it's crossed your mind far more than once, perhaps now a permanent observation that passes through every time you catch him.
the worst part, is he's not even subtle about it. it feels as if you're being memorized, and it's never made you feel anything other than absolutely adored. he sits there, with his chin in his hand, and looks at you like he'd genuinely won the lottery, like he was the lucky one-
his doorwings flutter briefly when your body turns to him, gaze moving away from the sinking sun and now rising to meet his cerulean stare.
Bluestreak is quiet. reticence is not unheard of coming from his direction, but certainly not routine.
you've grown accustomed to his voice that fills the silence, picks up effortlessly where there's a sudden, unwelcome falter to keep the conversation going. you swear you could talk to him forever, even if a new topic doesn't arrive to you as quick as it does to him. he has this ability to sense when you're sad to see the discussion fizzle out, but you can't scrounge up a new subject fast enough.
he'd told you that's something you never have to worry about. you want to stay and talk? he's got lots of questions, compliments, encouragement to give, to ask- he'll pick up where you left off like it was rehearsed. as if it were the easiest thing he's ever done.
for someone who is a talker, he's an excellent listener; he can recall anything you've mentioned, offhand or not, like it's stored in some carefully filed manila folder labeled with your name on it.
it's endearing.
"Blue?" you murmur, tipping your head curiously to the side. "Are you okay?"
Bluestreak's shoulders visibly deflate, some sort of exhale, leaning forward from where he's seated in the grass about twenty feet or so away. his elbow rests on one of his crossed legs, chin propped in his servo, looking down at you like you'd hung the moon.
"You know I love you, right?"
it seems to have tumbled out of his voicebox without warning, but the words don't strike him immediately the same way they do to you. he hasn't realized he'd said it, not until he surveys your eyes jumping wide, your entire body going eerily still.
he scrambles to play back what he'd just said, taking in the last ten seconds, and you watch him physically panic in real time.
"I didn't mean-!" he yelps, moving to stand as if to get as far away from you as possible, but then decides that maybe retreat was just as stupid as how he sounded right now. "I mean, I did,- I did mean it, but I didn't want to say it like that, I had a whole plan! I was going over it in my processor just now. I just- I didn't want to scare you off-"
"Blue-"
"You just were standing there, looking so beautiful. It kinda just fell out- well, that sounds bad- but you said my designation the same way you always do, yet it's so much softer than how everyone else says it. It's not Prowl yelling at me or Ratchet telling me to shut up-"
"...Bluestreak?"
"I take it back. Can you do that? Can you take back 'I love you'? Does it mean less after you take it back- I still mean it, but you don't have to say it. We can pretend like this never happened. We can start over. I'll still replay this over and over no matter what, Primus, I- just please don't hate me,"
"I don't hate you," you say softly, and he jerks, he tangibly jolts when he looks down to see you're standing right in front of him, one of your impossibly small hands touching his knee. "You just... caught me off guard, that's all. I... I didn't know. Or I guess I thought you didn't feel the same way,'"
once his processor catches up, you swear he actually leans forward into your touch, just a bit, but enough to feel the shift of his plating. "I... off guard? You don't have to say anything, really, y/n. It's fine, just act like this whole night never happened. Actually, that would really bum me out because it was perfect up until just now, but I'm cool with it never existing-"
you're smiling so hard your cheeks start to hurt. "Bluestreak,"
the way you whisper his name has him going completely still, azure optics attentive and only focusing on you and your body language. "Yes?"
"Come here for a second." you ask softly, and he hesitates. "Please?"
the please really does it for him. he can't say no to that. he really can't say no to you, not at all.
it's almost otherworldly, watching how a twenty-five foot tall mech leans down to meet you on the ground, his servos settling on the grass on either side of you. his doorwings twitch twice, a hopeful yet subconscious display.
your palms find their way to his face-plate, resting on each respective cheek, yourself rising onto your tiptoes so your noses nearly brush. "Bluestreak, I love you too."
to hide the way your entire face erupts into a rosy blush, you tilt your head just enough to press a gentle kiss to the mesh of his upper lip, trying not to be clumsy but failing graciously due to the size difference.
there's something about seeing the way his entire frame shudders, almost a shiver that consumes him as he buzzes with impatience for you to finish your sweet gesture.
he already misses your touch when you go to pull away, to drop back onto your heels, so he acts on impulse.
one massive servo slides around your back, carefully cradling you somehow closer. his free hand quivers in the grass beside you, an involuntary spasm like he's trying very hard not to overwhelm you.
still seated, he nearly folds himself in half so he can press his face into your form, always gentle, but there's a strong desire to be close. unspoken, but loud enough for you to decipher.
"Y'mean it?" he mumbles against your front, and you can feel the way his lips move against your stomach beneath your sweatshirt. "Offer still stands. I'll take it all back in a sparkbeat if it means I'd mess things up with you."
you press a kiss to his helm, fingers sliding along his jaw in a cradling motion. "Please don't take it back. I really do love you, Bluestreak."
his other servo is finished being impatient, one single digit raising to lift your chin as he pulls his head back a few inches. "You're really something else. But I love you, I love you so much more."
you laugh. "Not possible,"
"Watch me prove you wrong." his smile somehow brightens, optics flicking down to your lips before locking gazes with you once more. "So, so wrong."
