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Soundwave was standing in his apartment, surrounded by nothing but silence and the four walls of it. He sighed, looking around the empty space. He didn't even have a berth. He would have to make arrangements soon enough; after all, what was the point of having a roof over his helm, when he still had to recharge on a cold, hard floor? He also needed a solid plan on how to move forward from there. Getting furniture arrangements was probably a good starting point. But then what? How was he supposed to go on after that? He had trouble figuring out if he even wanted to stay in the freshly rebuilt Iacon. Perhaps he would be better if he went off to seek out Megatron, or maybe move to Vos where Starscream ruled on his terms. Perhaps there he wouldn't be met with the hostile glances of the Autobots. He couldn't truly blame them, though, he was his Lord's loyal third in command, and possibly the sole reason why the war lasted as long as it did. He was lost...
For millenia, he knew nothing but war - he thought, moving to look through the window, watching Iacon being washed by the acid rain. Strategizing, gaining Intel and fighting was all he knew. He had no real hobbies, no friends or family left, no stress to keep him awake, nor even a real reason to plan what's next. Perhaps he would've returned to the arena, that was the only place where his skills would come in handy, but Ultra Magnus made a point to delegalize everything that made a show from others suffering. Gladiator fights made the top of said list. And that left him with nothing to grab on. It was depressing, truly, and for a moment, Soundwave just wished to lay down on the floor and give up. But it wasn't like him, he always pushed through with a stoic mask on. Besides, he still had his symbiotes to take care of, he couldn't just abandon them for a moment of weakness.
Then he jumped, nearly scared to death when the sight of a grinning face in his window pulled him out of his thoughts. That stupid mech would just never leave him alone, even after war was over, wouldn't he? And yet, Soundwave opened the aperture, letting Jazz fall into his apartment, alongside his soaked umbrella. What was that idiot even thinking? Going around during an acid rain was one thing, but climbing up a building? With his decision-making, Soundwave could only wonder how he and his team had survived the war, let alone sabotaged so many of his carefully crafted plans.
"Oh, wow, it's even worse than I thought!" Jazz said, as soon as he saw the emptiness of Soundwave's living space "Tho' I shouldn't be surprised, the sole reason why 'm here is 'cuz Prowl saw ya sulkin' 'round and I just had to see it for maself"
Soundwave would pinch the bridge of his nose, if it wasn't for his visor. He wanted to just ask what the mech was doing here, but then he realized that Jazz had gone ahead of him and already answered that question. He went for a different route instead.
"Jazz: Has a death wish?" He asked.
"Ah-Ah, not so fast, ya should consider the consequences o' your actions before... Ahhhh... Wait, obviously ya already did. Ya basically a walkin' computer, after all" Jazz hummed thoughtfully "So, it's about climbin' all the way to your apartment durin' the rain?"
"Affirmative" Soundwave replied simply. The one and only mech that ever got under his plating during the war just had to be the one to just come to seek him out. And there he hoped that he got rid of him for good when they didn't meet on Earth. He didn't take into account, that despite not being on that human-infested rock, Jazz was still out there somewhere. That being said, he shouldn't have doubted that the saboteur wouldn't return to Cybertron and continue to pester him, just like he used to.
"Helllooo, Cybertron to Sounders! Primus, it's really bad with ya!" Jazz huffed, and Soundwave turned to him again. Was he talking to him?
"Query?" Soundwave decided to ask after a moment, admitting that he didn't listen to Jazz at all, too lost in his own thoughts. It gained another huff from Jazz.
"Oh, c'mon, I've talkin' for like 15 breems already and ya just decided to not listen! How rude o' ya, shame on ya. Ya could've told me that ya have no intention o' listenin' instead of leadin' me on like that" Jazz replied dramatically, and he seemed... Genuinely upset? That made him feel quite guilty. That was the first time that Soundwave saw any emotion in Jazz, other than his constant cheerfulness, that always kept him guessing. Because unlike other bots, for some reason Soundwave never could read his mind. Perhaps that was how he got ahead of him so often.
"Apologies..." Soundwave muttered "Jazz: Care to repeat?"
