Summary: Your bland life turns upside down when you end up in a landslide accident after a Decepticon attack, saving your best friend. Expected not to survive, your brother makes a vital choice in allowing a terrorist organization to turn you into a robot. Can you trust the Autobots? What do the Decepticons want with you? And can you ever return to your old life?
(Author's note: Made a G1 version of the Echoes of the Unknown. Hope you enjoy. Added some stuff from TFP.)
Warnings: might have messy writing, a pretty long story, angst(a lot of it), dissociation, reader doesn't know what to do with their life, near character death, Starscream, reader getting turned into a robot, Silas, violence, some fluff, some dysmorphia, getting kidnapped, Megatron, reader makes a major decision, comfort, making peace, and a good ending.
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-You’re not sure your life could be considered interesting.
-Sure, there were literal alien robots on Earth. The supposed good guys, the Autobots, who defended your world from the evil Decepticons, who were trying to exploit Earth for its natural resources.
-And your father and brother worked in the army, helping the Autobots and offering them support from time to time.
-You didn’t have much opinion about them. You didn’t like the Decepticons for obvious reasons, and you were grateful for the Autobots’ help. Sometimes you even got to hear interesting stories about them through your father. But, otherwise, your life continued as normally as possible.
-Your best friend, Emily Walkerson, was most excited about them. Sometimes, she dragged you along to catch a glimpse of the Autobots whenever they happened to pass through the town. She was a sure fan.
-You wished you could feel a bit more excited about them since they were literal aliens. But you had your own troubles to deal with, especially after becoming eighteen years old. The age when you would be pressured to figure out what to do with your life.
-Your mom expected you to move out, get a job, and be an adult. She had been letting you stay, but you had a suspicion that she might kick you out soon. You barely got to talk with your father because he was busy with army stuff. Your brother recently got a promotion there, so you barely got to talk to him, too. So you couldn't really ask either of them about what to do with your situation.
-And when you did get a chance to ask, they both said stuff like "you figure it out," or "try something and see if you like it." Things that did not help you figure out what to do.
-Honestly, you felt distant from them. You rarely saw them anymore after your brother joined the military.
-You didn’t feel ready to suddenly have a life of your own. You didn’t know what you wanted or what kind of career to make for yourself. You barely passed through high school, which you hated with passion.
-Your mom offered some career solutions, which were pretty bad ones. The pressure was getting so overwhelming that you decided to spend more time at Emily’s house. She didn't pressure you, and you kinda envied that she knew what she wanted to do with her life.
-When you let her know about your struggle, she suggested celebrating your shared graduation with a road trip. To unwind from the tension and relax your mind. Who knows, maybe you end up having a life-changing experience and finally figure out what to do with your life.
-You agreed, also because you wanted to stay away from your mom.
-So, after packing some stuff, you went on a road trip in her new car. The first stop you made was at this national park.
-It looked like an ordinary forest. But the walk felt nice, especially when you hiked to the top of the cliff that was supposedly offering a good view of the world. Well, there you ended up seeing a couple of Autobots.
- Emily recognized them as Jazz and Optimus Prime. Apparently, the two were on a patrol but decided to check out the national park.
-You were pretty sure Emily was vibrating with excitement when she brought you along to talk to them.
-They were polite. Jazz made note of your grumpy expression. You just said it was your neutral face and that you didn’t socialize much. Though Emily teased about it, and even mentioned that you were figuring out life.
-Optimus then gave an oddly solid piece of advice about taking time and finding what you want to do with your life.
-Emily then wanted to take a picture, but before she could take it, Decepticons showed up. It was the con called Starscream and his jet brothers. You weren't really sure. Emily paid better attention to Autobots and Decepticons.
-Jazz and Optimus immediately engaged with them after telling you, Emily, and other humans to evacuate the area. You did what he said, not intending to become a casualty.
-You and Emily tried to make your way down the hiking trail, but then an offlying missile hit the cliff of the hiking trail, causing the ground beneath you to fail and collapse.
-Without thinking, you pushed Emily forward so she could reach the stable ground while you fell with the collapse. Emily screamed after you as you fell down the hill.
-You rolled down violently. You tried to cover yourself as you were scraped by stones, dirt, and sharp twigs. Everything then fell dark as your head got hit and you were buried beneath the landslide.
-Jazz and Optimus managed to fend off Starscream and his trine long enough for other Autobots to show up. Starscream mocked them, laughed at the chaos he caused, and then left. The bots immediately acted to put out the forest fire caused by the firefight.
-When Jazz found Emily crying, and she told him what happened, he didn't hesitate to start digging the ground you were under. He managed to find you and gently pull you out from the rubble. Miraculously, you were still alive, but in a very severe state.
-The emergency responders took you into the ambulance, and you were rushed to the hospital.
-The landslide had caused you to receive several broken bones, bruises, and many internal injuries. Though the surgeons did their best to fix you, you were barely holding onto life. There was a high chance that you would not live to see the end of the week. Emily and your mother were devastated by the news. When your father and brother were notified of the incident, they rushed to the hospital as quickly as they could since you got caught in a Decepticon attack.
-Optimus shared his condolences to your father, who assured the Autobot leader that he didn’t blame them, even though your father was devastated to see you like this. However, your brother thought differently. Overwhelmed by emotions, he demanded why they couldn’t protect you.
-Your father shut your brother up and then said it was simply a matter of time if you pulled through.
-Your incident left a lot of tension in your family. Your father and mother silently prepared themselves for the worst. Your brother silently blamed things and himself. He would be left thinking of the time he could have spent with you and how he often kept your calls short. You were already struggling to figure out your life. Now this?
-Your father and brother would then be approached by a man named Silas. Your father recognized him as he and Silas had worked in the same unit once, though the latter was suspended for troublesome actions.
-Silas shared his condolences and then revealed a solution that could potentially save your life.
-Silas revealed that he had acquired blueprints to build a robotic body, which could potentially act as a vessel for a human mind. He and his subordinates have found a way to transfer human consciousness. He offered this chance to you.
-Thought your human body might die, your human mind could be preserved and given another chance in life as a robot.
-Your father quickly turned down the offer, telling Silas to stay away from you or his family. He will not allow his children to become lab experiments. However, your brother saw it as a means to save you and tried to talk your father into it.
-Your father told your brother about Silas's dark past and how he still likely dealt in shady businesses. He was not to be trusted. Letting you pass away as a human would be more dignified than letting you become a lab rat.
-Your brother did not like your father's answer. Wanting to save you, your brother made the silent decision to go behind your father’s back. He talked to Silas and agreed to have your mind transferred to a robot body.
-Without anyone suspecting, and when your family wasn’t monitoring you, you were transferred by Silas to his hidden base.
-Silas and his people already had a prototype robotic body made, refined from blueprints that belonged to Sparkplug Witwicky, who transferred his son's mind to a robot body to save him. Something went wrong, and the blueprints were thrown away, but Silas, who was fascinated by the concept, managed to acquire them and build his own version with his scientists.
-Now, all they needed to do was transfer a human mind to it.
- With no time to waste, your brother gave the green light, and your mind was hooked up to the robot body.
-Your mind was then transferred to the robotic body. It was quiet for a moment, and the scientist confirmed there was neural activity inside your robotic head. You soon opened your optics.
-Disoriented, you looked around the unfamiliar place. Everything in your body felt different and heavy. Your brother calmed you down when you moved on the table. The scientists noted that though disoriented and suffering from fragmented memories, your mind was steady.
-You suddenly remembered the landslide and asked about Emily, if she was safe and all right. Your brother assured that she was safe. You then noticed your robot body and asked why you were a robot. He then explained everything and the procedure. You asked if your parents agreed to this. He then looked weird and said that they did. You then asked if you could see them.
-Silas then interfered and said that at the moment you couldn’t and that you needed to be observed for a time. To make sure everything worked as expected. You were then put alone into some kind of containment room.
- You were made to do some tests. Nothing weird like in movies. At first, you were asked a lot of questions about your current mental health and memories.
-You remembered basic things like your name, age, and what school you went to, but struggled to remember certain details that were slowly coming back. Apparently, spotted memory loss was an expected side effect. Then they made you do physical tests. You were able to move your head and arms as expected, but you struggled to walk. They said your body still needed time to adjust.
-Then there was a lot of waiting. You leaned against a wall and processed everything. You don’t know why, but you felt off with Silas and his people. Why couldn’t you see your family if they consented to this?
-Outside the base. When your father, mother, and Emily found you gone from the hospital, or that you were authorized for transfer. Your father immediately knew what had happened, especially when your brother was missing too. He alerted the Autobots and asked for their help to find you.
