Octane

The ‘Con con artist stands!

[octane-standing]

I’m an opportunist, not an instigator.

The name’s Octane. Get too close and I’ll drain your tank before you know what’s hit you.

About Octane:

-A coward who’s motivated by his best interest

-Overdeveloped sense of self-preservation

-Liar, thief, con-artist

-Has a hobby of collecting oddly shaped shields

-Sexuality? Gender? As if he’d let that be known.

-Will type in this text

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Mod:

-You can call me OT

-He/star/it pronouns

-18 years old

-Will type in this plain text

-Main blog is @rattylvr for more info about me

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boundaries

-No NSFW

-Nothing overly graphic

-Shipping our characters with permission is okay(keep in mind I’m 18)

-Flirting lightly with Octane is okay(keep in mind I’m 18)

-Do not push for interactions

-I have every right to block those who make me uncomfortable

-DMing me if you have any issues or want to organise interactions is okay

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tag System

#Octane standing is self-explanatory

#Not standing is for when the standing photo isn’t used

#Octane asks is for when Octane answers your asks

#Octane’s speech is for posts where Octane talks/has convos

#Octane deceives [insert character] will be used to show who Octane is speaking to

#Mod OT talks is for when I’m talking

#OOC will be used for any out of character posts

[octane-standing]

[wheeljack-standing]

Wheeljack, hello. I’ve been meaning to speak to you again.

-@octane-standing

< Octane. >

< I've been thinking about you too >

< I was meanin to talk to you, too. >

[octane-standing]

Oh? I’m glad we both want the same thing, then.

What have you been up to? I’m assuming the Ark is pretty boring without me around..

[octane-standing]

*Casts lightning bolt at you*

[octane-standing]

what if the world was made of pudding

What if this planet wasn’t filled with stupid squishies?

[octane-standing]

Octane look out Wheeljack's kids are gone fucking kill you

..Kids?

Oh. Dinobots.

Hm. They’ll get used to me once I’m let into their lives.

[octane-standing]

You don't deserve him...

Sad that he’s entertaining me then, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR SHOT

< I wish I said no. >

[octane-standing]

. So how's the date go.

Wheeljack is quite to my liking, and that’s all you nosy humans are getting out of me.

[wheeljack-standing]

Jackie MOVE I WANT MY TURN

< ................... >

< I'm not takin anymore asks tonight. >

< ... And no. >

[wheeljack-standing]

Can I put you and Octane in a zoo enclosure together and throw snow at you

< Don't do that, please. >

[octane-standing]

oh my god you proved me wrong...

As I should.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack sets his toolbox down by the console in the security room, finally done with the repairs to the cell Dead End escaped from. It wasnt that hard of a challenge, but something about how it was broken got his processor running.*

*he checks through the camera feeds of the past few days in the brig, until finallly finding the jailbreak. A purple and grey decepticon had come in, messily broke the lock, and drove off with Dead End out into the mountains.*

*wait... they looked... familiar...*

*well, of course they did. They're a decepticon. But there was something else. Like Wheeljack had seen them recently.*

*he scans through more footage, while he's here, and even some recorded reports from recent skirmishes.*

*There, grainy, far off, but still there, is the 'con. At first they seem to be looking, scouting. A spy? No, they wouldn't have gotten caught. In a later tape, they seem surprised, like they finally found whatever they were looking for.*

*They appear in a few other tapes before disappearing completely.*

*Wheeljack knows he's been stressed lately. He knows he could be wrong. That it could be a coincidence. He doesn't have enough daya.*

*but with a twist in his tanks he can't ignore, Wheeljack can't help but feel like this mech is the reason he's been feeling watched lately.*

//only @octane-standing may reply in character

[octane-standing]

[It took Octane some spying to pinpoint the Autobot that infuriating human told him about. He had to sneak in and around the Ark, then follow the Autobots to multiple places before he spotted the one he was looking for.]

[Octane maybe stalked that Autobot for a while—obviously just to make sure he had the right one! He couldn’t get this wrong.]

[After his self-indulgent lurking, Octane set himself on figuring out this Autobot’s identity, because he already knew that he had to introduce himself. All of his efforts are all for their eventual meeting.]

[Octane spied, researched, and even talked to many different bots, all to discover as much as he could about his bot of interest. He hated every interaction, but it was worth it when he finally got an answer: Wheeljack, Autobot scientist.]

[From there, Octane could do some proper research on this Wheeljack. Digging up information about the bot’s personal and professional life was surely the highlight of this entire self-imposed mission.]

