Chapter Text
Cuddling a Giant Dragon Plushie...
Thunderclash still couldn’t believe it! Rodimus won this fantastic plushie just for him. And named it Surfer Boi! He hugged it tightly. He knew for certain that he was wide awake because he couldn't conceive of anything so wonderful in his wildest dreams.
“Thank you so much!” Thunderclash gushed. His optics watered. He buried his face in Surfer Boi’s jewel-toned fur to hide his tears. “No one has ever given me such a glorious gift before.”
“Aww, come on!” Rodimus playfully shoved him. His plating shivered under the warm touch of the speedster’s golden fingers. “People give you stuff all the time.”
“No. People give stuff to the greatest Autobot of all time. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all their generosity, but no one has ever taken the time to select a gift that’s perfect for ME. You knew I loved the dragon books and you picked Surfer Boi because of that. Then used your talents to win it. You even gave him the perfect name.” Thunderclash felt like no one really SAW him, not as some heroic figure, but as a person. What are the odds that the first person to do so was Rodimus Prime himself? Thunderclash grinned. He always knew Rodimus was extraordinary.
“It reminded me of you as soon as I seen it, and I didn’t even know who you were yet.” Rodimus smiled and Thunderclash melted. “I’m happy that you like it.”
“Best gift ever!”
“Hey!” Rodimus huffed and put his hands on his hips. “I thought your Rodimus Star was the best gift?”
“Pfft! Are you kidding?! The Rodimus Star is NOT a gift.” Thunderclash used Surfer Boi’s plush paw to polish the tiny likeness of Rodimus’ face gleaming proudly on his shoulder. “It is a very prestigious medal awarded for extremely unique achievements! So now you’ve given me both my favorite medal and my favorite gift. Thank you.”
“What can I say except, you’re welcome, you’re welcome!” Rodimus crooned in a melodious voice with a flamboyant bow.
“Moana!” Thunderclash squealed, hugging his dragon even tighter. “I love that movie! Do you like it too?”
“Yeah.” Rodimus shrugged, shy smile tugging at his face. “I’ve never really told anyone, but it’s one of my favorites. Going on a quest to find your own way, protecting your family, admitting past wrongs, I identify a lot with Moana. Luckily, Rewind plays it all the time for some reason.”
Thunderclash chuckled. He always wondered if anyone noticed how often Riptide requested ‘Moana' as thanks for helping Rewind with the snacks. He dropped his head onto Surfer Boi’s and ex-vented deeply, taking a moment to collect himself. When he peered at Rodimus from under the brim of his helm, his spark fluttered.
The fiery confidence burning so brightly in Rodimus dimmed, leaving the speedster looking like lost ember floating on the breeze. He shyly smiled at Thunderclash then cast his optics on the ground.
Thunderclash chewed his bottom lip. This evening, hands down, was the best of his entire life. And that includes the time Rodimus saved him from the personality ticks. He looked so good that day! Thunderclash shook his head before he got lost in that memory. Everything that he had right now, this new life aboard the Lost Light, this fantastic day, even this plush dragon could be tied back to the incredible bot standing before him.
Thunderclash knew what he wanted to do, more than anything, but wasn’t sure if he had the courage. He had faced down death on a daily basis, battled armies of ruthless Decepticons, and confronted a ship full of brainwashed comrades, but all that paled in comparison to this moment. Right now, he prepared to take the biggest risk of his life.
“R-Rodimus?” He stuttered, clutching Surfer Boi close for support. He recalled Riptide’s advice comparing dating to surfing: the chance of catching an epic wave was worth the risk of wiping out. “Would- Would you like to turn this into a group hug?”
“Would I?!” Rodimus’ brilliance returned in a flash like Thunderclash offered him the one thing that he desired most. Flames danced along his spoiler and a mischievous grin spread across his face. He leaned closer and Thunderclash’s spark almost stopped. “As long as it’s okay with Surfer Boi.”
“Actually,” Thunderlcash giggled, shifting the huge plush to one arm and opening the other to gather in Rodimus, “It was his idea.”
