Chapter Text
Sideswipe fed more wood to the fire as Sunstreaker stirred the pot hanging above it. Then he sat back with a wistful smile. “Almost like when we were kids, huh, Sunny?”
Prowl watched intently as Sunstreaker’s shoulders tensed. Nothing either of the twins had said to him would have implied that such a reaction was warranted, but something about Sideswipe’s question had bothered him.
“Yeah, just like.” Sunstreaker growled the words, and Sideswipe lifted his hands in a placating gesture.
“I didn’t mean that part, Sun. I meant the clear sky and the cooking together.”
“I know what you meant, but it’s not as easy for me to separate the bad parts as it is for you.”
“I’m sorry.” Sideswipe scooted close enough to reach out and put a hand on Sunstreaker’s free wrist. “I was trying to say it was nice, but I wasn’t thinking.”
“You never are.” Sunstreaker sighed and forced his shoulders to relax. “It is nice, especially cause that fragger’s not here to hurt us.”
“Whoever they were,” Prowl interrupted, “they would not have the chance to hurt you again, either. Your own abilities, and those of your friends, would protect you.”
“Yeah!” Sideswipe gave him a bright grin, though Sunstreaker looked startled. “You’d stab his eyes out, the first time he touched one of us.”
“And Ricochet would do worse.” Prowl nodded. “I know that does not change the past, but I hope that it comforts you now.”
“It…” Sunstreaker took a breath and focused on the stew for several moments. “It does, a little. Thanks. I hadn’t really thought about anyone but Sides standing up for me before.”