Jazz crossed his servos, once more huffing dramatically and looking unimpressed "So ya can zone out on me again? Nuh-uh. Nah"
"Soundwave: Apologized" he replied, and hesitated, before elaborating. Not much, but still elaborating "Soundwave: Has a lot on mind" then, he pointed around the apartment "Understanding: Hoped for."
Jazz's face softened slightly "Damn, mech. Ya really are dense" a chuckle escaped him before he continued "I was just teasin' ya, don't take it to spark. I'm not as cold as ya"
"Impression: Different during the war" Soundwave retorted simply. And it was true, Jazz always seemed cheerful, but what he showed on his face never reflected his actions. He was merciless towards the Decepticons, often playing dirty to get exactly what he wanted. It went to the point where there were rumors about him, speaking that seeing him was a death sentence, that he was always there, watching from the shadows. Soundwave never quite believed them, knowing that even the worst Autobots still had their brakes, but even he couldn't deny that Jazz was the most ruthless of them all.
Or maybe he went second to Arcee. That femme also left a lasting impression on Soundwave.
"So, what I was sayin'..." Jazz started, and this time Soundwave made sure to focus on the words flowing from the small mech's vocalizer "Was that I want to open a club. Yanno, loud music, hot bots, nice drinks. Somewhere where you can just relax, dance and all..."
"To the point: Soundwave's business in this?" He questioned, cutting Jazz off before he got into a whole talking session, evading the real subject for far too long for Soundwave's liking.
"Well, obviously I'm looking for workers, yeah? So since ya are so eager, maybe I should straight up ask what position would'cha like to take there?" Jazz laughed, leaving Soundwave a little stunned.
Perhaps he should become a bodyguard? He could easily use his telepathy to distinguish the mechs that come to have fun from those looking for trouble. He could also use his gladiator experience to stop any drunk mechs from creating a scene before they even could. But as if he said those thoughts out loud, Jazz quickly chimed in.
"Nah, mech, bodyguard ain't cuttin' it. Don't get me wrong, ya meet all the requirements for the job, but maybe somewhere else" he said, leaning against the wall, since he had nowhere to sit "Let's just say, ya look... A tad bit intimidatin', ya would scare all potential patrons off" Well... Jazz had a point there, considering both his looks and reputation.
"Jazz: Must have own suggestion, then" Soundwave replied.
"Ma mech, first suggestion I have is that we go out tomorrow and ya see what's it even like in a club, cuz clearly ya have no idea. And ya also have no idea what kind of potential I see in ya, instead o' wastin' on the gate" Jazz replied, moving his servos to his hips "so whaddya say? Care to give it a try?"
Soundwave thought about it for a moment. Loud, crowded spaces were the last place where he wanted to be.
But did he have anything better to do? Any place to be? Perhaps it was his blessing in disguise of an annoying, peculiar mech.
Except that he wasn't so annoying when he gave him the exact chance he needed. He probably knew just how much Soundwave needed that opportunity, too. Otherwise he wouldn't be here.
During the war he would give it at least a joor to consider the ups and downs, all the risks and what can he gain from that. And he definitely would give it twice as much thought, because Jazz was a threat that couldn't be taken lightly, let alone an alliance with him, if one could even call that one.
But they weren't at war anymore, right? Perhaps he should stop thinking about it, then. Perhaps he was the problem, the reason why he couldn't move on and start living his life in this peaceful reality. Because he still thought as if he was at war, because in a sense, he still was at war. With the Autobots too, but mostly with himself. Perhaps he needed help to change that, perhaps Jazz came here to do exactly that, for some reason.
"Proposition: Accepted" Soundwave said, and the other laughed in response.
"Took ya long enough" Jazz said teasingly, as he backed away to the window, umbrella in servo again "I'll pick ya up at 8 PM, be ready" and after that, he jumped out, opening his parasol to protect himself from the acid.
Soundwave was left wondering if the mech was aware that they were on Cybertron and they used a different time format than the Earth's one, and how did he even got to know it in the first place. Nevermind, he could easily figure out what time Jazz meant.
