rodion | the battle of the feels

[That gets a silent chuckle out of him, turning to look where they're headed. He has no real destination in mind, but...well, maybe he's taking the 'journey is more important than the destination' bit to heart.]

Some call it treason.

But now I'm the one who's flattered. I'm just more thick-skulled than most of the freedom fighters around here, is the only difference.

[He knew it sounded stupid, but if it could get a laugh like that out of the Senator...well, he'd do just about anything for that.]

Modest.

[It's said just as fondly, reaching up again to stroke along the Senator's cheek.]

But I didn't think you would disagree. I don't lie very often.

( As if Shockwave minds. She hadn't been lying when she said that talking to Orion was a delight - her coworkers were, by and large, utterly intolerable. Dai Atlas was not so bad, if slightly condescending and worried about her scientific pursuits. Everyone knew about her father's legacy, and Shockwave was not keen on following in his footsteps. No, there was a line between what one could and couldn't do. )

Ah, well, that would depend on who's going to win, wouldn't it? ( The war that Shockwave can feel in the air all around them. There's no two ways about it in her opinion - it was going to come. ) You spoke for the man they rally around, didn't you? When you broke into the Senate.

Would denying that I am be seen only as further proof of it, or enough to set your mind at ease?

( Teasing, because please. He knows he's good looking and insanely smart. And while-- recent events of the past four million years might have tempered him somewhat, the fact that he can feel pride in his own abilities is enough for him to try it. )

No, you don't.

( One of the many things Shockwave likes about Orion, tiling his head so that he can lean further into Optimus' hand, cherishing the touch. )

( Shockwave offlines his optics the moment Optimus' helm brushes his, shuddering slightly before pressing the advantage and kissing Optimus again. Now that he can, he can't find it within himself to stop. After everything - the Shadowplay, the four million years of not being himself, of nearly destroying the universe and finding himself again - he's going to let himself have this one thing. )

Yes. ( Of course he accepts it, what else can he do? And as his fingers dip further into the spark he feels the tingle of energy run through his plating and lines, leaving a sharp taste in his mouth and on his tongue that he can only describe as being uniquely Optimus. ) Thank you, Optimus, for never giving up.

( For always remembering who he was.

His own plating peels away, folding back to reveal his own spark chamber. An exchange, if you will, as if there was another option. He remembers - distantly - the time where he'd been removed from his own body and there's a moment where he wants to stop, air stilling in his vents. No. That's not him, and Optimus would not.

Another shuttering intake and venting, before his frame relaxes more and he onlines his optics once more. )

It was yours, has always been, even though you never knew.

[Shockwave's confidence (vanity, let's be real) always intrigued Optimus. For as much as he tried to push for an equal world, a free world, Shockwave was still a product of his...upbringing. Not that it was a bad thing. The way Shockwave handled himself (and the way he looked, no less) made him all the more endearing.]

Then it would't be too bold to ask you to lie next to me.

[He knows it's not. Which is why he asked.]

[And it's something Optimus is glad for. Just to have something Shockwave can call his. That no one else could have as long as Energon flowed through him. The kiss is reciprocated, tenderly, as he lets the Senator touch what he's never shown anyone aside from a medic.

Hearing the confirmation, that Shockwave accepts him, is more than enough for him. He would have accepted that, feeling part of his soul almost enter Shockwave, somewhat feeling the energy flow into his fingers.

He'd waited so long to offer himself like this to Shockwave, perhaps longer without even knowing it.

He's about to say something, before a lovely green light appears to match his own--Shockwave's own chest plating opening up revealing...in Optimus's opinion... the brightest spark he'd ever seen.

Not that he'd seen many. His eyes widen, gently taking in its light as a hand reaches out, hearing Shockwave's words. This was his. Although not as delicate as the Senator's, his hand stretches closer, feeling the tendrils of energy play along his rugged hand, the energy itself new and exciting.

Just like Shockwave himself.]

Beautiful.

[Always a bot of few words. But whatever he said...he meant it.]

No, it wouldn't.

( Just confirming what Optimus suspects.

Shockwave gently slides out from underneath Optimus' head, careful not to jostle his prime too much. When he finally settles it's on his side, careful of his wings and size, one of his arms now propping up Optimus' head while he lies on his side. It's comfortable and still gives him the advantage of being able to look at Optimus. )

Will this do?

[There's a slight relief in that--no matter what Optimus assumed, there was that small doubt. They'd been through so much, it was a bit bold to ask so much of Shockwave, especially so soon after his change back.

But here they are, lying down together to stare at the stars.

Maybe sneaking another look at Shockwave in the process. Seeing those blue eyes up close.

Sorry, Shockwave, he's speechless.]

I did, but that doesn't mean a victory, Shockwave. It just means that someone slightly higher up in the hierarchy can see the obvious.

[Slightly pessimistic? Maybe. But damn if he wasn't going to keep fighting.]

Just having one set of eyes fixed on me in a way that wasn't imagining me on death row is enough.

If I can, others can too. ( She'd been approached by the two senators wanting her support for the-- what was it? Decepticon cause? And she'd turned both women down for her goals weren't theirs, even if their hearts had been in a good place. ) A civil war is brewing and the old regime will fall - it's only a matter of time.

( Pessimistic, but that's what Shockwave is for. )

Death row would be a waste, Orion. There's far too much potential in you for that.

( Also possibly regicide. )

( Which only makes Shockwave smile at him, hand ghosting down the side of Optimus' helm fondly. He's so glad for this chance - one he thought he'd never have.

And-- and-- )

You're quite the handsome bot, Optimus.

( Look, he can flatter him too! )

Coming from you, that means something.