*Now, Octane finds himself back out the front of the Ark, his internal systems alight with what could only be labelled as excitement. He vents heavily before stepping inside.*

*Octane stealthily makes his way through the ship, following the path he memorised from the last time he was here. He knows he’s less likely to bump into an Autobot taking this route.*

*Eventually, Octane slips into the main room of the Ark, and to his surprise he spots Wheeljack, the very mech he has been looking for. He can’t help but grin upon noticing that the scientist is watching him on Autobot security tapes.*

*Octane merely watches Wheeljack from afar for a while, enjoying the way the latter seems to analysing every clip he’s in, as if he’s some odd cryptid. It really boosts his ego, honestly.*

*When Wheeljack’s footage-viewing comes to an end, Octane finally makes the decision to make his presence known. He silently approaches the scientist and stops right behind him.*

Well, it seems we’re both aware of one another’s existence, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack jumps, wings flaring, and turns around and punches the unfamiliar voice. Mostly on accident.*

*it's... who he was just looking at. He doesn't feel as bad anymore...*

< You! How did you get here? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane grunts softly at the punch, but he doesn’t back down nor does he even get mad, actually. That reaction was somewhat..endearing.*

How did I get here?

Well, your entrance is entirely open, Wheeljack. It isn’t exactly hard to sneak in.

In fact, this is my third time getting in without anyone stopping me.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack, don't you dare ask how he knows your designation. You know it's a stupid--*

< how do you know who I am? >

*Oh come on.*

< Third time? What keeps bringin you back? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane corrects his posture, standing up straight to truly show off how much taller he is than Wheeljack. He then tilts his head to look down at the Autobot with blank optics and a slight grin.*

Questions. So many questions.

*Octane sighs.*

You’d think a smart bot like yourself would’ve made the connections by now..

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's wings flick despite himself. He tries to raise to his full height, though quickly realizes it won't do much good.*

< You're here for me. Why? > *he takes a step back.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane has half the mind to step forward as Wheeljack steps back, but he doesn’t want to freak out the Autobot too much. He can’t have the bot running away or calling for backup on him.*

There’s a story to that answer, but all you need to know is that I was told about you and I found myself..intrigued.

Is that satisfactory?

[wheeljack-standing]

*it's not. But there's not much else he can do. Wheeljack can hold his own in a fight, but not against someone so much taller.*

< hm. For now. >

< Funny, I don't know a thing about you. > *wheeljack, don't--* < must not be too high ranking, huh? >

[octane-standing]

Oh?

*Octane flicks then tenses his wings while staring right down at Wheeljack, his gaze unrelenting.*

Funny, I only know you exist because of a puny human.

I may not be high ranking, but at least all of my missions don’t end up..exploding in my face.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack takes a beat, two, to cycle through his venting.*

< you sure about that? I can give a test run of my latest work, if you want. You seem to be real keen on data collection. >

[octane-standing]

Hm..

*Octane flicks his wings back before slowly bending over to be closer to Wheeljack’s height. His expression transforms into something more confident, showing actual emotion now.*

I wouldn’t attest to being your test subject.

[wheeljack-standing]

< I- you- that's- > *Wheeljack's engine stalls at that.*

*he struggles to think of a response, the fact of the Ark being mostly empty today definitely doesn't help. The fact that he himself isn't opposed to the idea also.*

< I think you have the wrong idea about the type of mech I am. >

[octane-standing]

*Octane smirks then stands back up to full height upon hearing Wheeljack’s engine stall. This is going amazingly, and he’s loving it.*

Do I, Wheeljack?

Or maybe I have the exact right idea, considering you’re still entertaining me without even having asked my name.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Oh.*

*Oh.*

*Oh no.*

< well—, > *you’re right, but frag if you had to say it here, at base.* < —You— > *are full of yourself and I need to know why* < —didn’t seem too eager introduce yourself, now didja? > *but your still eager to talk. Really eager.*

[octane-standing]

Maybe.

*Octane shrugs then places his hands on his hips, clearly amused by Wheeljack’s clumsy speech.*

Would you like to know my name, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack’s optics follows his servos, before shooting back up to his face. A stupid mistake. This whole conversation was a mistake, he should have just called for back up by now.*

< It wouldn’t hurt. > *Wheeljack. Be rational.* < it’ll… ah… help me catalogue the experiment better, won’t it? >

*who is he kidding. Wheeljack’s never been rational.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane definitely does not miss the movement of Wheeljack’s optics, flicking down to his hips then back up to his face. His engine gives a small rev in response, wordlessly acknowledging what he just saw.*

Okay.

For science, huh?

-And much more.-

My name’s Octane.

I am just a soldier, but I happen to be a triple changer. Very useful, really.