-The Autobots found their way to Silas’s hideout with your father’s help. A fight broke out as Silas’s men decided to attack. Your father found your brother, took him down, and your brother yelled at him about how he intended to let you die.
-Jazz found his way to the room where you were contained. He was surprised to find a Cybertronian-looking robot, but recognized you when you spoke to him, asking who he was. You didn’t recognize him at first due to your fragmented memory. He spoke softly, assuring he was a friend.
-Then suddenly the Decepticons appeared, causing chaos.
-Unable to walk, Jazz picked you up and carried you outside as the base began collapsing from the fight. Outside, however, Jazz got shot by Starscream, causing you both to fall to the ground. When you saw Starscream, memories of him and the incident flooded your mind, filling you with terror.
-Scared out of your mind, you gained your footing and sprinted into the nearby woods, away from the violence.
-After the fight and the Decepticons' leaving, your father beat the crap out of your brother. He let your brother know what he had done to you, how he had robbed you of your humanity and made you a target for evil wills. Your brother still stood by his decision because you were now alive.
-Jazz would break the fight by mentioning how you were on your own and scared out of your mind. There was also a chance your mind was already deteriorating, like what happened with Spike.
-Your brother was then detained. And the Autobots would try to figure out how to find you.
-Deep in the woods, after running as far as you could get, you became tired enough to stop. You leaned against a tree and tried to catch your breath. It was weird because then you remembered you didn’t have lungs anymore. You then looked around the forest, tired, confused, and definitely lost.
-Maybe you shouldn’t have run off like that. But seeing that red flying robot made you remember the landslide, and you simply went into frightened animal mode. Well, it was not like you could go back because you had no idea how to get back.
-You wandered for a while, struggling to stay awake because of exhaustion. You eventually found your way to a cabin and a barn. It looked oddly familiar, yet you couldn’t remember why.
-After checking that the place didn’t have people, you went inside the barn, lay down, and went to sleep. Hopefully, the homeowners do not end up coming back while you are sleeping.
-Silas and his people managed to get away from the fight or be captured by the military. Silas would feel pretty frustrated. His scientists barely managed to retrieve half of the data worked on the project, and half of the schematics were destroyed.
-He was pleased that the experiment was a success and could get the remaining half of the schematics if he managed to retrieve you. Then he would be able to continue the project of turning humans into robot soldiers.
-Then suddenly, he would be jumped by the Decepticons. Having barely managed to get away from the Autobots, Silas immediately ordered his people to surrender as he was then approached by the Decepticon leader, Megatron.
-Megatron was curious about the Autobots’ attack on Silas’s facility and wanted to know what he was doing there.
-Silas would say that he was no ally of the Autobots. And to save his life and seeing an opportunity, he made a proposal to the Decepticon leader.
-He would suggest the idea of turning humans into obedient robot soldiers. There were eight billion people on Earth, so with that many soldiers, Megatron could easily overcome Optimus Prime and his Autobots.
-Megatron would doubt the success of the plan, remembering how he exploited the Autobot friend Spike when he was turned into a robot, but went berserk because the body couldn't support the human's mental capacity.
-Silas would then mention that he had perfected the process. The previous schematics got destroyed in the attack, but he could get them back if you were taken back for study. So far, you were the successful prototype.
-All that was needed to change was removing human free will.
-Pleased by the idea, Megatron agreed to the proposal.
-Driving on a random road, Emily tried to distract her mind from everything that had happened.
- It was just supposed to be a normal road trip. But then the cons attacked, you saved her from the landslide, got yourself into the hospital, got taken by some possible terrorist organization, and possibly used as a lab rat. It made her wish that it was she who fell, not you. No one deserves that, especially you. And worst of all, she doesn’t even know your current state.
- Your dad promised to keep her updated. He said that you were alive, but apparently couldn’t say anything else. And it was driving her mad.
-Her car suddenly made a loud sound and started acting strangely.
-Emily released a groan. Really? Out of all days, her car decided to break down today? Luckily, she was near one of her family’s cabins. Its barn should have spare parts.
-After reaching the cabin and checking what was wrong with her car, Emily approached the barn. But when she opened the doors, she was met with a sight of a sleeping robot.
-Emily froze, staring at the robot that had neither an Autobot nor a Decepticon badge. The robot then woke up.
-When you woke up and saw Emily, you both yelped and pulled back. You pushed your back against the barn wall, staring at her as she stared at you in fright, too.
-” Who are you and what are you doing in my barn?!” Emily demanded, not recognizing you.
-” I’m… sorry. I didn’t mean to.. ” you stuttered, frightened.
-Emily’s eyes widened when she heard your voice. She called your name and asked if it was really you. When you looked at her, recognition finally hitting you, you uttered her name.
-After apologizing to each other for the scare, Emily took a seat on a haypile while you told her everything that happened. She shared that your brother went behind your family’s back and that your parents didn’t actually consent to your being transferred to a robotic body.
-You went into denial, unable to comprehend that your brother could do something like that.
-You began crying because if your human body was dead, then that meant you wouldn’t be able to go back. Emily comforted you through this, allowing you to cry.
-After that, you asked what you should do. Emily suggested that you could go to the Autobots. With them, you would be safe, and they could help you adjust. Despite your doubts, you decided to trust her.
-But then you had to figure out how to travel unnoticed. Though you could probably walk, you didn’t want to be found by the cons or other less-good-intending people.
-You tried to figure out a way until you looked at Emily’s car and saw a strange notification in your vision. Emily told you to try it, and then you ended up scanning her car. After the scan, your body changed, and you suddenly turned into Emily’s cart.
-Seems like Silas and his MECH had somehow built a transformation cog within your body. Despite the freakiness of it all, it answered your traveling unnoticed problem.
-But then… it became evident you didn’t know how to drive as a car, because when you tried, you ended up slamming your behind against the barn wall.
-Emily decided that seeking help could wait, and that you’re going to do some driving practice.
-With Emily’s guidance and strict driving curriculum, you learned to drive in your car mode. Though some of her courses seemed silly, they helped you learn how to move, stop, and do other kinds of things. It was pretty weird since you were the car. It took a few hours, but you eventually got the hang of it.
-Emily was especially proud of your progress, and when it seemed you had learned enough, you could finally go seek out the Autobots.
-Then, suddenly, robots landed in front of you from the sky. Starscream and his trine looked at you. The white and red seeker boasted about finding you first, and that he might show mercy to you if you came willingly and swore your allegiance to him.
-You asked why they wanted you. Starscream then revealed that Megatron wanted you so that the schematics to turn humans into robot soldiers could be finished. Then they would be able to defeat the Autobots and claim Earth.
-Well… that was a spoiler.
-” Should we trust this guy?” you asked Emily as you were not certain.
-” Nope. Hit it!” she yelled.
-You hit the pedal, surprising the seekers and fleeing to the roads. They immediately gave chase through the air.
-Thankfully, Emily’s driving course paid off as you found it easy to speed up and evade other drivers, who blared their horns at your reckless driving. You managed to keep some distance from Starscream and his seekers. Emily told you to keep driving while she took out her phone and called your dad.
-When he finally answered, she immediately asked for help, and that you needed help too.
-The Autobots quickly located you and instructed you through Emily's phone. You drove as best as you could, though evading the seekers became challenging. You eventually reached the safe spot, and the Autobots intersected the cons.
-You drove to a safe place, away from the cons. After letting Emily out, you transformed back into your robot form.
-You reunited with your dad, who recognized you immediately and was glad to see you safe.
-After deterring the cons, the bots were surprised to find that you had an alt-mode. You apologized for running away earlier, and then you were taken to the Ark.
-In the Ark, you were checked up by the Autobot medic called Ratchet. Despite being human-built, you were surprisingly functional and showed no signs of mental deterioration. Sparkplug's previous schematics were definitely improved, which prevented you from going berserk. He also removed a tracker that allowed the cons to find you, most likely having been implanted by Silas.
-Sparkplug, Spike’s father, felt bad that his invention was used to turn you into a robot. You assured that you didn't feel negative about it. It was Silas who stole the blueprints.
-Emily explained to your father and Optimus about Megatron’s plan to turn humans into robot soldiers, which you heard from Starscream. Your father suspected that Silas had fallen in league with Megatron.
-Optimus was concerned that since they lost half of the schematics, they were targeting you to get them back. For your safety, he suggested that you stay in the Ark with the Autobots. That way, Silas and Megatron can’t fulfill their plan either.
-Your father agreed to it. To him, Optimus and his Autobots were the best choice to keep you safe. And possibly teach you how to be a robot.
-Since you didn't have many options, you agreed to stay with them.
