Hello Hello!
I hope ya'll are doing well and keeping safe! Here is another chapter update for you folks. I hope you like it.

These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!

Soundwave was never known to over-use his polish. If his plating were a lighter colour, he probably would hardly even use it. However, with his dark navy paintjob, Soundwave used a very light amount of polish on occasion… just to keep the navy from looking too stark.

Typically, Soundwave would give his frame a light polish every couple of weeks. He didn't enjoy the gawdy feeling of a heavy-handed polish, it just didn't suit him. It was a style that he could enjoy on other mechs… but just not himself.

After toweling off from his shower, Soundwave surprised himself by digging out his container of polishing wax. It had only been a few days since his last polish, and yet here he was, touching it up again. Of course, he didn't use more than usual… he still preferred his softer polish over a hard shine. Perhaps the idea of going on this "fake date" with Blaster excited him more than he had expected. At the very least, it had been eons since Soundwave had the opportunity to do anything of this nature. Perhaps it just felt nice to get a bit shined up for a change.

Regardless of the internal meaning, it just felt right to be polished and presentable for the evening.

By the time he finished his polish, Soundwave realised it was almost time to go. He wasn't entirely certain where Blaster was taking him, the orange mech had refused to give any hints, but Soundwave knew they were leaving their quarters.

The telepath tucked the container of wax away. For a moment, he wondered if Blaster would notice the new shine to his plating. Why this crossed his mind, he wasn't certain. Soundwave slipped from the washracks and headed towards Blaster's berthroom. However, when he ducked his helm in, the room stood empty.

Soundwave's optics narrowed at the empty room, he smiled with a shake of his helm at the half-made berth. Distantly, he could hear their collection of cassettes laughing and playing in the living room. Perhaps Blaster was waiting for him with their creations. He let the door slide shut again before re-tracing his steps to the living room.

Much to Soundwave's confusion, Blaster wasn't waiting in the living room either. The blue mech let his optics scan across the room twice over before letting out a frustrated huff. A sudden bud of worry popped up in the back of Soundwave's processor. What if Blaster forgot about their friend date? Perhaps something important came up.

A bubble of disappointment burst in Soundwave's tanks, he suddenly realized how much he had been looking forward to this evening with Blaster. Even if he didn't share Blaster's romantic feelings, some quality time with the other boombox had sounded rather nice.

"Hey Boss, lookin' good!" Rumble's voice pulled Soundwave back to the present.

The other cassettes, taking notice of the blue mech's fresh polish, agreed in a chorus.

"Yeah, ya' look real spiffy, Boss"

"What are you looking so fancy for?"

"Trying to impress Blaster?"

Soundwave repressed his squirming and gave a soft smile to the room of giggling cassettes. They certainly knew how to get under his plating. Eventually, the cassette's interests were pulled back towards the multiplayer videogame they were plating.

"Have any of you seen Blaster?" Soundwave asked the room of creations. A few of the cassettes glanced up from the screen, however, most optics remained glued on the game.

"Yeah, he just-" Rewind started, then gave a soft squeak when Frenzy pinched his arm. "I mean, no… no idea" Rewind finished.

Soundwave narrowed his optics at the cassettes, they were far too interested in avoiding his gaze now.

"Are you certain?" the telepath asked again, his servos navigated to rest on his hips.

Continuing to avoid optic contact, Frenzy said "Yeah, we have no clue". He looked far too innocent for Soundwave's comfort.

Soundwave gave a low hum. He wasn't buying this little game. He activated his personal comm. line with intent to message Blaster. However, he stopped when a knock sounded at the door.

Soundwave carefully stepped over the floor of cassettes to get to the door. He couldn't help but notice the weight of the cassette's optics on his dorsa. The telepath cued the door open and was met with a casually grinning Blaster. The orange mech seemed rather pleased with himself as he stood in the hallway. It appeared that he had also taken the time to give himself a bit of a polish.

Soundwave let out a puff of air and shook his helm, but he couldn't help the smile that grew on his faceplates. Distantly, he could hear a collection of giggles from the cassettes behind him.

