It's Now or Never (7/?)
Title: It’s Now or Never
Fandom: 2007 movie
Characters/Pairing: Prowl(Barricade)/Jazz
Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me. This has TF Slash.
Summary: After thousands or more Earth years, Jazz’s bond mate had been missing, and many thought dead. It wasn’t until after the battle of the All Spark, when Jazz’s bond mate was found.
“blah” - Normal human speak
“blah” - Cybertronian speak
blah - thinking
A smiling Gadget, Wheeljack, and Ratchet met them there. "Had a feeling you'd show up rather soon," smiled Gadget going over to hug him. Prowl smiled at her. "I'm so glad your better," she said as she released her hug. She hurriedly went back over to her computer as Wheeljack and Ratchet looked over some spare parts she had been working on for the same project.
"So what ya got Gadget?" Jazz asked.
"You'll see," she smiled. "It's for Prowl's eyes first," she smiled. She motioned him over as she got out of her seat, pulling up a bigger chair for him to sit in. He slowly sat down and looked over the different images and models on the screen. Jazz came over and looked too. He could only smile.
“Very impressive, Gadget,” Prowl said. “You’ve really put the inventor’s streak of yours to good use.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? That I usually don’t?” Prowl just smiled. “Hmmph…” she replied crossing her arms. Prowl just laughed.
“I’m pretty sure that was more of a compliment,” Jazz said.
“…Yeah… I guess so,” she smiled. The other three just smiled at the small banter between them. Prowl grew quiet as he stared at the designs Gadget had come up with. She rocked back and forth on her feet, growing impatient and excited.
"Ya out did yourself Gadget." Jazz said with a smile. She just giggled. Prowl smiled a bit as he looked at the screen.
"Chosen something?" Gadget asked eagerly, leaning forward on her feet.
"Yeah, I think I have."
"Ooo, I knew you'd like that one," Gadget smiled as she came over. "I had to rework the design four times, but... it's Nissan Cop car form."
"I thank you for all of this, Gadget." Prowl said.
"No problem. I just thought since Percie was working on the virus, I could help with your looks," she smiled.
Prowl smiled back before looking at Ratchet. "When can we get started?" he asked.
"Tomorrow morning, bright and early." Prowl nods as he stood up from the chair.
"I suppose I should get some rest then. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight Prowl," Gadget smiled as he left the room.
"He sure is eager. Is that okay?" Wheeljack asked concerned as he rested his head on Ratchet's shoulder with his arm around him.
"Prowl, wait for me baby," Jazz said, waving hurried goodbyes.
"You would be too if you looked like a Decepticon." Ratchet said "So I don't blame him."
"Me either..." sighed Gadget. "He needs this Grampa. He looks scary and he doesn't want to anymore."
Wheeljack nodded. "Well, goodnight Gadget. Don't stay up too late," he said as he dragged Ratchet off playfully.
"I won't." Both stole a kiss as they left the room. Gadget just laughed and shook her head. She was still amused that her teacher and her "grandfather" were an item.
- - -
That night, Prowl tossed and turned in his berth. The day’s events and his joy of getting better had triggered the memories of his torture. Unfortunately, Jazz still had temporary quarters until Optimus could move him into Prowl's room. His room was a few doors down from Prowl's right now. But luckily, Jazz could feel something was wrong through their bond. "NO! Stop!" Jazz woke with a start and ran to Prowl's room when he heard his screams. "Jazz!!!” Jazz got to the door, hurrying punching the key code. "...I don't want this!!! Jazz!!!"
"Come on door, open please...." Jazz pleaded the door to open faster.
It finally swished open and Jazz ran in. "No! Stop...aaaahhhh!"
"WAKE UP!" Jazz screamed as he pounced onto Prowl. Clawed hands reached out, but stopped as frightened blue optics looked up into a worried blue visor. The hands carefully pulled Jazz onto him from his sitting position, hugging him close.
"...Jazz..." Prowl whispered, still frighten about the old memory.
"Right here, baby," he replied, resting his head against his bonded's chest.
"Don't leave..."
"I'm not splittin' anytime soon." Prowl rested his own head on top of Jazz's.
"...Why'd it have to be me? Why'd I have to be so logical and intelligent, then...Sentinel wouldn't have died and I wouldn't have gotten sick...they wouldn't have chosen me... None of this would have ever happened.”
"Prowler... It's all over now, baby."
"...No...No it isn't...I... I...I can't forget...I can't... And just look at me...?"
"Prowler, Gadget and Ratchet are going to fix that, remember?"
"...C-can... Can they make me forget...?"
Jazz looked sadly and upset at his bondmate. "Oh Prowl..."
Tears he had been holding back fell. "I want to be me! Not this horrid monster they made me be!"
"Shhhh, I know Prowler."
"No you don't! I used to be Second in Command!"
"I know Prowler." Jazz said, trying to calm his upset mate down.
