Chapter Text
The stack of completed reports was almost finished. Who knew being in command would involve this much reading?! Well, Starscream didn't! If he had known it to be this tortuous, he would have dumped the load on Soundwave, or Shockwave even! The only competent bots in this dump! But where are they here? No! They had to waste their time in an excuse for a bar! Honestly, Starscream didn't know what the deal was. Shockwave moved after one too many complaints about his experiments blowing up, so he moved to the underground tunnels under an abandoned town for his new laboratory. And he thought it was a good idea to put a bar on top of it. He had no idea why, but from what he heard, the place sucked. Then again, like establishments, like patrons, or so Starscream would say.
His optics swept over the desk one last time. One report was missing. Breakdown and Swindle. Of course, it was those two. A message popped up in his HUD, interrupting his line of thinking. {Sector 12 Activity Report-} Finally! It was about time these good for noting bolts for brains did something other than sitting around on their afts! Starscreamed read through the report as he stacked the datapads away. After this, he would be done for the day. His servos stopped mid-motion as he noticed the vid attached to the report. Why did they feel the need to record the area?
~Let's blow this city to ashes~ The crowd cheered as a white bot lifted his servo holding a cube of high-grade, encouraging the others to follow as he cursed out with them ~And see what Megatron thinks!~ He jolted his arm too much, and the drink splattered across his plating. Some bot from the left side of the stage whistled and shouted, clearly into it.
Is this some kind of joke?
The bot held out his drink to the crowd as they sang along with him. ~It's such pathetic neatness. But not for long 'cause it'll get jinxed!~
Is this what they did when he sent them out?!
~Come on!!~ The bot held the drink up higher; the cube shimmered in the dim lighting. Rays of purple and blue shimmered across the white plating as the light reflected on them.
~Come on!!~ This time, the bot's voice dragged out a small crack in the end.
~And get jinxed!!!~ The bot lifted the leftover cube to his intake and downed it in one gulp. Bots around him cheered as the music started to die down. Venting heavily, a blush spread across the singer's faceplate, no mistaking it. The performer turned and made his way backstage, and the recording ended.
Starscream pinched the bridge between his optics. From Swindle, I could expect this, but Breakdown? Those morans! If this little excursion was the reason their report was late, I will have both their helms for it! Taking a closer look at the still open tab, he recognized the place from somewhere… Slowly, realization dawned upon him, Shockwaves bar. He frowned. Since when has that miserable little hole become this popular? Starscream's gaze landed back on the performer once more, not bad. Good curves and an attractive frame, the light paint job easy on the optics. More importantly, the crowd couldn't seem to take their optics off him. Every cube being served, every table occupied, it all translated into one thing. Shanix. A slow smirk spread across Starscream's face.
Shockwave has found something far more precious than a new laboratory: an opportunity! And if Starscream knew one thing, it was that part of the Shanix paid the coming nights will land in his pocket. Opening a new tab, Starscream wrote a report asking for Shockwave's newest performers' information.
{Information Request Directive Priority: High}
{Recipient: Chief Science High Command Shockwave}
{High Command requires all available records concerning the white-plated Cybertronian performer currently operating at your establishment.}
{Signed: Supreme Leader Starscream}
Not even moments later, an answer came.
{Information Request Response}
{Recipient: Supreme Leader Starscream}
{The requested information regarding the white-plated Cybertronian performer currently operating at my establishment has been compiled.}
{Designation: Goldbug}
{Registered Identity: Unknown}
{Function: Performer}
{Affiliation: Decepticon}
{Current Status: Independent Performer}
{Additional Information: The subject has shown no hostile behavior and has increased establishment activity significantly since beginning performances. Further records are unavailable due to the subject's limited disclosure of personal information.}
{Query: Clarification requested. What interest do you have in this performer?}
{Signed: Chief Science High Command Shockwave}
Starscream read through the report once, then again, optics narrowing at the last section. Registered Identity: Unknown, Current Status: Independent Performer. So even Shockwave knew little about this performer. Starscream finds it mildly reassuring. Goldbug was a mystery, but a profitable one at that. A single performer had managed to increase activity at Shockwave's establishment without requiring payment, resources, or official support. Efficient. Profitable. Exactly the kind of opportunity Starscream appreciated.
However, what interest does the Supreme Leader have in this performer? Starscream scoffed. Always questioning everything. He had no obligation to explain his actions, especially not to Shockwave. If Goldbug could generate this much attention, then it was only logical that the Decepticon cause should benefit from it. And if a small portion of those profits happened to pass through his own accounts, well, that was simply the reward for recognizing an opportunity before anyone else. Starscream opened a new file. [Project: Goldbug] Let's see how profitable you can become. Starscream opens a com link to Shockwave.
Starscream leaned back in his chair, one servo idly tapping the polished surface of his desk. The connection was established almost immediately. "Shockwave," Starscream greeted. "I trust you've reviewed the latest figures from your establishment." On the opposite end, Shockwave's voice remained as level and emotionless as ever. "Confirmed. Revenue has increased significantly following Goldbug's performances."
"Precisely." Starscream folded his servos together atop the desk. "Which is exactly why allowing such an opportunity to remain unmanaged would be... inefficient." A brief silence followed. "Define 'managed.'" Starscream chuckled. "Goldbug attracts attention. Attention attracts customers. Customers generate profit. The equation is simple."
"You propose increasing the frequency and scale of Goldbug's performances." "Correct." "And what role do you intend to have within this arrangement?" Starscream's wings lifted ever so slightly, time to put his role as leader up front. If you had asked him if he liked shoving it in other bots' faces, then he would agree, but not out loud. "As Supreme Leader, it is my responsibility to oversee the interests of the Decepticon faction. Naturally, a portion of the generated revenue should be allocated to High Command." "Specify the requested percentage." A grin spread across Starscream's face. All going to plan.
"I was hoping you would ask." "A precise figure is required for accurate evaluation." "Thirty percent." Another pause. "Excessive." Shockwave didn't hesitate. "Your direct contribution has been limited to identifying the opportunity." Starscream scoffed. "Identifying the opportunity is the most important step. Without my intervention, you'd still be operating a mediocre establishment above a laboratory." "The establishment was already profitable." "Profitable?" Starscream echoed with an amused laugh. "Yes. But it has yet to reach its full potential."
"Predicted outcome?" "Increased revenue. Greater influence. Improved Decepticon morale." He paused deliberately. "Everyone benefits." Shockwave was silent for a moment before responding. "Your primary motivation appears to be personal financial gain." Starscream placed a servo dramatically against his chassis, even if the other bot couldn't see him. "I'm wounded, Shockwave." The sarcasm lingered only a moment before he continued. "My motivation is ensuring Decepticon resources are utilized efficiently." "That statement is technically accurate." "Because it is true."