With a suave grin, Blaster started "hey 'Wave".

"Blaster" Soundwave ventured with a smile.

"I was wondering" Blaster continued, "if you were free this evening for some pretend romance".

Now Soundwave really had to try hard to ignore the giggles behind him. He gave a low hum before answering, "sorry, I already have a fake date scheduled tonight" before closing the door.

The cassettes erupted into a near riot of laughter. Soundwave casually picked his way over to the couch before taking a seat next to Ravage.

The door opened again to let in an amused Blaster. The boombox's optics twinkled with laughter as he shook his helm. Soundwave smiled sweetly at his roommate before letting the orange mech pull him up by his arm. Only a moment was spared to say goodbye to the collection of cassettes before the two mechs were alone in the hall.

"Mech" Blaster laughed as they made a comfortable pace walking down the halls. Soundwave gave a soft laugh and bumped Baster's arm.

It was comforting to see Blaster again. Soundwave hadn't noticed how nervous he had been for the evening. However, walking side by side with Blaster helped assure him that things wouldn't be uncomfortable. Blaster was still his best friend, above all else.

Distantly, Soundwave felt Blaster's optics linger on his frame. The other communications mech had noticed the fresh polish. The telepath kept his optics on the hallway ahead as he felt Blaster's processor mull over whether to compliment him on the new shine or not. Soundwave smiled to himself as he felt Blaster make up his mind.

"You look great tonight… as you always do" Blaster spoke casually. His voice failed to mask the total sincerity the compliment was paid from.

"Thank you" Soundwave murmured, he turned his helm to meet Blaster's gaze, "I like your new polish". He couldn't help the burst of amusement as Blaster laughed nervously.

As cool as Blaster was playing it, he was truly a bubbling nervous wreck underneath. The whole concept of a fake date was perhaps unwise, in retrospect… not that he would take it back in a million years. Obviously, he was more than happy to show Soundwave a good time. Any quality time spent with his roommate was bound to be enjoyable for himself at the very least. Not to mention how badly Soundwave seemed to be in need of some serious romancing. If anyone was to supply a sampler of Autobot romance, it would have to be him. The idea of sending Soundwave off on a date with another mech sent a mean stabbing pain in Blaster's tanks.

By that same logic, however, came the biggest issue with this idea. Soundwave didn't love him. At least, Soundwave didn't love him in the way that he loved Soundwave. This wasn't a real date, just an excuse to spend the evening with Soundwave and only Soundwave.

The reality of the situation was that Blaster could enjoy this evening with Soundwave, but he had to accept that this was it. There would be no second date, no kiss goodnight… they would go home together after all of this, and then slip back into their everyday lives as friend.

Blaster didn't regret his offer, nor did he regret his feelings for Soundwave. However, he couldn't ignore the muffled worry in the back of his processor that this was going to hurt like slag. He was basically dangling Soundwave in front of his own optics. It was almost masochistic. It was a glimpse into what his life could have been, if things were just a bit different. At the end of the day, Blaster was going to enjoy this evening. He had accepted that this was his only chance to truly express his romantic feelings with Soundwave, so there was no holding back… no regrets, no second chances. By tomorrow, he would be back to reality. So, at the very least, he had to enjoy tonight.

"So… Where are you taking me?" Soundwave's voice broke Blaster from his thoughts. The orange mech grinned at his date as he guided them towards the door of the Ark.

"I figured we could start the evening off with a little walk" he said, "just around the Ark, of course".

Soundwave seemed pleased with this idea, much to Blaster's relief. It went unsaid that they were staying around the Ark to avoid the risk of another run in with a certain angry Decepticon leader. Neither mech admitted it, but it crossed both of their minds.

As they stepped into the early evening air, both mechs were pleased to find it was a perfect temperature for their walk. The sun sat lazily in the sky. The wind had evaporated away to nothing.

Blaster waved cheerily at the two mechs on patrol duty. Soundwave gave them each a nod. Before long, they were out of optic shot of the guards and side by side in the desert alone.

