Work Text:
The night’s crisp, cool air carried a breeze through the open window of the lone, silent Porsche parked on the cliffside, overlooking an abandoned warehouse.
Though the outside was cold and quiet, the interior of the Porsche was a different story. It was filled with hushed whispers and stifled laughs, the radio crackling with joke after joke as a curly haired man inside tried to suppress his giggles.
“Yeah, so ANYWAYS-“ the radio crackled a little too loud, and the man was quick to hush it.
“Mirage, be quiet! we’re supposed to be QUIET! that’s what a night watch is!” He spoke, trying to stifle another laugh.
“oh yeaaah sure, you’re just jealous of my awesome and SUPER funny humor. i mean dude, Noah my man, you’ve been laughing at all of my jokes! I know i’m irresistible and all, but there’s no need to try THAT hard!”
Mirage paused.
“…unless you want me to try to play hard to get.” He said, his words laced with sarcasm.
Noah playfully slapped the dashboard. “Irresistible my ass! I’m only here because-“
He was interrupted by the Porsche,
“Because you oh so begged me to come?”
“… maybe ”
“Oh, don’t maybe that! The moment Optimus brought up the ‘potential decepticon activity’ at the warehouse you were all over it! You practically begged him to let you come on my night watch. Of course I had to let you come, though. I know how much you looove being alone with your favorite Porsche.” Mirage teased.
“hhmph. Favorite Porsche? I’m more of a Chevrolet Camaro guy myself-“
“Hey! What’s that supposed to-“ Mirage was cut off by Noah again.
“And plus, I kind of had to come anyways. I mean, what if you’re attacked? Someone’s gotta lay down his life to protect your beloved paint job!” Noah patted the steering wheel dramatically.
“…i- yeah,” Mirage remained silent for a moment.
“…Mirage? Did you see something-”
“I have a question, Noah.” Mirage said, uncharacteristically serious. “Would you… die for me?”
“Dude, what kind of question is that?!”
“I don’t know man! Just answer it! Spill the beans, bro!”
“I- I don’t know! I don’t really like thinking about dying!” Noah stammered, confused at the sudden serious question.
“Awww c’mon man! After all we’ve been through? After all this little ole’ Porsche has done for you? Unbelievable!” Mirage joked, the sudden seriousness fading.
Noah sighed “Alright, I’ll say this,” he took a breath and looked at the radio for a moment, expecting to be interrupted. When it sat silent, he continued. “I’ve got one too many things I wanna do before I die. I mean, hell, I’ve practically got my whole life ahead of me. I’ve got Kris’ life ahead of me too. But meeting you guys put a whole new perspective on my life.”
Noah paused to look at the radio, which still sat uncharacteristically silent.
“And you probably saved my life even before Peru. If things had just kept going in my life, i probably would have lost everything. Kris. My Ma . The hospital bills were racking up. Kris couldn’t have made it much further without you guys. And my ma, man, have you ever heard those stories of a mother losing her kid? The way they go batshit crazy? I don’t think i would’ve been able to comfort her.. much less myself.” Noah spoke quietly, rubbing light circles into the steering wheel.
The radio crackled lightly, “Noah-”
“Nah man, you’ve got me goin, i can’t quit now.” Noah sat back as he smirked sadly, his head fully on the headrest. “Hell, i shouldn’t have survived. But dying for a friend is a hell of a way to die.”
Noah shifted to stare out the window. “I’d be okay with dying if it’s for the people back at homebase. I’d battle all night, hell, i’d scream and kick and fight, and if i live that’s great but I’d only want to live in a world with you guys.”
Noah sat silent for a moment. “Man, that sounds hella sappy, doesn’t it.”
“You really mean that, man?” The radio crackled quietly.
“Hell yeah I do, Raj. What about you? Would you die for me?”
“Frag no! No way in hell, man!” Mirage yelped.
“Okay, wow, what an asshole! I pour my goddamn heart out to you and that’s how you respond?” Noah practically yelled.
“Hey, hey! It just makes sense, y’know! You’d want the strongest to live, and I'm the better fighter!”
“I can’t believe you, man, shut up. Shut up, I don’t wanna hear it!” A smirk was starting to form on Noah’s face.
“I mean honestly- If you could choose, would you want a tiny cute little human to die or the big robot that can fight?-“
“Barely!”
“Hey, I can fight! I’m fighting with you right now!”
“Remember when I told you to shut up and you didn’t? Really feeling deja vu right now.” Noah smiled, hitting the steering wheel playfully. “Besides, I know you’re kidding.”
“Oh really? Why’s that, hot stuff?”
“Oh, just a hunch, hot stuff ”
“Finally someone acknowledges how hot I am! I’ve been waiting halfway forever , Noah.”
Their bickering continued until the conversation had lulled to a gentle silence. Of course, Mirage was the first to break it.
“… i would” the radio quietly crackled.
“Wha-Would what?” Noah asked, obviously confused.
“Die for you. No decepticon, human, animal, nothing will come close to hurting you or your family, Noah. I’ve got your back, man.” The radio was clear and loud, and Noah understood it well.
“Knew it.”
“Shut up.”
The jokes continued at a louder volume, the concept of silence forgotten once again.
Deep inside the empty warehouse, it remained empty, just as it always was. Untouched by decepticons and autobots alike, silent and cold.
Yet on that cliff overlooking the warehouse, even through the cold breeze and rustling of leaves, a single lone Porsche and his human’s conversation were more than loud enough.