"NO YOU DON'T! I used to be a high ranking officer, someone the younglings looked up to! I used to be joint second in command with you! I left no room for error! Now that's all gone! GONE! N-...nothing... Nothing makes SENSE anymore!" He sobbed outright, his body going limp and shaking.
"Prowler, everything is going to be alright now. Once Ratchet and Gadget get ya your new frame finished then things will go back to the way they were before. I'm sure of it."
"...I...f-for the first time...in my lifestream... No...second... F-for the second time in my lifestream... I-I'm scared, Jazz..." he added with a whisper.
"It's going to be okay Prowler, I'm here."
"...Always...? Until my spark goes out and I die in your arms?" Jazz nods. Prowl smiled a bit. "...I...I'm such a...sparkling..."
"Maybe...but you're MY baby, Prowler. And I'll always love you," he spoke softly to him, cuddling close in his big arms. "Everything's going to be alright."
"...W-with you here...I know it will..." Prowl smiled. He sniffled a bit as his crying calmed down.
"How about some warm energon to ease you to sleep?"
"...A-As long as...y-you stay afterwards..."
"I told ya, I'm not goin' anywhere. I'm stayin' right here, baby. I'll be right back." Prowl slowly let go of Jazz. Jazz smiled at him and got off the berth. "Back in a flash, baby!" he smiled as he ran out the door. Prowl watched him leave and looked around his office. He grabbed a nearby book file from a shelf by the berth and began to read it. The tile, "The History of Law Enforcement" made him laugh a bit. He started by reading the inroduction and before he knew it, Jazz had returned. "See, told ya I'll be back, baby." he said with a smile carrying the said energon.
Prowl smiled, turning off the book file and putting it away. He slowly sat up and took an offered cup. "Thank you, Jazz."
Jazz smiled back. "It's nice and warm. It will get ya into a nice recharge." he said.
Prowl smiled, taking a drink. His optics closed for a moment. "...Very good... However, I'm not comfortable enough just yet," he almost smirked. Jazz took the hint. He carefully set his cup down within reach before climbing up into the berth and sitting cuddled next to Prowl. Jazz smiled as he took another sip. Prowl took a few more and his optics dimmed. Jazz almost laughed as Prowl could barely finish his cup as he dozed off.
"...Goodnight, baby... I love you..." Jazz spoke softly to him. There was a very small, sleepy nod as Prowl went completely into recharge. Jazz set his empty cup next to Prowl's before cuddling close on his chest and going to sleep as well.
- - -
The next morning Prowl was the first awake. Prowl looked and smiled to see Jazz still fast asleep. He lightly tapped on his head with the tip of a claw, being VERY careful. "...J-just a bit longer..."
"Time to get up, my Jazz."
"...I...I want to sleep in... Come on...just for a bit..."
"Jazz..." He refused to move, snuggling a bit closer and keeping his optics closed. Prowl sighed, carefully taking Jazz into his arms as he sat up. "Alright. I'll go on my own then," he said, carefully putting Jazz back on his berth. Jazz snuggled into the berth, not wanting to move from the warm spot Prowl was just in. Prowl sighed solemnly. "I thought you would come with me..." he said to himself. Prowl slowly turned and started to head out of his room.
- - -
It wasn't until halfway to the Medical Bay that Jazz decided to catch up. "Hey! Wait!"
"You finally decided to wake up you lazy bot?" Prowl said.
"Ouch, baby, that stings..."
Prowl just turned away. "And not getting out of bed for me, didn't?"
"Why you gotta play me like that?" Prowl didn't even bother to answer. "Come on, baby...would 'sorry' help?"
"Oh, and here I thought you changed your mind and LIKE me this way?"
"...That's just too far... I'm sorry, Prowl SIR..." he almost spat back. "Go back to being a rude enforcer then... If it makes you happy..." he said sadly as he started to turn and walk away.
Prowl stopped and slowly turned to look at him. "Okay, I’m getting pay back..." he said softly.
Jazz stopped, but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry for not following your morning schedule..." was all he said before going quiet again.
"And I'm sorry for not accepting your honest apology..." Prowl said, hoping to dispel the awkward silence. Prowl slowly step up to him, slowly reaching a clawed hand out.
Just as he reached Jazz's shoulder, he turned and faced him. He got up close as if to kiss him, but didn't. He looked at him, straight in his optics. "Don't go back to being a tight aft...Please... Stay the Prowl that I fell in love with..."
“...I will... I'm sorry about that..."
"Me too..." Jazz smiled.
Prowl smiled back and they stayed close like that for a moment. Prowl sighed. "Oh just come on already!" he said, pulling Jazz toward him and kissing him.
Jazz giggled and pulled away. "It'll be great once you get your mouth back. It's hard kissing an ugly trap of pointy fangs," he laughed. He slowly backed away as Prowl processed what he said.
"Hey! You come back here!" he shouted with a smile on his face. He stomped after him and snatched him up. "You're coming with me!"
"Ahhh! Oh no!" Jazz laughed as he was carried over Prowl's shoulder to Medical Bay.