At first, neither mech knew what to say. Blaster was struck with a sudden nervousness that could only be found on a first date with someone. It was fascinating, how it could even happen with someone he knew as well as Soundwave. He glanced over at the blue mech, who seemed entirely undisturbed.

Finally, conversation bubbled back up and the two mechs felt themselves lulled back into some normality. After ten minutes of walking and chatting, Soundwave offered out his servo.

Blaster stared blankly at the blue servo being offered to him, then he looked up at his friend.

"If I can re-call", Soundwave smiled, "yesterday you said that a date could include engagement in some 'light servo holding'"

Blaster nodded dumbly, then broke from his trance to grin and take Soundwave's servo in his own. "Ya' know, you have a very good point there, 'Wave" he spoke in a voice that didn't betray his seizing spark.

Both mechs walked in a comfortable silence for a while longer. They couldn't help the sudden hyper awareness that greeted them when they took each other's servos. Soundwave briefly glanced down at the way their servos twined together, their fingers interlocked with what felt like second nature. Why didn't friends do this all the time? Blaster's servo was warm and grounding. It filled his helm with an unrecognisable fog. It wasn't bad, if anything, Soundwave wished they could do this more often. A small thrill fluttered through the telepath's frame as Blaster's thumb gingerly stroked over the back of his servo. His spark pulsed a little harder before lulling back down into warm comfortability.

Blaster had to use a fair amount of effort to keep from glancing down at his servo, just to make sure this was all real. He was holding servos with Soundwave. Soundwave was holding servos with him! The blue servo in his grasp was slightly cooler than expected, but he was more than happy to warm it up. He briefly glanced at Soundwave, who seemed content and relaxed. After a moment, he gave Soundwave's servo a gentle squeeze. A flurry of butterflies appeared within his tanks when the blue mech offered a soft squeeze in reply. At the same moment, they both turned to look at each other. All of the breath in Blaster's body was sucked out when their optics met… Primus, being in love was a hell of an experience. Soundwave offered him a soft smile before turning his attention back ahead.

By the time they finished lapping the Ark, Soundwave's servo in Blaster's grip began to feel completely natural. Which is why, when Soundwave gently slipped his servo out of the hold, Blaster's spark simmered with disappointment. Of course, he couldn't be surprised. Soundwave had never seemed like the mech to display affection in public spaces.

Their conversation didn't even hiccup as they retracted their servos and stepped back into the Ark.

"Where are we going now?" Soundwave asked as they walked past the hall leading to their quarters.

Blaster offered a sly grin, "well, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, 'Wave".

Soundwave snorted but followed along with Blaster until they reached the next destination. Before long, the telepath found himself staring at the door to spare quarters. This room would have been his, had he not moved in with Blaster months ago. He dimly gazed at the closed door, then turned to look at Blaster's cheeky smile.

"Is this your way of kicking me out?" Soundwave joked flatly.

Blasted chuckled, "no… but wouldn't that be slick". They laughed for a moment, before Blaster continued. "No, Prime let me borrow this room for the day. He was kinda' puzzled as to why I wanted it… but I assured him that it was for a good cause".

Soundwave smiled and hummed, "how noble". He watched as Blaster grinned, then finally cued the door to open. The telepath jerked in surprise, then silently stepped into the room. He could feel Blaster follow him in quietly as his optics took in everything before him.

"Primus" the blue mech whispered. It was like nothing he had ever seen before. Somehow, Blaster had converted the small single quarters into a tiny private date spot. The berth had been folded up and stowed away out of sight. The desk had been pulled out to the centre of the room, two chairs faced it to create a makeshift dinner table. Dimmers must have been installed into the lighting to give the room a soft glow, assisted only by the mild evening light that pushed through gauzy curtains over the window. Soundwave's optics travelled over the room to take in the candles, which were perched upon every surface that could hold one. Soft music played from a spare player, which had been tucked away into the corner of the room. Some of the brightest high grade energon was set out on the table, a cube for each of them. Most miraculously, Blaster had somehow gotten his servos on a rare bouquet of crystal flowers from Cybertron.

