Re: When It's You Instead - Part Three
anonymous
December 5 2009, 20:29:10 UTC
A hand rested gently on Soundwave’s helm, and he lurched away, optics wide as he stared into the surprisingly sympathetic optics of Starscream.
“Exactly, Soundwave. How can one justify loyalty after that?”
Soundwave struggled to think, he had not realized he had been speaking out loud. “Stayed to gloat?” he finally asked, not bothering to mask the bitterness. “Would you like to indulge in an ‘I told you so’ type of moment?” Words poured from Soundwave, even he didn’t know all he said, but he shocked himself silent by saying, “It should have been you! Not me!”
Starscream didn’t even blink, and perhaps that more than anything caused Soundwave to break again. He surprised himself again by dragging himself close enough to lay his head on Starscream’s knees. The gentle hand returned to his head, stroking in slow soothing caresses.
Soundwave had exhausted himself, lying curled on his side, head still in Starscream’s lap, when the seeker finally spoke again. “May I touch you? I have a few items I keep close at hand, and you need repairs.”
Soundwave translated that all too easily, though there was nothing but an uncharacteristic compassion in Starscream’s voice. Soundwave nodded, and lay on his back, twitching occasionally as Starscream set about his repairs. He felt oddly soothed by the way Starscream told him everything he was going to do before touching him.
“I’m going to touch your shoulder, there’s a sparking wire there.”
“I have to work my fingers under this side plate. I can see a leaking energon line.”
“There’s a dent in your pelvic plating along the waistline, this will probably hurt, but it’s compressing a relay, you aren’t going to be able to walk well like that.”
And on and on.
Soundwave stared at the ceiling listening to Starscream talk, and trying to keep from flinching even though he was always, always, warned about where the next touch was going to occur. He allowed the seeker’s voice to wash over him, wondering why he had always found Starscream’s voice annoying before. It was still raspy, but this soft, gentle tenor, was far from the obnoxious tone everyone associated with Starscream.
Soundwave was warned, and a soft cloth wiped over his face. “I can do nothing here for your visor or mask, nor your panel.”
Ice flowed through Soundwave’s lines. He would have to walk the corridors with his interface array exposed.
“I have supplies in my lab, a private washracks in my quarters.”
“As do it,” Soundwave said, voice a rough whisper, and vocalizer protesting even that much.
“Yes, but your creations are in your rooms.”
His optics shot wide. How had he forgotten? Primus, his sparklings had seen it all! “You contained Rumble.”
“Yes,” Starscream said with a short nod. “My trinemates took them back to your quarters. They’re waiting there. When Laserbeak and Buzzsaw return, they will be collected and taken there as well.”
“Why?” Soundwave asked, the single word somehow managing to convey everything.
“Because no one else will dare. Because your creations need someone to keep them in check until you are able. Because I’ve lain exactly where you lay now, but had no one to stop my bleeding.” Starscream stroked the cloth over Soundwave’s face again. “Hush now. TC and Warp will stay with them tonight, and I will see to you.”
“The Construc-“
Starscream interrupted him with a snort of derision. “No,” he said and did not elaborate. “Now we have one more injury to see to before I can move you. Do you want to clean yourself up, or shall I?”
Soundwave flinched. How could he bear another’s touch there? And how could he be so much a coward that he didn’t want to do it himself? He heard the whimper before recognizing it as his own. Starscream brushed his face again, but waited.
“Your choice.”
“You,” Soundwave whispered after a moment. “I cannot see the damage.” He had to fight himself to relax his knees out, and clutched Starscream’s wrist suddenly, unable to think beyond the sharp stabbing agony between his legs.
And Starscream hadn’t touched him yet.
Soundwave’s vents caught and stuttered as Starscream held absolutely still, waiting for him to choose. Soundwave was ashamed at how long it took him to rein his emotions in, and release the seeker.
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 5 2009, 20:30:59 UTC
“If it becomes too much, say stop and I will. This can take as long as you need it to.”