I actually recommend everyone write for a rarepair once because it completely changes your relationship with fandom. Engagement stops being numbers and starts being names. You know who's going to show up. You recognize usernames. Someone disappears for a while and then comes back and you're like “OH MY GOD WELCOME HOME.” It's incredibly wholesome. It is also deeply inconvenient when all six of you simultaneously get writer's block-
On the wavelength of chores, today whilst doing mine I was thinking about cybertronians seeing humans do chores. I doubt most of them would care, but there's a few who are curious. We're so similar to them, so it's probably interesting to watch?? Idk man, the obsession has me well-hooked. (Bit romantic in Hound's part because I love him so much)
Swerve is obviously interested to watch. He'll chat with you (or at you) the whole time, telling various stories or talking about his day.
Even if it might be obvious what you're doing, he still likes to ask. Please indulge him, it makes him so happy!!
He'll get the idea for you guys to work parallel to each other, although Swerve ends up forgetting to stock the bar because he's just so distracted talking with you lmao.
Not a good companion if you prefer working quietly, but otherwise Swerve makes great company!
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First Aid makes a great parallel work partner! He makes sure you each have plenty of space (though he's always more concerned that you have enough), and he makes good company for both quiet and chatty workers. First Aid strikes me as someone who'd really appreciate this kind of activity, he gets to be comfortably productive and sometimes gossip around others without a medical emergency looming over him.
Especially the gossiping, he's one sassy motherfucker and it has him feeling a little giddy whenever he manages to make you laugh at his snark.
Also sometimes Ambulon or Ratchet join the parallel work party, which is a big bonus. Further down the line, Velocity is brought in, too.
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Any version of Ultra Magnus would LOVE this. Hell, he'd probably do your chores with you if he could. Maintaining order and peace on such a small (but important!!!) scale alongside friendly company is just what he needs to feel understood, sometimes. Great company for quiet workers, but I bet you could wear his more strict iterations down into chatting with enough friendly conversation.
Tells you "good job" after your chores are done and it feels great. Meanwhile the poor guy is worrying that he's just infantilized you.
Also, Ultra Magnus secretly finds it cute to see your tiny form diligently puttering away, but he'd never admit it.
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Hound is all in on helping you get your chores done. Like actually. He's smiling the whole time. Human chores aren't so different from cybertronian ones, but the experience is just different enough that it fascinates him. Also all your stuff is tiny in his servos and he thinks it's cute.
What really gets Hound, though, is the mundanity of it. He'd do this every day with you if he could, folding laundry and dusting shelves, blissfully separate from the civil war his species waged long before he was born. The world narrows down to just him and you, he wishes he could stay here forever.
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Last but most certainly not least, Optimus Prime was doing his chores, definitely. He wasn't watching you! Well.. okay, he was. It's not creepy, is it?
The Prime is a 'bot with endless responsibilities, he can't be ignoring the datapads in his servos. There's important stuff on them! But, Optimus is ultimately distracted by you, by your humanity. So familiar, yet so distant, and inarguably fascinating to watch. He's so curious about you; what you're thinking, what you're doing.
Courteous as always, Optimus will apologize for staring and admit to his curiosity. He'll nod along as you explain what you're doing, the edges of his optics crinkling together, the telltale sign that he's smiling beneath the mask. He always seems to be when he's around you.
I'm thinking about first aids ocd again. I think he should feel like a monster for being into humans because he's hyperaware of the power dynamics at play. He ends up carrying the human liason somewhere and spends weeks beating himself up for being a horrible creep about it. It was literally fine hes incredibly respectful the only one uncomfortable was him and it's because he lives in a hell of his own creation
Can you write some crying comfort headcannons with IDW first aid?:) I fear I cry at everything and he’s my favourite boy ❤️🩹
First Aid [X Reader]
In which something has troubled you to the point of tears, and First Aid knows just what to do.
Reader is ── Gender Neutral | Human
Story is ── Romantic | Headcanons + Drabbles
Warnings ── N/A
✦ ── The first time he sees you cry, he's worried it's a far more serious and deadly symptom. Last time he dealt with tears, it was people rusting out from the inside, and now he's terrified humans can do that too.
✦ ── But once he knows what's going on, he never forgets how to handle it. He gets a lot more efficient at figuring out whether it's a good, bad, or really bad kind of cry. They all have different responses from him, of course.
✦ ── Has a little compartment on him reserved for a human med kit and a few comforts, such as the tissue box he hands you whenever you need it.
✦ ── You're a great means for practicing his bedside manner with patients, too. Cybertronians don't tend to express discomfort as openly as humans do, so you're allowing him to prepare for the event a patient needs him more emotionally.
✦ ── Typically his soothing words are super sweet, but he'll occasionally knock you straight from tears to laughter with some of the strange things he says, thinking they're comforting.