Silently, Soundwave stepped further into the room. His optics took in the full scene. It was like something from a pre-war romance zine. Those stories had never particularity interested Soundwave before, but he had to admit… being in one didn't feel half bad. He gingerly touched a petal of one of the crystal flowers. It omitted a soft ringing sound at the contact, as the fresh ones usually did.

"How…" Soundwave started, then felt his glossa tie itself in knots. He turned around to face Blaster, who was standing in the entrance of the room. The orange mech smiled softly at him, which only made Soundwave continue to fumble over his words.

"Blaster…" he murmured as he turned back around to face the room. He heard the door close, then Blaster's soft ped-steps as the other boombox walked over to join him.

"Do you like it?" Blaster stopped just behind Soundwave's left shoulder.

"Like it" Soundwave breathed, "it's like nothing I have ever seen before". He shook his helm mutely, then turned around to face Blaster again. He couldn't help but notice how close they were, but he truly didn't mind. "Thank you" he whispered. Without thinking, he felt himself wrap his arms around Blaster's shoulders to pull his friend into a hug.

Blaster was taken aback at the sudden hug, but he gladly gave into it. He let one of his servos gently stroke over blue backstruts for a moment.

"I'll take that as approval then?" he kidded in a gentle voice. Soundwave silently nodded his helm in the nape of Blaster's neck. Blaster smiled and felt himself puff up just a little bit.

After gathering himself back up again, Soundwave allowed Blaster to lead him to his seat. He bashfully thanked the orange mech as he even pulled out his chair.

"You certainly are setting very high expectations" Soundwave smiled over the rim of his energon cube.

Blaster grinned with a wink, "didn't I warn ya'".

Soundwave couldn't get rid of his smile, even as he sipped slowly from his cube. It certainly didn't hurt that the cube was some of the best high grade he had ever had. He shook his helm with a pleased hum.

"Where did you even get all of this?" Soundwave asked in his bewilderment.

Blaster offered no details, only playfully insisting "I've got my connections, 'Wave".

Soundwave had a feeling that these "connections" meant Jazz was somehow involved. He couldn't help but feel incredibly flattered at the effort Blaster had put into the date… which wasn't even a real date.

"I must ask" Soundwave started, "do you always put in this level of effort on your dates?". He watched as Blaster grinned and put down his cube.

"Honestly, no… not really" Blaster admitted with a laugh, "but for you, I wanted to pull out all the stops". He paused for a moment, his voice dropped down into deeper sincerity as he continued, "you're worth it, 'Wave. You deserve the best".

Soundwave had to use a fair amount of effort to keep from squirming. "Blaster" he shook his helm, "you're far too good for me". He wasn't certain where that statement came from, but once it left his mouth, he knew that he meant it.

Blaster looked as puzzled as Soundwave felt for a moment, then the orange mech reached over the table to squeeze his servo. "Not in a million years" he murmured. Soundwave let out a puff of air, then busied himself by taking another sip of his energon. He didn't move his servo away from Blaster's.

Once both mechs polished off their cubes of high grade, time seemed to slip by faster. Before they knew it, they had spent well over an hour talking and laughing together. Blaster had paused mid-sentence when he got a reminder notification. Without saying much at all, the orange mech jumped up from his seat and whisked Soundwave out of the room. He only paused for a moment to grab the bouquet of crystal flowers and hand them to Soundwave with a wink. Soundwave smiled into the flowers and allowed Blaster to guide him back into the halls of the Ark.

"I am guessing that there will be no hint as to our next destination?" Soundwave murmured. Blaster's only response was a laugh, but Soundwave was more than happy to just go along with it.

Blaster guided them up the stairs to the top floor. Soundwave followed quietly, his field prickled with curiosity as Blaster opened a hatch leading to the top of the Ark. The telepath watched as Blaster pulled himself up, outside to the roof of the Ark. Then, always a mech of chivalry, offered his servos to held Soundwave up as well.

Soundwave smiled with amusement and didn't remind Blaster that he was a flier, then he took the offered servo and climbed up onto the roof.