-Your father needed to inform the military of the situation, so he agreed to give Emily a ride. Emily comforted you since you didn’t really want to be alone in an alien ship filled with strangers. She said she had good feelings about them and encouraged you to trust them. You trusted her word. She was always the better judge of characters.
-Then she and your father departed the Ark.
-You first stayed in the medbay since Ratchet wanted to make a few scans first to ensure everything was all right. You followed his testing and did tell him that some of your memories still felt hazy since the transfer, though you could remember most of your human life. He suggested some trips to places about those memories or to relieve them. That should fix the issue, but so far no other negative side effects.
-He seemed a bit grumpy, to be honest, maybe because he was pretty much the only medic in the Ark.
-Then Sparkplug with his son Spike, Jazz, and the yellow bot appeared in the medbay. Sparkplug asked how you were doing, which you answered politely. Spike gave some comforting words, and the yellow bot Bumblebee was friendly toward you.
-You recognized Bumblebee. You told him that you knew him because he was one of Emily’s favorite Autobots. This made the bot blush. Jazz chuckled and patted his back.
-Then a red and yellow bot appeared. They looked like twins. Jazz introduced them as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, the Ark’s mischievous troublemakers. They were curious about the once-human-now-a-bot, which meant you. They then began asking a lot of questions.
-Not really prepared for many questions. You became overwhelmed and kinda instantaneously dissociated, like most of the time when you end up in a sudden social situation.
-Thankfully, Jazz and Ratchet told them to give you space. The two then giggled, told you it was nice to meet you, then left. Jazz chuckled and told you to forgive them. They were usually like that.
-Jazz and Bumblebee then suggested giving you a tour. Ratchet gave a clear since you were functioning, though strictly telling them not to overwhelm you again. You felt confused. Did they somehow sense that you dissociated?
-Having nothing else to do, you agreed to a tour. So, with Jazz, Bumblebee, and Spike, you went around the Ark.
-They introduced you to many different bots. Some were welcoming, and some just gave polite nods. You tried to return the politeness, though you struggled to remember some of their names. There were so many of them.
-You even got introduced to the Dinobots. When you first met Grimlock, you were walking in the hallway with your guides when a giant robot T. rex suddenly roared in your face.
-Like a normal person, you shrieked and nearly fell on your bottom if it wasn’t for Jazz catching you and supporting you while your soul nearly floated away.
-Bumblebee slightly scolded the T. rex. Grimlock only boasted, saying something about making a first impression.
-After recovering, you looked at the dinosaur robot. Despite the scare, you felt excited to see robot dinosaurs.
-You recognized immediately the species of dinosaurs Grimlock and his teammates were. For a moment, your inner dinosaur enthusiast came out. You might then have ended up complimenting them on their strengths.
-Jazz just snickered and said how you might have raised Grimlock’s ego. Grimlock said that he liked you and said that you were now a Dinobot friend. He then asked what brought you to Ark.
-You gave a short summary about the things that happened, and that you were actually a human in a robot body. Grimlock was slow to understand at first until you simplified that you were a robot outside but human inside.
-Grimlock then said something about humans having built you tiny. Jazz added that, despite your size, you were pretty tough. You disagreed, saying how you were pretty afraid most of the time, unlike them.
-” Grimlock says little bot already tough since you are still standing,” Grimlock suddenly said.
-Jazz, Bumblebee, and Spike seemed surprised, saying Grimlock didn't often complement others. It was kind of strangely comforting.
-You all then suddenly heard a loud explosion and saw smoke coming from the cracks of one of the hallway doors.
-You and the others checked it out. Inside was some kind of lab, and in there was the Ark’s local crazy scientist, Wheeljack. When he saw you, he approached enthusiastically. He expressed his fascination with your situation and looked you up and down like some kind of lab specimen. He also asked you questions with terms you didn’t even know the meaning of.
-You asked if any of his inventions ever threatened to blow up the entire ship.
-” About two or three times,” Jazz estimated with a chuckle, like this was normal.
- Wheeljack only clarified the number and said something about nearly causing a black hole.
-At that moment, you took a step back from the guy and kneeled down toward Spike while glancing at Wheeljack as he kept talking with Jazz. You asked him how these guys were still alive. Spike just shrugged and said you get used to it.
-Yeah, you doubt you’re going to feel safe with Wheeljack in the house.
-Jazz, Bumblebee, and Spike then took you outside, where you met the Aerialbots. The Ark's only flying Autobot teams.
- Silverbolt and his brothers were polite when Jazz introduced you to them. The one named Slingshot said some snarky stuff and things that sounded like an insult, which you were not afraid to snap back at.
"Okay. Did a raccoon crawl up your ass pipes, or are you the Autobot's local jerk?" you asked Slingshot.
-You half expected him to get mad, but no. This apparently got his approval.
-When they told you they were outside to help the Ark's local building engineers, you glanced at the structure, which was huge compared to them. You asked how they planned to move something that big. They then said something about being a combiner.
"What's a combiner?" you asked.
-They then suddenly combined into a giant robot. You nearly cursed when you saw the mere size of it. Jazz explained how combiners worked, and in combined form, the Aerialbots were known as Superion.
-Jazz then suddenly had an idea, calling Superion to pick you up. He then dragged you onto their giant hand, and Superion picked you up, putting you two on his shoulder. Bumblebee and Spike stayed on the ground, watching.
-You were first frightened because of the height, but then you were amazed when you saw the view. You could nearly see the distant city.
-You wished Emily were there. She would have lost her mind with excitement. I guess it kinda pulled you out of the shell, because you excitedly asked questions about how they acted as a single mind, what they could do, and if they ever get an intrusive thought from one bot.
-Superion did not mind answering.
- “Whoa. You guys are a lot more cooler than I thought! “ you exclaimed.
-You stayed up for a moment before asking to get down because looking down made you feel kinda sick. Jazz patted your back as your knees shook a little after being that high.
-You then went back into the Ark.
-Some bots, like Ironhide, seemed cautious about you. Jazz told you they had a similar incident with Spike, so you didn’t find their reaction unreasonable, even if Ratchet said you were safe from the mind-deteriorating thing.
-When Irondhide mentioned stuff about Cybertron, you became curious and asked questions. Ironhide seemed surprised, but then began telling you about their home planet, Wreckers, and anything alien-related, as they had seen a lot of things outside of Earth.
-You listened attentively. Jazz, Spike, and Bumblebee listened along. Guess your curiosity helped ease up the tension as Ironhide told you war stories.
-You felt sympathetic when he mentioned some of the losses they had during the war. You told him how some human veterans struggle after coming back from war. Though human wars never lasted that long, you called Ironhide strong to still be able to fight after fighting a war that had been going on for billions of years.
-” You kinda develop a resilient mind,” Ironhide shrugged.
-Then you and Jazz spent time talking about music. He apparently loved the Earth’s musical culture, and even you showed some songs of artists you liked. You even joked about how his name was literally the name of one of Earth’s music styles.
-In that, he succeeded in making you talk about yourself. You spoke about your friendship with Emily, your family, and some of the stuff you did as a human.
-When the night came, the day had left you pretty tired. Optimus came back from a patrol and asked how your day had gone. You told him that everything went pretty well.
-The bots let you sleep in one of the Ark’s berthrooms. You fell asleep pretty easily, though you had dreams about the Silas incident, which left you to wake up early.
-The day that followed seemed rather normal. Ratchet called you in for a check-up to see if anything had changed in your neural activity. Thankfully, you were as healthy as you ever could be and showed no signs of your mind deteriorating. He noted how Silas and his people might have succeeded in creating a stable neural processor that could host a human mind. Though you weren't sure what that meant.
-Your father then called in to check on you. You told him how your stay with the Autobots has been and assured him you were doing alright.
-You asked about your brother, and your father revealed that he had been court martialed and given a sentence in prison. What he had done was severe enough for that.
-You didn't say anything. A huge part of you still felt angry over what he did, especially when there was a chance it couldn't be reversed. However, a small part of you understood why he did it.
-Your father assured that there might be hope as your human body wasn't dead yet. They had managed to retrieve it before the collapse of Silas's base. It was showing curious changes since your human mind wasn't home.
-After the call, you mostly watched the Autobots do their usual chores and tasks.
-Bumblebee approached you and asked if there was something you wanted to do for the day. You shrugged your shoulders and said that you had no idea. Bumblebee suggested doing some tasks with them, but you doubted things from your human life could be of any use to them in their war.
-When Jazz joined in, he liked the idea, and you then got pulled along by them.
-So, for the whole day, you went around in the Ark, doing random things. Some of them were interesting. You refused to be near Wheeljack's stuff, though, having watched enough of the gadgets blowing up.