Shockwave processed the proposal. "I will approve twenty percent of the generated revenue to be allocated to your administration." "Twenty-five." "Twenty-two." Starscream smiled. "Twenty-five, and I'll authorize additional resources should you decide to expand the establishment." The silence that followed was noticeably longer. Finally, "Two seekers stationed for order and I accepted." "There it is." Starscream leaned back with obvious satisfaction, he could miss some seekers, as long as it brought in profit. "I knew you'd recognize the value of this arrangement." "I recognize a profitable calculation," Shockwave corrected. "Recognition of value is irrelevant."
Starscream's smirk only widened. "Whatever helps you justify it, Shockwave." Without another word, the communication terminated. He glanced once more at the datapads before setting them neatly atop the stack. Goldbug had proven to be far more valuable than he had anticipated. Now all that remained was ensuring that value continued to grow. Stepping out from behind his desk, Starscream walked through the door. Outside the case of most of his possessor ages stood guard. “Jetstorm, Jetfire. I have a task for you two.” Saidbots looked up at their leader, giving a firm nod as they saluted.
(:)
Shockwave removed his servo from his helm as the com came to an end, placing it back over Soundwave's chassis. The steady hum of Soundwave's recharge engine filled the otherwise silent room. It had been two solar cycles since Soundwave had first brought Goldbug to his berth. Twice now. Shockwave remained unable to determine the reasoning behind the repeated behavior; the available data was insufficient. The pattern was illogical. Soundwave's initial interest in Goldbug was not unusual. Their Conjunx arrangement permitted external partners, making such interactions consistent with established behavior. However, the events that followed deviated from all previous observations.
The original objective had been interrupted when the performer entered an involuntary recharge. Shockwave's scans later confirmed the cause to be a spiked drink. The interaction had concluded. Medical assistance had been provided. No further action had been required. Yet Soundwave had returned Goldbug to his private quarters. And then repeated the behavior. No logical justification had been identified. Soundwave had never granted another Cybertronian unrestricted access to his private quarters. His recent actions represented a clear deviation from established behavioral patterns.
Personal attachment? Evidence suggested an increasing probability. Shockwave lowered his optic to the silent mech resting against him. Even while in recharge, Soundwave remained positioned toward the wall separating their room from the other, unconsciously maintaining awareness of the performer beyond it. Protective behavior observed. Private quarters granted. Berth access granted. No previous precedent. Conclusion: Personal attachment remained the most probable explanation. Shockwave's digits lightly rested against Soundwave's chassis, monitoring the steady rhythm of his spark chamber. Stable. No abnormalities detected, better than the past nights. He categorized the matter for later analysis.
Goldbug represented an opportunity, a variable introduced into an otherwise predictable equation. Whatever influence the performer had on Soundwave left positive effects. For now, continued monitoring remained the logical course of action. Shockwave remained still for several moments, monitoring Soundwave's recharge cycle. The cycle continued within expected parameters. No rough awakenings and no screaming, whatever Goldbug did, Shockwave will allow it to continue. Soundwave hasn't been this peaceful since the loss of his Cassettebot. Soundwave has always been close with his cassettes, four of them expressly. Frenzy, Laserbeak, Ravage and- It's best not to trail that thought.
With no further variables requiring analysis, he allowed his own systems to enter recharge mode, servos relaxing as his frame powered down into a dormant state.
(:) [Why is Shockwave so hard to write?! I had to grab the Dictionary for this one. Just when I'm free from school, Shockwave comes and gives me classes. ⊂(;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)⊃ Btw, this chap is taking so long because English isn’t my native language, so I found this part very hard to write. Edit: Here from me going over it for the 3rd or 4th lost count time, I just can't with Shockwave, he's such a complex character, I want a specific vibe with him, but I just can't. So Soundwave angst it is, also got the idea from this one edit in a gacha reaction vid can't find it back, so I can't credit sadly, it's really good!!]
Slowly, Bumblebee blinked his optics open. Where was he again? Oh! Primus! He drank out of Soundwave's intake! Bee sat up with a startle. Things after that were kind of a blur. Optics darted around. He's back, in Soundwaves room, alone this time, that's new. Optics adjusted to the lighting as he got off the berth. How late was it? 00:45 his inner clock blinked. This could actually be perfect! {1 New Message: Priority High} Moving a server up to rub his helm, Bee blinked. Who would send him a message this late? Besides, everyone thinks he's dead. As the fog cleared from the scout's processor, he blinked his optics, and the importance suddenly occurred to him. Optimus! Frag! The mission!
Frag! He couldn't look at it now. What if Shockwave had set up a frequency monitor? Opening the message could trigger a trace. Scrap! Oke Bee deep vents, Optimus' messages were time-limited. If he waited too long, the transmission would self-delete. So all he needed to do was get out of here. But Soundwave wouldn't be as dumb as to leave the door unlocked, right? Walking over and putting his servo on the scanner proved otherwise. Nice! Bee walked into the lab; unlike the Soundwaves' quarters, the laboratory was dark, the lab's strange odor hitting him in the face.
With a quiet click, the headlights set into his shoulder plating flickered to life, two narrow beams cutting through the darkness. Repurposing his vehicle's lamps to illuminate the room. It washed the lab in cool white light. Bee never paid attention to the lingering scent in the lab any mind, trying to ignore it most of the time, but now that he thought of it, why did it have such a strong scent? And why were Soundwave and Shockwave immune to it, or did they ignore it? It smelled like a mixture of thick metallic oils and disinfectant. It made something inside him feel uneasy.
Bees' optics landed on the other door, presumably Shockwave's quarters. The doors were closed, and Bee couldn't pick up a sound. Goed. A little snooping wouldn't hurt, right? For a mad scientist, unlike Wheeljack, Shockwave kept it decently clean. Dadapads neatly stacked in a corner next to a gadget Bee didn't know the name of. Pretty much stuff and equipment the shoot had never seen before or knew the name of. What stood out between the organised clutter was a strange stone, markings running across the side in a language he couldn't decipher. It seemed to be pleased down absentmindedly. No clear purpose in mind, Bumblebee reaches out and picks it up. For a stone, it feels heavier than metal. He instinctively adjusted his grip, too late; the stone slipped from between his digits and hit the metal floor hard, shattering into two pieces right across the middle, a shiny blue-pink glow emerging from its core.