Blaster helped Soundwave up to his peds, then paused for a moment to allow the telepath to look around. He smiled as he watched Soundwave glance around the top of the Ark. Due to their crash-landing thousands of years ago, the Ark was still comfortably embedded within the side of a mountain. Wordlessly, Blaster took Soundwave's servo and guided the telepath to their next spot.

A puff of air left Soundwave's vents when Blaster presented their date location to him. Blaster had cleared off a small spot on the roof of the Ark. It was set up to be comfortable with blankets and pillows. Of course, there was music playing softly in the background. A small tray of energon goodies was set up next to a collection of candles, which cast a flickering glow on the ensemble. Clearly, Blaster had timed the evening down to the last second. They had made it right on time to watch the sun set together.

"Blaster" Soundwave laughed in awe. He let the orange mech take the flowers from his grip and place them out with the rest of the scene. "I can't believe you" he laughed.

The orange mech looked up from where he placed the bouquet, then grinned and offered a servo up to the blue mech. Soundwave paused for a moment, then took the servo and let Blaster pull him down to sit.

Both mechs settled their frames to sit up against the pillows. Soundwave was still steeped in shock and flattery by the time they were both comfortable.

"All of this, for me" Soundwave whispered with a shake of his helm. He tilted his helm to look at his friend, who smiled warmly at him, "Blaster, why?".

"Because you're you" Blaster murmured earnestly. He paused for a moment and watched Soundwave digest his answer. It was so simple, but it was the truth.

Soundwave gazed numbly down at his lap, then he shook his helm slowly. "I can't say that I understand, but I am beyond thankful" he said softly. He could feel Blaster's optics on him, but he didn't look up to meet them.

"'Wave" Blaster gently nudged the telepath's arm. After a moment, the blue mech looked up to meet his gaze. "Do you remember the first sunset we watched together?".

Soundwave blinked, then turned to look at the sun. It was just beginning to sink below the horizon. Suddenly, he turned back with bright optics, "of course. It was the night that I decided to stay on the Ark".

Blaster smiled and nodded, "yeah, and I'm so glad you decided to stay. I really thank my lucky stars for it every day".

Soundwave's helm dipped down as his optics dimmed. "I am incredibly thankful that I stayed as well. Life here has been so much better for myself and my creations" he paused and finally looked up to meet Blaster's optics, "and I have you now as well".

Blaster's smile melted into something softer, "'Wave, even if this is our only date, I'm just so happy to have you in my life… in any way. You mean so much to me, no matter what".

Soundwave blinked rapidly as he choked back some very strong emotions. "I feel the same way, Blaster. I've never had a friend like you before, I don't know what I would do without you in my life". He paused for a moment, it felt like he was stumbling his own feelings as he attempted to find the right words to say. After a moment, he regained some composure and said, "regardless of what may happen, you will always be a part of my family".

Blaster couldn't ignore the lump in his throat that suddenly developed. "'Wave" he murmured. He wanted nothing more than to lean in and draw Soundwave into a kiss… but, of course, this was not that kind of date. Instead, he wrapped his arms around his friend and pulled him into a tight hug.

Soundwave leaned into the hug, he let his helm rest on Blaster's shoulder. It felt so natural to do this, it felt completely right. When Blaster loosened his arms from the embrace, Soundwave stayed pressed to Blaster. He re-adjusted himself to cuddle into the Blaster's side, his arms wound around the orange mech's middle and his helm rested comfortably on that familiar shoulder. He could feel Blaster hesitate for a moment, then a gentle servo wrapped back around his shoulders. This close, he could hear the steady pulse of Blaster's spark. He felt entirely wrapped in his friend's field. The fact that they hadn't spent every moment together like this was completely inexcusable.

The two mechs quietly watched the sunset. The sky painted itself orange and red as the first few stars made their presence known. Blaster dared to glance down at the mech in his arms. Soundwave's optics were dim and content. Their fields mingled together warmly, as though they had done this a million times before. Faintly, Blaster realized how much they must have looked like a couple. Any mech passing by would have assumed as much. Blaster's spark twisted painfully with the knowledge that this was it. He had nothing more planned, he had no more ways to draw out their only date. He wished it would never end.