Ratchet was waiting patiently with an empty berth while Gadget prepared all the diagnostic machines, IV drips, and trays of tools. "You two are having a good time." Wheeljack said with a smile as the two came in.
Prowl smiled at them. "Be careful you two, I've got a real outlaw on my hands here," he smirked, having picked up the term from the book file. Jazz laughed.
"Well, you two can play later. It's time to get serious," Ratchet said.
"Awww do we have to Ratch?" Jazz asked.
Prowl happily set Jazz down and hopped up on the berth. "Come on, Jazz. I DID want to start as soon as possible." Jazz just nodded and composed himself.
"Yeah, can't have the doc bot keep waiting I guess."
Ratchet came over to Prowl. "I'm going to keep you offline and on an energon line. You shouldn't feel any pain, discomfort, or anything. Any akwardness adjusting to your new features is normal, though that shouldn't cause any distress or anything. Wheeljack will be keeping tabs on your vitals and everything. Gadget's helping with everything else. Jazz, you can stay in the room, but please stay out of the way. I'll give you a moment to get ready. If-..."
"Ratchet?" Prowl asked.
"Yes?"
"...Could you... Erase my memories? I... I don't want to... to have that nightmare again..."
"...Alright. It might take awhile. I have to map out your processors and your memory banks to make sure I don't remove anything unnecessary." Prowl nods and looked towards Jazz.
Jazz just smiled. "I'm right here, baby." Prowl nodded and smiled back, fully lying down on the berth. He looked around at everything and started to panic and become nervous, the memories of before instilling an unheard of fear into him.
Ratchet notice this. "It's going to be okay Prowl." he said.
"...Sorry...don't know what's come over me..." he replied, trying to sound strong and like himself. Jazz came over and took one hand firmly into both of his.
"It's okay, baby," he said only to Prowl "You went through a traumatic event. Things like that would make even the strongest mech nervous..."
Gadget came into his line of view. "You'll be okay. Nothing will happen until all of us are sure you're long gone. Jazz and I will be right here," she smiled. Prowl gave a still nervous nod. "It's okay." She stayed there, smiling at him and sending calming pulses through their small, friendship only, bond. Jazz helped by sending pulses from his own spark as Ratchet got the energon line started and the sedative administered. It took awhile until Prowl powered down from the sedative.
Ratchet waited a few minutes as Wheeljack eyed Prowl's vitals. "Okay. He's ready to go," said inventor replied. Ratchet nodded and started, Gadget standing by to help when asked. Jazz went into a deep state of recharge, almost forcing himself offline and focusing on his and Prowl's bond. Gadget smiled at this.
"Prowler... Hey Prowl... Come over here on the hillside, Baby," Jazz called to his spark mate as he sat on a grassy hillside in some meadows and pastures. There were a few shady trees to sit under, beautiful blue skies with some puffy white clouds. There were also some other bots around, enjoying the scenery with friends or bond mates. Prowl came over and slowly sat next to his mate.
"Jazz..." he smiled. He was in full body armor now, his white Nissan cop car form covering him. Jazz smiled back, cuddling up to him. Prowl smiled, closing his optics. He pulled him close in an embrace and rested his head on top of Jazz's as Jazz rested against his chest. "Such a beautiful day out here. I can understand why everyone else keeps wanting me to get outside." The two smiled as they watched the other couples chase each other around, some even played with their sparklings.
Jazz giggled as two twin sparklings played around, their parents keeping optics on them. "Prowler, we should have a sparking.”
"Hmm...maybe..." Prowl smiled to see some other sparklings playing games.
"We should definitely have one. Can we Prowler? Can we?"
"We shall see, Jazz. YOU have to behave yourself," he laughed. Jazz laughed back. One couple had a young femme sparkling. She fell and got hurt. The mother creator went over and picked her up, trying to calm her down. Prowl watched with interest. "Do... Do you think I'll make a good parent, Jazz?"
"Of course!" Jazz said with a huge smile.
"How can you be sure? I... I might be too demanding with them... Or get too buried in my work to pay attention to them... What if... What if I'm some controlling creator that they hate?"
"Prowler, I'm sure if we had any sparklings, you will be a great father to them." He cuddled closer and closed his optics, listening to the pulse of Prowl's spark. "...I'll teach them how to have fun. You... You can teach them discipline and safety. We'll both love them more than any creator could." Prowl slowly smiled.
"Prowl... Prowl... Wake up Prowl..."
“Jazz...I think someone's calling me..."
"I don't hear anything, baby..."
"...Come on Prowl... Wake up..."
"There it is again..."
"Yeah... I hear them too. Come on, it's our friends. Time to go home, Prowler."
"Okay Jazz. Anywhere with you," he smiled as the two walked off.
Prowl slowly came out of it, optics opening up slowly. He was met by Gadget and Jazz's smiling faces. "We thought we had lost you for a moment," Gadget smiled.
"Hey, baby," Jazz smiled.
"You look great," Wheeljack blurted out.
"Really?" Prowl asked.