Frag! Frag! Scrap! And whatever Ratchet would scold him for! Shockwave is going to kill him! He instinctively drops to his knees and tries to fit the pieces back together before he can even think about what the light was. Only when he touches the broken halves does the energy react and disappear into his servo; ice-cold shivers erupt through his entire frame. Lights flickering before they shut down, optics sparkling like a malfunction before fading. His arms dropped limply to his sides before his kneeling frame slowly toppled forward, sagged like a puppet with its strings cut, collapsing face-first onto the floor in a screech of grinding metal.
[EMERGENCY REBOOT INITIATED]
…
[REBOOT COMPLETE]
[SYSTEM RECOVERY COMPLETE]
[POWER RESTORED]
[PRIMARY SYSTEMS ONLINE]
Slowly, Bumblebee's optics blinked open as power returned to his systems. What...? What happened? His optics flickered before settling on the metal floor beneath him. Why am I on the floor? Why can't I move? I... I am… Who am I? A sharp ache pulsed through his processor as a series of messages suddenly filled his HUD. {Identity search initiated, Name: Bumblebee, Designation: B-127, Affiliation: Autobots, Function: Scout, Current Location: Shockwave's Laboratory, Identity confirmed. You are Bumblebee.}
"Huh...?" Bee muttered, staring at the messages. "Have I... always been able to do that?" No answer came. Instead, another line appeared. {Awaiting input.} Bee frowned. "Okay... if you know me..." he hesitated, "...then who are you?" The display paused. {System identity: unavailable, Origin: unknown.} The next message appeared more slowly. {...I do not know who I am.} Bee blinked. "You know who I am... but not yourself?" {Correct, I possess access to your stored data. I cannot locate information regarding myself.}
"That's... weird." The messages shifted again. {Searching for accessible memory files… Memory file accessed. Location: Shockwave's Laboratory. Mission Type: Reconnaissance. Primary Directive: Contact Optimus Prime. You are currently operating as an undercover Decepticon. Your objective is to gather intelligence and relay your findings to Optimus Prime.} Optimus… The name stirred something buried deep within his processor. Cybertron. The Autobots. Earth. His team. His fake death. The mission. The memories didn't return all at once. They surfaced one fragment at a time, slowly piecing together the mech he had been only moments ago.
"I remember..." Not everything. But enough. Another notification appeared. {Mobility functions remain unresponsive. Previous emergency reboot may have resulted in temporary system immobilization. Recommend initiating a secondary reboot.} Bee let out a slow vent. "Yeah... that'd be nice." His optics dimmed as his systems briefly powered down. Only a moment later, they flared back to life. This time, his servos responded. His digits flexed. His legs obeyed. "Much better." Another message appeared. {Vocal communication is unnecessary; I am in your system. Direct thought is sufficient for future interaction.} Bee froze. Wait... you're hearing my thoughts? {Affirmative.} "...Why are you in my system?" A brief silence followed before the reply appeared. {...I do not know.}
The scout's attention was taken by the unfamiliar weight on his back, only now registering. It messed with his overall balance. Bee got up to a sitting position, the weight pulling at his back messing with the center of his gravity, almost making the scout fall back down. {Unknown body structure detected. Analyzing… Analysis complete. Component identified: Door wings. Status: Fully integrated. Functionality: Operational.} Bumblebee could feel them move, slightly fluttering before resting in a pointed-out position from his back. He could not see them properly because of the darkness. {Light levels are insufficient for visual inspection. Would you like me to activate your shoulder headlights?}
Bee blinked. "Uh... yeah?" A soft mechanical click echoed from behind his shoulders. Warm white beams burst to life, cutting through the darkness of the laboratory. Their glow reflected off polished metal and scattered across the nearby equipment. Metal shimmered in the light, reflecting his figure. Bumblebee could clearly see a set of doorwings attached to his back, moving a bit as he inspected them. Oke for strange things happening, this was pretty cool. They fluttered with pride as they held themselves high. They looked good on him, even if he thought so himself; Optimus would agree… Optimus, who was that again?
{Searching stored memory files… Subject identified: Optimus Prime. Name: Optimus Prime, Affiliation: Autobots, Role: Leader of the Autobot cause. Relationship: Sire. Supreme Commander. One new message available. Priority: High. Would you like to preview the message without establishing a communications link?} Optimus Prime is my sire? Bumblebee put the thought aside for now, instead opening to answer. Um, yes, please?
{Previewing message. Successful. Bumblebee. I have not received a report since delivering your requested disguise equipment. Based on your request, I can only assume your infiltration was successful and that maintaining your cover has prevented further communication. Do not risk exposing yourself by responding unless you are certain the transmission cannot be intercepted. Your silence suggests you have judged the risk to be unacceptable, and I trust that judgment. Your original objective remains unchanged. Gather whatever intelligence you can without compromising your safety or your cover. Remember, Bee. The mission is important, but it is not more important than you are. Report when you are able. Stay safe, Bee.} Optimus… A surge of pride made itself at home in his spark at the other bot's strong trust in him.
Bee brought his attention back to the present. Why was he on the floor again? Optics landing on the broken stone. Scrap! Bee holds his helm as flashes of memories push past his HUD. Exploring. Stone. Fall… It's blank after that. Shockwave! Frag! He was in trouble. Taking the fragments in his servo, Bee uses the other to steady himself with the table, struggling with his new balance. Bee places the pieces in their original place. He had to leave, now!
(:) [Random fact: I taught myself English purely, so I could write and read Fanfics here. I learned basic words like "I" and "I am" in school, but then they dropped the classes, with no more courses to take. When I discovered this site, I taught myself English through fanfiction. I still don't understand how it turned out so well.]
Tires scratched against the road as Bumblebee sped through the streets. Slowly, the buildings faded behind him as the abandoned town disappeared into the distance. Bee didn't know where he was going. He only knew he needed somewhere safe. Somewhere hidden. Somewhere familiar, somewhere he would be safe. {Searching stored mission data… Previous observation posts detected. Secure observation point available. Would you like navigation assistance?} A sudden flicker crossed his HUD. Images. Fragments. A hidden location beneath the empty landscape. A place he had used before. Long hours spent watching from the shadows. Waiting. Observing. Before he took on a disguise. Before he infiltrated the Decepticons. Before everything became more complicated than it should have been.
Bee didn't question how he knew the way. His wheels turned before his thoughts could catch up. The scout took a sharp left, tires screeching as the smooth road was replaced by uneven dirt and loose stones. Mud sprayed behind him into the air as he accelerated, tracks recovering in mud as he moved, weaving between trees with practiced precision. His instincts guided him. Branches scraped against his paint as he pushed deeper into the forest, following a route buried somewhere in his fragmented memories. Finally, Bumblebee came to a stop. Hidden among the trees, and organic overgrowth was the entrance. Bee transformed and stepped sideways between the rocks till he entered a bigger chamber.