"It's okay if you need to cry for a bit. Woud it help for me to collect your tears so you can recycle them?"
It takes a moment for the words to register, but when they do, you're crying harder, and he's holding your shoulders, worried he's upset you further.
"Humans don't recycle tears, Aid." You were laughing despite the sting in your eyes. "Any water is fine."
✦ ── Once he gets the go-ahead, he much prefers to offer comfort physically. Running a servo up and down your back in smooth circles. Pushing pressure points in your hand to help relieve the tension in your head. Letting you lean against him.
✦ ── In fact, let him lay a few thick blankets on himself, and you can crawl right onto his lap. He'll wrap you in a cocoon of comfort, put on some music, a youtuber, or any media you like to fill the silence, and spend some time reading reports on his datapad.
✦ ── Genuinely take as long as you need. He can sit in silence and let you cry or talk you through whatever you like. First Aid is amazing at following your mood to figure out what you need and is happy to adapt if that changes.
✦ ── While he doesn't like seeing you upset or overwhelmed, he does feel a sense of pride that you go to him as a source of comfort. Feeling like he's doing a good job at taking care of you makes him more confident next time you need him.
✦ ── Whenever you're on a safe planet or Earth, he'll let you into his passenger seat and drive for as long as it takes. Windows rolled down, driving down empty roads along coasts or through beautiful scenery. Anything to soothe you.
The radio was tuned to a local station playing 80s songs, the volume low enough that the lyrics blended into the breeze from his open windows.
"Cows..." You mumbled into the fabric of the blanket wrapped around you, eyes peeking out at the lush green meadow you were passing by.
A herd of dairy cows along the fenced side of the road ate peacefully, some ackowledging the ambulance as it slowed.
"Hughland Cattle, from my searches. Some of the friendliest in the Bovidae family." You could feel the vibration of his voice when he spoke. "There's a petting zoo several kilometres along. Want to try?"
Author's Note ── Thank you so much! First Aid is an amazing character. One of my (many) favourites. I hope this brings you comfort whenever you feel in need of it 🖤
Synopsis: First Aid angst about his time after Ambulon died
Note: Is this too fucked up or ?
TW/CW: Minors do not interact. Gender neutral human reader, suitable for afab and amab readers, established relationships. ANGST. Character death mentions (Ambulon), depression, isolation, dead body mentioned, energon = blood mentions, spare body parts mentioned. Mental spiraling. Corpses and necromancy mentioned.
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These days you don't see much of First Aid. Ever since what happened with Ambulon and his passing, ever since Pharma pulled the entire ship into chaos, ever since Aid was forced to do nothing more than sit and watch as Ratchet used his friends dead body to make a weapon. Yeah, he isn't seen much by anyone nowadays. Hasn't been out of his workshop in weeks.
You don't blame Ratchet for what he did. No one does. Even Aid understands the gravity of their previous situation, but it doesn't make it hurt any less. Wasn't another way for them to get past the programmed mechs that would've likely killed them if they'd tried to leave. He doesn't blame Ratchet.
He blames Pharma. Rightfully so, that once his coworker now turned adversary with a masochistic bone to pick with Ratchet. Hates him. Hasn't hated anyone before. Not like this. Not the Decepticons, not Megatron. Might hate him more than he even hates the DJD.
But they're the ones who forced Pharma into this. And then, when Aid starts thinking about that, that feeling of anger turns towards himself too. Can hardly stomach the idea that he nearly feels bad for Pharma. Bad he couldn't be there to help or call someone or something. Maybe he could've used the Wreckers channel to call for backup? Could he have called the Lost Light? Optimus? Springer? He doesn't know.
First Aid realizes this would've been fruitless. Calling for help to fight against the DJD? Yeah right, anyone in their right mind would reject that call and high-tail it the opposite direction. His stance solidified after he boards the Lost Light and experiences what can only be described as a horror movie plot involving people disappearing in front of your very eyes. No one would've come to help.
Would they have simply killed Pharma? That doesn't sound very DJD. Their entire code grating First Aids morals to the very core. Disgusting him. They would've come for Ambulon next, which just makes Aid feel worse. No matter how many times he thinks about it, thinks about what he could've done to make things turn out differently, they always end in the same fate. Ambulons death and Pharma going off the rails. It makes him sick.
Does he regret what he did to Pharma? He doesn't know, and that makes his plating crawl. A pacifist by nature, Aid detests violence. Understands it's purpose in terms of defense, but he still hates being a part of it. Chose being a doctor to help people. Finds out later, low and behold, he's combiner material too. And how nice is that? Fate seems to always land him in places he doesn't want to be. That's how he feels now anyway.
Rung visits Aid often while he grieves and gives you updates on his condition. Knows you two are particularly close and wants to comfort you as best he can, but what is he supposed to say? Lie to you? Say First Aid is doing well? Better? And what would the medic in question even think of Rung telling you the truth? Would he be angry? He's more than just fragile right now. He just blew someones head off after watching his friend get cut in half. Rung doesn't want to find out if Aid even could handle more on his plate right now.