Blaster leaned over and grabbed a couple of energon goodies from the tray. Soundwave shifted minutely in his arms, but easily settled back into the embrace. Blaster held out a goodie for Soundwave, who accepted it with a thankful pulse form his field. Blaster quietly sucked on his own goodie. Neither mech said anything, the moment was too peaceful to disturb.

Only the very top sliver of the sun remained visible above the horizon. It simmered there for a long moment as Blaster tried his best to take everything in. He savoured the feeling of Soundwave's warmth against his frame, the way the smaller mech shifted ever so slightly to remain comfortable. Blaster slowly lowered his own helm to rest on top of Soundwave's. He focused on the telepath's relaxed field, his steady breathing, his dimmed optics. The sun slipped out of sight. Soundwave slipped out of his arms.

Blaster tried to not feel too bitter over it.

"May I ask something?" Soundwave finally broke the silence that had held them for a long while. His servos stretched above his helm in lazy contentment.

"Of course," Blaster smiled. It was suddenly hard to maintain his upbeat energy.

"How does a typical Autobot date end?" Soundwave asked. He let his servos drop back down and he picked up another goodie. He split it in half and offered a piece to Blaster.

"Uh… well it kinda' depends" Blaster grinned sheepishly; he took the goodie. "There are a few ways that a date can end, depending on how close you are with your date" he punctuated his statement by popping the goodie in his mouth.

Soundwave nodded sagely "interfacing".

Blaster choked on the goodie, then struggled to swallow it. "Well, I mean that's one way to end it" he laughed nervously. He watched Soundwave pause as he sucked on the energon goodie, he puzzled over the answer for a moment.

"Is that not the very point of a date?" Soundwave asked before polishing off the rest of the goodie.

"I…" Blaster froze for a moment, "no". Soundwave blinked at him for a moment and Blaster searched for words. "No, I mean Autobot dates can have a few other endings too". Soundwave nodded to usher him on, so he elaborated, "I mean, depending on how intimate you are with your date, maybe it could end in interfacing… But for a first date? Well, I guess it depends".

Soundwave watched Blaster closely, his helm tilted to the side as it usually did when he was thinking. "If this were a real first date, how would you end it?" he asked pointedly.

Blaster hummed, "well… I guess that I would probably end it with a good old-fashioned kiss goodnight".

Soundwave's optics narrowed into amber slits. "A kiss goodnight?"

Blaster chuckled, "you've never heard of that one?". When the telepath shook his helm, he continued. "It's kinda' outdated, but I always liked a little old school romance. Basically, you have to wait through the entire first date without kissing them. It can be excruciating sometimes" he laughed, "but it's super worth it. Because, you get back to their home to drop them off, and then you say goodnight and have your first kiss. Then you have to leave and wait until the next time you see them to get another kiss". He sighed wistfully, "it's all about that patience and pay-off".

Soundwave smiled, he leaned back against the pillows and tilted his helm back to gaze at the stars. "It sounds charming" he admitted.

"It really is" Blaster smiled over at his friend. He paused for a moment to appreciate how beautiful the blue mech was. With his helm tilted back and the stars reflecting in his optics… it was hard to look away. Suddenly, those gold optics fixed back on him.

"Ready to go home?" Soundwave asked.

Jarred from the moment, Blaster gave a dazed nod. He failed to stifle the disappointment that seeped into his field. Of course, he started this evening knowing that it had to come to an end… it just sucked that it was actually over now. He wished very deeply that he could press a button and restart the whole thing. Maybe he would hold Soundwave just a little tighter.

Blaster distantly remembered gathering up the blankets and pillows with Soundwave. The telepath carefully carried the bouquet of crystal flowers as they cleared the top of the Ark until it looked as it usually did.

Blaster couldn't shake the numb disappointment that sat on his spark as he slipped back through the hatch into the Ark. He watched as Soundwave used his thrusters to ease his descent, then felt a mixture of amusement and embarrassment that he had treated Soundwave like any other grounder on their way out.