-Though it kept your mind somewhat distracted. You could not help but think about the things you used to do as a human. It left you feeling sad that you might never be able to do them again.
-You missed being human.
-At the end of the day, you had done enough stuff to feel tired. You didn't want to appear too mean, so you told Bumblebee and Jazz that, though some of the things they did were interesting, maybe you weren't up for them.
-Bumblebee then mentioned something about becoming an Autobot. It took you off guard for a moment, and you asked him if meaning joining their war.
-He was taken aback by your tone and tried to fix his question. At that moment, you kinda grew annoyed and asked them to give you some alone time to think.
-Even more when they seemed to be able to tell your bad mood, trying to sound comforting, but you ended up snapping at them -- telling them to leave you alone.
-You apologized when you saw their surprised faces and asked them to give you time to think alone, before walking away.
-You managed to find a secluded corner with no Autobots, sat down, and tried to get your head straight.
-In the middle of your brooding, you end up being found by Skyfire, the local giant space shuttle bot you met yesterday. He was gentle in nature, had a fascination with Earth life, and was soft-spoken, so he looked worried when he found you.
-Not having the heart to mean toward him, you let him stay, revealing only that you were dealing with internal issues.
-You two ended up talking a lot. He changed the subjects to humans and expressed how he had found them curious. It nearly made you scoff dryly.
-You tell him about humans and how many flaws they possess. And thought some of them might be good, most of them would rather cause great evil and harm to others. Some humans were like the Decepticons, who feel nothing but greed, hunger for power, and disdain for things that are different.
-Skyfire was surprisingly accepting of the fact, saying the human's complexity is what makes them fascinating to him, also from a scientific point of view. It shows how similar humans and cybertronians are to each other.
- Surprisingly, you ended up opening up about your frustration over your situation. How you got turned into a robot, and how you are asked to figure out what to do now. You couldn’t figure out what you wanted to do in your human life, so how can you figure out what you want to do as a robot?
-And to join the Autobots? You don't hold them in bad light, but this isn't your war to fight. You're only here because a human terrorist wanted a lab rat for his experiment.
-After calming down, you apologized for bursting out like that. Maybe this already proves that you didn't have the nerves to fight in a war, especially against aliens.
-Skyfire was gentle about it. He then began telling that, like unexplored planets, life is a mystery you need courage to explore. You’ll never know what you find, but doing so, you may find something that will reveal what feels right.
-He shared about his experiences before the war, how he ended up being frozen in ice and waking up to a war. He told you about his past friendship with Starscream and how he was manipulated to nearly cause harm.
-He hesitated to pick a side for a while, too, staying with his own things. And, though he had been an Autobot for a while now, some bots still thought he was too gentle toward his enemies.
-You said there was nothing wrong about being gentle.
-Your mood lifted a little. You and Skyfire ended up talking about human things, with him asking about things he had seen, which you explained, and chuckled because they were simple. Despite him being an alien robot, he was surprisingly easy to talk to and relate to.
-You might have also learned from him about EM fields, which are these things that can reveal bots' emotions, which explained how the Autobots were able to tell how you were feeling all the time. You felt embarrassed about that one.
-The day went by, and night came again. You apologized to Bumblebee and Jazz about earlier. The two were surprisingly understanding about it, sharing that they might have overwhelmed you and forgotten that this was all still new to you.
-When the night came, you had trouble sleeping. After failing to find sleep for the fifth time, you decided to take a walk.
-You end up finding Optimus, who was on monitor duty for the night. You apologized for disturbing him, but he assured you it was alright before asking if something was bothering you. You tell a little, saying sometimes your mind is more active at night.
-Optimus said that according to Ratchet its a good thing, before asking about your second day in the Ark.
-You tell a little about the day, not really in the mood for long talks. Optimus just nods along as he listens.
-Your thoughts then came back to your conversation with Skyfire about humans and their flaws.
-You then decide to ask one thing you have pondered since you were a human and learned of their existence. You ask Optimus why he’s so willing to defend the humans. You tell him how humans are flawed and capable of bad things. And how some humans have backstabbed them, and fallen easily to Decepticon lies.
-Optimus told you that even if humankind is flawed, it does not deserve the ruthlessness the Decepticons are capable of. And that doing good is not about doing it for the sake of thanks or rewards, but because it's the right thing to do.
-”Even if humans might never thank you or appreciate the things you have done?” you asked.
- He nodded.
-You said how you might not be able to do such a thing. Sometimes you have only seen bad after bad. Optimus asked if you have seen both sides of the human world. You nodded, or that you were being really pessimistic.
-Optimus was understanding and said that sometimes it helps focus on the good things and people who are worth protecting. Like your father, for example. Despite being tough on the outside, he was a good man from within.
-” If we only protect those who deserve it… We become no better than those we fight. “ Optimus said.
-Something about that kind of shifted something in you. You thought about the human leaders and how they possessed so little compassion compared to Optimus, who was ready to fight for even the smallest life.
-You looked at the Autobot leader with more admiration, mentioning if your world leaders even had third part of his kindness, human society would already be less of a mess.
-Optimus only said that there's always time to learn.
-You then considered your situation. You aren’t fully human, but not really like them at all. You asked what would happen to you?
-Optimus said that you will find your place on your terms.
-Seeing so much understanding nearly felt strange to you. You didn’t think much of the Autobots before, but now you saw that they had so much more soul and life in them. Maybe…. maybe it wouldn’t be too bad to be with them.
-In the morning, you were pondering what you could possibly do. Until Ratchet called you over and revealed they could possibly reverse the neural transfer. Your human body had begun to heal miraculously. However, your mind needed to return to keep the body active.
-Ratchet had managed to figure out most of your functions, but if they manage to retrieve the rest of the schematics, he could possibly have your mind return to your human body.
-It was a bit hard to believe, since you thought you would be stuck like this for good, but when Sparkplug said that they could try to see what they could find in Silas's destroyed base, you were up for it.
-Jazz admitted that he felt a bit sad to see you go so soon, but happy for you. You said that you had a completely different perspective of them now. And said that you could still be friends even after you go back to being human. Jazz was open to it.
-However, some hours later. Emily suddenly gave a call, claiming she's being stalked by the cons at this location.
-Putting the work to the side, Optimus and the other Autobots went to answer her distress call. You felt worried, but doubted you could do anything about it. Also, because the bots told you to stay behind in the safety of the Ark.
-However, it didn’t stop you from spacing outside the Ark, and eventually you decided to give Emily a call.
-She answered immediately. When you got to her, you asked if she was already safe. To your confusion, she revealed that she was at home, safe and sound, not even near the location the bots went to.
-You realized that this had been a trap. You immediately called out to Wheeljack, telling him to warn the bots, but before you could enter the Ark, you were suddenly jumped by Soundwave. You tried to struggle, but then he used whatever mind thing he did, and you fell unconscious.
-Before Wheeljack could do anything, Soundwave had already taken away.
-When you came back to consciousness, panic settled in your mind when you found yourself strapped to a table, hooked up to machines, and surrounded by cons and Silas's people.
-You didn't first understand what was happening until they said they were recreating the missing parts of the schematics.
-You felt afraid when you saw Megatron, his reputation pretty much known by everybody. You became even more unsettled when he revealed that he intended to turn humans into mindless robot soldiers.
-Silas and his scientist were fully on board with the plan, or that it was their plan in the first place. Megatron then made mention how he might start with your family or your best friend. That clicked in something within you.
-The place soon began to shake. The Autobots had managed to track you down and find the hideout.
-A battle broke out. You struggled hard against the bonds. You had to get to those schematics. You got your restraints nearly loose until Jazz found you and freed you. You immediately told him everything and that you needed to get the schematics, or they might turn more humans into robots.
-You gave chase, and cons came on your way. But then Starscream appeared and got in your way. You looked at him fearfully but didn't run. While he was talking, you remembered your wheels, transformed and swung around in your car mode, knocking the seeker and other cons down.
-You stole Starscream's blaster and tried to use it, but the trigger refused to move.
-” Fool. You really thought you could shoot with my blaster. My blaster has a locking mechanism that prevents it from being used by anyone other than me--!” You cut Starscream off by hitting him in the face with the butt of his blaster like a mace. Definitely not the right use of blasters.
-You then caught up with Silas and grabbed the schematics. You were then about to smash the schematics to the ground.
-Silas stopped you, pleading with you not to destroy his work. He then revealed that he could reverse the process and turn you back into a human. If you destroy the schematics, you will remain a robot forever.
-Jazz managed to catch up with you and watched the scene.