It's a bad sign when First Aid takes leave from work for a while. Rodimus and Magnus permit it without question, and Ratchet seems distant but understanding. You wonder if Ratchet blames himself in part for what happened to Ambulon too. For what's happening with First Aid. You hope not, but you wouldn't blame him. The older mech is used to doing the difficult deeds to be done, but you can see how much it's worn him down underneath. He cares for First Aid, at first admiring his bravery, creativity and audacity, his rush to action when the going got tough. But after having time to get to know him, Ratchet has grown to see him as more than just a successor, also a friend. Someone that calls him out and isn't afraid to stand up to his stubborn attitude when necessary. It pains him to watch his friend be so torn up over a loss, and even more so knowing Aid blames himself for it.
Weeks turn into months and there is still barely sign of First Aid. He stops letting Rung into his habsuite, and he's unwilling to head to Rungs office. Uninterested in seeing the therapist at all.
No, the only thing that piques his interest these days is a dead body.
Usually, your attempts to talk to him end in nothing of the sort, rarely even so much as opening the door. But when you spot it slightly ajar, after all these months of not seeing him, you just couldn't help but peer inside. The temptation amplified by the intensity of wanting to finally- finally- talk to him again. Comfort him. You’d take him yelling at you at this point, so long as you got to see him, you didn’t care. You knew the code to his habsuite after coming here so often with him before, but out of respect never used it without permission.
You nudge the door slightly further, it's massive and heavy, but enough for you to squeeze through. Thankful to Brainstorm for re-engineering the ships doors so a human could actually use them without help, saves you the humiliation. Mentally noting you’ll have to sneak him some of the good engex later.
You aren't so thankful for your decision making though. Not when you open the door enough to see First Aid hunched over a corpse.
It's dark. Almost pitch black every except center stage. His operating table.
With only a light above a makeshift operating table offering you the ability to see, you take in the sight faster than you'd like. There's energon on his servos and the floor, you wonder if Aid has been giving Ambulon- his body- personal transfusions all this time. There's machinery and what looks like spare body parts scattered around. There are films scattered on the floor, ones you hate to recognize as being body horror and even worse. Experimental medical documents mixed in. Even First Aids Autobot badge collection is covered in dust.
His back is to you, but even then you can see how dull his paint has gotten. Ambulons paint is now gray, but looks chipped. Notably more than what it was before. Like it's been hand painted by an amateur. Had First Aid done that? You hope it was simply a funerary right and nothing more. Not a twisted form of hope. It's a scene out of a horror movie. Worse than that. If it were blood or humans, in this amount, you'd surely scream. Be terrified of him. Who wouldn't? You inhale a sharp, almost painful breath and he snaps his helm towards you.
He's surprised to find someone present at all, probably hasn't spoken a word to anyone, Primus forbid other than Ambulon, in months. You cover your mouth in shock, and his gaze turns to the floor. Keenly aware of the energon pooling at his peds in front of you. Can feel you staring and he remembers you telling him all about how humans can feel themselves being perceived too. That was.. how long ago now?
You don't scream. He's shocked. Knows you aren't the same biologically but he can feel your EM field from here, and he knows you're scared for him. Of him? He wouldn't be able to handle that.
He's felt your Em field through his door for months. Could feel the deep concern and care oozing off you and it nearly made his spiral worse. Wanted to let you in, metaphorically and otherwise, but didn't want you to see him like this.
Rung had told you First Aid mentioned something about experimental revival and spark transfusions. The therapist had never felt at such a loss for how to help a patient at that point, hitting his own new low. He confided in you about how he attempted to dissuade Aid from trying anything, bordering on necromancy for crying out loud, and the very next day- First Aid stopped seeing him. It was a few cycles back, and now that you're seeing what's before you? You understand why Aid hasn't come out in that time. Pieces falling into place that almost make you want to hurl. You're not angry with Aid, but you can see why even Rung felt so out of his depth.
You can't say anything. Words fall short as soon as they reach your throat, and First Aid doesn't say anything either. Can't. Can't make himself look you in the eye when he can already feel you staring at the corpse next to him. Do you hate him now? Are you disgusted? You should be. That's what he thinks, anyway. He's changed into someone even he can't recognize.
He waits for the moment you tell him how horrific this is. But it never arrives. That makes him more anxious. Already so filled with despair after the loss of his friends, defiling his own morals, and his own helplessness. He waits longer. Focuses on the particles of dust in the air around him to distract himself. Instead you lower your hand, force out a shaky breath and turn to the door, shutting it behind you without a word.
Several minutes pass and he stands in silence as the dust settles. Thinks about what will happen now. Will you tell Rodimus or Rung? What about Ratchet? Are you two done now? Wanted to ask you to be his- no, he can’t. He feels sick again. Thought he was used to it after med school, then again after the war, and once more after what happened to Pharma. No, it was after spending so much time trying to repair Ambulon, surely that's when he became desensitized to the urge to purge his fuel tank. Or was it after the films?