He looked around the place. There wasn't much lying around: some dadapads on a desk in the far corner, rations, energon, and oils. What stood out was a big splatter of white paint accompanied by two half-empty paint buckets. He was here before, yes! This is where he painted his plating and installed the drive. Bee approached the half-broken mirror placed against the wall next to the paint mess. He could see it clearly, his white plating and red optics, but… Since when had he added blue and pink to his plating? {Searching memory files, no memory found. You have no memory of this occurring.} There were only traces of white on the ground. The scout crunches by the mirror, digit tracing the line of blue under his optic, the other side the same but pink. Strange. {Reminder, Message: High priority} Right.
Lifting his servo, Bee hesitated. He had done this before. He knew he had. But the familiarity felt distant, like a memory belonging to someone else. Taking a slow vent, Bee opened the channel. "Optimus Prime. This is Bumblebee. Do you copy?" For several moments, only static answered. Then, "Bumblebee?" The relief in Optimus' voice was impossible to miss. "I was beginning to wonder if your silence meant trouble." Bee lowered his gaze. "Sorry. I know I should have checked in sooner."
A brief silence followed. "Are you safe?" Bee paused. The answer should have been simple. It wasn't. "I... for the time now." The silence on the other end changed, Bee couldn't decipher it. "Elaborate." Bee looked down at his servo. If Shockwave knew what he'd done, his cover would be blown, but if he didn't return, that would be even more suspicious. Bee felt a strong feeling of determination; he couldn't fail, it wasn't an option. Optimus Prime needed information, and he should deliver it, as a good scout would. The thought felt natural, like he had had it a thousand times before.
"Ive successfully infiltrated the Decepticon ranks. The Decepticon sightings near Tacio have proven to be correct. I found an underground hideout, its position is in the middle of the town, with the hideout's only entrance guarded by Cassettebots. The hideout consists of an underground bar frequently visited by Decepticons from all around. I've found a laboratory under the bar. I believed de bar was a disguise for the lab. Shockwave and Soundwave have been spotted around the area frequently. I discovered that the lab belongs to Shockwave. I was inside the laboratory." His voice lowered. "And something happened."
"Are you injured?" Bee flexed his digits. Everything worked. Mostly. "Physically? I don't think so." A vent, his wings lovers a bit. "But I can't remember everything." Optimus remained silent, allowing him to continue. "I remember the mission. I remember infiltrating the Decepticons. I remember getting inside." His voice became uncertain. "But after that..." He looked back at the white stains on the stone floor. "There's a space I can't fill."
"A gap?"
"Like something was erased, I can't seem to remember." His door wings lowered, and the communication line remained quiet. Bee spoke again. "There's also something else." He hesitated. He still wasn't sure how to explain it. “A voice, it's been in my head since I left the lab.” A moment passed. Then another voice entered the channel. {Correction. I am present.} "Yeah..." He rubbed the side of his helm. Then Optimus' voice responded cautiously. "Bee... who was that?" Before Bee could answer, the voice responded. {Identity unavailable.} Optimus processed the information. "Bee, what happened in that laboratory?" Bee looked toward the direction of the forest outside the observation post.
The memory of the broken stone returned. "There was this strange stone in Shockwave's laboratory." "A stone?" Who was he kidding? It sounded ridiculous even to himself. "Yeah." His voice became quieter. "I found it while I was searching the lab, and I picked it up to inspect." His digits curled slightly. "And I accidentally broke it." The silence that followed felt heavier. "And after that?" "Nothing, it's a part of what don't remember." The unknown voice spoke again. {Memory file incomplete. Event data unavailable.} Optimus' tone changed. "Bee. Listen to me. Whatever happened inside that laboratory, we will figure it out. But right now I need you to focus." A small silence.
Bee looked toward the system messages still appearing in his HUD. "What if something is wrong with me?" Optimus answered immediately. "Then we will face whatever it is." Another pause. "But until we understand what happened, do not assume the worst." A small "Okay." Left the scouts' dermas. “Bumblebee, I have to go.” Bumblebees' doorwings flattened against his back; something in his spark screamed for the other to stay. “I will contact you again in 5 solar cycles; till then, try to remember and stay safe.” The line cut off before the scout could respond.
Servos grabbed his arms. Bee sat down, and the cold started to creep into his plating as it touched the cold stone. Why did it hurt? Why did his spark age? His optics burned, a strong need to lash out entering him. Why did he react as such? It was just a conversation, a simple report, scout to leader, nothing more. It hurt more. Why did it have to hurt? Grip tightening, the scout shut his optics; they burned with the need to lubricate. Stupid! Stupid!! It shouldn't hurt! This was so stupid! And pathetic. The pain in his spark deepened as a hiccup left his intace. He's pathetic. {...}
(:) [Should I let Bee say something in my native language? Like a moment, Bee destroys someone who can't even understand what he's saying? It just seems so funny to me. When I use a different language, I put a translation with it, so no worries of googling translator.]
The sun rises by the time Bee makes his way back to the bar. He paid the Cassettebots half a mind as he entered the tunnels. In the span of the time that passed, he feels like he's got a grip on who he is and what he did before he lost his memories. The… system? He should really give them a name, but they had helped him organize the memories that did return. He's a scout, undercover, and decided to perform to get into the ranks. Some of the details are still a bit fuzzy, but they slowly become clearer the more time passes. One thing he was sure about, he loved performing. Even if he couldn't remember all the details from his previous performances, he knew he loved it.
Stepping into the bar, even this early in the day, half of the seats were taken. Letting his optics wander, Bee noticed the added section almost immediately with its bright lights and livelay sounds. The bar had had an expansion, now adding a Casino area further into the right side of the bar. It didn't hold the scout's attention for long, as his optics focused on the stage. Even from his fractured memory, Bee didn't remember the stage having a catwalk. He's sure of it. {Searching for accessible memories, you are correct.} Bee shoved the message aside; for all the help they were, they intended to overdo it. And right in the middle of the stage, Bee felt his excitement spiking, a pole. He had to try it out! Skipping between the tables, Bee made his way over to the stage. Dispersing through the back room to the stage's entrance.
Shockwave and the whole fiasco can wait; I want that pole in my servos. Coming to a stop next to the damn thing, the scout took it in his servos, giving it a good pull. The pole didn't move an inch, good. At least he now knew he wouldn't fall. Taking a good grip, Bee gave it a spin, soft giggles falling off his dermas as he spun around the steel pipe. Oke, this is going to be so much fun! {Are you going to start a performance?} No, I’m just goofing around, besides I haven't made any new lyrics yet, so even if I wanted to, I would have to reuse an old one, and that's lame. {I can make one for you.} Bees' moves halted as he came to a stop with his aft on the floor; he hadn't noticed how low he had gotten. You can? {Do you have anything specific in mind?} No, not really.