They dropped by the room they had their dinner date in and dropped off the pillows and blankets. Blaster planned to swing by the next day to clean everything up (and return some of the more romantic items to Jazz). Soundwave maintained a tight grip on the crystal flowers, he seemed intent on keeping them. Blaster was glad to see that. He wanted Soundwave to keep them.

They walked down the hall together towards their quarters… towards their normal lives living as friends.

"How would you do it?" Soundwave broke the silence.

"Hmm?" Blaster turned to face his friend. Soundwave was gazing contently at the flowers, but he looked up to meet Blaster's optics.

"How would you initiate a goodnight kiss?" he clarified.

Both mechs slowed their pace, then stopped as they reached the door to their quarters. Blaster hummed, then took Soundwave's shoulders and maneuvered the blue mech to stand across from him, just outside the door. The telepath glanced at the door, then back at Blaster, who stood in front of him.

"If it was a good date," Blaster said, "I'd end it right here, by saying goodnight and giving them a kiss".

Soundwave nodded, then asked "and if it was a bad date?".

Blaster hummed thoughtfully and then chuckled, "I suppose it would end with an awkward hug and a 'see ya around'".

Soundwave smiled, "was it a good pretend date?".

Blaster blinked, then nodded. "Best fake date I've ever had" he murmured.

Soundwave gave a soft laugh; he tucked his faceplates down into the flowers and let their crystal petals brush his cheek. He finally looked back up, "well, are you going to wish me goodnight?".

Blaster watched the blue mech through a fog, "goodnight" he whispered faintly. Those deep amber optics didn't leave his. They stood together for a long moment, as if they were swathed in ice.

"Kiss me" Soundwave whispered.

Blaster's breath caught in his throat. Had he heard that right. "What?" he managed to choke out.

"Kiss me" Soundwave insisted.

Confusion flooded Blaster's field. He stared at Soundwave for a long moment, but the blue mech only gazed up at him, crystal flowers held tight in his servos, waiting. A sudden jolt of shock ran through Blaster's frame. Soundwave… Soundwave just asked for a kiss and he was hesitating? Primus, what was wrong with him? This could be his only chance to kiss the mech he was stupidly in love with.

Without another word, Blaster wrapped his arms around the blue mech's waist and pulled him in tight. He tilted his helm ever so slightly and finally, finally pressed his lips over Soundwave's. Jolts of excitement and joy and 'holy slag I'm so in love' flooded Blaster's frame as he kissed the blue mech. Soundwave's arms twined over his shoulders. Faintly, Blaster could feel the flowers in Soundwave's grip tickling the back of his shoulders.

In a dreamy haze, Blaster pulled back from the kiss. Neither mech stepped out of the embrace. He watched Soundwave for a moment. The telepath's faceplates were pinker that he had ever seen them before. It made blaster want to lean back in and cover the mech in a thousand more kisses.

With a soft puff of pressurized air, Soundwave said "I understand now".

"You understand?" Blaster asked in a daze.

"Blaster, I must confess" Soundwave murmured, "I reacted far too quickly to your confession. I was afraid, and I didn't know what to think or expect… but I know better now. I want to be with you".

The breath was knocked out of Blaster with the telepath's words. He blinked rapidly as he felt warmth grow behind his optics, "really? Do you really mean it, 'Wave?".

"Yes" Soundwave whispered.

"Really?" Blaster wasn't sure if he should be laughing or crying. He could really do both.

"Yes, Blaster" Soundwave insisted, "because I love you".

Blaster gave a shocked laugh. A bust of joy seized him and he tightened his hold around the telepath. "'Wave" he gasped and burrowed his faceplates against the blue mech's throat. He could feel the soft wash of Soundwave's breath against his cheek when he pulled back to look at the mech in his arms. "Do you really mean it?" he whispered.

Soundwave nodded insistently as he used his free servo to wipe at the smudges of tears that had gathered around Blaster's optics. "Yes, I do mean it" he murmured, "I am sorry for making you wait. I know how much that hurt you… I also want to thank you for waiting, and being so patient and kind" his voice began to tremor as he continued, "you never once made me feel guilty for saying no. You have always been so good to me, even when I did not deserve it".