When he finally musters up the courage to venture over to the door, he's sluggish. Can feel the effects of not recharging and donating his own circulated energon to Ambulon. Aware of his condition, he'll be fine, that's what he always thinks. Remembering how much you’d scold him for neglecting himself, how you’d massage his servos after a long day.. please, not right now.
First Aid goes to lock his door, wanting to avoid any and all chances of this occurring ever again. There's a note on the floor, and he knows immediately it's yours even if he didn't watch it fall. You're the only one on board who uses paper, for starters. Hadn't noticed you holding anything though. Was too scared to fully face you.
First Aid tempts fate once again. What’s he got to lose now? Doubts things can go back to the way they were between you after this. Moving slowly to examine your parting gift as he presses the door lock. The paper is comically tiny in his hold, but he had gotten used to your notes before this whole mess, so it feels familiar. Feels hesitant to turn it over, but knows you came here for a reason. Wouldn't ever enter his habsuite without permission unless it was absolutely necessary.
He thumbs over the folded sheet before flipping it open. Steeling himself to see something about how you'll never talk to him again or anything else he thinks he deserves. Knows that's just his residual feelings after the incident, but can't help it. He almost wishes you’d be that harsh with him, instead of what he finds instead.
"First Aid, I miss you! I can't tell even you how much. I miss our long talks and getting food late at night after your shifts. Miss your laugh and witty retorts.. Ratchet and the others miss you too! We all do. If you're up for it, do you mind meeting me at our usual spot tonight? I'll do my best to make you smile! haha"
Servo falling to his side, he slides his back down the door. Metal on metal viscously scrapes until he's close enough to the floor he can see the rust powder building up, and that you've left small footprints. He worries you breathed in something dangerous by visiting him. Hopes you'll have the mind to talk to Ratchet about it after tonight. Should be him helping you though. He's the one who brought you here. It's his responsibility to care for people, especially the ones he brings trouble. Like you and Ambulon.
He wasn't aware of just how much dried energon there was on his servo until he drags it over his helm, leaving streaks on his visor. Thinks about how much he must've frightened you at the sight of him hunched over Ambulon, trying desperately to bring him back even months after he knows his spark was gone for good. Couldn't make himself stop trying, what if it worked? Finally worked?
Steeling himself once again, venting. Can practically taste the scents in the air and it's just foul. His helm hits the door behind him. He'll make this right. He'll talk to Rung again. He'll ask Ratchet to move Ambulon. He'll visit your spot tonight like you asked, and if you're willing, he'll finally tell you everything. Doesn't know if you'll be there but has to try. Feels like he hasn't stopped trying in months but he needs this. Can't lose you too- A ping goes off in his visor.
"Tonight. The usual spot. You'll be there, right?"
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Note: this took a turn I wasn't expecting, oops? I SWEAR I LOVE HIM.
“I thought I told you to stop putting your head in canons.”
Synopsis: Just some headcanons floating around in my noggin about the Brainiac
Note: is this one of those situations where your fave/blorbo stays in your head for too long and becomes a totally different being through constant headcanon-ing? Possibly.
TW/CW: Minors do not interact. Gender neutral human reader, suitable for afab and amab readers, established relationships. Mentions of: unrequited love, anxiety, self aggrandizing, insecurities, low self confidence, cowardice, self isolation, jealousy, angst. Also!: fluffy cute stuff, lol
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The situation with Quark was particularly hard on Brainstorms self esteem. Quark did more than simply reject Brainstorms feelings- whenever he finally mustered up the courage to confess. Quark isn't a bad bot, intelligence and empathy more often hand in hand than not, his rejection may have simply come off as curt, and that isn't his fault! But Brainstorm took it to spark, could it have been his first major heartbreak of the romantic variety? Who is to say? Either way, it wasn't so much the lack of reciprocation of Storms feelings that stung, but rather Quark not being particularly fond of his presence to begin with.
Now I don't dislike Quark as a character, so please don't think that. But I do often think about the potential reality of Quark treating Brainstorm rather coldly from the start, and frankly just disliking the jet bot. Maybe it was Storms manner of speaking or their personalities simply didn't mesh; but the idea that Quark was mean to Brainstorm, dismissing his ideas or purposefully putting down his confidence out of irritation, could possibly be one of the reasons this rejection messed Storm up so badly. Did Quark reject him in a harsh way? Did he take the other scientists feelings into account? Was he even offended at the confession itself? I think about it all the time and it breaks my heart, lol
Now I just want to add that there is absolutely nothing wrong with not reciprocating someones feelings, and rejecting them doesn't automatically make you some sort of jerk. This is just an interesting idea I toy around with, nothing more:) but many of the next headcanons will be written with the idea of Quark, at least inadvertently and for lack of a better way to put it, destroying Brainstorms self-confidence with his rejection.
Given his previous rejection, Brainstorm wrongfully internalized much of it as his own fault. Although he'd never admit to it, (until you two got very very close). He was a bit self-inflated before, genuinely proud of his own achievements as he should be, but it bordered on being a bit much at times. Overly grandiose opinions of ones self can be quite grating to those around you. After that though? Everybot around him will tell you his arrogance only got worse.