[His head rests in that hand, as if putting his life in that palm. It shows in the way his optics dim slightly, although still focused on the Senator.]

Because your attention's the only one I've been searching for.

And when it does...will you join a side?

[He plays along, trying to figure out just what Shockwave was after. Civil war was definitely a possibility with all the recent happenings, and with them plotting possible treason...he'd like to know her position.]

[He brings her to a bridge as he looks out onto the water, a thin later of ice starting to form on it.]

Perhaps you see some things I don't.

Oh Orion, I have already picked my side.

( His side, and the look Shockwave gives him is hopefully enough to convey that fact before she turns her attention to the river before them. Leaning over the railing slightly, she grins. )

And you, things I miss. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. ( Her lips purse for a moment as she lets herself fall back from her precarious position to lean against him once more. ) How are things at your station? I understand the loss of three of your officers must have left you short-staffed.

[It couldn't have been more apparent if she'd spelled it out for him on the sidewalk. It brings a certain...warmth to his heart, as they walk along the cold streets. Maybe it's wrong for him to be happy to hear those words. After all, he's supporting possible regicide.

But just hearing someone believe in him as Shockwave does...

Seeing her smile when she looks at him.

But the question knocks him back to reality, as he rests his arms on the railing next to her to overlook the river. His face drops, eyes cast out along the water.]

I've got potential new partners interviewing tomorrow. Can't say I got too many, though. They're calling me reckless and 'an accident waiting to happen'. Especially considering my actions.

It's hardly your fault that others can't see you the way I do. In time I think they will, you just have to wait for it. Although I can't deny reckless - that is true. But there are worse faults to have.

( Another smile, putting her hand on his arm and squeezing fondly. )

I could do with a drink of something warm. Come, it'll be my treat.

[That last part gets his attention, as well as the squeeze on his arm. From the looks of it, a warm drink sounded downright heavenly, judging from the way his eyes twinkled.

That was the thing about Orion. His eyes never lied.]

Is that a coffee date I'm hearing?

You've had it, Optimus. Ever since we first met, it's been yours.

( A whispered confession, because speaking too loudly would ruin the moment as far as Shockwave is concerned. This - this feels dangerously close to being a point they can't return from. As if he would want to. Orion... Optimus.. Ever since that moment where he'd given him a name he found more fitting, Shockwave couldn't imagine focusing on anyone else. )

Four million unfeeling years cannot change that.

[Those words...Optimus's eyes close when he hears that. It's like a wash of relief over him, and it shows in his plating. The way it relaxes into Shockwave's hold.

And a soft purr escaping his engine.]

Then...

You would stay with me.

[It's hard to put into words what he's asking from Shockwave. It was such an awkward time to bring it up. Maybe it was too soon to even consider. But the last time he waited...Shockwave had slipped through his fingers.]

( It doesn't matter how he's saying it, or what exactly he's asking - the answer is the same no matter what: )

For as long as you wish.

( Optimus shouldn't even have to ask. Shockwave would no sooner leave his Prime's side now that he's been returned to himself and to Optimus than he would rip out his own spark. )

( If Shockwave was poetically inclined, she'd write verses about those eyes. Math is its own branch of musical verse, of course, but somehow she doesn't think he'd take a list of equations that sound beautiful to her ears as well as she would want him to. If he wanted to at all.

But coffee was doable and safe - no need for pretense at all. So he gets a wider smile and a gentle tug on his arm to pull him away and in the direction of her favorite place. )

It is! And I know just the place - good coffee and a warm atmosphere. You can't possibly say no.

( There's a low rumble of laughter at Optimus's word - he can feel it vibrate through his frame, coupling with the warmth that being this close to the other bot brings. It's an altogether pleasant experience that Shockwave delights in, least of all because he can feel it again. A few months of emotions is nothing compared to millions of years without them and every rush of anger, happiness, sorrow, and love is welcomed. This is who he is, not what he was.

Not-so gentle brush of fingers across the flickering energy aside, Shockwave can't help but vent his systems in a slow sigh of air. It's too real, to sharply formed in his mind in shapes and colors and feelings that he can't doubt his system's own feedback and yet-- and yet--

How long has he wanted this? Even without the unfortunate break it's still longer than he cares to think about. )

I did say that was one of my goals, did I not?

( To be remembered for his beauty and his brains. And perhaps there was still a chance for that when all was said and done, no matter what he'd done in the past. This was a chance, a new chance for something mostly unsullied by his actions. )

But you, Optimus-- ( He smiles again - more sure in his actions as he caresses the surface of Optimus's spark gently. Coaxing it further out of its casing, because there is only one way he wants this to end. ) I cannot hope to match you.

[For as long as you wish.

Optimus never wanted to be separated from him, now. All those years that could have been. They could have had four million if the Institute hadn't gotten ahold of him. If Orion had found him.

Protected him.

So many years gone, but they did have now. Now...

Optimus is going to be a little impulsive. His opposite hand reaches up, unclasping that faceplate and letting it fall to the side. His body lurches up a little, to turn to the side while not moving his legs. A hand goes under the Senator's chin, tilting it up ever so slightly to meet up with his lips.]

Until we cease to exist, then.

[One smaller nudge of his finger, enough to press their lips into one another's.]

[You'd be right on that one. While Orion would most definitely appreciate it, it'd end up leaving him more confused than anything on what it meant. Orion was a man of action, not math. He could only speak enough of it to get by.

Although, he could probably listen to Shockwave's voice for hours, no matter the subject. If he were being honest.

He's quick to follow, not one to really fight against that tug. And it comes with the smile growing even wider on his face.]

I couldn't even before. You're far too convincing.

I guess that's why you're Senator.

[Among other reasons.]

the battle of the feels

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