Chapter Text
It was nighttime. The High Guard had retreated to their base of operations for the time being, indulging in a rare moment of rest. It would likely not last, but who was Shockwave to waste the opportunity?
The mech was sitting apart from the others, gazing off into the stars as he recalled reading material. It was what he’d liked to do with his free time, before the Guard had gone into hiding. His preferred subject was actually history; he may have had an inclination towards science, but reading about all the events that had occurred in the past, all the decisions made, culminating in the world he knew today fascinated him.
Unfortunately, they did not have any datapads, much less any that would be considered for leisure. So, while it was not perfect, he had to make do with the memories of what he’d read over the stellar cycles.
He only distantly heard the sound of steps drawing closer. He was not pulled from his processor’s version of the History of Iacon vol. 1 until he heard a voice above and beside him.
“Shockwave.”
He shuttered his optic a couple times, turning to see the source of the voice: his Conjunx, Soundwave.
“Soundwave,” he greeted in turn, shifting so that the other mech could sit beside him.
Once he was situated, Soundwave turned his helm to face his other half. “I have something to give you.”
“Oh?”
Soundwave turned away briefly as he reached into his subspace. Once he found what he was looking for, he pulled it out and presented it to Shockwave.
It was a datapad. The screen was cracked, and the sides were chipped, but when Shockwave took it into his servos, it lit up, revealing a small selection of files. It was the entire collection of the History of Iacon.
Shockwave looked back up at Soundwave. “What is this?”
“I brought it with me, before our defection. It was damaged during one of our attacks, and many files were lost. But I was able to salvage it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, “I could’ve helped you.”
Soundwave tilted his head away slightly. Though his tone did not change, his voice read as diffident to Shockwave when he said, “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Ahh. A surprise. While he was not one for surprises — under most circumstances, they were unnecessary and prone to causing issues — he understood this was a significant gesture from his Conjunx.
“Thank you, Soundwave,” Shockwave said, grateful for this welcome surprise. Sitting back against the metal hull of their base, he opened the first file, the History of Iacon vol. 1. Now much more accurate.
Soundwave pressed up against his side, resting his helm on his shoulder. After a few nano-kliks, he spoke.
“Could you read aloud? I enjoy hearing your voice.”
“Of course.” He titled his helm, briefly pressing it to the top of Soundwave’s, before starting over, this time reading the words in a hushed voice.