Three heads nodded. Ratchet came over with a mirror. "See for yourself, Prowl." Prowl slowly reached for the mirror and noticed his hands at first. They weren’t clawed anymore. He dropped the mirror, but Gadget caught it. He stared at his normal arms and hands.
"...It's... It's so good... to have NORMAL fingers... I-I...I can actually touch...without hurting anyone or anything..." He tried to choke back happy tears.
"You're missing the best part," smiled Gadget, handing him the mirror. Once Prowl took the mirror again he slowly looked into it. The face he was staring at wasn't Barricade's any more. It was a kind face, with proper mouthplates and a more refined jaw. His blue optics shown beautifully and completely open as normal, Autobot orbs. His helm was a normal helm with two familiar chevrons on. He realized he still lacked color, but that would come later when he actually scanned the car he wanted. He smiled softly; he didn't even have the sharp teeth anymore.
He had a normal, flat mouthed smile. "...I... I see...me..." he sobbed.
"See Prowler, they said they will fix it." Jazz said with a smile.
He nodded, letting his tears speak for him because he didn't know what to say. "Now THAT'S a familiar face," smiled Gadget.
"I'm finished for today. Take the rest of the afternoon off to rest up. I'll see you the following morning. I want you to rest tomorrow as well. I want to give your internal programming and internal repair systems time to heal you completely before I start again." Jazz smiled as he caress the familiar face plate before helping his mate off the berth.
- - -
The two spent the entire next day snuggling in Prowl’s bed. “Just like old times, baby…”
“Yeah… Like old times… However…things are better now. I’m not sick anymore. Now we can just be together without you taking care of me.”
“But I liked taking care of you, Prowler…” Jazz smiled as he moved to where his head rested against Prowl’s in the crook of his neck. He nuzzled against him. “It was just you and me. I got to spend more time with you…” Prowl smiled and pulled Jazz’s body close to his own, smiling at his smooth normal fingers that traced over his frame.
“Yes…I like this too.” Jazz just smiled and closed his optics. He cuddled just a bit closer before falling into recharge. He liked the comfort of his mate being there and the feel of Prowl’s strong arm around him. Prowl smiled at him for awhile before deciding sleep was a good idea.
- - -
Perceptor and Gadget had the same idea. Neither one had any pressing matters or projects to work on. “Percie… I just want to stay like this forever…”
“I know…me too. I had missed spending time together.”
“It’s your fault, always spending so much time in that lab…” she said as she snuggled against his frame.
“…Yes…I suppose so… I’m sorry…”
“…It’s okay. Without you always slaving away, a lot of great things wouldn’t have happened or been invented. I love you…”
“…I love you too… You’re worth more than anything I’ll ever create or study.”
“Mmm hmmm…” she smiled sleepily. Perceptor smiled at Gadget as she slowly fell asleep there in his arms, her spark pulsing close to his own. He watched for awhile, keeping a comforting hold on her. Before he could stop himself he fell asleep too, those late nights and early mornings of working hard on the virus finally catching up to him.
- - -
Wheeljack wasn’t so lucky. He had caught Ratchet in his office and tried to pull him away from work enough to get him to spend time with him. Even talks of an innocent nap together were turned down. “Aw, come on! You’re always working hard. You need a break, some relaxation for once…” he pouted.
“No! There’re things to be done. What if someone needs help?!”
“Come on…you’re no fun…” Wheeljack sighed. He came into the office anyway and pounced on him, throwing his arms around him in a hug. “You’re so tense all the time… Let’s go to my room and just-…”
“Jack! Get off! I’m trying to-…”
“I’m not letting go until you concede,” Wheeljack genki smiled. Ratchet pried him off and got up to leave. Maybe if he made it to the Rec Room...
“Off Jack, I’ve got reports and things to finish,” he said gathering his things.
“Aww, please?” he said making a grab for him again.
“No Jack…leave me be…”
“PLEASE?” he pouted. Ratchet quickened his pace as the Med Bay doors shut behind him.
“Pretty please with energon sprinkles on top?” Wheeljack tried again as he made another pounce attempt.
“No…”
“PLE-…”
“NO…”
“Ratchet…” he whined, pouncing and managing to get a hand on his shoulder before it was pried off.
“WHEELJACK!” he yelled, getting irritated.
“But…come oooonnnn…” he whined, giving chase as Ratchet took full speed.
“LEAVE ME ALONE!”
“Nope! Not gonna happen!” Wheeljack smiled as he ran after him. The base of Autobots were confused, wide eyed, some laughing, and just curious about the odd sight. The CMO being chased by the Chief Engineer? Very odd sight indeed. Ratchet’s unheeded cries finally stopped. Ratchet’s things lay almost neatly on a Rec Room table as he was being half dragged away by Wheeljack. He had a pouty look on his face while Wheeljack had the biggest smile on his faceplates. He was the older mech of the two and knew how to outwit his mate. “You’re going to feel so much better, I promise…” Ratchet just sighed in defeat as he was taken away to Wheeljack’s room.