You're already familiar with his manner of speaking regarding himself I'd assume, so with that in mind; I think Brainstorm masks his insecurities with confidence, ego and arrogance because he's afraid to drive others away. It's backwards but that's how fear works sometimes. If he gets too close to someone and they meet the real him, will they reject him too?
He's unable to wrap his processor around the idea that Quark could've been in the wrong for the way he treated him- refuses to accept it is a more accurate description- as he still respects and admires that old bot so deeply. If he shows someone, you?, that he's not the best bot to walk Cybertron, will they leave? Doesn't matter if it's platonic or romantic, that fear has him in a choke hold. Pushes him to prove himself by taking his scientific understanding and creations to new heights. If he can be the best at something, surely the ones he admires will stick around, want something, anything to do with him. I mean, even if they only want him for his knowledge, his skills, that's something right? Gives him worth? Can handle brushing off the feeling of annoyance in other bots EM fields forever if he has to.
In reality, for all that arrogance, Brainstorm really is a kind bot. Desensitized to violence a bit, yes, but not some evil, self aggrandizing pain in the ass. Not truly. It's a mask, one he struggles to take off after having it on for so long. He cares for his friends deeply enough to notice when something small is off about them. Maybe it's a product of him being so painfully observant and aware of the opinions others have of him. He's really a big sweetie! He comforts Chromedome after the death of Rewind 1, and looks genuinely pained at the idea of his friend removing his memories once again.
I like to think that feeling of not wanting his friend to come to harm is same part of him that can't stomach (fuel tank?) the idea of hurting someone with his own servos. As I said before, he's desensitized to violence after the war, but never took a life. Not face to face anyway. Doesn't enjoy violence as a whole. Would probably purge his systems if he took a life by his own hands, and have to see Rung for quite some time. I don't think Brainstorm is the type to "get over" something like that quickly, if ever. Holds onto each of his feelings for a long time.
This causes Storm to think even less of himself. Doesn't see himself as very brave, and he's surrounded by all these bots who have so many accolades of bravery to boot. How can he ever compare himself to someone like that when he can't even pull the trigger on someone like Megatron? Sure, the previous warmonger was technically a defenseless protobot at the time but, it's Megatron right? Surely anyone could pull the trigger on him? Is he really that incapable? No, he just has a big spark. But that conclusion falls short of his understanding.
All these complex feelings cause Brainstorm to, at times, self-isolate to avoid scrutiny. He feels safe from the judging optics of others when he's alone, in his workshop tinkering. He doesn't do it all the time, aware of his bad habit and trying not to fall too far down that rabbit hole. Again, view his reaction to the Chromedome grieving situation. He knows all too well what could become of him if he allowed himself to get too comfortable. But he can relax a bit easier when others aren't around. Can finally let that mask he's used to protect himself slip, can't he? I don't image it's very easy. He's worn it for so long, how could he so easily take it off?
Brainstorm craves someone in his life that just genuinely loves him and his flaws. I don't think he cares much if it's romantic or platonic, he just needs someone. I think he's very lonely inside, at least until he joins the Lost Light. Percy, Nautica, Chromedome, and a new face- you. People who stick by his side but still call him out when he needs it, people who don't think less of him for being afraid or hurt. People who actually care about and share his interests, fellow mad scientists who listen to his ideas.
Honestly, he's terrified at first. But Storm gets more comfortable with time. After everything with his time machine, his trial. I think he comes to realize that the ones he's surrounded with now are the real deal. Even though she was rip-shit pissed at him, Nautica remained his friend. They talked it out. Even though they have a very one-sided rivalry, Perceptor still values Brainstorms input and praises his ideas. Even when Chromedown was at his absolute lowest, rock bottom, he still listened to Storms concerns for his friend, and didn't remove his memories. Credit where it's due, Storm did bring up how angry Rewind would be, but I think the sentiment still remains.
On to a more lighthearted topic, lol.
As much as I believe he’s a bit of a sexual deviant, I’ve seen people hc Brainstorm as demisexual and I have to agree! I don’t think he’s going to interface with someone he believes won’t be able to care for/love him the way he needs. He’s all over his partner once you two are going steady though! Even has some many fun.. unconventional- things he wants to try. In short, I wholeheartedly believe Storm could be in a happy relationship either void of interface or including it. I'm camp freaky-demi Brainstorm, lol.
I'm not sure if I mentioned this in the past, but I don't believe Brainstorm falls in love quickly as much as he falls hard and just doesn't realize it at first. Once he does, it shocks him. But I don’t think he’d be opposed, just nervous you don’t reciprocate/are only tolerating him and nothing more. Remember what I said about Quark?
That said, I also don’t believe he's one to hide his true feelings. The worst that could happen is you don’t feel the same (or want nothing to do with him) and frankly, he’s faced that once before so. He kinda just, goes for it ? In his own Brainstorm sort of way.
He’s not embarrassed about liking you at all- like AT ALL. Especially once he knows you like him back, but before you two get together, he’s just super open about it. Say he visits the bar and Tailgate thinks it would be funny to tease him for having a crush on you; Storm is just like- "Yeah and? Oh! And have you heard them talk about-!" and then he won't shut up (/affectionate).