[wheeljack-standing]

< For science… >

< Triple—? > *a faint memory of one of the humans mentioning him with a Decepticon triple charnger.*

< I see… well, Octane… what exactly intrigued you anyway? >

[octane-standing]

Yes, a triple changer.

*Octane shifts his weight to one leg, causing his wings to bob.*

-This bot is clumsy and bold simultaneously. Weird, but not bad..-

What intrigued me? Let’s just say I heard things I liked and just knew I had to meet you.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack tracks the movement of his wings, the subtle up-down. No, he’s not even trying to hide it anymore. Octane knows exactly what he’s doing, implying— or at least thinks he does.*

< not really an answer, y’know. >

*Wheeljack knows what this is. At least, knows what the most likely option is. This is a very, very strange attempt at flirting.*

*he knows better, at least, than to think it genuine. Octane doesn’t exactly seem the honest type. Not even in the slightest. But to be fair, he isn’t trying to hide that fact either. Yes, it’s flattering to think that Octane would risk so much just to see Wheeljack. And yes, it’s been a while. Sue him for thinking so.*

< what exactly caught your optic? >

*If Octane seems to be genuine, then Wheeljack wouldn’t necessarily be too upset at this. Well, the stalking he’s still upset over. It makes something beneath his plating crawl, no matter the reasoning. Then again, he can’t expect much from a con.*

< You don’t seem the type to go out of your way into enemy lines unless you knew why. So, tell me the why. >

*If he doesn’t, and Octane really does turn out to be playing him, at least Wheeljack won’t be surprised. He’ll already have figured out a plan by then. Definitely.*

*it is, ultimately, a coin toss. So, why not flick it into the air already?*

< I’ll be as patient as I need to be, but I won’t wait forever for you. >

*finally, he allows his wings to flick and flap as they need to. Might as well, while they’re at it.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane snickers, a small sound that causes his lip to twitch and his optics to squint, minimising their intense crimson glow.*

Look who’s getting bolder.

Setting boundaries and being persistent? Very good.

-I really underestimated just how fun this would be..-

*Octane then falls quiet for a few moments, simply allowing himself to look Wheeljack up and down in order to take in the display of firm words mixed with flirtatious body language. Such contradiction is very much to his liking.*

Okay, Wheeljack, I’ll give you your answer.

*Octane bends down once more, leaving one hand on his hip and using the other to hook a finger under Wheeljack’s chin, forcing direct optic contact. His engine then rumbles, low and long.*

I have a type. It’s not very often I hear of bots who are my type, so when I do? I like to find this bot and..get to know them.

Is that a good enough answer for you, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's vocalized stays silent a moment longer. His fans, of course, don't.*

*It really has been a while, if he's having this reaction so quickly.*

*He pushes aside Octane's servo with a wave, creating more breathing room, not backing away too far.*

< Your type, huh? I'm flattered. >

*Wheeljack finally breaks optic contact to rake them across Octane's frame fully, not hiding each squint and linger on his features anymore.*

< Yeah. > *he resets his vocalizer, and louder this time:* <Yes. >

*Wheeljack has never been a rational mech. Smart, yes. Logical, when necessary. But no one would ever say rational.*

< Might need to collected more data, though. >

< tell me, do I meet the expectations? >

*So why change that?*

[octane-standing]

*Octane hums at the sound of Wheeljack’s cooling fans kicking on, the gentle whirr filling the silence between them.*

-Cute.-

*Octane tilts his head as Wheeljack pushes his hand away, but he doesn’t fight—he gives the bot some space and stands back upright. He can be respectful.*

*Octane straightens his posture, squares his shoulders, and flares out his wings in response to noticing Wheeljack’s wandering gaze. He then just watches, enjoying being under so much attention.*

Do you meet my expectations?

Silly Autobot..

Would I waste my time on something or someone I’m not pleased with?

[wheeljack-standing]

< that's a fair point... >

*whats that human term again? In for a penny, out for a pound? Pound of what, Wheeljack isn't sure, but...*

< but I still don't know who I'm workin with, do I? I don't know if you'll return the favor. >

*he finally takes a step forward, two, craning his neck to just the point where it's almost uncomfortable.*

< Wanna test that theory? >

[octane-standing]

I suppose you’re correct. I’ve learnt so much about you-

-Not in a conventional way..-

-but you don’t really know anything about me.

Oh?

*Octane lets his engine quietly rev while Wheeljack moves closer, letting the latter know that he approves of this advancement.*

Well, you seem to really like science, and I like what I’ve heard and seen of you..

So, of course. Do all the testing you want on me, Wheeljack.

[wheeljack-standing]

< … >

< think everyone's out right now... >

< step into my lab. >

[octane-standing]

-Oh. This..this is good.-

Are you asking me to trust you and follow you through your base to a room where we can be alone?