Fandom: 2007 movie
Characters/Pairing: Prowl(Barricade)/Jazz
Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me. This has TF Slash.
Summary: After thousands or more Earth years, Jazz’s bond mate had been missing, and many thought dead. It wasn’t until after the battle of the All Spark, when Jazz’s bond mate was found.
“blah” - Normal human speak
“blah” - Cybertronian speak
blah - thinking
A smiling Gadget, Wheeljack, and Ratchet met them there. "Had a feeling you'd show up rather soon," smiled Gadget going over to hug him. Prowl smiled at her. "I'm so glad your better," she said as she released her hug. She hurriedly went back over to her computer as Wheeljack and Ratchet looked over some spare parts she had been working on for the same project.
"So what ya got Gadget?" Jazz asked.
"You'll see," she smiled. "It's for Prowl's eyes first," she smiled. She motioned him over as she got out of her seat, pulling up a bigger chair for him to sit in. He slowly sat down and looked over the different images and models on the screen. Jazz came over and looked too. He could only smile.
“Very impressive, Gadget,” Prowl said. “You’ve really put the inventor’s streak of yours to good use.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? That I usually don’t?” Prowl just smiled. “Hmmph…” she replied crossing her arms. Prowl just laughed.
“I’m pretty sure that was more of a compliment,” Jazz said.
“…Yeah… I guess so,” she smiled. The other three just smiled at the small banter between them. Prowl grew quiet as he stared at the designs Gadget had come up with. She rocked back and forth on her feet, growing impatient and excited.
"Ya out did yourself Gadget." Jazz said with a smile. She just giggled. Prowl smiled a bit as he looked at the screen.
"Chosen something?" Gadget asked eagerly, leaning forward on her feet.
"Yeah, I think I have."
"Ooo, I knew you'd like that one," Gadget smiled as she came over. "I had to rework the design four times, but... it's Nissan Cop car form."
"I thank you for all of this, Gadget." Prowl said.
"No problem. I just thought since Percie was working on the virus, I could help with your looks," she smiled.
Prowl smiled back before looking at Ratchet. "When can we get started?" he asked.
"Tomorrow morning, bright and early." Prowl nods as he stood up from the chair.
"I suppose I should get some rest then. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight Prowl," Gadget smiled as he left the room.
"He sure is eager. Is that okay?" Wheeljack asked concerned as he rested his head on Ratchet's shoulder with his arm around him.
"Prowl, wait for me baby," Jazz said, waving hurried goodbyes.
"You would be too if you looked like a Decepticon." Ratchet said "So I don't blame him."
"Me either..." sighed Gadget. "He needs this Grampa. He looks scary and he doesn't want to anymore."
Wheeljack nodded. "Well, goodnight Gadget. Don't stay up too late," he said as he dragged Ratchet off playfully.
"I won't." Both stole a kiss as they left the room. Gadget just laughed and shook her head. She was still amused that her teacher and her "grandfather" were an item.
- - -
That night, Prowl tossed and turned in his berth. The day’s events and his joy of getting better had triggered the memories of his torture. Unfortunately, Jazz still had temporary quarters until Optimus could move him into Prowl's room. His room was a few doors down from Prowl's right now. But luckily, Jazz could feel something was wrong through their bond. "NO! Stop!" Jazz woke with a start and ran to Prowl's room when he heard his screams. "Jazz!!!” Jazz got to the door, hurrying punching the key code. "...I don't want this!!! Jazz!!!"
"Come on door, open please...." Jazz pleaded the door to open faster.
It finally swished open and Jazz ran in. "No! Stop...aaaahhhh!"
"WAKE UP!" Jazz screamed as he pounced onto Prowl. Clawed hands reached out, but stopped as frightened blue optics looked up into a worried blue visor. The hands carefully pulled Jazz onto him from his sitting position, hugging him close.
"...Jazz..." Prowl whispered, still frighten about the old memory.
"Right here, baby," he replied, resting his head against his bonded's chest.
"Don't leave..."
"I'm not splittin' anytime soon." Prowl rested his own head on top of Jazz's.
"...Why'd it have to be me? Why'd I have to be so logical and intelligent, then...Sentinel wouldn't have died and I wouldn't have gotten sick...they wouldn't have chosen me... None of this would have ever happened.”
"Prowler... It's all over now, baby."
"...No...No it isn't...I... I...I can't forget...I can't... And just look at me...?"
"Prowler, Gadget and Ratchet are going to fix that, remember?"
"...C-can... Can they make me forget...?"
Jazz looked sadly and upset at his bondmate. "Oh Prowl..."
Tears he had been holding back fell. "I want to be me! Not this horrid monster they made me be!"
"Shhhh, I know Prowler."
"No you don't! I used to be Second in Command!"
"I know Prowler." Jazz said, trying to calm his upset mate down.
"NO YOU DON'T! I used to be a high ranking officer, someone the younglings looked up to! I used to be joint second in command with you! I left no room for error! Now that's all gone! GONE! N-...nothing... Nothing makes SENSE anymore!" He sobbed outright, his body going limp and shaking.