Bee's body shuddered as a cold servo was placed on his shoulder. Looking up, he met optics with Soundwave. Scrap! Hopefully, this wasn't about last night, not that he could remember if anything happened after that kiss. “You're early.” Oh, so it's not about last night, alright, he could deal with that. “It's never bad to show a little excitement now and then.” The scout joked as he let go of the pole and got back to his pedes. Soundwave looked at him, up and down, before landing on his door wings for just a moment. They lingered. This close, Bee could actually see what he was looking at by the way his helm moved slightly from the close proximity. His wings instinctively folded flat against his back, secured and hidden.
Act nonchalant, act cool, you got this. “Mind playing some music for me? I could really go for a spin right now.” It seemed to have done the trick as Soundwave extended a servo expectantly. Crap, he didn't have music on him! {I could make a track if you would like?} Yes, do what you must! I'm not about to go back on my word. Especially not in front of Soundwave. {Disc has been made ready in your left arm compartment.} Opening the said compartment, instead of his usual energon cubes stored neatly in a row, a disc stared back at him. Bee hesitated for only a moment before handing it over. Thanks! You’re the best! {I am only doing what I was programmed for: assist.} Doesn't matter, you're still the best. {... Thank you}
Soundwave walked off to the back. Not long after, a steady energetic melody started to play as the lights dimmed and the stage lights turned on, overshadowing every bot around till it's just him on the stage and the prop in his servo. Are you sure this is my taste? {Affirmative, this soundtrack should allow you enough time to dance around on the pole, and interact with your audience. Would you like the lyrics displayed?} Nvm I said nothing. Wait, you prepared a lyrics already? {Do you prefer to dance to a melody instead?} Fair point. A tab opened in his HUD, lyrics standing ready to be sung.
[Song JOYRIDE by Kesha]
Some of the lyrics have been changed to accommodate the story. The song and lyrics belong to their original creator; System is only said to have made them for story purposes. Song lyrics will be displayed between ~Song text~
⚠️This song contains strong themes that some readers may not like.⚠️
#Strong-Language #Sexualcommentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDpi8EdPMhU&list=RDbDpi8EdPMhU&start_radio=1
Forget the mic, he didn't need it anyway. ~Are you a man? 'Cause I’m a bitch~ Bee started strong, demanding the attention of the bots who had been half-opticing him since he got on stage, matching the energy of the music. He could feel his wings flutter in their concealed place on his back in excitement; he almost forgot he had them. He's gotten used to the weight on his back. It doesn't bother him as much anymore. ~I'm already rich, just looking for that, Mm~ Bee got close, slowly lowering himself seductively with the pole, might as well make a show off if he's going to have fun.
~This party sucks, I'm ’bout to ditch~ A chuckle followed his statement as he made a turn, spun around the pole, now close to the ground, to face his gathering audience, holding out a servo and moving his digit like a sire telling off their sparkling. ~Don't-don't-don't-don't even try to gi-give me shit~ He slowly moved back up. ~I've earned the right to be-be like this~ The scout let his servo slide along its length, using it more as a dance partner than a prop. Biting on his lower derma he continues. ~Oh, you say you love me? That's funny. Well, so do I~
Bee liked how the lights danced around him; they weren't switching or flickering; they were smooth red, slowly sliding over the stage. As they landed on his plating, it made his paint job look red instead of white. Bee turns his back to the audience. ~I'm just looking for a Joyride, joyride~ Leaning his chassis forward, Bee continued. ~I’m just looking for a Good time tonight~ Holding the pole steady Bee used it to slowly slide himself down till his chassis almost touched the ground, aft up as his pedals still touched the ground, legs straight. Even over the music, he could hear them get riled up at the sight. ~Baby, I want you to~ He kicked his legs up, calming around the pole as he faced the audience again, upside down. It looked funny. Drinks spilling to the ceiling instead of the floor. They all looked like those vampires he's read about in one of the books he found some stellar cycles ago.
What did they do again? Drink blood from organics, and they couldn't stand in daylight? Sounds about right. ~Rev my engine ’til you make it purr~ the scout rumbled his own engine to accommodate the glyphs that left his intake. ~Keep it kinky, but I come first~ Bumblebee flickered the headlights in a fast rhythm as he continued. ~Beep-beep, bitch, I'm outside~ Legs keeping him up, servos trailing the curves of his own frame as he turned his headlights off. ~Get in, loser, for the joyride~
Servos placed under him, legs kicked off the pole, getting into his precious position with his aft up. ~Making every motherfucker turn~ Legs opening, Bee slowly split his legs till he fell into a split. ~Fell from heaven, no, it didn’t hurt~ Leaning over his legs backwards till his back plating touched the flooring, arms outstretched towards the audience, servos pleased flat facing down, legs still in a complete split. With all the training he had undergone, even he didn't know how highly flexible he actually was. It surprised him that he, in this position, still did not feel any restraint. Except maybe in his pedes. He could barely feel the joint in this position. ~Beep-beep, best night, your life~ Repeating the action with his headlights, Bee continued. ~Get in, loser, for the joyride~
Rolling further onto his arms, Bee managed to put pressure on his spine to force his legs slowly up into the air, where he closed them further before rolling further as his pedes came down on either side of his helm. Taking the opportunity of the long beat between the next lyrics, he clamped his servo onto the pole and pulled himself up from under his legs till he stood once again. Just in time as well. ~Keep your eyes on the road~, the scout faced back to the audience confidently. ~You want perfection? Go get in line.~ He puffed his chassis out displaying the Decepticon inigma. ~Look a little closer, I redefine.~
Stretching out his arm again and waving a digit, he continued. ~Don't-don't-don’t-don't even try to gi-give me shit~ One pede stepping back. ~I've earned the right to be-be like this~ Swinging said pede forward. Bee gave himself enough momentum to spin around the pole. ~Joyride, joyride~ Putting all his weight on his arms, Bee swung his legs from under him to climb around the pole above him instead. ~I'm just looking for a Good time tonight~ Back in his upside-down pose. Pressure built in his hud as the energon in his systems flooded down to his helm. The dizziness and the dampening it put on his auditory receptors were addictive. ~Baby, I want you to~ The lights blinded him, the room was so full, and it was all so loud, even as his audio receptors acted like he was underwater.