* * *
Gossiping with Prowl was Jazz's favorite activity. He wasn't necessarily aware that he was gossiping with the saboteur, but that certainly wasn't needed. As long as the information was exchanged, it was all good.
"So, any interesting stuff ya noticed recently?" Jazz hummed, trying to look all serious, as if he needed that oh-so-crucial information to live another day. It would've been so during the war, but nowadays, he didn't really need to keep up with everything. But Primus, he wanted to. Prowl's observations could be so juicy.
"Not much" the enforcer replied "The city is mainly focusing on rebuilding. The trouble is yet about to come" he sighed heavily. Jazz couldn't blame him. Dealing with law enforcement would most probably become a nuisance real soon when the post-war ecstasy settles down, and people realize that they were left with nothing from the destruction of their home planet. To top it off, the number of enforcers was limited to those who survived the war, which considerably wasn't many, before they started training new ones in the rebuilt academy. That, of course, is not even taking into the account the issue of the law itself. How do you enforce the law, when it basically doesn't exist, after all? Everything they had was scraps of the outdated, Draconian law of the Senate's Cybertron. Before Magnus can even begin to work on that, chaos regarding their broken economy was bound to erupt "At least most of the Decepticons aren't here. Primus knows what kind of a mess it would be if they stayed. I have no idea what made Ultra Magnus think it was a good idea to just pardon them all and let them be" Prowl huffed.
"Well, I guess it's all about the idea o' givin' second chances, carryin' on Optimus' legacy an' all. Yanno, the freedom is the right o' all sentient beings he constantly talked 'bout?" Jazz replied, doing a little dance on the sidewalk, as if to lighten the mood a little bit.
"One's freedom ends where other begins, Optimus knew that. And those who break the law must be punished. The Decepticons have committed so many war crimes, they should face consequences of that" Prowl replied harshly "instead, they were pardoned. If they start that slag again, I will just flip the table and scream on top of my vents I told you so!"
"I'd rather call it a parole" Jazz replied with a shrug "besides, we weren't saints in all that. And would ya lock me up, Prowler?" The enforcer just stared at him blankly for a moment, gaining a laugh "Thought so. Now, since ya brought the 'Cons up, there has to be the reason for that?"
"Yes, there is a particular Decepticon that concerns me" Prowl sighed "namely, Soundwave. He-" Jazz halted his little dance when he heard that. That mech? What was he even doing in Iacon?
"Waiwaiwaaaait a minute. Sounders? He's here? In Iacon? Like... Didn't he follow his master, like a good pup he is, to... Wherever the frag Megatron flew off?" He questioned, looking utterly dumbfounded. It was definitely a rare look on someone like Jazz.
"Apparently he chose not to, for some reason. And considering his past, I am quite concerned about what does that means for us as a society. Primus know what he's planning, and Primus better never let this happen. He's been walking all over Iacon recently. And that just doesn't sound well" the white mech crossed his arms. Now THAT was gossip that Jazz was just waiting to hear. Ol' Sounders in town, far away from Megatron, far away from other Decepticons. He would be a fool if he'd just left it at that... The saboteur didn't even realize he was smirking until Prowl pointed it out.
"Hear me out, this may actually play in our favor" Jazz started, getting an unimpressed look from his friend "He's here, all alone an' all, and yanno... He must be so lost in a city o' distrustful Autobots. He wants to stay here for some reason, so perhaps, hear me out, perhaps! We can turn him permanenty to our side, hm? Imagine how valuable he'd be if Starscream really is plannin' somethin'!"
Truth was, that there were other reason as to why Jazz wanted to help him... Soundwave was intriguing. Jazz could never quite figure him out. Everytime he thought he did, he would just prove to take him by surprise again. Staying in Iacon was really one of such cases. He really believed that the spy would leave with Megatron for the self-excile, or that he would go somewhere most Decepticons went to reside after they were disbanded by the warlord himself. That, of course, being Vos. Yet for some reason he didn't. Jazz wanted to figure it out, him out, piece by piece until Soundwave was bare beneath him. Not literally, of course... Or maybe? He couldn't deny, Soundwave had that pretty frame. If he could do both, it would be perfect. But his capabilities weren't endless, if he could do at least one, it would still be good. He should focus on getting closer to him first. And Jazz had just the idea on how to do it.