"Prowler, everything is going to be alright now. Once Ratchet and Gadget get ya your new frame finished then things will go back to the way they were before. I'm sure of it."
"...I...f-for the first time...in my lifestream... No...second... F-for the second time in my lifestream... I-I'm scared, Jazz..." he added with a whisper.
"It's going to be okay Prowler, I'm here."
"...Always...? Until my spark goes out and I die in your arms?" Jazz nods. Prowl smiled a bit. "...I...I'm such a...sparkling..."
"Maybe...but you're MY baby, Prowler. And I'll always love you," he spoke softly to him, cuddling close in his big arms. "Everything's going to be alright."
"...W-with you here...I know it will..." Prowl smiled. He sniffled a bit as his crying calmed down.
"How about some warm energon to ease you to sleep?"
"...A-As long as...y-you stay afterwards..."
"I told ya, I'm not goin' anywhere. I'm stayin' right here, baby. I'll be right back." Prowl slowly let go of Jazz. Jazz smiled at him and got off the berth. "Back in a flash, baby!" he smiled as he ran out the door. Prowl watched him leave and looked around his office. He grabbed a nearby book file from a shelf by the berth and began to read it. The tile, "The History of Law Enforcement" made him laugh a bit. He started by reading the inroduction and before he knew it, Jazz had returned. "See, told ya I'll be back, baby." he said with a smile carrying the said energon.
Prowl smiled, turning off the book file and putting it away. He slowly sat up and took an offered cup. "Thank you, Jazz."
Jazz smiled back. "It's nice and warm. It will get ya into a nice recharge." he said.
Prowl smiled, taking a drink. His optics closed for a moment. "...Very good... However, I'm not comfortable enough just yet," he almost smirked. Jazz took the hint. He carefully set his cup down within reach before climbing up into the berth and sitting cuddled next to Prowl. Jazz smiled as he took another sip. Prowl took a few more and his optics dimmed. Jazz almost laughed as Prowl could barely finish his cup as he dozed off.
"...Goodnight, baby... I love you..." Jazz spoke softly to him. There was a very small, sleepy nod as Prowl went completely into recharge. Jazz set his empty cup next to Prowl's before cuddling close on his chest and going to sleep as well.
- - -
The next morning Prowl was the first awake. Prowl looked and smiled to see Jazz still fast asleep. He lightly tapped on his head with the tip of a claw, being VERY careful. "...J-just a bit longer..."
"Time to get up, my Jazz."
"...I...I want to sleep in... Come on...just for a bit..."
"Jazz..." He refused to move, snuggling a bit closer and keeping his optics closed. Prowl sighed, carefully taking Jazz into his arms as he sat up. "Alright. I'll go on my own then," he said, carefully putting Jazz back on his berth. Jazz snuggled into the berth, not wanting to move from the warm spot Prowl was just in. Prowl sighed solemnly. "I thought you would come with me..." he said to himself. Prowl slowly turned and started to head out of his room.
- - -
It wasn't until halfway to the Medical Bay that Jazz decided to catch up. "Hey! Wait!"
"You finally decided to wake up you lazy bot?" Prowl said.
"Ouch, baby, that stings..."
Prowl just turned away. "And not getting out of bed for me, didn't?"
"Why you gotta play me like that?" Prowl didn't even bother to answer. "Come on, baby...would 'sorry' help?"
"Oh, and here I thought you changed your mind and LIKE me this way?"
"...That's just too far... I'm sorry, Prowl SIR..." he almost spat back. "Go back to being a rude enforcer then... If it makes you happy..." he said sadly as he started to turn and walk away.
Prowl stopped and slowly turned to look at him. "Okay, I’m getting pay back..." he said softly.
Jazz stopped, but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry for not following your morning schedule..." was all he said before going quiet again.
"And I'm sorry for not accepting your honest apology..." Prowl said, hoping to dispel the awkward silence. Prowl slowly step up to him, slowly reaching a clawed hand out.
Just as he reached Jazz's shoulder, he turned and faced him. He got up close as if to kiss him, but didn't. He looked at him, straight in his optics. "Don't go back to being a tight aft...Please... Stay the Prowl that I fell in love with..."
“...I will... I'm sorry about that..."
"Me too..." Jazz smiled.
Prowl smiled back and they stayed close like that for a moment. Prowl sighed. "Oh just come on already!" he said, pulling Jazz toward him and kissing him.
Jazz giggled and pulled away. "It'll be great once you get your mouth back. It's hard kissing an ugly trap of pointy fangs," he laughed. He slowly backed away as Prowl processed what he said.
"Hey! You come back here!" he shouted with a smile on his face. He stomped after him and snatched him up. "You're coming with me!"
"Ahhh! Oh no!" Jazz laughed as he was carried over Prowl's shoulder to Medical Bay.