Soundwave nodded in acknowledgment, only to jump at the first gentle touch to his inner thigh, and yelp, “Stop!” Starscream’s hand came away instantly, and Soundwave stared hard at the ceiling before nodding his permission again.
He knew what he was doing. He was testing Starscream’s word, and yet could not help himself as the cloth wiped over his valve. It hurt, but more than that, he needed Starscream to stop when he said to. There were no sighs of irritation. No scowls. Nothing, but Starscream’s hand leaving Soundwave’s body as he waited for permission to continue, or for Soundwave to take over for himself.
It took longer than it should have, or so Soundwave told himself. He was being ridiculous. Starscream may be behaving in a way Soundwave had never witnessed before, but something in him ached to trust that the care he was receiving would not suddenly, violently end.
Finally they were done, and Starscream helped Soundwave to stand, his greater weight and bulk nearly toppling them both when he lost his balance.
“Slow,” Starscream murmured. “We’ll go slow.”
Soundwave cringed, lips compressing in a frown. “A nice slow parade for the other Decepticons.”
Starscream shook his head, and keyed the door open. “They’ll all be hiding.”
Soundwave still pushed to go as fast as he could set one foot in front of the other. Starscream’s door was a welcome sight, and then they were safely ensconced within. The door was locked, and Soundwave led to the washracks.
“The cleanser is going to sting,” Starscream said as he turned on the spray. “Try to endure it as best you can. Do you want me to stay or go?”
“Go. I can do this.”
Starscream nodded. “I’ll go see what I can do about replacement parts.”
“I have extra visors and masks,” Soundwave said. “Battle has damaged both before.”
Starscream nodded again. “Just call for me if you need my help.” Then he left, and Soundwave leaned against the wall, hissing in pain as, yes, the cleanser did burn against his exposed valve and various injuries.
He was lucky, he supposed. His self-repair would take care of the rest. By morning most of the dents would be gone. Once he replaced his panel, mask, and visor, no one would be able to see it had ever happened. Starscream had warned him, however. The damage to his valve walls was heavy. Nothing that could be repaired by anything other than time.
Soundwave lost track of how long he stood under the warm spray of cleanser, coming to relish the sting, and imagining it was burning away Megatron’s touch. He startled at the soft knock, and then Starscream was calling out for permission to enter. Soundwave shut off the spray and keyed the door, he even accepted Starscream’s assistance in drying, finding the touch soothing.
“Soundwave,” Starscream said. “Stay awake just a little longer. You can rest in a few moments.”
Soundwave stumbled along, and managed to collapse on Starscream’s recharge berth without jarring his injuries too much.
“Do you want to attach your new panel?” Starscream asked.
“You,” Soundwave said, unable to find fear or shame anymore through the dragging exhaustion pulling him into recharge.
“I’ll be close if you need me,” Starscream whispered, lifting Soundwave’s legs onto the berth before turning away.
“Wait!” Soundwave caught Starscream’s wrist, feeling his face heat in humiliation. “Stay?” He shuttered his optics and whispered, “Please stay.”
Starscream said nothing, but climbed carefully over Soundwave, and settled himself by the wall. The gesture was not wasted on Soundwave, as he was certain he’d have felt trapped with the wall at his back like that.
Soundwave curled on his side, pressing his face against Starscream’s shoulder, grateful beyond words and measure.
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 5 2009, 20:55:31 UTC
(not OP) Don't you dare improve it. It's perfect.
But personally I wouldn't be averse to some more aftermath, maybe Screamer/'Wave after a bit of time has passed? It seems a little open-ended (prolly because the awesome ended too soon ;p)
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 03:27:50 UTC
Thank you! And yes, I think there will be more, but that honestly will be a few weeks. Holidays and RL are about to intrude on my writing and reading fun time.
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 5 2009, 23:45:13 UTC
That first part took me by complete surprise. It was so brutal and unforgiving! Almost made me pity Soundwave but, wow. The section where he unconsciously was going to fight back; totally felt the "oh s**t!" moment there. This was so awesomely written I *loved* it beginning to end!
