rodion | the battle of the feels

( The laugh softens Shockwave's expressing further, optics dimming happily as he looks down at the Prime. His Prime. Once he'd found Orion there had been no need for any other - Zeta had been an afterthought. Although he cannot help the twinge of guilt at his involvement in setting up that particular mech for the road he would take. How was he supposed to have known? He'd been engaging and--

Well. It didn't matter now. )

I'm sure I would have managed more eventually. ( If his fate hadn't been what it was. But Shockwave follows his hand - focusing in on the star in question. It's not particularly bright, but he does the calculations and smiles slightly. ) True north.

( Humanity is clever, Shockwave will give them that, for the limited amount of time they're given to live. )

[You had good intentions, Shockwave. And the path Zeta went down was of his own choosing. Optimus, as Orion had been just as charmed. He had promise.]

And then I would have had to bail you out. Trouble would always seem to find you.

[He watches Shockwave's gaze, practically reading it like a datapad. He was so open with his emotions, it was easy.]

It's not the brightest star, but it's reliable.

( Another laugh at that, and Shockwave grins. Though his face is quickly overtaken by a cloud of sadness and regret. )

We would have made such a pair if what I had planned out for you came to pass as I wished it. ( But he can reclaim the lighter mood, look at him go. ) Not that you did not become what I hoped for in time - you brought Cybertron out of the war I knew was coming.

( But back to the North Star: ) And do they have stories about that particular star?

[He studies that face, each emotion feeling like he's experiencing it for the first time. The way his face creases, the obvious display of whatever he's feeling... Shockwave had always been open like a book when it came to how he felt.]

A pair. Imagine what they would say.

[Not that he cared. They could all have jumped off the Senate building for all he cared. They were things that unfortunately never came to pass, in the end. He'd waited by that bench for Shockwave to return to him, and four million years later he would return. Inbetween that? They were complete strangers.]

Sailors would often follow it if they were lost at sea. It is connected to a larger constellation called Ursa Minor.

"Little Bear".

Nothing flattering, but then again I think you and I have had plenty of practice in caring little for what others have to say.

( Lost at sea, hmm. Shockwave felt as if he knew something of what that felt like. )

Is there a "Big Bear" to create a matched set?

True. I place value in only a select few on what to think of me.

[Those eyes flick to him.]

And yes, it's not very far from the little one. Those four stars in a box shape. That's part of it.

( Shockwave does whatever the approximation of an eyebrow raise for a robot is, smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. )

Mm. I'll be certain to keep that under advisement.

( His hands go back to Optimus' ear decorations almost as if his hands had a will of their own. )

Should I bother asking for their story? I must admit I'm curious.

[Optimus's head leans into that touch once more, like an anxious pup who knows its ears are going to be pet. He could be this comfortable around Shockwave, no one was there to stop them. But he seems too distracted, eyes cast up towards Shockwave himself.

Taking in how perfect he looks against the clear night sky.]

Apologies, I seem to have my sights on...

Some other celestial body.

[WOW THAT WAS. FUCKIN LAME.]

( That makes Shockwave laugh - fondly, of course. He couldn't imagine it being anything else, even if he's pleasantly surprised at the sudden comment. Well. )

And here I thought that would be better applied to the one who has a constellation named for him. ( It doesn't matter if it's not really named for Orion, it's the thought that counts. ) Although I can't find it within myself to say that you're wrong.

( HE'S KIND OF VAIN OKAY. YOU KNOW THAT GOING IN, OPTIMUS. )

[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.

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'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.]

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.]

( 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.

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. )

[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.]

( The surprise on Shockwave's face vanishes with the kiss that he can't help but melt into, one hand coming up to brush against Optimus' audials. But he can't help the pleased hum of his engines either, nor the reluctance with which he pulls back slightly. Not too, far, because it's not a rejection - far from it. )

If the Afterspark exists, I will follow you even there.

( He swears it. )

[And for the first time in what feels like forever, Optimus smiles. A true, genuine smile. For one night, he could be truly happy, sitting here under the stars with someone who he would give his spark to for the rest of his life.

His lips don't stray far from him, only letting out a soft hum of his engine.]

Don't expect to see it anytime soon. We have a lot of living to do.

My Conjunx Endura.

And mine.

( He never, in all of his years, considered having one - a conjunx endura. But now that he has one, well, he can't think of having anyone else. Another press of his lips against Optimus's before he hums thoughtfully. )

We'll have to think of a way to break it to the others.

[As was the same for Optimus. With his position, and the war being as endless as it was, he never saw himself able to settle down like this--then again, he hadn't expected Shockwave to walk back into his life.]

...

[And then, those eyes widen.]

How am I going to tell Prowl.

( That gets a low rumble of laughter from Shockwave, lips turning up into a grin. )

We'll tell him together. I won't send you to the turbofoxes alone.

the battle of the feels

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