If so, lead the way.

[wheeljack-standing]

< You're a smart bot. Make the connection. > *before I suddenly start thinking again.*

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack sets his toolbox down by the console in the security room, finally done with the repairs to the cell Dead End escaped from. It wasnt that hard of a challenge, but something about how it was broken got his processor running.*

*he checks through the camera feeds of the past few days in the brig, until finallly finding the jailbreak. A purple and grey decepticon had come in, messily broke the lock, and drove off with Dead End out into the mountains.*

*wait... they looked... familiar...*

*well, of course they did. They're a decepticon. But there was something else. Like Wheeljack had seen them recently.*

*he scans through more footage, while he's here, and even some recorded reports from recent skirmishes.*

*There, grainy, far off, but still there, is the 'con. At first they seem to be looking, scouting. A spy? No, they wouldn't have gotten caught. In a later tape, they seem surprised, like they finally found whatever they were looking for.*

*They appear in a few other tapes before disappearing completely.*

*Wheeljack knows he's been stressed lately. He knows he could be wrong. That it could be a coincidence. He doesn't have enough daya.*

*but with a twist in his tanks he can't ignore, Wheeljack can't help but feel like this mech is the reason he's been feeling watched lately.*

//only @octane-standing may reply in character

[octane-standing]

[It took Octane some spying to pinpoint the Autobot that infuriating human told him about. He had to sneak in and around the Ark, then follow the Autobots to multiple places before he spotted the one he was looking for.]

[Octane maybe stalked that Autobot for a while—obviously just to make sure he had the right one! He couldn’t get this wrong.]

[After his self-indulgent lurking, Octane set himself on figuring out this Autobot’s identity, because he already knew that he had to introduce himself. All of his efforts are all for their eventual meeting.]

[Octane spied, researched, and even talked to many different bots, all to discover as much as he could about his bot of interest. He hated every interaction, but it was worth it when he finally got an answer: Wheeljack, Autobot scientist.]

[From there, Octane could do some proper research on this Wheeljack. Digging up information about the bot’s personal and professional life was surely the highlight of this entire self-imposed mission.]

*Now, Octane finds himself back out the front of the Ark, his internal systems alight with what could only be labelled as excitement. He vents heavily before stepping inside.*

*Octane stealthily makes his way through the ship, following the path he memorised from the last time he was here. He knows he’s less likely to bump into an Autobot taking this route.*

*Eventually, Octane slips into the main room of the Ark, and to his surprise he spots Wheeljack, the very mech he has been looking for. He can’t help but grin upon noticing that the scientist is watching him on Autobot security tapes.*

*Octane merely watches Wheeljack from afar for a while, enjoying the way the latter seems to analysing every clip he’s in, as if he’s some odd cryptid. It really boosts his ego, honestly.*

*When Wheeljack’s footage-viewing comes to an end, Octane finally makes the decision to make his presence known. He silently approaches the scientist and stops right behind him.*

Well, it seems we’re both aware of one another’s existence, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack jumps, wings flaring, and turns around and punches the unfamiliar voice. Mostly on accident.*

*it's... who he was just looking at. He doesn't feel as bad anymore...*

< You! How did you get here? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane grunts softly at the punch, but he doesn’t back down nor does he even get mad, actually. That reaction was somewhat..endearing.*

How did I get here?

Well, your entrance is entirely open, Wheeljack. It isn’t exactly hard to sneak in.

In fact, this is my third time getting in without anyone stopping me.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack, don't you dare ask how he knows your designation. You know it's a stupid--*

< how do you know who I am? >

*Oh come on.*

< Third time? What keeps bringin you back? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane corrects his posture, standing up straight to truly show off how much taller he is than Wheeljack. He then tilts his head to look down at the Autobot with blank optics and a slight grin.*

Questions. So many questions.

*Octane sighs.*

You’d think a smart bot like yourself would’ve made the connections by now..

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's wings flick despite himself. He tries to raise to his full height, though quickly realizes it won't do much good.*

< You're here for me. Why? > *he takes a step back.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane has half the mind to step forward as Wheeljack steps back, but he doesn’t want to freak out the Autobot too much. He can’t have the bot running away or calling for backup on him.*

There’s a story to that answer, but all you need to know is that I was told about you and I found myself..intrigued.

Is that satisfactory?

[wheeljack-standing]

*it's not. But there's not much else he can do. Wheeljack can hold his own in a fight, but not against someone so much taller.*

< hm. For now. >

< Funny, I don't know a thing about you. > *wheeljack, don't--* < must not be too high ranking, huh? >

[octane-standing]

Oh?