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 01:17:38 UTC
*applause*
This anon didn't notice an overabundance of commas, just a few minor errors in a couple of lines of dialogue which I was was only too happy to overlook because you so thoroughly NAILED the prompt. I'm not the OP, but IMO you delivered on every detail of the request with a precision that's frankly enviable. It's not easy to be both concise AND thorough, especially with someone else's idea, but you pulled it off admirably.
I for one think it's perfect as is. It was short, but satisfying. You fulfilled the prompt so completely, it feels "finished" to me. Well done!
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 03:44:14 UTC
Wow! Thank you for those words of praise!
And before I claim it, I'll be sure to clean it up. There qill be more, but I'm not sure exactly what form it will take. Possibly that of "sequel". We'll see. Looks like my muse wants a new 'verse to play in. =D
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 02:29:03 UTC
*bow down* This was perfectly wonderful! Way better then mine... ^^; And I would love to read a second part of this! Maybe a little seeker love for SOundwave? not only Starscream but the entire Trine? I would love to see this! ANd your writting is better then mine...
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 03:49:51 UTC
*bows back*
And congratulations on your first fic!
If you want, I'll leave some constructive crit once I finish reading yours. I'm by NO means an expert, but like all things, writing takes practice. I've been very lucky and blessed to have thoughtful remarks in the past on how to improve my little craft. I've still got work to do, but I love it.
And hey!! No reading my mind.... LOL. I have toyed with the idea of the whole trine, but that would depend on whether this little ficlet wants to become serious or kinda cracky. =D
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 6 2009, 03:50:23 UTC
*bows back*
And congratulations on your first fic!
If you want, I'll leave some constructive crit once I finish reading yours. I'm by NO means an expert, but like all things, writing takes practice. I've been very lucky and blessed to have thoughtful remarks in the past on how to improve my little craft. I've still got work to do, but I love it.
And hey!! No reading my mind.... LOL. I have toyed with the idea of the whole trine, but that would depend on whether this little ficlet wants to become serious or kinda cracky. =D
Comment - Anon Reader
anonymous
December 6 2009, 14:32:59 UTC
*Reading through the comments.*
Heh, I can just imagine Soundwave waking up finding a few extra Seekers and the cassettes in a comfort snuggle pile. Or a few extra Seekers and no cassettes for a different type of snuggle, though damage dictates Soundwave would have to be on the other end of it this time.
Re: When It's You Instead - Part Four
anonymous
December 8 2009, 21:29:23 UTC
Ugggh, loved it, and the bonding between Soundwave and Starscream was great. I also want to see this continued, because seeing Soundwave unsure of Megatron and grateful to Screamer is both unusual and VERY INTERESTING.
Loved the emotions, the themes of depravity and betrayal and helplessness, and, well, loved it 83.
“Exactly, Soundwave. How can one justify loyalty after that?”
Soundwave struggled to think, he had not realized he had been speaking out loud. “Stayed to gloat?” he finally asked, not bothering to mask the bitterness. “Would you like to indulge in an ‘I told you so’ type of moment?” Words poured from Soundwave, even he didn’t know all he said, but he shocked himself silent by saying, “It should have been you! Not me!”
Starscream didn’t even blink, and perhaps that more than anything caused Soundwave to break again. He surprised himself again by dragging himself close enough to lay his head on Starscream’s knees. The gentle hand returned to his head, stroking in slow soothing caresses.
Soundwave had exhausted himself, lying curled on his side, head still in Starscream’s lap, when the seeker finally spoke again. “May I touch you? I have a few items I keep close at hand, and you need repairs.”
Soundwave translated that all too easily, though there was nothing but an uncharacteristic compassion in Starscream’s voice. Soundwave nodded, and lay on his back, twitching occasionally as Starscream set about his repairs. He felt oddly soothed by the way Starscream told him everything he was going to do before touching him.
“I’m going to touch your shoulder, there’s a sparking wire there.”
“I have to work my fingers under this side plate. I can see a leaking energon line.”
“There’s a dent in your pelvic plating along the waistline, this will probably hurt, but it’s compressing a relay, you aren’t going to be able to walk well like that.”