-The thought of forever staying as a robot frightened you, but the idea of them using the schematics to turn Emily, your family, and everyone you knew into robots frightened you more. They would never be safe as long as the schematics existed.
- "I didn't choose what happened to me," you began, "But I can choose this!"
-You then smashed the schematics against the floor.
-Silas yelled as you broke the device that held the schematics, stomping it into millions of pieces. As the con's base was falling apart, Jazz motioned you to follow and led you out.
-The cons fled. Silas and his scientists pleaded with Megatron to take them with them. Megatron only told them that they had run out of their use and left them behind. Silas and his people were then buried alive in the base.
-You and Jazz managed to get outside just in time and reunite with the other bots as the con's base crumbled to the ground.
-Jazz said how it was brave of you to choose to destroy the schematics, and that your human body was likely dead already, your kidnapping having taken too much time.
-You assured that it was fine. You told them that you were mentally prepared to remain as a robot for good.
-Honestly, it was a lie. Inside, you were trying to hold back tears. The reality of your condition being pernament settling in. Even your robotic hands shook a little.
-You tried to hold back your EM field, though you are pretty sure the bots already knew how you felt. And maybe you're glad they did know because they gave you space after you returned to the Ark.
-You processed the situations alone for a while after reuniting with your father, Spike, Sparkplug, and Emily, who had been worried about you since you got kidnapped.
-You managed to cry out your tears, though it did not stop you from thinking about how you had officially lost your human life.
-Optimus then appeared and sat down beside you, asking how you were processing.
-You two talked for a while about the incident. Optimus confessed how he felt responsible for every life that had been lost to Decepticons, even for you, as you had been made to make such a sacrifice after being pushed into a war that wasn't yours.
-You assured that you felt peace with it.
-In the wrong hands, the schematics would have caused great harm. That many people would have had their choice taken away and become soldiers without free will. How your family and Emily would have lost their free will if Megatron got his way.
-You would rather be the only one than allow your loved ones to have their humanity and freedom taken.
-Optimus told you that you never lost your humanity. Though you now live in a completely robotic body, your soul will always be human. You had simply changed shape.
-He also reminded you that you had saved many future victims by ruining Megatron's plan, and that you will always have a place in the Autobots, even if you do not choose to join.
-You were comforted by that.
-You processed everything that had happened. Silas was officially gone, so there was a less likely chance of the entire robot transfer thing happening again. You were stuck as a robot and thus never able to return to human society.
-Your father felt awful that you were thrown into this because of your brother. Having thought about it, you honestly no longer felt angry toward your older brother. You would have likely done the same if the roles were reversed, if it meant he would live.
-You said this to your father, and he understood your brother now, too. What was done was done.
-You actually asked him to have a chance to talk to your brother, wanting to say your peace. Your father was surprised, but after insisting, he allowed the visit.
-You and your brother then had a deep discussion, and you told him that you didn’t feel angry at him anymore. You understood why he did it. He apologized, having understood late what his choices would do to your life. You forgave him and assured him that the Autobots weren’t that bad. Since you were likely gonna stay with them.
-After processing everything and making peace with your brother, you thought about what to do with your life once more.
-Jazz, Bumblebee, and the bots assured that you don’t have to become an Autobot and join their war. However, after experiencing that and knowing Megatron was a threat, you were clear that you wanted to defend your world and family from him and his Decepticons.
-So, you asked if you could officially join the Autobots.
-The bots seemed pretty happy, and soon enough, you were wearing the Autobot symbol.
-Your life seemed to settle in a steady space, and you began learning more about being a robot. Jazz decided to become your mentor figure, though he acted like an older brother if you were being honest. You and Bumblebee became good friends, especially when you and Emily hung out together with him and Spike.
-In the war effort, you decided to become Ratchet's assistant. The bot was pretty much still the only medic left, so you gave him a hand in treating the injured and learning from him.
-Though you always helped the bots whenever they needed extra servos.
-You still stayed away from Wheeljack's lab, though, having no interest in getting something blown up on your face.
Being the only femme Cybertronian on the Ark can be... something. Especially when some of them try hitting on you without getting to know you; quite annoying really, but you keep it pushed down; but some people can tell because of your alt-mode.
You stayed in the Ark because of your job as a medic. Your alt-mode is a heartbeat monitor, which also corresponds with your sparkbeats, which is how some people, very few, can tell what you're feeling.
You made your own little base of operations under an abandoned amusement park. You'd bring in people who were injured and left behind in the ruckus of the battlefield between the two factions. Human or Decepticon.
Whenever it's a human, you'd ask them to promise to not tell your Autobot friends about your place of escape, and they do. But with Decepticons, you make sure that they are knocked out, and you just give them a few amounts of anesthesia because they would break in, destroy the place, kidnap you and hold you for ransom against your friends.
One day, when looking through one of the many aftermaths of a battle, you found a minicon in the rubble, Soundwave's minicon: Frenzy. When you took him back to your base, you realized you've forgotten to stock up on more anesthesia, so now you have to worry with the fact that he might wake up soon as you did the procedure of fix-and-repair.
As you were putting your tools away, he woke up with a fright, and you quickly explained the situation to him, which slightly calmed him down. Key word: Slightly. He was suspicious of you but is slowly diminished as you continued to work on the minor injuries that just need a new paint job and be buffed. The last bit disappeared in an instant when you gave him an Energon Goodie.
When he came by again, to your surprise that he remembered the way here, you gave a tour of the place above, he somehow managed to get the place up and running again; thank Primus that your location was miles away from the nearest civilization.
As time went by, Rumble found out, then Ravage, then Laserbeak. When they come to visit, it would be like as if there was no war, they're having a good time in the amusement park.
Sooner or later, Soundwave got suspicious. Where were his kids minicons going late at night?
Being the best spy he is, he followed them, and was surprised that they were hanging out with an Autobot, weren't fighting like there was a war, stopping a fight between Rumble and Frenzy as calm as possible- and somehow easily get them to make up?! He couldn't do that without them continuing to squabble with each other.
He used his telepathy powers to look into your thoughts to see if you secretly had ill intentions with his sons minicons, but there wasn't any!
When his minicons return back to base, it's an instant interrogation the moment they step foot back in the habsuite: How long has this been going on? How did this happen in the first place? What do she always do with them? The only questions that were about you were answered back with positivity.
Curious, he decided to look more into your file when the Decepticons fight the Autobots near the Ark. When he does, all he finds is all good things.
When it was the next time they decided to visit, he wanted to meet her in person. And so he did, and by Primus were you nervous. You were worried he might blow your helm up. You, Soundwave, and his minicons walked through the park, watching the minicons play games, ride the rides; he began to trust you.
The more you all hang out in private, at your secret location, the more you begin to bond closer together, mainly you and Soundwave; the minicons noticed it as clear as day.
So, being mischievous little ones they are, Rumble and Frenzy decided to stage a lil' something. In private, the minicons would call Soundwave Sire, or dad in human terms. So, when the next time you and they met up, they would unexpectedly drop Carrier, mom, at random times in the night. When they first did it, they'd put on an act like as if they didn't mean to say it and it just slip. You fell for their act, so did Soundwave because it was unexpected.
They see you? An Autobot medic? As a parental figure? I mean, sure, you heal up their injuries, you give them Energon sweets if they be good and behave, calmly deal with their fights, gives them sweet head pats, have the most caring optics he's seen, the most beautiful smile- Oh, scrap! He's in love.
He would lie awake at night, questioning why he found you attractive. For starters, your gently touch that he felt when you repaired him, your smiles seem to shine brighter than any star, and sound from your vocalizer was like a siren's call and he was the sailor that was lured by its enchanting melody, your optics the prettiest shade of blue that rivals with this hunk of rock's sky, have the spirit of a Carrier with his kids- Primus, he was hooked, lined and had sunk deep.
After he came to terms with his newfound emotions, he started noticing something about you. Every single time he was close to you, he'd see the screen of your alt-mode, on your chassis, start getting taller. One time, he danced with you as music played in the park, and he saw that the big spikes became frequent, and a subtle blush would be on your cheek plates that you try to hide with your servo and turning your helm to the side. He found this adorable, so much that he became addicted to having that cute blush on your face.
When back on the Ark, you would get pings from an unknown comm-link number, only to realize it's Soundwave, and he's sending you something. When you are finally alone in your habsuite, you would take a look to see that they were poems; they were so sweet, you reread them, laying on your berth, kicking your feet as you excitedly giggle from how nice, sweet, and adorable they are that they might as well be invitations for Cupid to continue to shoot arrows into your spark, making you fall harder for the Con.
