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Prowl had sent him a message about an important report forgotten at home but honestly he was lost. The building was large and shiny and there was a lot of echoing noises. Maybe they needed more decorations to make it less empty, though it was a government building. Prowl kept his job and the bots here were very welcoming, even after knowing they were Others. It had been a shock for Bluestreak to be accepted so easily. He'd kept hidden his whole life and now that he didn't have to, he felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He was safe, well fed, and he could make, try to make, new friends. He didn't really know what he wanted to do, but Optimus had smiled at him and let him come in here as he wanted, if needed. It was really kind of him.
Bluestreak turned a corner and stopped upon seeing twin bots arguing about something. He recalled seeing them before, when he had been kidnapped. He didn't remember their names, though.
The red mech paused, glancing at him. "Hey, it's you. Glad you're back on your pedes!"
Bluestreak approached hesitantly. "Hi. Um, yeah. I don't eat bots."
The red mech laughed. "Slag, that's funny! I'm Sideswipe and this is my brother Sunstreaker. What 'cha doing here anyway?"
"Prowl forgot a report at home and asked me to fetch it. I got lost." His wings twitched in embarrassment. He had looked at the map but the place was huge.
"Eh, don't worry. We can show you."
Which was how he ended up in the training room with the twins, somehow, as Sideswipe explained that he'd always wanted to train with an Other, and that Bluestreak would be paid in favors of course. It would be harmless and no one would be yelled at.
"I was just.." Bluestreak glanced at the door.
"You can leave if you don't want to." Sunstreaker spoke for the first time and Bluestreak had to lock his door wings from reacting. The mech had a beautiful voice. Quiet, grumpy, but not angry. They both were pretty, Bluestreak had functioning optics. Was this how his brother felt when he looked at Jazz?
"I uh, I mean, I can try. I was trained to be an enforcer but never graduated actually because well, I never really tried you know? I kind of failed the exams on purposes. They were such afts." He quieted, realizing he might be oversharing. Habit of isolation, he thought. No one could be trusted. But maybe.. Maybe now he could have friends..
Sideswipe leaned closer. "So, can you transform?"
"I uh.. Is it allowed?" Mainly because he felt self-conscious about it. Everything was new and confusing, in the outside world, away from his little apartment where he hid most of the time..
"Of course." The red mech smiled. "Don't worry 'bout it."
And that was that. Bluestreak in his true form sparred for a while with the twins and he found he enjoyed himself quite a lot. He managed to toss Sideswipe into the air with all his strength and the mech had struck a good landing despite it and asked for more. Bluestreak gave his all and the twins replied in kind. It was exhilarating! Running, dodging, tanking hits and giving back..
It was hours later where they were interrupted by Prowl who scolded the three of them for training without a spotter/captain to train them properly. It was one pit of a scolding that even Jazz winced at the rant.
Bluestreak followed his brother into his office, waving sadly to the twins. "Prowl.. I.. Really enjoyed it. They don't treat me differently.." He looked away, wings drooping. Jazz chuckled as he noticed Prowl's thinking face.
Prowl hummed. "Perhaps. I have calculated the data and from the camera recording, you three seem to get relatively along. Bluestreak- the twins have.. Quirks. They were both gladiators and taken from that place too late. They are rather aggressive when a threat perceived. But with you.." he paused, wings twitching. "This could work. You could spend time here with them. I have updated your clearance for the training room. I will brief them and plan a schedule. But, you must promise to look into any university classes."
Bluestreak agreed happily. He was surprised but he didn't mind. He himself had quirks, like his glitch, but this, oh this was a new change, a positive one! He could be himself and not have to worry about being seen because no one minded!
He was still in his true form when Jazz brought him to a free meeting room so they could look over university classes. Bluestreak wasn't really sure what he wanted but at least he had the choice. It was freedom!
--
Bluestreak entered the training room for his first meeting with captain Ironhide. He wasn't sure what to expect but Prowl assured the mech was good and fair. Though, right now the twins were being scolded for training recklessly. They both perked up when they noticed him, Sideswipe waving him over.
"Hello captain Ironhide sir." Bluestreak stood at attention. The twins snickered but not in a mean way.
"Hm. Which form of yours ya wanna learn to fight with?" The captain asked, looking over Bluestreak.
"I can choose?" He blurted out, door wings tilted in surprise. He transformed, trying not to loom over them. "I'm ready!"
Captain Ironhide nodded. "Good. Show me what ya can do, kid." And he lunged.