And on and on.
Soundwave stared at the ceiling listening to Starscream talk, and trying to keep from flinching even though he was always, always, warned about where the next touch was going to occur. He allowed the seeker’s voice to wash over him, wondering why he had always found Starscream’s voice annoying before. It was still raspy, but this soft, gentle tenor, was far from the obnoxious tone everyone associated with Starscream.
Soundwave was warned, and a soft cloth wiped over his face. “I can do nothing here for your visor or mask, nor your panel.”
Ice flowed through Soundwave’s lines. He would have to walk the corridors with his interface array exposed.
“I have supplies in my lab, a private washracks in my quarters.”
“As do it,” Soundwave said, voice a rough whisper, and vocalizer protesting even that much.
“Yes, but your creations are in your rooms.”
His optics shot wide. How had he forgotten? Primus, his sparklings had seen it all! “You contained Rumble.”
“Yes,” Starscream said with a short nod. “My trinemates took them back to your quarters. They’re waiting there. When Laserbeak and Buzzsaw return, they will be collected and taken there as well.”
“Why?” Soundwave asked, the single word somehow managing to convey everything.
“Because no one else will dare. Because your creations need someone to keep them in check until you are able. Because I’ve lain exactly where you lay now, but had no one to stop my bleeding.” Starscream stroked the cloth over Soundwave’s face again. “Hush now. TC and Warp will stay with them tonight, and I will see to you.”
“The Construc-“
Starscream interrupted him with a snort of derision. “No,” he said and did not elaborate. “Now we have one more injury to see to before I can move you. Do you want to clean yourself up, or shall I?”
Soundwave flinched. How could he bear another’s touch there? And how could he be so much a coward that he didn’t want to do it himself? He heard the whimper before recognizing it as his own. Starscream brushed his face again, but waited.
“Your choice.”
“You,” Soundwave whispered after a moment. “I cannot see the damage.” He had to fight himself to relax his knees out, and clutched Starscream’s wrist suddenly, unable to think beyond the sharp stabbing agony between his legs.
And Starscream hadn’t touched him yet.
Soundwave’s vents caught and stuttered as Starscream held absolutely still, waiting for him to choose. Soundwave was ashamed at how long it took him to rein his emotions in, and release the seeker.
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Soundwave nodded in acknowledgment, only to jump at the first gentle touch to his inner thigh, and yelp, “Stop!” Starscream’s hand came away instantly, and Soundwave stared hard at the ceiling before nodding his permission again.
He knew what he was doing. He was testing Starscream’s word, and yet could not help himself as the cloth wiped over his valve. It hurt, but more than that, he needed Starscream to stop when he said to. There were no sighs of irritation. No scowls. Nothing, but Starscream’s hand leaving Soundwave’s body as he waited for permission to continue, or for Soundwave to take over for himself.
It took longer than it should have, or so Soundwave told himself. He was being ridiculous. Starscream may be behaving in a way Soundwave had never witnessed before, but something in him ached to trust that the care he was receiving would not suddenly, violently end.
Finally they were done, and Starscream helped Soundwave to stand, his greater weight and bulk nearly toppling them both when he lost his balance.
“Slow,” Starscream murmured. “We’ll go slow.”
Soundwave cringed, lips compressing in a frown. “A nice slow parade for the other Decepticons.”
Starscream shook his head, and keyed the door open. “They’ll all be hiding.”
Soundwave still pushed to go as fast as he could set one foot in front of the other. Starscream’s door was a welcome sight, and then they were safely ensconced within. The door was locked, and Soundwave led to the washracks.
“The cleanser is going to sting,” Starscream said as he turned on the spray. “Try to endure it as best you can. Do you want me to stay or go?”
“Go. I can do this.”
Starscream nodded. “I’ll go see what I can do about replacement parts.”
“I have extra visors and masks,” Soundwave said. “Battle has damaged both before.”
Starscream nodded again. “Just call for me if you need my help.” Then he left, and Soundwave leaned against the wall, hissing in pain as, yes, the cleanser did burn against his exposed valve and various injuries.