Would he vault from his seat to shout it boisterously from atop the bar? No. But would he continue talking about the things he just adores about you in gruesome detail, chatting the audials off anyone (It's Nautica.) who is willing to listen to his rambling? Yes.
Brainstorm is an inventor, an engineer, a scientist! He enjoys building things, especially for you. While resources regarding Earth culture are limited on the Lost Light- and most of the bots collective human knowledge comes from Ratchets word of mouth and Swerves movie collection anyhow- Storm does his best to learn what he can about humans and Earth culture so he can better provide you with gifts to your liking. Or at very least would find useful. Learning about your culture has the added benefit of being able to bond with you and grow closer, so he's certainly pleased with himself each time he surprises you with his knowledge or creations. Cheeky grin pushing his faceplates metal in such a way that almost looks like creases around his optics.
Brainstorm is the type to ask questions, a LOT of questions. Nothing wrong with that though! He just wants to learn everything he can. He also just enjoys your voice and conversation, so expect him to ask loaded questions for the purpose of hearing you talk more. Often times his questions seem to have obvious answers or come out of left field, by human standards anyway. It's actually quiet cute, he's learning our world effectively from the ground up and it's endearing to watch.
Interestingly, I don't think Brainstorm would be considered a human-fucker at first. Before he gets to know you, he has some iffy opinions about organics as a whole. I mean, you squish. That's so alien to him it nearly makes him squirm! He isn't used to looking down so far to talk to someone, he's afraid he'll crush you on accident (and then get chewed out..), and your species is.. so animalistic. It's very strange to him.
Meeting humans, befriending some new people, and subsequently falling helm over peds for little ole you really forces him to confront those beliefs; although it admittedly takes him longer to work through the negative ones he has regarding the Galactic Council. All that to say, he quickly finds he doesn't much mind organics at all, rather he simply despises the Council, so that's nice.
If you ever show signs of jealousy in your relationship, Brainstorm is gonna eat that shit up. Not in a toxic way, (unless that's your thing of course, lol) more of an "oh my Primus they actually care about me and our relationship that much??" Not that isn't obvious already, but it's nice to have a reminder, especially after what he's experienced in the past. That is to say, he's incredibly giddy and probably squealing on the inside (and out, we can hear you buddy.) at the idea that you actually feel that way about him. He's used to other bots not really giving him the time of day unless they need him for something- more like need his processors. Put up with, but not sought out. And here you are, asking Percy or whoever to give you two some alone time just because? You care about him enough to be bothered by someone interrupting his conversation with you? His speech about a new experiment of his? His private time with you? You care enough that someone nearly getting too flirty bothers you? Primus help him he’s gonna cry.
Some level of jealousy is normal, permitted it doesn't get out of hand, and Brainstorm is no stranger to that. As stated before, he struggles with his own insecurities, especially regarding whether or not someone really wants/loves him. As such, seeing someone flirt with you too much can put a real damper on his mood. Not to worry though, he’s happy to march right over and inform them you’re taken, sweeping you away to somewhere private while muttering all about how that other bot has no chance with you and you're too good for them, lol. Please remember to comfort him, he's desperately trying to play it off but hes eating himself alive on the inside. You do still want him, right? A swift kiss to the faceplate and some words of affirmation are enough to get him steady again.
Oh, and this should go without saying but if someone was pushy or made you uncomfortable? It would be wise to talk him out of finding a way to vaporize them or make them the subject of an extensive and bizarre series of unfortunate events as penance. None of which can point back to either of you as the cause of course.
Brainstorm gets really nervous and excited when you're inside his alt mode. Knows you just said you wanted to go for a flight so he can stretch a bit (you're so thoughtful) and you can enjoy the ride- but he just can't help it! How is he supposed to focus when you're in his cockpit and you look like that? Too attractive for your own good and definitely too good him to focus. Needless to say, I think Stormy has several alt mode fantasies, lol. The first time you ever see his alt mode, he's unimaginably flustered under the weight of your praise and awe. And you keep touching him and he's never experienced that like this before. Never let anyone ride in his jet before and he was unaware his internals were this sensitive. Can practically feel the ground beneath his wheels melt as his charge surges and he just thinks about taking you back to his habsuite right now. You can hear the way his vocalizer is full of static and shorts out, hey- you're doing this on purpose!
As much as he's experiencing a type of arousal he never thought possible, he's also all warm and fuzzy inside at the thought of you safe and sound in his pilots seat- a product of selecting a new alt mode for this exact purpose. You trust him enough to be inside his chest, even as a squishy human. He'd never dream of letting you come to harm, even as terrified as he is of conflict. And you actually admire him in both forms? Was expecting you to only praise him in his more "humanoid" root mode but this? Having every part of you loved and appreciated by your partner is truly unmatched.
Brainstorm really enjoys when you listen to his scientific spiels and likes to bounce his ideas off of you before fully committing to them. You're his most trusted advisor! Although he trusts Nautica and Perceptor scientifically and as friends, it's a little different if you two are together:) He values your input much higher, maybe a little too high given your understanding for Cybertronian science, but what's life without a little risk?