Bluestreak spread his cables low, crawling away. Ironhide followed the move easily, forcing Bluestreak into offense. In a few moves, he was pinned on the ground, out of breath.
"Not bad." Captain Ironhide said, helping him up. "You have very good reflexes." He glanced at the twins. "Your stance is more of a support one. I can make somethin' outta this. Alright, show the runt the drills!"
Bluestreak was exhausted when the training session ended. But a good kind, at least. He felt better about learning to defend himself. He didn't want a repeat of the day at the museum.. He'd felt helpless when they went for his door wings. He still didn't know why he'd even been targeted, it wasn't like he'd been showing sign of being Other.. Maybe he should talk about it to Jazz..
As he made his way out of the training room, Sideswipe stopped him. "Hey Bluestreak. Wanna chill together?"
"Oh uh, sure." He replied. The twins moved at each side of him, leading him toward.. Somewhere. He wasn't quite familiar with the place yet.
The cafeteria was almost empty but Bluestreak was surprised to see an Other. Someone else than his brother, he'd never interacted with his people. But for now he offered a wave, which the Other replied in kind. The twins led him to a table, then Sideswipe went to fetch energon.
Bluestreak wasn't sure what to say to Sunstreaker, the mech never spoke other than to his brother. Was he shy? Maybe he was waiting on Bluestreak to say something but what? Oh he was so bad at small talk.
"Do you.. Have any hobby." Sunstreaker said. It was rather flat but Bluestreak didn't mind.
"I cultivate crystals but otherwise hadn't had the.. Uh.. Time for it. You?"
"I paint." He moved closer and, was he nervous? He reached in his subspace and took out a print. A print of Bluestreak in his true form, light catching his armor.
He gasped. "Oh! This is- you made me so pretty? Do I really look like this? Oh you're so talented! Could you try to teach me some? I admit I don't have much hobbies and I was never allowed before and now I have a lot to catch up on and it's a bit overwhelming because I don't know what I enjoy. I do read a lot, mainly classes my brother taught me at home.."
He stopped speaking, but realized Sunstreaker was listening. Actually listening. "Am I bothering you? I talk a lot I have a glitch and-"
"No." Sunstreaker interrupted gently. "You're fine. Tell me more."
Bluestreak's wings fluttered happily as he launched into details about crystals that he'd taken care of and new ones he had gotten from Jazz. Sideswipe came back with energon and spark flowers and they continued to chat for an hour before they had to go back to their respective duties.
Bluestreak transformed into bot mode before going back home and search for second hand art supplies.
--
The second and third training sessions were drills and learning stances. Bluestreak learned he was a great shot with ranged weapons from rifles to bows. The fourth session, captain Ironhide showed them an aerial maneuver to train with the twins.
Bluestreak nervously stretched his wings, taking in the data of the room and the fake air current. He gestured he was ready, and Sideswipe ran at him. With his cables, he created a step, launching Sideswipe in the air. The red mech flew until his brother caught him mid air, flying on his jetpack.
Once back on their pedes, they sided to Bluestreak. "Not bad." Captain Ironhide said. "Next we continue with self defense. I expect you two to teach Bluestreak properly, understood?"
"Yessir!" Sideswipe grinned as Sunstreaker rolled his optics.
Captain Ironhide snorted. "Twenty steps on each stance. c'mon get movin'!"
--
Bluestreak was leaning over Jazz as he cooked energon. He wanted to learn and maybe try it too. "Jazz?" He asked softly, glancing at his brother who was reading at the table.
"Yeah Blue?" Jazz turned the pancakes in the pan, the energon almost done as it heated into a flat gel.
"At the museum.. Were they onto me? It was unclear and I'm not sure how could this have happened when I never.. Showed myself you know. It still worry me." He'd spent nights thinking it over but he never showed anything, nor did he spent much time in public, too afraid of what could happen if Praxus Enforcers found him again.
Jazz put his energon aside to give him his full attention. "I'll be honest, I don' know how they found out. I have agents out there though, an' I promise, you're safe. Would it make ya feel better t' have a bodyguard?"
He shook his head. "I'm okay. Learning self defense. But thank you." He hugged Jazz.
Jazz patted his back. "I can show ya the report so ya can understand it better. But OP is on it- no one will hurt you again."
Bluestreak relaxed into the hug. He felt truly safe, the first time in.. Ever, if he was honest. Habits were hard to break, he still stayed careful outside but here, he was loved and cared for and it made him all squishy in his Absence.