*Octane flicks then tenses his wings while staring right down at Wheeljack, his gaze unrelenting.*

Funny, I only know you exist because of a puny human.

I may not be high ranking, but at least all of my missions don’t end up..exploding in my face.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack takes a beat, two, to cycle through his venting.*

< you sure about that? I can give a test run of my latest work, if you want. You seem to be real keen on data collection. >

[octane-standing]

Hm..

*Octane flicks his wings back before slowly bending over to be closer to Wheeljack’s height. His expression transforms into something more confident, showing actual emotion now.*

I wouldn’t attest to being your test subject.

[wheeljack-standing]

< I- you- that's- > *Wheeljack's engine stalls at that.*

*he struggles to think of a response, the fact of the Ark being mostly empty today definitely doesn't help. The fact that he himself isn't opposed to the idea also.*

< I think you have the wrong idea about the type of mech I am. >

[octane-standing]

*Octane smirks then stands back up to full height upon hearing Wheeljack’s engine stall. This is going amazingly, and he’s loving it.*

Do I, Wheeljack?

Or maybe I have the exact right idea, considering you’re still entertaining me without even having asked my name.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Oh.*

*Oh.*

*Oh no.*

< well—, > *you’re right, but frag if you had to say it here, at base.* < —You— > *are full of yourself and I need to know why* < —didn’t seem too eager introduce yourself, now didja? > *but your still eager to talk. Really eager.*

[octane-standing]

Maybe.

*Octane shrugs then places his hands on his hips, clearly amused by Wheeljack’s clumsy speech.*

Would you like to know my name, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack’s optics follows his servos, before shooting back up to his face. A stupid mistake. This whole conversation was a mistake, he should have just called for back up by now.*

< It wouldn’t hurt. > *Wheeljack. Be rational.* < it’ll… ah… help me catalogue the experiment better, won’t it? >

*who is he kidding. Wheeljack’s never been rational.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane definitely does not miss the movement of Wheeljack’s optics, flicking down to his hips then back up to his face. His engine gives a small rev in response, wordlessly acknowledging what he just saw.*

Okay.

For science, huh?

-And much more.-

My name’s Octane.

I am just a soldier, but I happen to be a triple changer. Very useful, really.

[wheeljack-standing]

< For science… >

< Triple—? > *a faint memory of one of the humans mentioning him with a Decepticon triple charnger.*

< I see… well, Octane… what exactly intrigued you anyway? >

[octane-standing]

Yes, a triple changer.

*Octane shifts his weight to one leg, causing his wings to bob.*

-This bot is clumsy and bold simultaneously. Weird, but not bad..-

What intrigued me? Let’s just say I heard things I liked and just knew I had to meet you.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack tracks the movement of his wings, the subtle up-down. No, he’s not even trying to hide it anymore. Octane knows exactly what he’s doing, implying— or at least thinks he does.*

< not really an answer, y’know. >

*Wheeljack knows what this is. At least, knows what the most likely option is. This is a very, very strange attempt at flirting.*

*he knows better, at least, than to think it genuine. Octane doesn’t exactly seem the honest type. Not even in the slightest. But to be fair, he isn’t trying to hide that fact either. Yes, it’s flattering to think that Octane would risk so much just to see Wheeljack. And yes, it’s been a while. Sue him for thinking so.*

< what exactly caught your optic? >

*If Octane seems to be genuine, then Wheeljack wouldn’t necessarily be too upset at this. Well, the stalking he’s still upset over. It makes something beneath his plating crawl, no matter the reasoning. Then again, he can’t expect much from a con.*

< You don’t seem the type to go out of your way into enemy lines unless you knew why. So, tell me the why. >

*If he doesn’t, and Octane really does turn out to be playing him, at least Wheeljack won’t be surprised. He’ll already have figured out a plan by then. Definitely.*

*it is, ultimately, a coin toss. So, why not flick it into the air already?*

< I’ll be as patient as I need to be, but I won’t wait forever for you. >

*finally, he allows his wings to flick and flap as they need to. Might as well, while they’re at it.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane snickers, a small sound that causes his lip to twitch and his optics to squint, minimising their intense crimson glow.*

Look who’s getting bolder.

Setting boundaries and being persistent? Very good.

-I really underestimated just how fun this would be..-

*Octane then falls quiet for a few moments, simply allowing himself to look Wheeljack up and down in order to take in the display of firm words mixed with flirtatious body language. Such contradiction is very much to his liking.*

Okay, Wheeljack, I’ll give you your answer.