Prowl definitely wasn't convinced by his explanation, he just knew that there was more to that. But if war taught him one thing, is that if Jazz's set on doing something, he will do that. There was no point in trying to stop him "Do what you want. Just don't come to me in pieces. I will turn you into even smaller ones if you do" he threatened.
"But ya will put me back together right after, right?" Jazz asked, despite well knowing the answer already.
* * *
The cycle passed, and the arranged meeting time has come. Soundwave made sure to look more presentable than usually, thoroughly cleaned, polished his plating and all of that. Perhaps something was left in him from his past, high-class status, from times long before the Arena. Times he barely remembered nowadays, but we're still rooted somewhere within him.
He made sure to be ready around an hour before the appointed time, just in case Jazz decided to surprise him and come early. That, though, didn't happen. He was exactly on time. As soon as he saw Soundwave, he whistled, impressed.
"Would ya look at that. Ya got all that pretty for me? C'mon, 'm gonna think it's a date or something" Jazz teased softly.
"Query: Jazz did not intend this to be a date?" Soundwave decided to tease back, despite knowing well that a date was never on Jazz's mind. He felt weird doing it. But he figured that a small change of pace may do him good, doing something that he never would in regular circumstances. Although this whole ordeal was out of his habit, really.
"Hm, no, not really, although it could be if ya want ta" Jazz replied smugly, after the initial shock of Soundwave's response.
Soundwave hummed thoughtfully "Negative. Jazz: Did not bring any flora. Unacceptable for a date" the white mech only rolled his optics behind his visor. Although he couldn't be sure.
"Oh, didn't know ya were so demandin' an' traditional, Sounders. I can get ya some along the way, tho" a half of his visor dimmed in a wink as he said that, taking the others servo and leading him to the door "and since ya require a gentlemech for it to be a date, you go first, handsome" Jazz said, stepping aside to let Soundwave out first. He'd be lying if he said that it didn't make his spark flutter a little. A part of him wanted to keep his guard up, be on high alert around such a formidable enemy... The other part wanted to just let go, move on, embrace the risk of doing so, jump straight into the unknown.
* * *
Unlike the day before, the sky was bright and clean. As Jazz led him through Iacon, he picked up some flowers that have grown over the older, yet unrepaired buildings. Once he had an amount that he deemed enough, he wrapped them with a tape and handed them over to Soundwave in a makeshift bouquet.
"Oh, my dear, do ya find these offerings to be suitable enough?" He asked theatrically. The telepath examined the delicate, energon blue petals of the cyber-plant. He spent too much time on Earth - he thought - the flowers looked almost like roses. And with Jazz's surprising knowledge about that planet, he couldn't be sure if this was done intentionally or not. Here, these flowers were merely invasive weeds, unwanted in most circumstances... Yet, on Earth, they were a symbol of romantic love. He couldn't help but think that it held w deeper message than that.
"Jazz: Seems to be surprisingly insistent on this being a date instead" he observed, and gained a mischievous chuckle from his companion.
"Can't help maself, how can I not try to make it a date when ya put so much effort into lookin' pretty for me?" Was the reply "I promise, I'll make ya feel things ya neva' did if ya agree"
Soundwave was tempted to say that he already felt these weird things around Jazz that he never did before. He probably didn't even have time to feel them. In the end, he stopped himself. He would be setting himself up for a disaster if he said that out loud. He didn't have a spark to refuse, though "Very well. Date: accepted"
A triumphant smirk appeared on Jazz's faceplate "For a date, ya still a bit stiff, tho" he said, and paused for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully "Ah, slag, guess I'll work through that through the evening."