“I always did like him!” Rodimus laughed.
To Thunderclash’s infinite surprise, Rodimus launched himself up into his arms with reckless enthusiasm. He instinctively caught the speedster as Rodimus flung his arms around his neck, snuggling against his broad chest.
Rodimus was luxuriously warm! And his paintwork felt as smooth and glossy as the summer sea beneath his fingers. He placed his hand in the small of Rodimus’ back, careful not to brush his spoiler. His vermilion and gold glittered against Thunderclash’s own pearlescent teal and cobalt. Thunderclash’s massive engine rumbled into an easy purr. Rodimus’ engine began to purr too, resonating against his chassis.
As he pulled Rodimus and Surfer Boi together into the best hug of his life, pure happiness overwhelmed him. Thunderclash’s scarred spark stuttered and his engine stalled. Frag it all! Not now! Whenever this happened, Thunderclash had a split second to redistribute power or face the possibility of passing out. He had to stay online at all costs because Riptide would kill him if he fainted. If he chose to power his leg stabilizers, he might drop Rodimus. Thunderclash smiled and held Rodimus a little tighter as he knees buckled. There never really was any other choice.
Falling Head over Heels...
“Whoa!” Rodimus yelped as he and Thunderclash tumbled over backwards. He landed on the big bot’s chest, cushioned pleasantly by Surfer Boi. “Are you alright?!”
“Yeah. I’m really sorry about that.” Thunderclash sighed, grinning at him with that adorable lopsided smile. He absentmindedly rubbed his chest. “Although my spark is stable, the scars sometimes cause a little interference. When the power distribution glitches, it happens so fast. Sorry.”
“That’s two apologies too many for health issues. Next time, let me know when something’s wrong. It’s okay. I’m here for you.” Rodimus traced the outline of the winged autobrand painted on his chest with one finger. Thunderclash still held him gently, despite laying flat on his back in the middle of the path. He melted a little at the firm hand placed warmly on the small of his back, comfortably beneath his spoiler. “Do you always fall over when it happens?”
“Sometimes. I usually have a second to reroute power. I could have decided to remain upright, but then I might have dropped you.”
“That would have been fine.” Rodimus laughed. “I’m tougher than I look.”
“Oh, I know. You’re the strongest person that I’ve ever met!” Thunderclash stared into his optics with that stupid dreamy look on his face.
Heat rushed to Rodimus’ cheeks before he could stop it. No one ever considered him strong despite how desperately he wished it to be true. He always tried so hard but never thought that anyone ever noticed, least of all the giant multicolored doofus currently sprawled underneath him.
“When faced with the choice between letting you go and falling with you, I’d choose to fall with you every single time.”
“Primus!” He giggled. His face practically glowed. There was no hiding this blush. Thunderclash better be careful. If he keeps up with this cute scrap, Rodimus might burst into flames right here in his arms. “That is the most ridiculous thing that I’ve ever heard! Is that supposed to be romantic?”
“Dunno.” Thunderclash shrugged, cuddling him a little closer. “But it’s true.”
“For frag’s sake,” Rodimus muttered, curling up on Thunderclash’s chest. He had no right to be this comfortable. Snuggled up next to a luxuriously soft plushie in Thunderclash’s strong arms, Rodimus felt completely and utterly secure. He sighed and melted into the embrace. So what if they were cuddling in the middle of the festival walkway? He wasn’t moving until Thunders recovered enough to get up. If people didn’t like it, they could walk around.
“If Brainstorm sent a picture of this moment to my past self, I never would have believed it. But now that I’m here...” Rodimus nuzzled the big bot’s neck cables, sending a shiver through his systems. “I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”
“Me too.” Thunderclash purred in complete contentment. “Speaking of pictures... Do you think we can take one?”
“Why?” Rodimus laughed. “Planning on sending it back in time to tease me?”
“N- No!” Thunderclash sat up gingerly, careful not to drop Rodimus or Surfer Boi. “Not that! I- Um- Actually...”