He backed away and smiled. "We found our family." He told Jazz firmly.
Jazz laughed in happiness. "Ya are home too, ya an' Prowler."
--
Bluestreak was browsing books in a thrift shop when he realized someone was watching him. He angled his door wings to take in the room.. Someone was coming closer. He turned, forcing himself to keep his claws hidden. Oh it was-
"Hello Bluestreak." Sunstreaker said.
Bluestreak relaxed slightly. His cables were still tense but he was safe. He was safe. "Hi. I'm looking for subjects that might interest me for my future university classes but I'm not sure what I want to do."
"What's something you enjoy?" The golden mech glanced at the art supplies in Bluestreak's basket and smiled- barely a quirk of his lips but Bluestreak noticed since he was staring at Sunstreaker like a creep. But like, Sunstreaker was beautiful really and oh wait he asked a question.
"I uh, I'm not sure." He frowned, looking at the books. "I never enjoyed anything, in Praxus." He walked away, toward the clothing section, something about meshes to wear but he'd only seen those in Praxus and they were for nobles. Some were really soft, though. He'd enjoy moving his cables in it if he could. Claws weren't exactly used for touching. He wondered if Sunstreaker would hold his hand- nope. Shut up.
"We can try those if you'd like." Sunstreaker said, gesturing to the art supplies.
Bluestreak nodded and went to pay, not noticing his friend taking the mesh he had been holding until they were both paying. He didn't comment as they made their way to Sunstreaker's apartment. It was in a modest area, with bars and local shops. Bluestreak would probably enjoy going to a bar if he could be in his true form..
The apartment was tidy despite the array of paint and other supplies all about the living room. Most cans were body paint actually. "You do body art?" He asked and Sunstreaker seemed to light up and he couldn't look away.
"Took it up after they took us out of the pit. I could redo some of your paint if you'd like. You look a little dull. Is it because of your true form?"
Bluestreak slowly transformed, glancing down at himself. He did look a little dull. "The pit?"
Sunstreaker gestured to the couch while he gathered various paint and polish cans. "We were born in the pits and grew up as gladiators in a small arena. Optimus found us and took us out."
"Oh. He uh, is kind. I've never eaten spark flowers before we.. Were outted." He stayed standing, stretching his cables a little. "I fed by lying and knowledge but there wasn't much. It's fine now though, I'm regaining some colors and I don't look deactivated grey anymore. It always creeped out the jailers. Well, caretakers but honestly I felt I was in jail."
"Yeah I get you. We had to fight, Sides and I. We barely made enough to eat. Strange thing, how a prime comes barging in and calling us to join him. Was an easy choice after I saw Megatronus." He approached with the paint, lifting different shades of reds. "What would you like?"
"Oh uh, you can choose."
Sunstreaker grinned. "You won't regret. We gotta go into the wash racks. I can help wash your back if needed."
Bluestreak's wings shot up despite himself. "Oh uh, if you don't mind?" he shook his head, trying to stop looking like a youngling with his first crush. Which was honestly how things were going but he'd read about it! He wasn't a complete idiot. It was just that Sunstreaker was so kind with him, like there was something about him..
Sunstreaker led him to the wash racks and turned on the solvent. Bluestreak stood under the jet, relaxing his plating. Sunstreaker was gentle with the brush, meticulously cleaning each plate carefully but not touching the wings. Bluestreak appreciated that, and despite himself dozed off leaning against the wall.
"Hey Bluestreak." Sunstreaker whispered.
"Hm?"
"Gonna let me do all the work?" Their emfs meshed into each other's, Sunstreaker's amusement and Bluestreak's content state.
"You're like, so good with your hands." Bluestreak said.
Sunstreaker snickered. "Glad you think so. Finish cleaning your front and I'll get the paints in here. Sides will be pissed if I drop another can on the floor."
Bluestreak shook himself awake, realizing what he'd said could be considered flirting. Sunstreaker didn't seem to mind but still.. He was so hopeless. Maybe he should ask dating advice to Jazz.. He'd never felt safe like this before. Sunstreaker was kind despite his grumpy nature and neither of the twins got tired of him talking.. It was all so confusing for him.
He finished cleaning then turned off the solvent. Sunstreaker came back with a set of pens, paintbrushes, and a few paint cans. "I'm not sure what'll fit me."
"Don't worry. Can you turn in circle for me?" Sunstreaker said. Bluestreak slowly turned onto himself. "There. I have an idea." He paused. "Can I touch your cables? Cultural differences.."