He was lucky, he supposed. His self-repair would take care of the rest. By morning most of the dents would be gone. Once he replaced his panel, mask, and visor, no one would be able to see it had ever happened. Starscream had warned him, however. The damage to his valve walls was heavy. Nothing that could be repaired by anything other than time.
Soundwave lost track of how long he stood under the warm spray of cleanser, coming to relish the sting, and imagining it was burning away Megatron’s touch. He startled at the soft knock, and then Starscream was calling out for permission to enter. Soundwave shut off the spray and keyed the door, he even accepted Starscream’s assistance in drying, finding the touch soothing.
“Soundwave,” Starscream said. “Stay awake just a little longer. You can rest in a few moments.”
Soundwave stumbled along, and managed to collapse on Starscream’s recharge berth without jarring his injuries too much.
“Do you want to attach your new panel?” Starscream asked.
“You,” Soundwave said, unable to find fear or shame anymore through the dragging exhaustion pulling him into recharge.
“I’ll be close if you need me,” Starscream whispered, lifting Soundwave’s legs onto the berth before turning away.
“Wait!” Soundwave caught Starscream’s wrist, feeling his face heat in humiliation. “Stay?” He shuttered his optics and whispered, “Please stay.”
Starscream said nothing, but climbed carefully over Soundwave, and settled himself by the wall. The gesture was not wasted on Soundwave, as he was certain he’d have felt trapped with the wall at his back like that.
Soundwave curled on his side, pressing his face against Starscream’s shoulder, grateful beyond words and measure.
“You’re safe here,” Starscream whispered in Soundwave’s audial. “Rest. You’re safe now.”
Soundwave let his body relax into the warmth of Starscream’s, and drifted into recharge.
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But personally I wouldn't be averse to some more aftermath, maybe Screamer/'Wave after a bit of time has passed? It seems a little open-ended (prolly because the awesome ended too soon ;p)
*bows at your feet*
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=D Glad you enjoyed it!
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This anon didn't notice an overabundance of commas, just a few minor errors in a couple of lines of dialogue which I was was only too happy to overlook because you so thoroughly NAILED the prompt. I'm not the OP, but IMO you delivered on every detail of the request with a precision that's frankly enviable. It's not easy to be both concise AND thorough, especially with someone else's idea, but you pulled it off admirably.
I for one think it's perfect as is. It was short, but satisfying. You fulfilled the prompt so completely, it feels "finished" to me. Well done!
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And before I claim it, I'll be sure to clean it up. There qill be more, but I'm not sure exactly what form it will take. Possibly that of "sequel". We'll see. Looks like my muse wants a new 'verse to play in. =D
Again, Thank you!
Reply
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And congratulations on your first fic!
If you want, I'll leave some constructive crit once I finish reading yours. I'm by NO means an expert, but like all things, writing takes practice. I've been very lucky and blessed to have thoughtful remarks in the past on how to improve my little craft. I've still got work to do, but I love it.
And hey!! No reading my mind.... LOL. I have toyed with the idea of the whole trine, but that would depend on whether this little ficlet wants to become serious or kinda cracky. =D
Thank you! I'll review you soon!
Reply
And congratulations on your first fic!
If you want, I'll leave some constructive crit once I finish reading yours. I'm by NO means an expert, but like all things, writing takes practice. I've been very lucky and blessed to have thoughtful remarks in the past on how to improve my little craft. I've still got work to do, but I love it.
And hey!! No reading my mind.... LOL. I have toyed with the idea of the whole trine, but that would depend on whether this little ficlet wants to become serious or kinda cracky. =D
Thank you! I'll review you soon!
Reply
Heh, I can just imagine Soundwave waking up finding a few extra Seekers and the cassettes in a comfort snuggle pile. Or a few extra Seekers and no cassettes for a different type of snuggle, though damage dictates Soundwave would have to be on the other end of it this time.
Nice one, Anon.
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Loved the emotions, the themes of depravity and betrayal and helplessness, and, well, loved it 83.
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