~Rev my engine 'til you make it purr~ Bee rumbled his engine loudly. It felt weird doing it while he wasn't in his alt mode. ~Keep it kinky, but I come first~ Blinking his headlights. ~Beep-beep, bitch, I'm outside. Get in, loser, for the joyride~ Yup, he needed to stand again before he lost feeling in his servos and fell to the flooring. ~Making every motherfucker turn~ Kicking his legs, Bee made a spin as he landed back on his pedes. ~Fell from heaven, no, it didn't hurt~ Alright, that's enough pole spinning for one morning. His vision doubled from the quick motion. Not doing that again… Definitely doing that again, but with precautions.
Bee blinked his headlights for the last time, puffing his chassis out again ~Beep-beep, best night, your life. Get in, loser, for the joyride~ Doorwings moving from his back in an attempt to steady his stance. The scout decided to end it there, music still playing a steady beat as he slowly made his way back stage, careful not to trip over his pedes. Behind him the music slowly fades out, lights fading out as the bar returns to its original lighting.
{You have gathered 100% of this room's attention through your performance.} Bee almost shot to the ceiling! Damn, that was unexpected. His mind had been completely elsewhere. Glad to see. {16% off have been watching from the start of the performance} Do you keep track of everything? {Affirmative, 4% has been watching you from the moment you entered the bar and still is} Bee got out from backstage waving a servo thankfully to Soundwave, the bot gave him a nod in resonance, and made his way over to the bar counter. Really? And how many is that? {1 bot}
{Would you like me to do an analysis?} Holding his servo up, the bar bot gave him a nod as he sat down. In a moment's notice, energon was placed in front of him. Sure, why not? {Visual analysis complete. Name: Breakdown, Affiliation: Decepticon.} Bumblebee stopped his servo halfway to his intake, door wings standing high and alert. Breakdown? He is here, now?! Bees' face flushed, he made a poor attempt to hide behind his servo as he took a sip from the cube.
{Spark rate has increased by 15%} Yeh, no shit! I'm about to get caught! Wait, no. I'm Goldbug. Bumblebee is in the past for now. {Energy source detected, running analysis-} The scout's attention gets taken from his HUD as the source of his panic takes a seat besides and starts ordering. Bee couldn't stop the slight tremble in his digits as he placed the cube down. His memories have been all over the place lately, but enough had been put together to know how shitty he and Breakdown left it.
He remembered pleading with the other to sit the fight out, promises of time, change, and acceptance went ignored as Breakdown had argued back. His place was with the Decepticons, and not the Autobots; he blamed Bee for choosing the other side. It had ended in a screaming match, which left the scout in tears. Even if the memories felt like a second's perspective, it still hurt deep into his spark. The battle, the Allspark sent into the space bridge, and his fake death had played out exactly as had been planned.
And there it ended, well, for Breakdown it did. Bumblebee was dead in his optics. Bee hadn't been able to stick around to see what happened in the aftermath as he was safely retrieved to his safety paint for the next steps. Had he been sad? Mad? Or even scared? It's not like he could ask. Or could he? Maybe if he brought up the topic and let it go from there. “Soo, you come here often?” The stunticon looked up from his drink. “Not really, but I make an exception when a certain performer performs." Always the flathress. Sweet words and even more so sweet actions, but when it comes to reality and commitment, he's gone, a race to catch, not the right time. I wonder if he changed at all over the time that passed.
Finishing his cube, Bee wiped his intake. “Up for a little ride?” And if he's right, “Sure, I don't see why not.” hook, line and sinker, no breakdown would ever escape an invite to ride. Bee didn't think it over as he took Breakdown’s servo on his own and guided them to the exit. Breakdown did not protest, coming up to the surface, Bee let go and transformed, BD followed suit, and they left the place behind. After a few minutes of aimlessly riding Bee spoke up. “So, what do you do for fun around here?” Bee slowed, coming to ride next to Breakdown. “New around here?” “Pretty much.” “Though so, it's not every day a new bot shows up in town and catches the spotlight.”
Bee would have sounded it sweet if it weren't for the realization he just got. Breakdown was no doubt flirting with him, Bee knows. It's the BD flirting that he knew all too well. But he's not Bumblebee right now; he's Goldbug. Which meant Breakdown had already moved on from him to another, even if that other bot was himself in disguise he could feel his spark age. He couldn't know if BD had messed around with anyone else in the time he had already spent in hiding. He didn't want to admit it, but it hurt his spark. Did he really mean so little? The stellar cycles of racing, feelings that dared to grow in his spark, the fun nights, moving around Optimus' orders meant nothing? So many times he had to lie, had to dance around the truth to keep the Breakdown of the radars, and it didn't mean scrap to him?! He had followed him everywhere he went, cleaned up the messes he left behind, and helped him out of tricky situations at the cost of his own missions. Was he just some kind of rule-free ticket to him? Someone to use before discarding for a better one?
To think he would have given his spark, laid it open for Breakdown to touch and grab as he pleases, only for him to stab him in the back once he wasn't looking, or no longer there to see it happen. He's so stupid. Stupid to continue giving out chances. “Heyy! Bug, wait up!” Bee returned to reality, right. Breakdown. He hadn't noticed till now that he had sped up. BD didn't really need to shout at him as he could easily roll up next to him and match his speed. Just another painful reminder, Breakdown is always faster than him, a new alt mode wouldn't change that. “Everything alright, man? Need a moment?” Concern? The scout resets his audioreceptors, but it doesn't change the fact that BD was concerned. About someone else other than himself. That's… new.
Focus Bee, your Goldbug now, and Goldbug doesn't have a history with Breakdown, play your part like a good scout… Undercover bot? He's not sure what his role was at the moment. “Yeh, I just got stuck in my processor for a bit. I'm fine." Half-truths, the only kind of lies he's good at. “You want to talk about it?” Alright, who is this and where is Breakdown?! Is he playing therapist now? Taking a vent he might as well. “It's stupid really.” He can't believe he's about to say this. “Ive been on and off with this Megh and…” Primus, he didn't have the strength to do this right now.
“Take your time, I'm here.” That was oddly comforting. So un-Breakdown-like. How could he say this without blowing his cover? “I moved to a diverant place. I wanted him to come, but he refused; instead, he moved somewhere else." Yup, that fits, the whole war and sides summed up in a simple moving problem. “We had a big fight when we last spoke, and now, he's moved on from me. My efforts and sacrifices to make it work out feel stepped on as he moved on to another.” If he were in his root made, he's sure his optics would have been lubricating by now.
“It must have been a big fight if it broke you two so far apart.” “It was.” Silence filled the air. Not the awkward kind, but a calming silence that let him figure out his thoughts and calm his spark rate. Wheels on the road driving without purpose, purely for the drive itself. Breakdown was the first to break the silence. “Ive somewhere I would like to show you.” Not waiting for a response, he sped up. Bee followed.