When they spent the night in your secret base, you all had fun doing any activity that comes to mind: pillow/blanket forts, teaching the little ones the steps on how you make your glorious Energon Goodies, etc. The last activity was a horror movie marathon. Every time a jump scare would pop up on the screen, you would hug the closest bot, and it just so happened to be Soundwave. During the horror movie marathon, you, Soundwave, and his kids ended up in a cuddle pile, scared, all but Soundwave, Ravage, and Laserbeak.
They decided to spend the night here before returning to the Decepticon base at the break of dawn. You decided to put the little ones to sleep. He decided to start cleaning up the mess that was made, and when he finished, he came back to you telling the ending of an old Cybertron bedtime story.
To him, it looked so nice and peaceful, and you looked so motherly that he just wanted to confess right there, right now. What sealed the deal was you placing a goodnight kiss on the top of their helms, tucking them to sleep before leaving the room they were occupying, only to be dragged off to somewhere by Soundwave, into the place you slept in from time-to-time.
You wondered what was happening, until Soundwave got on one knee plate, servos holding your own, visor looking up into your optics, glistening as he let out a very poetic, charming, delightful, exquisite of him telling you about his feelings, everything about you that made his spark soar: your voice, your optics, your touch, everything.
He carefully watched the screen on you chassis to see if there was any indication of making you uncomfortable or not. And by the end of his heartfelt confession, he watched the heart monitor didn't make any giant spikes. Oh, no. It made a heart at the center of the monitor as blush covers your entire faceplate.
very short (maybe I’ll write how bots with aircraft alt modes)
2nd pov
Gen!human! Reader
Fluff/romantic
(Imagine this with ur fav bot)
If you bot has a alt mode with wheels and headlights:
PHASES OF COURTING:
Phase one: take the bot you are trying to court somewhere private, no sounds.
Phase two: slowly go up to to the bot and transform into your alt mode, slowly roll yourself to the bot you’re trying to court until you two are touching bumpers
Phase three: Flash your headlights five times, if the bot you are trying to court flashes five times than they accept your courting
Phase four: slowly, start to go around the bot in donuts, do not stop until you are five feet away and have done this twenty times
Phase five: Once you are done doing donuts, stop in front of the front side of the bot and roar you engine as loud as you can.
You have finished the courting rituals, good luck.
So imagine you bot telling you about this, so you think it’s something sweet like singing a cute ballad in their language or roaring their engine at you. You were not expecting to be given a flashlight then taken to an abandoned parking lot at night, you get out of their alt mode and just stand their dumbfounded, they come up to you their bumper touching you.
You get startled and back up a bit but they keep coming towards you still trying to touch their bumper against you, they softly rumble their engine (a sign of irritation) so you stop moving.
They start flashing their headlights at you with ten second in between each flash, ah so that’s why you have the flash light. You flash back five time with a ten second pause between the flashes.
They pause, not expecting you to flash them back, you stand there awkwardly as they start doing donuts around while getting further and further away ‘what the fuck is going to on’ you start to question everything in life suddenly a loud engine which can only be described as a train horn startles the shit out of you, your soul left your body as you fall to the ground from the shock. They start to panic but calm down a little when you weakly put a thumbs up, you get up slowly, placing your hand on their hood for stability. “[fav bot name] I appreciate this, b-but I thought…we were already partners” you wheeze out still trying to catch you breath, “I know, I just wanted to introduce you to how we court” they respond, you smile and gently kiss their hood, their engine softly growls “thank you hon, can we go home now” you say in a sweet tone. They open their car door.
Hiiiii! I read your cozy Starscream comfort fic on Ao3 and have followed you here :3
You mentioned being open to writing prompt requests; if this one strikes your fancy, I have one for you!
Prompt:
Something comforting about a Human!Reader who lately feels overlooked because they are inclined to be quiet in a group, and their shyness means they don't speak up or assert themselves unless something is really, really important. They listen far more than they speak. And even when they do speak up in a group... it's like no one hears them often times, and they get talked over.
Starscream, Soundwave, Optimus, or Mirage, if either of those four 'bots stir your muse?
Ahhh! Thank you for your request, and I’m sorry for the wait. I haven’t had the opportunity to write for Soundwave, OP, or Mirage so I’ll do blurbs for all four, but you mentioned Screamer is one of your favorites, so I made his a little longer! I hope you enjoy!
Soundwave (G1) WC: 608
The Decepticon site of operations is lively in the face of the most recent win against the Autobots, meaning high grade is being passed around like no one’s business. As the resident human, on site to assist the Decepticons with tasks that only small hands can manage- even smaller than the minis and the cassettes can manage. Only problem is- with how tiny and squishy you are, it is important that the cons watch their step- a task they frequently forget to do, even the Leader of the Decepticons himself, who made the declaration.
With the high grade flowing and inhibitions lowering, the pedes around you hold no caution, making it obvious your… friends(?) have forgotten your existence… again. Having had enough of nearly becoming a smear on the floor, you make your way to the side of the room and press yourself to the wall as you scooch your way to the doorway. As soon as you make your escape from the room, you slam into someone’s shin and fall back on your rear.
“Inquiry: Why are you distressed?”
Looking up, the one and only Soundwave looking down at you with his helm tilted, a reminder that you’re so small and often forgotten surges through you and forces your eyes to well up with tears. It was such an odd feeling, crying at the pedes of one of the high command officers, who you can only imagine is staring blankly at you through his visor. Instead of waiting for any answer, the mech lifts you with his thumb and index digit and carries you away from the scene. It’s hard to keep track of where he’s taking you, your blurred vision keeping you from mapping his walking patterns.
After a few moments, your tears have slowed enough for you to wipe them away, just in time to see Soundwave briefly stop before a door and have him open it with a couple of buttons on the wall. Walking in, you notice Frenzy and Rumble in a halfhearted argument, Lazerbeak perched on the edge of the rather large berth, and Ravage curled up in the middle who, upon hearing Soundwave’s return, lifts his head to regard him. The Commander approaches his berth, Ravage moving temporarily before curling up in his master’s lap, once he made sure you were comfortable. Rumble and Frenzy grinning, their previous conversation dropped at the prospect of a recharge of a new entertainment source, run and climb their way onto the berth on either side of Soundwave, and on his shoulder, Lazerbeak finds his new perch.
“Ooo, is the human going to tell us about human stuff?” Frenzy’s grin doesn’t waver as he leans in toward you. Normally, the cassettes are much too wrapped up in either infighting or Soundwave’s orders, so they don’t really talk to you much, unless you’re needed for something.
“They will speak if they want. Or they can recharge.” Soundwave, as per usual, speaks plainly- it would be easy to misunderstand his tone for uncaring curtness, if you didn’t know him and the care for his cassettes better.
Rumble and Frenzy both look to you, hopeful, and even Ravage, with his head in your lap, looks up to you in mild interest. It was a nice change of pace in comparison to the giants who would often forget you were even there. It briefly occurred to you to thank Soundwave later for not only helping you get away from the so-called party, but giving you some well-needed attention. You smile gently to the cons looking to you and clear your throat,
“Um… well, what would you like to know?”
Optimus (TFP) Gender-neutral reader WC: 692
“I’m not sure if that’ll work, Ratchet.” Arcee peeks around the medic’s frame, looking at the plans for intercepting a possible shipment of energon the Decepticons were planning on transporting, if their movement patterns indicated anything. You look at the computer from your spot on the raised platform, trying to make sense of the plan Ratchet had input.
“Maybe if-” You spoke up, albeit softly, trying to find a compromise, though you’re promptly cut off by the previously mentioned mech.
“And I’m not sure when I asked for your opinion, Arcee. Shouldn’t you be looking over your ward?” Ratchet snaps back, tired and obviously agitated by the state of the Autobot’s own energon storage.
“Ratchet, that seems a little-” You try again.
“I’m just saying. It’s not like you’re on the field much- there are better ways to plan an interception of Decepticon forces.” The blue and pink femme argues, tensions rising as her optical ridges furrow and a servo finds its way to her hip.
“Don’t forget who-”
You don’t stay around long enough to hear whatever snide comment the older bot was going to spit at Arcee, tired of feeling ignored and make your way down the hall, wanting to be anywhere other than the main silo of the base. Passing by Optimus, you don’t say anything, not wanting the feeling of anyone else not acknowledging your existence to sting you yet again today.
“My friend, you seem disheartened.” Optimus’ deep voice reverberates through the hall, less of a question and more of a statement, not giving you the chance to pretend you didn’t hear him. You turn around and grant him a half smile, before it drops and you avert your gaze.
“Oh, it’s nothing to worry about, Optimus. You might want to lend Ratchet and Arcee a servo- they’re caught up in a bit of a feud about the next mission.” Tapering off at the end, Optimus briefly glances towards the main part of the Autobot headquarters, where he can faintly hear the aforementioned pair squabbling about details he would hear about and consider later.