*Octane bends down once more, leaving one hand on his hip and using the other to hook a finger under Wheeljack’s chin, forcing direct optic contact. His engine then rumbles, low and long.*

I have a type. It’s not very often I hear of bots who are my type, so when I do? I like to find this bot and..get to know them.

Is that a good enough answer for you, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's vocalized stays silent a moment longer. His fans, of course, don't.*

*It really has been a while, if he's having this reaction so quickly.*

*He pushes aside Octane's servo with a wave, creating more breathing room, not backing away too far.*

< Your type, huh? I'm flattered. >

*Wheeljack finally breaks optic contact to rake them across Octane's frame fully, not hiding each squint and linger on his features anymore.*

< Yeah. > *he resets his vocalizer, and louder this time:* <Yes. >

*Wheeljack has never been a rational mech. Smart, yes. Logical, when necessary. But no one would ever say rational.*

< Might need to collected more data, though. >

< tell me, do I meet the expectations? >

*So why change that?*

[octane-standing]

*Octane hums at the sound of Wheeljack’s cooling fans kicking on, the gentle whirr filling the silence between them.*

-Cute.-

*Octane tilts his head as Wheeljack pushes his hand away, but he doesn’t fight—he gives the bot some space and stands back upright. He can be respectful.*

*Octane straightens his posture, squares his shoulders, and flares out his wings in response to noticing Wheeljack’s wandering gaze. He then just watches, enjoying being under so much attention.*

Do you meet my expectations?

Silly Autobot..

Would I waste my time on something or someone I’m not pleased with?

[wheeljack-standing]

< that's a fair point... >

*whats that human term again? In for a penny, out for a pound? Pound of what, Wheeljack isn't sure, but...*

< but I still don't know who I'm workin with, do I? I don't know if you'll return the favor. >

*he finally takes a step forward, two, craning his neck to just the point where it's almost uncomfortable.*

< Wanna test that theory? >

[octane-standing]

I suppose you’re correct. I’ve learnt so much about you-

-Not in a conventional way..-

-but you don’t really know anything about me.

Oh?

*Octane lets his engine quietly rev while Wheeljack moves closer, letting the latter know that he approves of this advancement.*

Well, you seem to really like science, and I like what I’ve heard and seen of you..

So, of course. Do all the testing you want on me, Wheeljack.

[wheeljack-standing]

< … >

< think everyone's out right now... >

< step into my lab. >

[octane-standing]

-Oh. This..this is good.-

Are you asking me to trust you and follow you through your base to a room where we can be alone?

If so, lead the way.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack sets his toolbox down by the console in the security room, finally done with the repairs to the cell Dead End escaped from. It wasnt that hard of a challenge, but something about how it was broken got his processor running.*

*he checks through the camera feeds of the past few days in the brig, until finallly finding the jailbreak. A purple and grey decepticon had come in, messily broke the lock, and drove off with Dead End out into the mountains.*

*wait... they looked... familiar...*

*well, of course they did. They're a decepticon. But there was something else. Like Wheeljack had seen them recently.*

*he scans through more footage, while he's here, and even some recorded reports from recent skirmishes.*

*There, grainy, far off, but still there, is the 'con. At first they seem to be looking, scouting. A spy? No, they wouldn't have gotten caught. In a later tape, they seem surprised, like they finally found whatever they were looking for.*

*They appear in a few other tapes before disappearing completely.*

*Wheeljack knows he's been stressed lately. He knows he could be wrong. That it could be a coincidence. He doesn't have enough daya.*

*but with a twist in his tanks he can't ignore, Wheeljack can't help but feel like this mech is the reason he's been feeling watched lately.*

//only @octane-standing may reply in character

[octane-standing]

[It took Octane some spying to pinpoint the Autobot that infuriating human told him about. He had to sneak in and around the Ark, then follow the Autobots to multiple places before he spotted the one he was looking for.]

[Octane maybe stalked that Autobot for a while—obviously just to make sure he had the right one! He couldn’t get this wrong.]

[After his self-indulgent lurking, Octane set himself on figuring out this Autobot’s identity, because he already knew that he had to introduce himself. All of his efforts are all for their eventual meeting.]

[Octane spied, researched, and even talked to many different bots, all to discover as much as he could about his bot of interest. He hated every interaction, but it was worth it when he finally got an answer: Wheeljack, Autobot scientist.]

[From there, Octane could do some proper research on this Wheeljack. Digging up information about the bot’s personal and professional life was surely the highlight of this entire self-imposed mission.]