“Come on! You can do it!” Rodimus grinned, gently prodding him along. Primus! Flustered Thunderclash was so adorable!
“Well...” Thunderclash shyly looked up at him from under the brim of his helm, magenta optics sparkling in the shadow. “Riptide supported me throughout the whole app situation. I mean, it was kinda his idea after all. Anyways, he’s helping Swerve restock tonight and asked if I could send a picture of your true identity. I told him that would be rude, but-”
“Honestly,” Rodimus cut him off, “As good as we both look right now, it would be rude NOT to take a picture.”
“Y- You think I look good?!” Thunderclash blinked, cheeks lighting up bright pink again.
“Literally everyone thinks you look good.” Rodimus rolled his optics. Drift was right. Thunderclash definitely didn’t think about himself the same way everyone else did. For some reason, people viewed him as a paragon of heroic perfection when he was really just an adorable dope that tries his best. Rodimus had never been so happy to be wrong about someone.
“Really?!” Thunderclash gasped. Rodimus laughed at the genuine surprise widening his optics.
“I’m afraid so.” Rodimus nodded with mock seriousness. “Now gimme your datapad! We’re gonna send Riptide a picture that looks so good, he will literally fall over!”
Finally Finished Restocking at Swerve’s...
Riptide stretched out on the floor. He lolled his tongue out of the side of his mouth, searching for the end of the straw pipeline that he constructed so he could drink without getting up. Finally finding it he slurped down the last of his engex until the rattling sound of the empty glass resounded through the fully supplied stock room.
“Aww! I’m all out.” He whined.
“Too bad!” Swerve giggled. “I’m too comfortable to get up.” He laid on the floor perpendicular to Riptide, resting his helm of the sharkbot’s midsection.
“Hey!” Riptide squirmed. “It tickles when you laugh!”
“You could get up and get yourself another drink.” Swerve suggested.
“Nah. I’m comfortable too. Don’t wanna move. I guess I’ll have to die of thirst.”
“If that’s how it is, I guess I’ll have to save you! What kind of bartender would I be if you died of thirst on my watch?” Swerve grinned. The minibot produced another bottle and topped off both of their glasses.
“Thanks!” Riptide happily slurped away. “Those Corellians really know their way around distilled fuel.”
“They sure do!” Swerve agreed, settling back down on Riptide and sipping his drink through his own straw pipeline. After a few moments of hazy companionable silence, he spoke again. “Hey, Sharky?”
“Hmm?”
“Thanks for staying to help restock. I know you wanted to go to the festival with ol’ Thunders.”
“Clash is kinda hopeless, but he’ll be okay. I told him to send us pics of Phoneyclash. Since we haven’t heard anything yet, he probably never showed up. Besides, he knows that I promised to help you first. I love inventory days with you!”
“What?!” Swerve laughed. “Are you crazy?! It’s so much work! We've been organizing canisters of fuel for hours! I’m exhausted!”
“True. I’m beat.” The shark boat vented deeply and practically became one with the floor. “But it’s the only time I get to hang out with you. Just the two of us.”
“Aww, come on!” Swerve elbowed him, a slight pink glow lighting up his cheeks. “That’s just the Corellian fire fuel talking.”
“It is?” Riptide turned his head to stare at the tiny bubbles rising through his sunset-hued drink. He narrowed his golden optics. “I don’t hear anything.”
“Nevermind.” Swerve chuckled. The motion transferred to Riptide’s frame again.
“Hee hee! Tickles!” Riptide giggled. “But seriously, we never get to spend any time together. We work opposite shifts at the bar. Whenever there’s a special event, you’re always so busy. But no one comes around on restocking days, so it’s just us. I love it!”
Swerve propped himself up on one elbow and stared at the sharkbot. “You’re too much.”
“No.” Riptide flashed a shark tooth grin. “I’m Riptide!”
“Oh my god!” Swerve laughed and flopped back down on to the floor.