It took them about twenty cycles before they reached the spot and transformed. It was the start of a path leading into the woods. “Watch your step,” Breakdown commented as he took Bee's servo on his own; he was reluctant but let the other hold it. They started walking, stepping off the path and deeper into the woods. Bee didn't get it; it was a forest. What could Breakdown possibly have to show him in a forest? Trees slowly became fewer as Breakdown guided him through. The scout kept his optics on the stunticons' back plating. Noticing all the slightest shifts as he moved, What he wouldn't do to stick his digits in the seams and watch Breakdown squirm he instead opted to look at the ground. Then he saw it, small fireflies slowly flying up from the dirt around his pedesteps. Slowly lighting their bodies up as they flew higher into the air.
Bumblebee had read a lot in his hiding time, I mean, he didn't have much to do besides hiding, no one to bother, heck he wasn't even allowed to show his face. That's what being in hiding stands for and all. He had learned a lot about this planet's inhabitants, but seeing them in real time was a completely different story. He let his optics wander as the tiny organics lit up the path Breakdown was taking him through. Speaking of, he bumped into him when he came to a sudden halt. “Ow,” Bee mustered as he made his way around the other. It was… Beautiful.
They had set pede in a clearing, grass grown tall with colorful flowers, on each there were tiny organics lighting up the petals. In the middle was a lake, crystal clear blue water, the floor adorned with small pebbles. Fish swimming around carefree. On one side, big boulders and rocks gathered together as they guided water from the cliff in a beautiful waterfall into the lake. It was breathtaking. How had he not heard water splatter before? Was he so deep in thought? “I once, too, had a fight.” Breakdown looked in front of him as he spoke, Bee looked at him. He seemed deep in thought, wait, fight? Was he talking about their fight?
“I had a lover once. He's the most amazing Megh I've ever met, still is.” He chuckled. “Big optics, always full of wonder as he followed me around everywhere. Nothing seemed to ever stand in his way for long; I admired that.” He… Admired me? “How do I explain this? He's an Autobot; I guess it kind of explains a lot already.” Bee hummed, letting him know he followed. “I stumbled upon this place, and I wanted to show him, he would have loved it. He's a big nerd on organic stuff.” Rude! But also he's not one to talk. “But as we usually do, we got into a fight before I could even mention it. He just can't accept that I can't just change who I am. I'm a Decepticon. I have family here. I can't just abandon them, but he couldn't understand. He wanted me to be an Autobot like him. It's nothing for me.” Bee bit his derma. He has a family? His only connection is Swindle, right? Are they that close?
“It doesn't matter anymore.” What? “He went and got himself killed, following his so-called leader.” Bee could hear the distaste clearly as day in his voice. He blinked as the sun struck his optics. It wasn't too long ago that the sun began to rise, but this side of the cliff gave them enough shadow to make it seem like night still, though now the sun was starting to reach here as well. “I couldn't retrieve his body; the Autobots had already done so, so instead I made my own little reminder.” Breakdown optics trailed to the side of the lake, unaffected by the light. Bee followed, and he felt his energon run cold. A grave. Letting his servo slip free, Bee approached and knelt down, digits trailing the engraved stone. ‘Bumblebee- May the Allspark give you the rest this life never could.’
He couldn't help himself; lubricant burned his optics as it dripped down his faceplate. Breakdown had given him a grave. He hadn't forgotten about him; he cared! Breakdown knelt next to him. “Hey,” He spoke softly. Servo came up to cup his face plate, digit wiping off the lubricant. “Don't worry-” “Shut up!” Bee interrupted him. Glyphs falling off his glossa before he could stop them. “No one has to go through something like that! Especially you!” If he didn't shut up now, he was going to blow his cover. Breakdown's gaze softened. No! Breakdown, don't you dare! “You wouldn't be saying that if you knew the full story; I was a jerk in the past. A big one.” Stop, stop! “I started most of our fights without reason.” Stop please. “Im just glad he's able to rest now, instead of being stuck with someone like me.” His spark broke. Breakdown… Arms wrapped around the other bot. How could he say something like that! No, this was all his fault! Vents stuttering. He should have let him talk. Another stutter. He should have heard him out sooner. It felt suffocating. He hurt Breakdown. He couldn't breathe. His vents stuttered again; it was too small, he couldn't -couldn't. “Hey, stay with me!” He should have never faked his death in the first place!
Servos clamped on either side of his faceplate as his helm was pulled from Breakdown's chassis. “Breath” Optics met “Slowly, in… and out.” He tried to follow, he really did, but it was so hard; he felt so small. “Good, now slower, you got this. That's good, you're doing good.” Bee was embarrassed that the soft praises falling from Breakdown's glossa actually helped quite a lot. Breakdown wiped the last lubricant from his face plate. “Better?” Bee nodded slowly. “Sorry.” "Don't be; it happens sometimes, nothing to do about it now, it's in the past.” He smiled down at him, it felt too kind, too caring. “It properly reminded you of your own fall out, I shouldn't have overshared.”
…
“No it wasn't- Thank you.” Bee optioned with instead. “You're welcome.” Rays of light started to hit their frames. Bees' breath caught again, but for a different reason. Breakdown… He still looked as beautiful as the day they met. Light bouncing off his playing, letting the brightness in his red optics stand out. Bee felt energy rushing through his frame. {Failed to identify energy source. Warning: Energy source growing.} Oh, he had all but forgotten the system running its diagnostic back in the bar; it took this long to finish? A soft “wow” left Breakdown's intake. Catching the scout's attention back. “Your markings, they're glowing.” My what? Oh. Servo moved up, digits touching the streak of color under his optic. Oh, those markings. A soft melody left them, calmly being blown into the wind of the clearing. How does paint make music?
His Body moved on autopilot, taking Breakdown's servos on his own as he stood them up. The movement caused fireflies to light up and fly around them.