*Now, Octane finds himself back out the front of the Ark, his internal systems alight with what could only be labelled as excitement. He vents heavily before stepping inside.*

*Octane stealthily makes his way through the ship, following the path he memorised from the last time he was here. He knows he’s less likely to bump into an Autobot taking this route.*

*Eventually, Octane slips into the main room of the Ark, and to his surprise he spots Wheeljack, the very mech he has been looking for. He can’t help but grin upon noticing that the scientist is watching him on Autobot security tapes.*

*Octane merely watches Wheeljack from afar for a while, enjoying the way the latter seems to analysing every clip he’s in, as if he’s some odd cryptid. It really boosts his ego, honestly.*

*When Wheeljack’s footage-viewing comes to an end, Octane finally makes the decision to make his presence known. He silently approaches the scientist and stops right behind him.*

Well, it seems we’re both aware of one another’s existence, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack jumps, wings flaring, and turns around and punches the unfamiliar voice. Mostly on accident.*

*it's... who he was just looking at. He doesn't feel as bad anymore...*

< You! How did you get here? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane grunts softly at the punch, but he doesn’t back down nor does he even get mad, actually. That reaction was somewhat..endearing.*

How did I get here?

Well, your entrance is entirely open, Wheeljack. It isn’t exactly hard to sneak in.

In fact, this is my third time getting in without anyone stopping me.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack, don't you dare ask how he knows your designation. You know it's a stupid--*

< how do you know who I am? >

*Oh come on.*

< Third time? What keeps bringin you back? >

[octane-standing]

*Octane corrects his posture, standing up straight to truly show off how much taller he is than Wheeljack. He then tilts his head to look down at the Autobot with blank optics and a slight grin.*

Questions. So many questions.

*Octane sighs.*

You’d think a smart bot like yourself would’ve made the connections by now..

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's wings flick despite himself. He tries to raise to his full height, though quickly realizes it won't do much good.*

< You're here for me. Why? > *he takes a step back.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane has half the mind to step forward as Wheeljack steps back, but he doesn’t want to freak out the Autobot too much. He can’t have the bot running away or calling for backup on him.*

There’s a story to that answer, but all you need to know is that I was told about you and I found myself..intrigued.

Is that satisfactory?

[wheeljack-standing]

*it's not. But there's not much else he can do. Wheeljack can hold his own in a fight, but not against someone so much taller.*

< hm. For now. >

< Funny, I don't know a thing about you. > *wheeljack, don't--* < must not be too high ranking, huh? >

[octane-standing]

Oh?

*Octane flicks then tenses his wings while staring right down at Wheeljack, his gaze unrelenting.*

Funny, I only know you exist because of a puny human.

I may not be high ranking, but at least all of my missions don’t end up..exploding in my face.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack takes a beat, two, to cycle through his venting.*

< you sure about that? I can give a test run of my latest work, if you want. You seem to be real keen on data collection. >

[octane-standing]

Hm..

*Octane flicks his wings back before slowly bending over to be closer to Wheeljack’s height. His expression transforms into something more confident, showing actual emotion now.*

I wouldn’t attest to being your test subject.

[wheeljack-standing]

< I- you- that's- > *Wheeljack's engine stalls at that.*

*he struggles to think of a response, the fact of the Ark being mostly empty today definitely doesn't help. The fact that he himself isn't opposed to the idea also.*

< I think you have the wrong idea about the type of mech I am. >

[octane-standing]

*Octane smirks then stands back up to full height upon hearing Wheeljack’s engine stall. This is going amazingly, and he’s loving it.*

Do I, Wheeljack?

Or maybe I have the exact right idea, considering you’re still entertaining me without even having asked my name.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Oh.*

*Oh.*

*Oh no.*

< well—, > *you’re right, but frag if you had to say it here, at base.* < —You— > *are full of yourself and I need to know why* < —didn’t seem too eager introduce yourself, now didja? > *but your still eager to talk. Really eager.*

[octane-standing]

Maybe.

*Octane shrugs then places his hands on his hips, clearly amused by Wheeljack’s clumsy speech.*

Would you like to know my name, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack’s optics follows his servos, before shooting back up to his face. A stupid mistake. This whole conversation was a mistake, he should have just called for back up by now.*

< It wouldn’t hurt. > *Wheeljack. Be rational.* < it’ll… ah… help me catalogue the experiment better, won’t it? >

*who is he kidding. Wheeljack’s never been rational.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane definitely does not miss the movement of Wheeljack’s optics, flicking down to his hips then back up to his face. His engine gives a small rev in response, wordlessly acknowledging what he just saw.*

Okay.

For science, huh?

-And much more.-

My name’s Octane.

I am just a soldier, but I happen to be a triple changer. Very useful, really.

[wheeljack-standing]

< For science… >

< Triple—? > *a faint memory of one of the humans mentioning him with a Decepticon triple charnger.*

< I see… well, Octane… what exactly intrigued you anyway? >

[octane-standing]

Yes, a triple changer.