"'Wave" Blaster breathed. He shook his helm with a smile, "you don't have to feel sorry for anything. I meant it when I said that I'll always be your friend, no matter what". He couldn't help the joyous laugh that bubbled up. "Soundwave, I love you so much" he crooned.

"You said my full name" the blue mech smiled shakily.

"I guess I did, didn't I?" Blaster grinned. He leaned in again to press another sweet kiss to Soundwave's lips. The telepath let out a soft gasp into the kiss, then tightened his arms around Blaster's shoulders and returned the kiss with fervour.

"I love you" Blaster murmured as they pulled back. Soundwave smiled; his fingers lingered over his own lips as he attempted to make sense of the tingling sensation that he felt through his entire frame.

"I love you too" Soundwave warbled.

Blaster's spark sang with joy at the words. He brought a servo up to brush the telepath's cheek, exactly how he had wanted to do countless times. "Say it again" he pleaded.

"I love you" Soundwave whispered. He shuttered his optics as Blaster placed another soft kiss to his lips. Blaster's thumb tenderly traced along the ridge of his cheek. It left delightful tingles in its wake. All of this was so foreign. It was like nothing Soundwave had ever experienced before. As they pulled back from the kiss, Soundwave had to marvel over how different these kisses felt from every kiss he had experienced before.

Soundwave felt so incredibly far out into foreign waters. This was like no relationship he had experienced before. A sudden curiosity flooded his processor, so he asked, "Blaster, what does this mean?".

Blaster laughed softly; his optics moved up from Soundwave's lips to meet his optics. "Are we already having the 'what are we?' talk?" he teased. At Soundwave's confused gaze, he soothingly stroked a servo along the telepath's backstruts. "We can be whatever we want to be, 'Wave" he assured.

Soundwave nodded softly, "I wish to date you" he murmured, "only you".

Blaster's optics softened, "I want that too". For a moment he considered his options, before continuing, "you know, the humans have pretty cute titles for when you're dating someone. Most of us Autobots have adopted the phrases". He watched as Soundwave tilted his helm before continuing, "when humans are dating each other, they call their significant other their 'boyfriend'".

Soundwave blinked, then tested the word out on his glossa, "boyfriend". He hummed, "it certainly sounds very human", then tested it again, "Blaster is my boyfriend".

Blaster's spark did summersaults.

Soundwave nodded to himself before looking back at Blaster, "that should do".

Blaster laughed and hugged Soundwave just a bit closer. "That's sufficient for you?" he grinned, "ya want to be my boyfriend?".

Soundwave shivered and smiled; it was a bigger smile than usual. "Yes".

Blaster whooped with joy and leaned back in to kiss Soundwave again… to kiss his boyfriend again. He could feel Soundwave smile into the kisses.

They stayed that way, kissing in the empty hallway, for some time before Soundwave asked, "wasn't going home part of this 'goodnight kiss' situation?". Blaster laughed, suddenly hyperaware that they had been standing right outside their own quarters for quite some time.

"Ya, know 'Wave, I think you're onto something" he grinned. With that, he reached over to palm the door open. Both carrier mechs froze in place once the door filly retracted.

Just inside the door, standing with their audios against where the door once was a second ago, were ten cassettes. Soundwave gasped, how had his telepathy not picked up on their presence? Blaster really must have had him distracted.

'Hey!" Blaster laughed as the cassettes exploded from their poses against the door to scatter away deeper into their quarters. He pulled out of Soundwave's embrace to chase after the hoard of giggling and shrieking creations. Soundwave stepped in after the orange mech and smiled fondly as he watched Blaster start to collect handfuls of laughing younglings in his arms.

"Have a good evening?" Ravage asked nonchalantly by his side.

Soundwave briefly glanced down at the feline, then looked at the crystal flowers in his own servos. He smiled, then looked back up to Blaster, who had succeeded in rounding up the other nine cassettes and was playing and goofing around with them on the floor of their quarters.

"Yes" he smiled, "a very good evening". His optics met with Blaster's from across the room.

Don't worry! This story is not yet over! There will be more chapters to come.