?

Blurr, how the frag did ya get a handle on this?

[... there's a pause, and Cliffjumper half looks like he's about to say something more but then closes his mouth. Not yet. He'll... Well.]

Comments

[loyalflier]

Who said our dear leader would need to find out?

[ it's bright and cheery, the way he says that. but in one swift movement, Starscream is in the air again. leaning against the railing from the other side.

he doesn't quite feel like being ground bound so soon. ]

You don't like flying at all?

[cliffjumper]

And you're supposed to be the nice one?

[He tries for scowling but ends up grinning, tilting his helm back slightly - and then turns around when he realises how close Starscream is.]

Not really no. [He glances away and frowns.] Well, it can be kinda fun sometimes, but I don't just forget all that air between me and the ground, ya know?

[Starscream, no matter how he started out, was apparently made for flying. Though maybe it was easier when you didn't start out with an altmode at all, but that just means he was as ground-bound as Cliffjumper's always been.]

[loyalflier]

I am the nice one.

[ all this teasing... but Starscream's just smiling anyway. it brightens a little more once Cliffjumper turns to face him. ]

That's sort of the point. It's liberating, Cliff.

[cliffjumper]

I dunno, think we need to have a discussion what 'nice' means then.

[He just grinned, and his expression widened a little in response to Starscream's brightening smile as well.]

For you, maybe, but it makes me fraggin' uncomfortable. Gettin' control of this or not, I don't think that's gonna go away really. If I lose control, or the jetpack runs outta fuel... that could be a long way to fall.

[The smile briefly falls away to a grimace.]

[loyalflier]

I'm not sure that this lesson should come from you, Mister Shoot First Ask Questions Later.

[ a chuckle. but by no means does Starscream miss that grimace. he can't handle it either. too good of a mood.

so one second as he drifts a bit closer to give a quick peck on the lips. ]

I'll be there to catch you.

[cliffjumper]

Well, we already know I ain't nice...

[Trailing off as Starscream drifted in, Cliffjumper caught on what was going to happen and neither backed down nor leaned away - rather he stretched up a little, into the kiss, however brief.]

Yeah. But when you ain't, that's when I'm gonna have a problem, and I can't always rely on you bein' around to catch me, can I?

[He huffs, but it's hardly displeased.]

[loyalflier]

Hmm.

[ he's just sort of... you know. happy. about all of this. about this little thing that they have and the fact it's definitely mutual. Cliffjumper initiates as much as he does. ]

That's what Blurr is for, yes?

[cliffjumper]

[Cliffjumper might be awkward about it, but it sure is.

The mention of Blurr has him snorting, smothering the admittedly amused noise beneath harsher static.]

Yeah, sure. But we ain't together all the time either, and what then? This flyin' thing suits ya far better than me, Starscream.

[loyalflier]

You don't know because you simply haven't given it a chance.

[ a roll of optics. maybe he'd have an easier time of it if he wasn't so biased! ]

[cliffjumper]

Well, I'm gonna have to give it a chance whether or not I want to. [Huffing, Cliffjumper reached up to tap Starscream's chestplates.] Since I ain't got no choice about it, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna be happy about it.

[loyalflier]

Personally, I kind of like the idea. I'd like to have a partner flying about with me - not that Thundercracker is poor company.

[ oops. now a smidgeon shy... ]

It would just be nice if it was you for a change, that's all.

[cliffjumper]

[Staring, Cliffjumper's vocaliser goes into neutral. Then he shakes his helm, field spiking unevenly before he huffs.]

And what, couldn't have done that - still could - with the jetpack? What's the difference?

[Even if he absolutely was... flustered... by the idea that Starscream wanted to fly with him. Normally he wouldn't be, of course, because that'd just be silly. This was... different though. The meaning.]

[loyalflier]

[ no actual answer here. Starscream just rests his chin on his folded arms. smiles.

there is a difference. so much of a difference. flying of ones own ability... so much different than a jetpack. ]

[cliffjumper]

[Optics slowly narrowing at Starscream's silence and the smile, Cliffjumper finally huffs and reaches out to poke Starscream's crest.]

Don't fraggin' gimmie a smile and sayin' nothing!

[loyalflier]

[ bats at that hand! ]

I can do whatever I wish, thank you.

[cliffjumper]

[Reflexively, Cliffjumper grabs the fingers of that hand, but then just stops there, squeezing briefly because what does he do with this now?]

Yeah, well, just smilin' at me ain't gonna make me understand slag.

[Snort.]

[loyalflier]

I shouldn't have to tell you for you to understand, dear.

[cliffjumper]

[Have a huff and Cliffjumper's optics brightening at the endearment, then scowling immediately. He still can't decide if he likes that or not.]

You usin' that word ain't gonna magically explain things. 'Sides, flyin' with this... whatever it is, can't really be the same as what normal aerials do, 'cause you're still usin' your engines and thrusters and wings or rotorblades and slag.

[loyalflier]

It is still using your own power rather than a modification such as the jetpack.

[cliffjumper]

... Suppose so. Still don't see how it ain't different, 'cause this sure as slag doesn't feel like it comes from me.

[Which was, perhaps, part of the problem beyond Cliffjumper feeling uncomfortable with not having his feet on the ground.]

[loyalflier]

We'll see how you feel about it after you've mastered this power of yours, hmm?

[cliffjumper]

I suppose I could try and not complain about it until I've got this under control, but I ain't promisin' anything after that.

[With a huff, Cliffjumper leaned up and in to thump their crests together, nasal ridges just brushing.]

[loyalflier]

At least keep an open processor about it?

[ that's all he can really ask of Cliffjumper. ]

[cliffjumper]

I'll try, okay?

[With a static sigh, Cliffjumper considers moving, but doesn't. The pressure of the front of their helms and their nasal ridges together is nice.]

[loyalflier]

[ he applies a bit more pressure, smile peeking through. it feels so nice. ]

That's all I can really ask.