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Whirl slumped to the floor, exhausted after the fourth cube round that day. His team won three out of five, thanks to Hoist's dino mode and Chuck's dumb luck.
Hoist had been in dino mode a lot more lately, especially during the cube matches the recruits had when not in class or on missions.
Hoist, still in dino mode, laid down next to him. He placed his head on Whirl's lap, and Whirl gently started to pet his head.
"Can't believe we beat Hot Shot's team."
"It was all thanks to your dino mode."
Hoist sighed.
"Hoist, are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just tired. And have been through a lot lately."
"You too, huh?"
They sat in silence for a while before Hoist spoke up.
"As much as I love my dinobot mode, things have been weird lately thanks to it."
Whirl tilted his head as he asked "How so?"
"Well, I've been having the need to run around more, but then I wear myself out."
"I thought you just had more energy."
Whirl continued to stroke Hoist's head.
"And also I built a nest recently. Had no idea why I did it and it really freaked me out. But then I asked Grimlock about it and apparently that's normal for dinobots."
"Strange… but sounds cozy."
"And there's more that I think I should ask Grimlock about, but it's embarrassing."
"Whatever it is, I doubt it would hurt to ask. He'd probably think you were brave for going to him with it."
"I know, it's just… awkward."
"Growing up is awkward for everyone. I'm sure whatever it is, Grimlock has been through the same."
"Maybe you're right."
They sat in silence for a few moments. Not an awkward silence, but rather a comfortable, enjoying each other's company silence.
But it wasn't long before Hoist spoke up.
"Hey, do you ever get a weird feeling around another bot?"
"What kind of weird feeling?"
"A feeling where you feel lightheaded, and like your spark is going to burst out of your chest. It's a nice feeling, but it hurts. But you just want to be around that bot."
Whirl's eyes light up.
"OMG!!! You have a crush! Who is it? Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!"
Hoist hesitated for a moment. His cheeks blushed a bright energon pink.
"It's you."
Whirl froze for a moment. Hoist wondered if he had ruined his friendship with him by admitting it and now things would be too awkward for them to hang out like they used to.
Then Whirl's next actions surprised Hoist. He felt the other bot gently lift his head off his lap and then he was pulled into a kiss.