Ratchet was waiting patiently with an empty berth while Gadget prepared all the diagnostic machines, IV drips, and trays of tools. "You two are having a good time." Wheeljack said with a smile as the two came in.
Prowl smiled at them. "Be careful you two, I've got a real outlaw on my hands here," he smirked, having picked up the term from the book file. Jazz laughed.
"Well, you two can play later. It's time to get serious," Ratchet said.
"Awww do we have to Ratch?" Jazz asked.
Prowl happily set Jazz down and hopped up on the berth. "Come on, Jazz. I DID want to start as soon as possible." Jazz just nodded and composed himself.
"Yeah, can't have the doc bot keep waiting I guess."
Ratchet came over to Prowl. "I'm going to keep you offline and on an energon line. You shouldn't feel any pain, discomfort, or anything. Any akwardness adjusting to your new features is normal, though that shouldn't cause any distress or anything. Wheeljack will be keeping tabs on your vitals and everything. Gadget's helping with everything else. Jazz, you can stay in the room, but please stay out of the way. I'll give you a moment to get ready. If-..."
"Ratchet?" Prowl asked.
"Yes?"
"...Could you... Erase my memories? I... I don't want to... to have that nightmare again..."
"...Alright. It might take awhile. I have to map out your processors and your memory banks to make sure I don't remove anything unnecessary." Prowl nods and looked towards Jazz.
Jazz just smiled. "I'm right here, baby." Prowl nodded and smiled back, fully lying down on the berth. He looked around at everything and started to panic and become nervous, the memories of before instilling an unheard of fear into him.
Ratchet notice this. "It's going to be okay Prowl." he said.
"...Sorry...don't know what's come over me..." he replied, trying to sound strong and like himself. Jazz came over and took one hand firmly into both of his.
"It's okay, baby," he said only to Prowl "You went through a traumatic event. Things like that would make even the strongest mech nervous..."
Gadget came into his line of view. "You'll be okay. Nothing will happen until all of us are sure you're long gone. Jazz and I will be right here," she smiled. Prowl gave a still nervous nod. "It's okay." She stayed there, smiling at him and sending calming pulses through their small, friendship only, bond. Jazz helped by sending pulses from his own spark as Ratchet got the energon line started and the sedative administered. It took awhile until Prowl powered down from the sedative.
Ratchet waited a few minutes as Wheeljack eyed Prowl's vitals. "Okay. He's ready to go," said inventor replied. Ratchet nodded and started, Gadget standing by to help when asked. Jazz went into a deep state of recharge, almost forcing himself offline and focusing on his and Prowl's bond. Gadget smiled at this.
"Prowler... Hey Prowl... Come over here on the hillside, Baby," Jazz called to his spark mate as he sat on a grassy hillside in some meadows and pastures. There were a few shady trees to sit under, beautiful blue skies with some puffy white clouds. There were also some other bots around, enjoying the scenery with friends or bond mates. Prowl came over and slowly sat next to his mate.
"Jazz..." he smiled. He was in full body armor now, his white Nissan cop car form covering him. Jazz smiled back, cuddling up to him. Prowl smiled, closing his optics. He pulled him close in an embrace and rested his head on top of Jazz's as Jazz rested against his chest. "Such a beautiful day out here. I can understand why everyone else keeps wanting me to get outside." The two smiled as they watched the other couples chase each other around, some even played with their sparklings.
Jazz giggled as two twin sparklings played around, their parents keeping optics on them. "Prowler, we should have a sparking.”
"Hmm...maybe..." Prowl smiled to see some other sparklings playing games.
"We should definitely have one. Can we Prowler? Can we?"
"We shall see, Jazz. YOU have to behave yourself," he laughed. Jazz laughed back. One couple had a young femme sparkling. She fell and got hurt. The mother creator went over and picked her up, trying to calm her down. Prowl watched with interest. "Do... Do you think I'll make a good parent, Jazz?"
"Of course!" Jazz said with a huge smile.
"How can you be sure? I... I might be too demanding with them... Or get too buried in my work to pay attention to them... What if... What if I'm some controlling creator that they hate?"
"Prowler, I'm sure if we had any sparklings, you will be a great father to them." He cuddled closer and closed his optics, listening to the pulse of Prowl's spark. "...I'll teach them how to have fun. You... You can teach them discipline and safety. We'll both love them more than any creator could." Prowl slowly smiled.
"Prowl... Prowl... Wake up Prowl..."
“Jazz...I think someone's calling me..."
"I don't hear anything, baby..."
"...Come on Prowl... Wake up..."
"There it is again..."
"Yeah... I hear them too. Come on, it's our friends. Time to go home, Prowler."
"Okay Jazz. Anywhere with you," he smiled as the two walked off.
Prowl slowly came out of it, optics opening up slowly. He was met by Gadget and Jazz's smiling faces. "We thought we had lost you for a moment," Gadget smiled.
"Hey, baby," Jazz smiled.
"You look great," Wheeljack blurted out.
"Really?" Prowl asked.