* * *
First impression that Soundwave had after walking in the club, was just how unbearable it was. The thoughts of overcharged bots that reached his audials were messy and made his helm ache unpleasantly. The music was far too loud for his liking, messing with his processor even more. To top it off, the flashy, epilepsy-inducing lights weren't helping his growing migraine at all, neither did the thick air that made it almost difficult to ventilate. He tried to focus on one thing, tune it down, yet he found himself failing to do so. It was far worse than a battleground. The shots were never so loud, the dying whines were never that messy, the lights of the bullets were never so bright and colorful. His receptors were assaulted in every way possible, and he found himself offlining his optics and covering his audials, just so he wouldn't spiral.
Then, he felt a servo on his shoulder, and it was the last thing he needed. He was feeling like his systems were about to crash, he didn't need another one of his senses being overwhelmed, and- wait, this actually felt... Nice. Jazz, most likely, traced slow, gentle circles on his shoulder, then moved to his back that he could reach better. Soundwave realized that he was gradually being led out of the club, while the mech provided him with something to focus on instead of how overwhelmed he felt. When the cool air hit his plating, he gained the courage to finally take his servos off his audials and open his optics again. He looked at the blue visor, and couldn't help but blush with embarrassment. He still felt the uncomfortable panging in his helm, but it was slowly subsiding now that they were outside. Jazz slowly pushed him to sit down against the wall, while still making these soft circles on his plating. It was oddly... Soothing, and Soundwave made sure to memorize every circle, exactly how Jazz's touch felt. It felt good. Almost too good.
After a while of silence, when the saboteur was sure that the other was in a better state, he finally spoke: "Want me to take ya home?" And perhaps in normal circumstances, Soundwave would immediately demand exactly that. But that would mean cutting the night short, and despite how much of a disaster it was so far, he didn't want that.
"Negative..." He muttered, and was met with surprise.
"Wait... Seriously?" Jazz asked "I mean, 'm not complainin' or anythin', I just didn't expect ya'd give it another go"
"Jazz: Clearly has a wrong opinion about Soundwave. Soundwave: Not a coward" he replied with a quiet huff. The other couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Well... Honestly it's on me, I didn't take your telepathy into an account. And the fact that ya are completely unaccustomed with a club atmosphere, I could've at least warned ya" he said, his servo coming to a halt. Soundwave almost whined for him to not pause with the circles yet, but figured that he can't make them forever either.
"Positives: Soundwave knows what Jazz should not do with the club for Soundwave to work there" he said, and Jazz was once more stunned into silence. Then he laughed, although he tried to keep it low and quiet.
"I suppose that's fair enough. Didn't know ya had a sense o' humor, honestly" he replied, after he calmed down a bit. Next he stood up and helped Soundwave do the same "I guess we can check out the other club. It's nearby and should be a bit... Calmer, from ma experience. Tho ya should still prepare yerself"
Soundwave nodded. He couldn't get any more vulnerable then that, he had nothing to lose.
* * *
The second club was definitely a different experience from the first one. The light was dim and kept to a bare minimum for them to still be able to catch the surrounding objects. The music was kept to a quieter level, but still loud. This one was also filled with overcharged bots, although there were less of them, and this time, he came prepared for that. Jazz took his servo and led him to a bar.
"Two glasses o' Jerky Speedster, please" Jazz said to the bartender, sliding a few credits across the counter. The mech nodded and immediately got to preparing the order, while the saboteur turned back to the telepath "ya will like it, promise"
"Jerky Speedster: Description fitting Jazz" Soundwave observed.
"That's exactly why I think ya'd like it. After all, ya definitely like me now, hm?" The white mech replied with his signature smirk. Soundwave couldn't help but scoff at that.
"Jazz's personality: Not necessarily comparable to the taste of a drink" Soundwave pointed out "Jazz: Also far too confident in Soundwave's opinion on him"
"Oh, don't be so dense, will ya?" He replied, picking up the cube that the bartender had handed to him "it's all in good fun, I need to teach ya how to have it"
Soundwave just rolled his optics and retracted his visor. With it out of the way, he took a sip of his drink. He didn't want to admit it, but Jazz was right. The taste really did appeal to him, and usually he didn't even enjoy the taste of highgrade. This was getting almost suspicious, but how could Jazz possibly know? This had to be a pure coincidence. Or maybe it was truly in the name? He took another sip and turned to Jazz, only to see him staring.