[Song Free by RUMI (HUNTR/X), JINU (Saja Boys), EJAE, Andrew Choi (앤드류최) & KPop Demon Hunters Cast]
Some of the lyrics have been changed to accommodate the story. The song and lyrics belong to their original creator. Song lyrics will be displayed between ~Song text~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjOeJssZX_Q&list=RDfjOeJssZX_Q&start_radio=1
>>> Additional!!! Bumblebee-Sing, Breakdown-Sing, Together-Sing <<<
The glyphs left his glossa before he could question it ~I tried to hide, but something broke. I tried to sing, couldn't hit the notes. The glyphs kept catching in my throat~ They felt so natural, before he had to think about it, he already knew what his next lines were going to be as they left his intake. ~I tried to smile, I was suffocating though~ He griped Breakdown's servos. Optics moved to the connection. ~You say you're no good, but you're good for me~ He could feel his spark beat, not only his own, but Breakdown’s as well through the connection. ~I've been hoping to change, now I know we can change~ They met optics again. ~But I won't if you're not by my side~
Bee let one servo go as he guided Breakdown with the other. It felt so peaceful, something they had never had between them before, besides the nights spent high on high-grade; it was always something they needed if they wanted some peace in the same room. It feels different now. ~Why does it feel right every time I let you in? Why does it feel like I can tell you anything?~ Bee started a slow dance that Breakdown soon joined in on. ~All the secrets that keep me in chains, and all the damage that might make me dangerous~ Breakdown spun him around before catching him in a dip; it felt so natural. Who knew Breakdown was such a good dancer? ~You got a dark side, guess you're not the only one~ Their optics met again as Bee leaned back in BD’s hold, he trusted the grip Breakdown had on him. ~What if we both tried fighting what we're running from?~
The space around them fills with fireflies the more they dance around, shimmering in the sun's first light. Bee felt water beside his pede; they had gotten too close to the pool. ~We can't fix it if we never face it. What if we find a way to escape it?~ Instinctively, Bumblebee placed a pede in the water to keep his balance as they moved again, doorwings springing free from his back to assist, instead. He found himself standing atop the water, pede not sinking through it. Water circles moved around his pede as he stood. It gave him an idea. He smiled back up at Breakdown, who had also noticed. ~We could be free, free~ Bee pulled Breakdown with him to continue their dance atop the lake. To his relief, Breakdown could also stand and didn't sink. The lake wasn't that deep; it would be up to his knees, a bit lower for Breakdown. Stupid height.
~We can't fix it if we never face it~ Light shimmering up from the water's surface to cast wavy lines on their frames. ~Let the past be the past 'til it's weightless~ It felt nice, the moment Bee let his optics take in the beautiful sight they had created. He rested his helm against Breakdown's chassis as they slowly danced on the water. ~Ooh, time goes by, and I lose perspective. Yeah, hope only hurts, so I just forget it~ Breakdown? Slightly moving his helm, Bee looked up. Breakdown can sing? ~But you're breaking through all the dark in me when I thought that nobody could~ His voice, it sounded so different. Sooting and understanding. ~And you're waking up all these parts of me that I thought were buried for good~ Bee didn't miss the undertone of self-loathing as Breakdown continued.
~Between imposter and this monster, I've been lost inside my head. Ain't no choice when all these voices keep me pointing towards no end~ It vanished as he looked down to meet Bee's curious gaze. ~It's just easy when I'm with you, no one sees me the way you do~ Bee felt his own intake open as he joined in. ~I don't trust it, but I want to. I keep coming back to~ Bee could feel their sparks beat faster, on Breakdown's plating he could see the glow of his markings increase. ~Why does it feel right every time I let you in? Why does it feel like I can tell you anything?~ His paint prickled, like little needles being poked under his optics. ~We can't fix it if we never face it. What if we find a way to escape it?~
Bumblebee tried to ignore it; he could feel a strong energy grow through his frame. {Warning-!@#$} ~We could be free, free~ He felt so light ~We can't fix it if we never face it. Let the past be the past 'til it's weightless~ Bumblebee's voice sounded powerful as he spoke next, lines of shimmering white light cast off his frame and danced in the air around them. ~Oh-oh, so take my hand, it's open~ ~Free, Free~ The lines of light moved down to his servos, moving around the connection. Breakdown's optics widened as his optics glinted a similar light to the lines with a mind of their own. Scratches on his plating disappeared, dents and scratches Breakdown was always adorned with, from his countless races, faded, good as new.
~What if we heal what's broken?~ ~Free, Free~ Bees' optics trailed from Brakedowns' servos to under them; they were no longer standing on the lace, they were still above it but… higher? A good meter or two flooding above. Looking aside, Bee could see the sunrise in its full glory, levitating higher than the trees. It was beautiful. It cast them in a warm orange glow. Breakdown also looked, but his optic stayed longer on the frame beside him. ~I tried to hide but something broke. I couldn't sing, but you give me hope~ Slowly they descended down to the lake again. ~We can't fix it if we never face it~ Optics met again as they came to stand on the water. ~Let the past be the past 'til it's weightless~ As the last glyphs left their intakes, the melody faded together with the light from his markings.
A sudden pull brought Bee to his knees. Breakdown fell ass down into the lake while Bee kneed atop it, still being able to. Bee couldn't help the lough that escaped his intake as he saw Breakdown's startled face. Servo is still holding Bee's Breakdown pulled, trying to take him down with, but it ends with Bee lying over him atop the lake. Breakdown's face was funny, so for the moment, Bumblebee laid off questioning why he didn't fall as well. Once the scout opened his optics again, he noticed how close their faceplates were. Breakdown slowly came to the same realization.
Slowly they moved closer, Dermas ghosting short of the other. Bumblebee could feel the others breath ghosts over him. He hitched on his own. Breakdown suddenly placed a servo between them, startling Bee. “I know you're mad at your partner and all, but doing the same thing as him won't make it any better.” Partner? He must have looked dumbfounded for a moment as Breakdown continued. “I know I'm that attractive but to wipe the memory of your own men~” Rilization downed on him. Breakdown meant the non-existing Megh he used to describe their situation. Bee groaned internally. Well, that's just great! Sins when did he care who he ended up with.
Bee is not proud to say that he on more than one action walked into Breakdown messing around with another megh when they where back on good terms in the relationship. He's changed, he had to remind himself. Hopefully it's for real this time. "Guess you do” He got back up to his pedes Breakdown following not long after. Bee couldn't help the smug smile, he was taller.
Bee got off the lake and Breakdown out of it as they walked to the shore. “But track back, what was that?” “Was wat?" “Glowing paint, ring a bell?” Oh, that. “It's a long story” One that I don't know "I've time” Well damn. The one time you have time I don't want it. The universe loves him doesn't it? “I don't know what it was” Breakdown placed a servo on his shoulder. “Oh, I see how it is. Keeping secrets to keep the chase on.” “No thats not-” a digit shushed him as it was gently placed on his dermas. “Dont worry, I get it” He's 99% sure he does in fact not. “It's for me to figure out and not yours to tell. Well see you around Goldbug. Try not to trip and fall for me, I've already got a Megh in my spark.” With that he left, leaving him behind in the clearing. The only indication of his presence being Bees racing spark beat. Wait. He meant him! A bright blue blush dusted his faceplate as his wings stood on high alert. Even in death he's still in Breakdown's spark. That's kind of… sweet.