Three heads nodded. Ratchet came over with a mirror. "See for yourself, Prowl." Prowl slowly reached for the mirror and noticed his hands at first. They weren’t clawed anymore. He dropped the mirror, but Gadget caught it. He stared at his normal arms and hands.
"...It's... It's so good... to have NORMAL fingers... I-I...I can actually touch...without hurting anyone or anything..." He tried to choke back happy tears.
"You're missing the best part," smiled Gadget, handing him the mirror. Once Prowl took the mirror again he slowly looked into it. The face he was staring at wasn't Barricade's any more. It was a kind face, with proper mouthplates and a more refined jaw. His blue optics shown beautifully and completely open as normal, Autobot orbs. His helm was a normal helm with two familiar chevrons on. He realized he still lacked color, but that would come later when he actually scanned the car he wanted. He smiled softly; he didn't even have the sharp teeth anymore.
He had a normal, flat mouthed smile. "...I... I see...me..." he sobbed.
"See Prowler, they said they will fix it." Jazz said with a smile.
He nodded, letting his tears speak for him because he didn't know what to say. "Now THAT'S a familiar face," smiled Gadget.
"I'm finished for today. Take the rest of the afternoon off to rest up. I'll see you the following morning. I want you to rest tomorrow as well. I want to give your internal programming and internal repair systems time to heal you completely before I start again." Jazz smiled as he caress the familiar face plate before helping his mate off the berth.
- - -
The two spent the entire next day snuggling in Prowl’s bed. “Just like old times, baby…”
“Yeah… Like old times… However…things are better now. I’m not sick anymore. Now we can just be together without you taking care of me.”
“But I liked taking care of you, Prowler…” Jazz smiled as he moved to where his head rested against Prowl’s in the crook of his neck. He nuzzled against him. “It was just you and me. I got to spend more time with you…” Prowl smiled and pulled Jazz’s body close to his own, smiling at his smooth normal fingers that traced over his frame.
“Yes…I like this too.” Jazz just smiled and closed his optics. He cuddled just a bit closer before falling into recharge. He liked the comfort of his mate being there and the feel of Prowl’s strong arm around him. Prowl smiled at him for awhile before deciding sleep was a good idea.
- - -
Perceptor and Gadget had the same idea. Neither one had any pressing matters or projects to work on. “Percie… I just want to stay like this forever…”
“I know…me too. I had missed spending time together.”
“It’s your fault, always spending so much time in that lab…” she said as she snuggled against his frame.
“…Yes…I suppose so… I’m sorry…”
“…It’s okay. Without you always slaving away, a lot of great things wouldn’t have happened or been invented. I love you…”
“…I love you too… You’re worth more than anything I’ll ever create or study.”
“Mmm hmmm…” she smiled sleepily. Perceptor smiled at Gadget as she slowly fell asleep there in his arms, her spark pulsing close to his own. He watched for awhile, keeping a comforting hold on her. Before he could stop himself he fell asleep too, those late nights and early mornings of working hard on the virus finally catching up to him.
- - -
Wheeljack wasn’t so lucky. He had caught Ratchet in his office and tried to pull him away from work enough to get him to spend time with him. Even talks of an innocent nap together were turned down. “Aw, come on! You’re always working hard. You need a break, some relaxation for once…” he pouted.
“No! There’re things to be done. What if someone needs help?!”
“Come on…you’re no fun…” Wheeljack sighed. He came into the office anyway and pounced on him, throwing his arms around him in a hug. “You’re so tense all the time… Let’s go to my room and just-…”
“Jack! Get off! I’m trying to-…”
“I’m not letting go until you concede,” Wheeljack genki smiled. Ratchet pried him off and got up to leave. Maybe if he made it to the Rec Room...
“Off Jack, I’ve got reports and things to finish,” he said gathering his things.
“Aww, please?” he said making a grab for him again.
“No Jack…leave me be…”
“PLEASE?” he pouted. Ratchet quickened his pace as the Med Bay doors shut behind him.
“Pretty please with energon sprinkles on top?” Wheeljack tried again as he made another pounce attempt.
“No…”
“PLE-…”
“NO…”
“Ratchet…” he whined, pouncing and managing to get a hand on his shoulder before it was pried off.
“WHEELJACK!” he yelled, getting irritated.
“But…come oooonnnn…” he whined, giving chase as Ratchet took full speed.
“LEAVE ME ALONE!”
“Nope! Not gonna happen!” Wheeljack smiled as he ran after him. The base of Autobots were confused, wide eyed, some laughing, and just curious about the odd sight. The CMO being chased by the Chief Engineer? Very odd sight indeed. Ratchet’s unheeded cries finally stopped. Ratchet’s things lay almost neatly on a Rec Room table as he was being half dragged away by Wheeljack. He had a pouty look on his face while Wheeljack had the biggest smile on his faceplates. He was the older mech of the two and knew how to outwit his mate. “You’re going to feel so much better, I promise…” Ratchet just sighed in defeat as he was taken away to Wheeljack’s room.