“Those two have been fighting this war for many stellar cycles and will come to a solution. For now, I believe I have something much more pressing to focus on.” Taking a knee, the leader of the Autobots holds down a servo for you to step onto. Once you have taken a seat and braced yourself against one of his digits, Optimus stands and holds you close to his chassis for further stability and begins walking back to his habsuite. “You do not have to tell me what is troubling you, but you are free to do so.”
It takes you a moment- you feel silly singing your woes to someone who has been fighting in a civil war for longer than you can conceive, but the feelings simply bubble up, “I feel small… smaller than I am, I mean. I can’t imagine the stress and exhaustion everyone faces from fighting for so long, but it feels like no one sees me. And if they do, they can’t bring themselves to care.” You curl up in Optimus’ hand and take a shaky breath through your welling tears, “I must sound so selfish- you all have so much more important things to do than worry about the feelings of some human.”
“One of our human friends.” Optimus chimes in, drawing your eyes away from boring holes into your knees to his optics, “It is true that we are anxious for the end of this war, but know this, you are our friend, and we care so deeply for you. You matter just as much as any other autobot, Cybertronian or human. I can assure you, I am not the only one who holds this belief.”
Before you say anything, the mech stops in front of his door, punching in his code and sitting you on a desk that must have been built for his size and he sits himself on his berth. He gives you a rare, gentle smile that fills so many with hope.
“Would you like to tell me about your day?”
Mirage (ROTB) Gender-neutral reader WC: 533
“Woah, woah, woah! What’s got you down in the dumps?” Mirage looks through your apartment window, forcing a yelp from your throat. You leap up from your bed and rush to the window, motioning for him to get down.
“What are you doing?! Get down before someone sees you!”
It’s pitch black out, wherever the street light doesn’t touch, but you still worry about the possibility of Mirage being seen, like he was when you met him as he was standing outside of Noah’s apartment- which then basically sucked you into this crazy adventure of saving the world from other space robots. You had stayed behind with Bumblebee to watch over him until a sudden surge in the energon brought him back, so you unfortunately missed all of the action of the final battle.
“Nice try, but no avoiding the question. Besides, no one’s walkin’ around at like… 2:50 am.” Despite his counter, Mirage lets go of the fires escape’s railing, his new frame rattling and resulting in a resounding thud and more than a couple of cracks in the pavement below. One of his servos comes into view for you to jump on, “Come on, small fry, I wanna go for a ride while the streets are as empty as they’ll get.”
“Why not get Noah to go with you? He too busy?” Your questioning would lead the bot to believe you wouldn’t be joining him for a spin, if he didn’t feel you carefully climb aboard. He lowers you to his eye level and shoots you one of his contagious smiles.
“Naaah. I felt like a you and me kind of night. I want to hear about what you’re up to, now that I’m not locked up in that garage anymore.” For further emphasis, he stretches his arms out wide and groans in relief. It had been a few months since Peru, and while you had visited Mirage while Noah had been fixing him up, it definitely wasn’t the same as him being out and in his element.
He doesn’t wait for any further response and transforms, quickly making his way down the road, no particular destination in mind, knowing him. The city passes you by quickly, Mirage not giving a second thought to any speed limit signs he sees, remembering he considers them suggestions, not law. Snapping you out of your thoughts, Mirage clears his throat, “Well? The tread on my tires isn’t getting any thicker- what’s my favorite human been up to?”
“Your favorite, huh?” Whether or not he really meant it, the thought brings a smile to your face.
“Well, duh. I got out of that garage, and the first thing I did was come see you, so spill the oil- gimme drama.”
“...You won’t believe what Elena told me happened at the museum the other day-”
The rest of the evening was spent driving the backroads outside of the city, telling Mirage anything and everything. Mirage listens aptly, responding when needed, and takes pleasure in knowing he’s distracted you from whatever was dragging you down. You’re part of his home team, and he’s not just going to stand by while you fall victim to your thoughts.
Starscream (TFP) Gender-neutral WC:1431
“Starscream! I have something to-” Running towards the seeker, his back plate remains facing you as he keeps his focus on Megatron. He normally turns to you, happy to see what his little human has to tell him. Your smile faltering after recognizing he has no plans to turn toward you, “Starscream? Are you ok?”
Megatron glances briefly towards you, but doesn’t say anything to neither you nor his second in command, likely due to the fact that they were waiting for Soundwave to return with more information before choosing any action, so your presence isn’t much of an interruption. Trying to hold onto the hope he just has yet to hear or notice you, you give his heel strut a tap, remembering how he had once told you he keeps special attention to that area for you. You furrow your brow at the confirmation of him ignoring you, your voice lowering in volume, “Starscream, what’s going on?”
“Starscream, I suggest you see to your… pet, before it becomes too much of a distraction.” Megatron growls at him, not bothering to glance back down at you.
“Of course, Lord Megatron. It was just leaving.” He still didn’t look down to you, keeping his optics glued to his leader.
It?
Without further ado, you quickly leave the room, not having any desire to stay where you are not wanted. Storming down the hall, you aren’t sure where you’re heading, but the plan was getting out, even if just for a few hours. There was no leaving the Decepticons- especially not with everything you’ve overheard, been told, and seen- you’d be hunted down in less than a day.
“Woah-ho-ho! Where are you headed off to?” Breakdown, despite standing to the side to allow you to pass without the possibility of disaster occurring. The blue mech and his partner have been a nice comfort and support system ever since Starscream first brought you onto The Nemesis, often shielding you from Megatron’s ire when Starscream wasn’t around.
“I’m finding a way off this ship, since I’ve obviously worn out my novelty.” You sniffle, refusing to shed a tear over someone you thought cared about you.
“...How about I take you to the lab, so you can tell Knockout and me about what happened.” Breakdown smiled down at you, letting it grow when you nod and allow him to lift you up and onto his shoulder. And before long, you were sitting in front of Knockout and Breakdown explaining what happened on the bridge.
“-and then he goes, ‘it was just leaving’. He called me an it.” Whispering, you were sitting on one of the medical tables while both mechs lean against a parallel table. You fiddle with the hem of your shirt, finally looking up to gauge their reactions. There stood Knockout with his mouth slightly agape, and Breakdown’s frown was deeply set in his faceplate.
“That slimy, scrawny-”
“Now now, Breakdown. I think there’s a lesson we can teach our superior.” Knockout, being broken out of his aghast stupor, rested a servo on his partner’s shoulder and smirks. He returns his attention to you and raises an optical ridge, “How does that sound?”
“Depends on what you mean, I guess.”
“Well, I deduced that you likely ran from the room after you were disrespected, am I right?” As you nod, he continues, “Right, so the last time Starscream saw you, you were in quite the distressed state. My idea is to let him believe that you left and let the slagger squirm in a panic.”
“He won’t. He didn’t even look at me earlier. Why would he care now?” The hem that you’ve been playing with during this conversation now scrunched in your fingers, hating the thought you’ve been discarded with so little thought.
A digit lifts your chin, forcing you to face the medic and his assistant, who smile down at you, “Trust me, dear. Starscream will care, he’s just an aft.
* * * * * *
“Starscream, sir.” Breakdown hastily walks onto the bridge, mentally noting the lack of Megatron.
“Breakdown… what is it?” Starscream turns to face the destructive warrior, face obviously in no mood for foolishness.
“The human-”
“What’s happened?” Starscream’s optics widen, panic already setting in.
“They’re gone, sir.”
“What do you mean, they’re gone?! They are to remain on this ship at all times, unless they are accompanied by myself!” Starscream grabs Breakdown by the edge of his chassis plating and pulls him forward to better snarl in his face.
“They said something about being done with their stay here and made their way to one of the storage bays with the airlocks.” Breakdown shrugs, not showing any care for the mech who is beginning to dig his talons into his frame. Knockout wouldn’t be happy about his partner’s scratched paint and plating, but that would be a problem to deal with later.
“Why would you not stop them, you incompetent-” Starscream pauses, unlatching himself from the larger mech. His optics narrow and he sneers, “They haven’t left this ship, and I’m willing to bet my next share of energon that they’re in that lab. Get out of my way!”
Shoving his way past Breakdown, he passes through the doorway and changes to his alt mode to faster get to the doctor’s lab, Breakdown quickly following behind him. Reaching the lab in record time, Starscream slams his fisted servo into the doorframe as the metal door swishes open, revealing Knockout gently speaking with you about how everything is going to get worked out one way or the other.
“What is the meaning behind trying to fool me into believing my star has left this ship?!”