Bluestreak hadn't considered this before. Honestly, himself didn't know much about his culture, it had died with his parents. "Go ahead, I trust you. But don't touch my claws." He'd run claws into his brother's palms more often than he wanted to say. He startled easily during the heavier part of his glitch and each time Prowl tried to calm him down he lashed out. He didn't want to hurt his new friend.
Sunstreaker's smile was gorgeous. Bluestreak talked about whatever came to mind while Sunstreaker started to paint. It was like his normal routine which helped him settle. Sunstreaker started with his front, then moved to his back, his wings, then his arms, making sure each larger cable was dent free and polished.
"It's strange," Bluestreak started. "having someone so close. Not in a bad way, because I like you and your brother. You're both so nice to me but I'm nothing special."
"Nothing special?" Sunstreaker said flatly. "You looked at us and didn't see only pit fighters. You saw mechas. And if it's time for confessions, I always wanted to own a body paint shop. There's so many horrible paint jobs out there." He shuddered, making Bluestreak fight not to move while laughing.
"I can talk to Prowl about it and help you guys."
"Nah it's fine. We're going for the prime guards and maybe once we have enough cash we buy out my place. I don't want hands out."
"Then I'll be there with you. I still haven't found what I want to be."
"Well, you seemed to enjoy tossing Sideswipe in the air. You could apply to work fully with us then you can see what you want to do."
"I don't think my brother will let me." He snorted. "He made a huge list with pros and cons of every university in Iacon. If they're accessible, if they have accommodations for Others, and the best one- criminal records. He pulled those out and Jazz was trying not to laugh and yeah it was funny how dead set he was. Like: I don't wanna any stuck up aftholes with bodies in their closet to teach you if they don't have morals!"
Sunstreaker snickered. "He caught Sides putting spray paint into the communal showers. Sides had to clean that slag with a toothbrush."
It took a few hours but Bluestreak didn't mind. He was fully repainted, with swirls the shade of his chevron over his arms and thighs, while his cables each had a shine to them, with glittery paint. It was truly a work of art. He couldn't look away from the mirror. It enhanced his true self, for the first time. He spread his door wings, noticing the small patterns hand drawn into each panel. Subtle, complimentary with his grays.
He glanced to the side, seeing Sunstreaker staring at him. He turned, and on impulse he leaned close and kissed Sunstreaker on the cheek. Bluestreak backed away at the stunned expression on the golden mech's face. "Did I misinterpret the signs? I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"
"It's not that." Sunstreaker smiled faintly. "I.. I'm not.." He cursed under his breath. "I don't deserve-"
"Shush." Bluestreak interrupted gently. "I decide what I deserve. And I'd like to court you properly! If you agree of course. I feel drawn to you, like a spark deep connection. And you're handsome.." His wings fluttered. "If you, if you want to try, that is. I'm not.. I mean, with being Other and having different diets and if I don't creep you out.."
"Not at all." He pulled Bluestreak closer. "Other and all. We kinda both thought you were hot as pit by the way."
Bluestreak blushed. "Ah.. Thanks.. It wasn't very flattering that day!" He laughed. "Hey can we try painting? My plating should be dry, right? I want to try using my cables since I can't retract my claws fully when in true form. I wonder how that'd look like. I've never interacted with any Other before Optimus but he's the prime so that's different."
"Come here. We can sit in the living room while I teach you."
They spent the rest of the day making art, talking and getting to know each other. It was like a flood gate had been opened and they both clung to each other. Bluestreak felt safe and free for the first time in his entire life and he was so, so glad to have met the twins. A new friend, and maybe a lover, once they decided. It was perfect.
Bluestreak still had his smile when he arrived home to Jazz making dinner.
"I see someone's happy." Jazz said, emf content and calm. He turned and whistled. "ya look good Blue!"
"Sunstreaker painted me!" He twisted gracefully. "I spent some time with him and I really like him. Where's Prowl?"
"Here." His brother called from the living room. "You look beautiful, Bluestreak. You were with Sunstreaker?" He asked, door wings flared.
Bluestreak blushed. "I kissed him on the cheek. I think I want to build something with him. He opened up to me and I did the same and I felt safe with him and then Sideswipe showed up and we played games together. Oh don't give him a hard time! I'm not a youngling anymore."
Prowl huffed. "I know that. I simply wish to protect you."
"Let him go on his own. 'M sure he'll talk t' us if he needs." Jazz said with a smile. "C'mon, dinner's ready."