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He looked in the mirror, carefully applying his makeup. Technically, he had maids who were supposed to do this, but he preferred doing it himself because it made him feel more independent.
He painted the traditional lines on his body signaling his status as crown prince to the Iacon Kingdom. Some parts on his back were tricky, and he found himself struggling to reach. Hearing a familiar knock, he smiled and told them to come in. Soundwave pushed the door open and immediately looked away.
“You aren’t dressed.”
“I need help.”
He walked over and took his bodyguard's hand, guiding him towards the mirror.
“My back is always difficult.”
“Why don’t you have one of your maids do it?”
“I want you to do it.”
He gave Soundwave the brush and shivered when he painted his back. It was so different from just a year ago when Soundwave had been assigned to him. Wanting a break from everything, he’d snuck out one night wanting to explore and go to some clubs. He ended up almost getting assassinated if it wasn’t for Soundwave. That night, he’d been grateful when his parents assigned Soundwave to watch over him; he’d been a lot less grateful.
He thought Soundwave was taking away his freedom and resented him for it. He fought with him all the time and never listened. Then, more assassination attempts happened, and he had to go into hiding for a while. During that time, the two of them had gotten close, and besides sharing one kiss, they’d never gone farther or talked about what this was between them.
When Soundwave finished painting his back, he gestured to the silk fabric and jewelry he was supposed to wear for the gala that evening.
“Let me.”
He handed it over and felt Soundwave's hands against his neck as he draped the fabric across his shoulders and pinned it with jewelry. He leaned into his touch, feeling the way his hands danced across his plating. Looking back, the two made optic contact, and it was as though they were under some kind of spell. Neither of them could look away, and he found himself leaning in slightly. His spark was racing, and he wondered if Soundwave could hear it.
“Hot Rod, are you ready?”
They both jolted in surprise, and Soundwave took a step back. He shivered, suddenly feeling cold despite his outlier.
“Just about!”
He looked at himself in the mirror and then looked back at Soundwave.
“How do I look?”
“Perfect.”
He smiled, and Soundwave held out his arm. He linked arms, and the two of them left his bedroom and headed for the ballroom. When they got there, his sire greeted him as he was announced to the room. He felt everyone's optics on him, and he took a step towards Soundwave, who shielded him from their gaze.
He gave him a grateful smile and forced himself to interact with his family's guests despite how tedious it was. Soundwave followed a few steps behind him, always watching over him as he spoke to the guests. When people asked to dance, Soundwave stood off to the side. He could feel his gaze and see him watching him. The two of them made optic contact often, and he wished the person he was dancing with were Soundwave.
After dancing with the seventh person that night, he was feeling overwhelmed and needed some air. He snuck out of the ballroom and went to the gardens. Soundwave followed him as a silent shadow, and he sighed, feeling exhausted. He knew what this gala was for and what the people asking to dance wanted. His parents had set this up because they wanted him to get married. They’d invited suitors from across Cybertron to try and gain his favor.
“Are you okay?”
Soundwave stepped out of the shadows, and he sighed.
“I’m okay, just tired. I know it's my duty to get married and have sparklings, and I would be happy to do it if I could marry the person I love.”
“I’m sorry, Hot Rod.”
He felt tears fall, and Soundwave pulled him close even though he was the reason for his sparkache.
“I wish we could be together.”
He whispered, more tears falling. He felt Soundwave's arms tighten around him as his bodyguard held him close.
Rustling came from nearby, and Soundwave suddenly tensed. He gave him a confused look and was pushed away.
“Soundwave?”
His bodyguard drew his weapon at the same time that assassins leaped from their hiding spots. They rushed towards him, and he flinched back in fear. Soundwave took care of them before they could reach him. He watched as he fought back multiple attackers at once, more than willing to die for him.
He wasn’t going to let that happen and used the little training he had to assist Soundwave. When the last attacker was taken care of, he jumped into Soundwave's arms and hugged him, relieved to know that he was okay. By this time, the guards had arrived along with his parents.
He forced himself to let go of Soundwave and stand on his own. His parents came over, looking relieved, and hugged him. They ordered the guards to deal with the bodies and figure out who they were and where they came from. He stayed by Soundwave's side the entire time and had to resist holding his hand.
He pretended to be so frightened from the ordeal that he wanted to stay close to his bodyguard, something no one looked twice at. Except for his carrier, who was looking between them with an odd expression on her face. He looked away, not wanting her to see the guilty blush on his face, and asked Soundwave to escort him back to his room.
Soundwave was happy to agree, and the two of them walked back to his room. Soundwave looked around, staying vigilant in case more assassins popped up. When they reached his door, he stood in front of Soundwave for a long time and then leaned up and kissed his mask.
“Thanks for saving me today.”
Before Soundwave could say anything, he was already in his room flopping onto his mattress and wishing he could have kissed him on the mouth.