“I don’t know, screamer. Why do you make your star feel ignored and unwelcome?” Knockout stands to his full height and crosses his arms.
“Know your place, doctor.” His voice is low and holds promise for consequences, if your friend continues to display disrespect.
“I know my place, Starscream. Do you?”
“Why you-”
“Would you both stop it?!” You yell, startling everyone in the room. It isn’t common for you to raise your voice, always preferring to stand down, listen, and stay calm. But this was just all too much.
The room was quiet, everyone not knowing what quite to do next, all mechs looking between themselves, then turning their optics to you. Another moment passes and Starscream turns to Knockout, much more calmly than before, “Knockout, I would like some time alone with them… please.”
The flashy Decepticon makes sure you’re ok before taking his leave, with Breakdown close behind.
“My star-”
“I’m not your anything. I am not some object or a pet, as Megatron so quaintly put it.” You snip, putting on the show of having no desire to hear what he has to say, despite wanting nothing more for him to give you a good reason for his behavior earlier and for him to apologize. “And you didn’t- … you - do I really matter so little to you?”
“Of course not. My star, you are the most important being in my life. But it is becoming increasingly difficult as Megatron’s fury and impatience grows. He anticipates my betrayal at every turn and has, on more than one occasion, threatened your life because of this.” Starscream gently scoops your figure up and presses his derma to the crown of your head, “I am sorry I have hurt you in my attempts to protect you, but I cannot fathom surviving this torturous world without you. Please… forgive me, my brightest star.”
“You’re such an idiot, Starlight.” You bring your arms up to cling to his face plate and lightly cry into his chin. You didn’t expect the weight that was lifted off your shoulders at his confession, but you were so grateful for the fact that it was just Starscream making a foolish decision.
“I would have to agree with you in this instance.” Starscream’s small, airy chuckle blows past your hair, and he presses yet another kiss to your forehead. “Will you forgive me, my dear?”
“I’ll forgive you just this once, but don’t ever make such a decision without telling me again.”
“You have my word. Now, why were you so excited earlier?”
“Well I…”
You spent the next few cycles regaling him about what the vehicons were up to and how silly Steve was behaving, knowing their idea wasn’t going to work. You love being able to talk to Starscream, knowing you were one of the only people he would give his full attention to. You love your mech. Your silly, silly mech.
[Stars Sure are Pretty Tonight Pt4] Springer x Reader Word Count: 1,246
WARNINGS: None, this is just Fluff & Pining
You gulped nervously as Springer parked, recognizing your two friends instantly where they were standing waiting for you on the sidewalk. You really hoped Springer's window tints were dark enough that they didn't spot you yet. Catching them off guard with the addition of Springer would be easier, less time for questions that way. Less time for you to put your own foot in your mouth.
"Something wrong," Springer asked, his holoform looking over at you with genuine concern. Kicking yourself mentally, you threw on a smile. There was no need to worry him; you had agreed to this.
"Nope, just wondering how I'm going to explain the plus one to them," you sighed. "They are nosy... and going to jump to conclusions." Running his fingers through his hair, Springer hummed in thought.
"I could hang back," he offered. You could tell he meant it; he would stay behind if it made you more comfortable, even if he didn’t truly want to. Ever the gentleman.
"No, no," you shook your head quickly, "I want you to come." And even though you were dreading the questions, you meant it. You did want him to come; the idea of watching a movie with him was enticing. Movie theaters are an Earthly tradition, and the thought of sharing your customs with Springer made your stomach flutter. What would he think? Would he like it?
“Okay then,” Springer leaned back in his seat, clearly waiting for your move. “Lead the way.” Biting your lip to suppress an oncoming smile, you grab your purse before climbing out of the car (Springer). Looking back across his roof, you find Springer’s holoform following suit. He folded himself out of the car with such grace that he looked almost otherworldly, and you wondered briefly if this actually was a bad idea. But before you could overthink too much, Springer was striding around to your side, wrinkling his nose as he flashed a reassuring smile. The action read very human-like as he motioned for you to lead the way once again with his hand.
“Right,” you said with a nod, walking in front of him. As soon as you turned, though, you saw your two friends' eyes widen as they mouthed, ‘what?’ You rolled your eyes at them, trying to seem casual about your next words, “he’s my friend, guys. What is it illegal to bring a plus one now?”
“No,” they spoke in unison, their eyes flicking between you and Springer, looking him up and down. You could tell they were picking apart your every actions to surmise the exact relationship between you and Springer. Nosy.
“Name’s Springer,” he called from behind you. His hand shot forward, bypassing you to shake your friend's hands. Your friends shook Springer’s hand while staring at you, and you felt the need to add something.
“I met him while on one of my nature walks. He likes to hike, so we just started… hiking together,” you finished lamely. It was a half truth, you did meet while on one of your nature walks… they just didn’t need to know he was a giant robot. The explanation seemed to only fuel your friends.
“Going on nature walks together,” one hummed with an eye squint.
“How long has this been going on,” the other questioned.
“Not long,” Springer piped up, shuffling his feet awkwardly. “Honestly, your friend here wanted to bring us together sooner, but I’m just not socially adept. You could say I’m not good at being human.” The joke landed, and everyone laughed. You sighed in relief as the tension subsided a little. Springer’s shy comedy act seemed to work, your friends accepted him into the fold. They finally turned, leading the way into the theater.
If only they knew the truth of it.
~~~~~
After the initial meeting, things seemed to go smoothly. You were able to discreetly slip Springer some cash to go grab an additional ticket for himself. Silently thanking whatever powers at work that were looking out for you for this stroke of luck, you went with your friends to purchase snacks. If your friends had caught you buying his ticket, it would have been game over.
As you got your drinks and popcorn, Springer reappeared next to you. As he did, you felt a warmth wash over you, first seemingly dancing along your skin before enveloping you, soaking into your skin. “What was that,” you whispered at him.
“My electromagnetic field,” Springer hushed back under his breath. “Cybertronians use it to communicate nonverbally. It’s also a great tool to find a specific person in a large areas and crowds.”
“Oh,” you breathed, imagining an invisible field of his around you. It made you feel safe and cared for. You briefly wondered if Cybertronians could see these fields visually, or if humans had their own. But then again, you couldn’t do anything like that, so maybe not. Your thoughts were cut off by your friends aproaching you and Springer.
“You getting anything, Springer? The movie's gonna start soon,” one of your friends poked at him playfully.
“Naw,” Springer shook his head, “I ate before I came. Let’s go see this movie.” Your small group filed off to find your theater number and seats, Springer carefully hovering back to watch you do it first, then following suit. He was very good at acting human, which brought you great relief. Something about him fitting so perfectly into your life with your friends brought you endless joy. It felt like his stumbling across you that night was fate.
Eventually, you found yourself resting your head on Springer's shoulder during the movie with a yawn. He looked at you out of the corner of his eye questioningly. ‘So tired,’ you mouthed.
‘Oh,’ he murmured back, ‘I’ll drive.’ Wrinkling your nose at his joke, you pushed him playfully as you picked your head up off his shoulder. Looking to your other side, you found your friends staring, their eyebrows shooting up in emphasis. You waved your hand at them before looking back at the movie. Why were they so meddlesome? You and Springer were just friends nothing else, despite what they thought. And you two never could be anything else even if you wanted to, because he was an alien robot, but they didn’t need to know that.
Finally, at the movies end, you all stood. You hugged your friends, before getting ready to leave. “Oh by the way,” one of your friends said, “we were gonna get dinner together tomorrow night, you down.”
“Can’t, I’m going on a nature trip,” you frowned, the lie tumbling easily from your mouth. You had promised Springer a trip to the Autobots so he could be a bot for a few days, and you intended to keep that promise, he had been on his best behavior tonight. As you stand up with your trash and purse, you find your friends gaping at you.
“A nature trip? Is Springer going,” they glanced at him then you imploringly. With an exaggerated yawn, Springer broke the silence where your response should have been.
“Getting tired, if I’m gonna drive you home safely we gotta get going.” Springer shot them a polite smile, “it was a pleasure to meet you guys. See you around,” before starting to walk towards the exit.
“Well, guess I gotta go, see you guys next week,” you offered lamely before jogging after Springer. “Thanks for the save,” you whispered.
Man I've been so stuck in my Tansformers G1 phase. I seriously wish that more people would do fics specifically with all the Decepticons. I know I mentioned that someone had long ago but I can only guess they probably delete their account and all their transformers stuff unfortunately with how hard I've been trying to find them. Hopefully one day I'll find people that did more headcanons with them. (If anyone has any good finds don't hesitate to inform and leave a link for me to read them! =D)