*Octane shifts his weight to one leg, causing his wings to bob.*

-This bot is clumsy and bold simultaneously. Weird, but not bad..-

What intrigued me? Let’s just say I heard things I liked and just knew I had to meet you.

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack tracks the movement of his wings, the subtle up-down. No, he’s not even trying to hide it anymore. Octane knows exactly what he’s doing, implying— or at least thinks he does.*

< not really an answer, y’know. >

*Wheeljack knows what this is. At least, knows what the most likely option is. This is a very, very strange attempt at flirting.*

*he knows better, at least, than to think it genuine. Octane doesn’t exactly seem the honest type. Not even in the slightest. But to be fair, he isn’t trying to hide that fact either. Yes, it’s flattering to think that Octane would risk so much just to see Wheeljack. And yes, it’s been a while. Sue him for thinking so.*

< what exactly caught your optic? >

*If Octane seems to be genuine, then Wheeljack wouldn’t necessarily be too upset at this. Well, the stalking he’s still upset over. It makes something beneath his plating crawl, no matter the reasoning. Then again, he can’t expect much from a con.*

< You don’t seem the type to go out of your way into enemy lines unless you knew why. So, tell me the why. >

*If he doesn’t, and Octane really does turn out to be playing him, at least Wheeljack won’t be surprised. He’ll already have figured out a plan by then. Definitely.*

*it is, ultimately, a coin toss. So, why not flick it into the air already?*

< I’ll be as patient as I need to be, but I won’t wait forever for you. >

*finally, he allows his wings to flick and flap as they need to. Might as well, while they’re at it.*

[octane-standing]

*Octane snickers, a small sound that causes his lip to twitch and his optics to squint, minimising their intense crimson glow.*

Look who’s getting bolder.

Setting boundaries and being persistent? Very good.

-I really underestimated just how fun this would be..-

*Octane then falls quiet for a few moments, simply allowing himself to look Wheeljack up and down in order to take in the display of firm words mixed with flirtatious body language. Such contradiction is very much to his liking.*

Okay, Wheeljack, I’ll give you your answer.

*Octane bends down once more, leaving one hand on his hip and using the other to hook a finger under Wheeljack’s chin, forcing direct optic contact. His engine then rumbles, low and long.*

I have a type. It’s not very often I hear of bots who are my type, so when I do? I like to find this bot and..get to know them.

Is that a good enough answer for you, hm?

[wheeljack-standing]

*Wheeljack's vocalized stays silent a moment longer. His fans, of course, don't.*

*It really has been a while, if he's having this reaction so quickly.*

*He pushes aside Octane's servo with a wave, creating more breathing room, not backing away too far.*

< Your type, huh? I'm flattered. >

*Wheeljack finally breaks optic contact to rake them across Octane's frame fully, not hiding each squint and linger on his features anymore.*

< Yeah. > *he resets his vocalizer, and louder this time:* <Yes. >

*Wheeljack has never been a rational mech. Smart, yes. Logical, when necessary. But no one would ever say rational.*

< Might need to collected more data, though. >

< tell me, do I meet the expectations? >

*So why change that?*

[octane-standing]

*Octane hums at the sound of Wheeljack’s cooling fans kicking on, the gentle whirr filling the silence between them.*

-Cute.-

*Octane tilts his head as Wheeljack pushes his hand away, but he doesn’t fight—he gives the bot some space and stands back upright. He can be respectful.*

*Octane straightens his posture, squares his shoulders, and flares out his wings in response to noticing Wheeljack’s wandering gaze. He then just watches, enjoying being under so much attention.*

Do you meet my expectations?

Silly Autobot..

Would I waste my time on something or someone I’m not pleased with?

[wheeljack-standing]

< that's a fair point... >

*whats that human term again? In for a penny, out for a pound? Pound of what, Wheeljack isn't sure, but...*

< but I still don't know who I'm workin with, do I? I don't know if you'll return the favor. >

*he finally takes a step forward, two, craning his neck to just the point where it's almost uncomfortable.*

< Wanna test that theory? >

[octane-standing]

I suppose you’re correct. I’ve learnt so much about you-

-Not in a conventional way..-

-but you don’t really know anything about me.

Oh?

*Octane lets his engine quietly rev while Wheeljack moves closer, letting the latter know that he approves of this advancement.*

Well, you seem to really like science, and I like what I’ve heard and seen of you..

So, of course. Do all the testing you want on me, Wheeljack.

[octane-standing]

octane do not fuck this up

Oh, please. I know what I’m doing.

[octane-standing]

...I don't see the appeal

Well, someone clearly does, and that’s all that matters.