"Query..." He tried to speak, but the mech blinked a few times and got out of his little trance.
"Yeah, yeah, 'm okay, no worries there" he quickly assured "just... Neva' seen lavender optics before. Deep purple? Sure. But that shade? It's... Unique, for sure... It's... Beautiful, not gonna lie"
Soundwave felt his cheekplates heat up again. But this time, it was exposed for everyone to see, When he thought he couldn't get any more vulnerable? Clearly he was wrong "A-Affirmative..." Great. Now he was also stuttering, it was such a good look.
Awkward silence fell between them, as both of them tried to focus on their drinks. Suddenly, the bubbles in them became the most interesting thing in the world.
Eventually, one of them had to break it, though. And it was Jazz, who finished his drink first.
"So, uh... Care for a dance...?" He asked, for the first time in his life sounding unsure of himself.
"Soundwave: Does not know how to dance" he replied, just as awkwardly as Jazz did.
"Wha- Wait, what do ya mean ya dunno how- oh, that just can't be!" The saboteur answered instantly, dragging Soundwave to the dancefloor "Dancin's easy, just try to feel it"
And as he tried to guide him through that, the telepath had trouble keeping up. All the little steps and twirls and bends were making him feel dizzy, although it definitely wasn't in that bad, overwhelming way. The energetic tune playing in the background as they danced was definitely matching Jazz's vigor, he thought.
As he grabbed Soundwave's waist and made him bend backwards, he desperately grabbed the Autobot, as if to not fall and land on his aft "C'mon, Sounders! Loosen up a little!" Jazz encouraged with a small laugh, although it wasn't really helpful, when he was fighting his own weight.
"Query: How?!" He asked desperately, then, embarrassingly, squeaked when Jazz pulled him back up with a surprising strength.
"Just feel the music, mech, focus on that instead o' what ya see" the other replied. Soundwave closed his optics and tried to do exactly as he was told. Unexpectedly for him... It actually seemed to work. With some time and effort, his movements started becoming more fluid, as instead of focusing on Jazz and trying to keep up with him, he instead switched to melody that played from the speakers. Somehow, with time he felt himself just resonating with it, as if it flowed through his body. He never thought of pursuing anything connected to music. And yet here he was, on the dancefloor, stepping and turning in the rhythm of the tune. They came to a halt when the song ended, and they just stood frozen there for a moment. Soundwave almost opened his optics... But then he stopped himself from doing it when he felt Jazz's lips brush against his own, only to press more firmly, yet still gently against them. The kiss wasn't long or passionate, but for him it was enough to turn his world upside down all over again.
He should have reacted far differently to the kiss, Jazz was a threat and an enemy, after all. Yet he couldn't care less at the moment. He just wanted to feel that again. That small high when they were dancing, his lips on his own.
Soundwave found himself enjoying both the kiss, and the music. He wanted to write down everything he felt during this short, yet lasting moment, but also do so in a meaningful way. It was as if the world has shown him a sign, one that he desperately needed. He didn't feel as lost as he felt yet that very day. Not at all. He knew what he wanted to do next, for the first time in cycles.
"Soundwave: Believes to have found an answer to Jazz's question."
* * *
Once again, Soundwave was sitting, surrounded by nothing but silence and four walls of his apartment. Although this time, it was different. The newly purchased furniture decorated the space, that was empty yet the day before. It wasn't much, but it was something. When in one place you're unwanted, you will be welcomed in other- he thought as he put the flora he got from Jazz in an Energon-filled vase at the nightstand. Then he sat down on his berth and looked through the window. He saw that acid clouds gathered above Iacon, and soon started showering the city.
Yet the day before he wanted to change and fly away, no matter where.
Yet the day before he could he far away from there.
That day it rained again.
This time, however, it didn't make him feel so depressed, when he looked at the CD's given to him by Jazz, as well as DJ manuals... And then the grinning face that appeared in his window.