He often let’s you name or choose the color palette for his creations and even occasionally names them after you. “It’s called that because it reminds me of you. How is that not obvious?” and then you have to decipher how the ever living fuck an experimental weapon reminds him of you. Good luck with that extrapolation.
Brainstorm feels most comfortable leaving you in the care of Percy and Nautica if he needs to. He trusts them to take care of you in his stead if he absolutely can't stay with you in a moment of need like sickness or battle. If you're at Swerves bar, who knows what another bot might do? If a Con got you? You could be tripped over, or squashed even! He trusts Chromedome too but.. he's liable to become distracted by Rewind and or blow a gasket if someone makes him angry, lol.
After the two of you become close, Brainstorm often seeks out your affection when he's really struggling with insecurities. A good cuddle or hug is a start to making that bot brighten up. Your touch and soothing voice offering him sweet praise and affirmations? Unmatched. Best way to end the night. Well, one of them..
Brainstorm often struggles to articulate how he's feeling. It's difficult for him to open up about something bothering him as he doesn't want to be a burden, and he's still getting used to the fact that you aren't burdened by him. Being a burden is not a bad thing anyhow, and he comes to understand that through your persistence. As soon as you get him comfort though, he's an open book from that point forward. For better or for worse, you'll be able to tell how he's feeling from a mile away.
In a romantic endeavor, Brainstorm has the bad habit of feeling you'd be better off with a human partner. The difference in lifespans alone enough to scare the daylights out of him. But having you in space, somewhere humans definitely cannot survive, makes him question if this is good for you. Knows you care for him and Primus he's in love with you, doesn't want to lose you, but he loves you enough to want what's best for you. If you comfort him and tell him you really do want this, then he will feel much calmer. Give him affection and tell him about how he's the one you want to spend your life with, and you'll be having a much longer night,, Truly, he really appreciates the confirmation.
Brainstorm is an absolute attention hog. He wants to be lavished in it, but also wants to return it. This extends to more private times too, so do with that what you will. You’re just so soft!! He loves how soft you are, honestly sometimes it feels like he’s petting you like a cat but he just really enjoys the squish. Absolutely adores when you touch his faceplate/cheeks or swipe a thumb over his lips. It’s so domestic and sweet. Also, you think he’s attractive??? Consider yourself booked for the rest of the night. I mean, he knows he’s not exactly ugly but it’s different when your partner is literally asking you to make out with them, ya know?
This bot will literally melt if you make something for him. You mean to say you put time and effort and energy into making something for him-and you somehow don't expect him to conjunx you up right then and there? You've lost your mind. He cherishes everything you create, is willing to offer his opinion or advice, test anything out. Literally anything, he’s just happy you feel so comfy around him, and he reciprocates that comfort around you as well. But yeah, that conjunx proposal is being planned as we speak.. .
You're Brainstorms safe place, no longer hiding away in his workshop for days on end without emerging. Call him clingy, and boy is he, but anytime he gets to spend with you is considered the most optimal use of his time. And certainly what brings a smile to his face.
Stormy likes to make you laugh, and especially enjoys when you laugh so hard your throw your head back or smack the table. The kind of laugh you have with your best friend that has you gasping for a breath- although he likes that in other contexts too- anyway. Anything that let's him know you're really, genuinely happy with him makes him so happy. And he's not above doing stupid reckless shit to get a reaction out of you either, or the two of you teaming up to cause mischief aboard the Lost Light. Will blame the chaos on Perecptor if Magnus catches you.
Selfishly, Brainstorm doesn’t want to tell you about his ability to read your emotions through your EM field, because then you may get self conscious/stop expressing them so freely and he won’t get to feel your affection for him as much anymore.. so he keeps quiet about it:p Likes to feel how content you are sleeping near him, or keeping him company in his lab. Enjoys the way you seem to brighten up when you two meet again, or when you listen to his rambles and actually empathize. Maybe he'll tell you one day, but for now, he'd just like to enjoy it for a little longer.
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Note: need nap
Note 2: I'm unsure how to go about formatting pieces like this. On one hand the blocks of text feel quite long for a hc and would look better with clear division, but on the other I don't find it very visually appealing to put bullet points before every single block of text, given that so many are related to the directly adjacent ones. What kind of hc formatting do you prefer? I'd like to change mine up, lol
Bots who spot your open laptop one day and manage to skim over a couple words of your latest writings before they guiltily dart their optics away. Hold on.. are you, using your *ahem* private time with them as a sort of muse for your work? Inspiration?? They knew you wrote some pretty scandalous stuff but this..? this puts a new twist on expanding your bedroom horizons.
You open the door to your room, forgot something on your desk again, and they’re just standing there, gobsmacked. Are you embarrassed? Do you find it funny? How exactly do each of the bots react to such a find?
Personally, I think First Aid also writes fanfic so he’s not surprised in the slightest, is flattered, and even offers to beta read it lol