A peppy beat accompanied by a quirky keyboard melody rose above their laughter.
“Is that a keytar?” Swerve quirked a brow. “Where is that coming from?”
“Who cares? I love this song!” Riptide bobbed his head with the beat and started signing.
Put down your chainsaw and listen to me
It's time for us to join in the fight
It's time to let your babies grow up to be cowboys
It's time to let the bedbugs bite
“This is a real classic! Weird Al is truly a master of his craft!” Swerve chimed in with the second verse.
You better put all your eggs in one basket
You better count your chickens before they hatch
You better sell some wine before it's time
You better find yourself an itch to scratch
They both took turns singing along with the verses and belted out the refrain together with gusto.
Dare to be stupid
Come on and dare to be stupid
It's so easy to do
Dare to be stupid
We're all waiting for you
Let's go
“You know the funny thing,” Riptide paused his sing-along, “This is the same song that I set as the picture message alert on my datapad. What a coincidence!” Riptide enthusiastically resumed singing, ignoring Swerve as he repeatedly poked his side.
Dare to be stupid
It's alright
Dare to be stupid
We can be stupid all night
“OH PRIMUS!!” Riptide sat bolt upright, sending Swerve sprawling. Their empty glasses skittered across the floor and the straw pipelines exploded, pieces flying in all directions. “MY DATAPAD!!”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!!” Swerve dusted himself off.
“We have to find it!” Riptide rushed around frantically rummaging through empty boxes, following the sound of the music. “Thunders must have sent a picture of the bot pretending to be him! I’m dying to see who it is!!”
“Over here!” Swerve crawled out from under a mound of debris that Riptide had just flung on him. The datapad in his hands continued to gleefully play “Dare to be Stupid” at full volume.
“Gimme! Gimme!” Riptide leapt over a pile of boxes, tripping on the scattered trash. He tumbled over, knocking Swerve right off his feet. Riptide instinctively tucked the minibot against his chest as they rolled across the floor together. When they finally slid to a stop, Riptide sat up with Swerve in his lap. He wrapped his arms around the minibot and held the datapad out in front of both of them. “Ready?”
“Don’t forget our bet!” Swerve grinned.
“Yeah. Yeah. There’s no way you’re winning.” Riptide rolled his optics and swiped open his messaging app. “One picture message from Thunderclash! Aww Yis! Moment of truth!!”
Riptide tapped open the picture. Both of their jaws dropped and they stared at the screen in shock.
“No. Way.” Riptide’s shock slowly melted into joy and he fell over laughing. “I can’t believe it!”
“You better believe it! What did I tell you?” Swerve elbowed him. “You owe me twenty shanix!”
“Get out!” Riptide giggled from his spot sprawled on the floor. He waved his datapad. “How could you have possibly known?”
“It’s a bartender’s business to know these things.” Swerve answered with a sly grin. “Stick around and I’ll teach you the signs.”
“Really?! You mean it?” Riptide sat up, hope sparkling in his gold optics.
“Yeah. Now put down the picture of the lovebots and help me clean up this mess we made.”
“Awesome!” Riptide scrambled to his feet and set his datapad aside, still open to the message from Thunderclash.
The picture glowing from the open datapad showed an ecstatically happy Thunderclash with a gigantic stuffed animal of some kind wrapped in one arm and cuddled in the other, none other than his one true crush, Rodimus Prime himself. The colorful festival lights glimmered off their metal flake paint work, shining in a multicolor rainbow, red and golds from Rodimus mixed with Thunderclash’s teal and cobalt. A broad grin stretched across Rodimus’ face, crinkling his cerulean optics, one arm flung around Thunderclash’s neck while the other obviously held the datapad out in front of them to take the picture.
Riptide couldn’t wait to hear the whole story. It had to be good! Maybe Rodimus would even join them on their next surfing trip! Now he just had to convince Swerve to come along and bring the drinks. He glanced over at the message one more time and flashed a soft shark-toothed smile.
“Thanks for all your help! Love, Thunderclash and Surfer Boi!”