Work Text:
“Do you ever recharge?”
Soundwave did not jump. Nor did he move in any such way to signify his surprise. Not that he’d ever admit Starscream got the drop on him.
He remained in his still, rigid stance in front of the central console, helm directed at the various screens despite no longer paying attention to them. Rather than turn and face his midnight visitor, Soundwave pulled up one of the surveillance cameras on the bridge to his internal HUD and watched Starscream posture at the doors.
Soundwave watched as Starscream’s expression dulled from his sneer, clearly put out by Soundwave’s lack of response. Curiously enough, those sharp optics darted to the exact camera Soundwave was monitoring.
“It’s rude to ignore your superior officer.”
Soundwave swiveled his neck enough to have his visor directed at Starscream.
There. No longer ignored.
“Glad you are putting in the effort to appear professional,” Starscream grumbled as he stalked forward. Without his usual audience of the vehicons, Knock Out or Megatron, Starscream approached him quietly, subdued. He knew his usual antics would not garner him any reaction from Soundwave so the effort was simply not needed. It wasn’t a sight Soundwave was granted often. Suspiciously, he kept his guard up. Something was off.
Soundwave tilted his helm to the side, his visor glinting off the dim lights.
“I’m fine,” Starscream muttered. “I appreciate the concern.”
Soundwave gave one nod, before turning back to his work. Peripherally, he could feel Starscream saddle beside him, his wings nearly touching him as the seeker flexed and stretched.
“Of course you’re working .”
Soundwave didn’t bother to respond to that and continued to type away. Starscream leaned closer, optics squinting to read the code.
“Are you rerouting earth tech surveillance to our main housing?”
It was a bit more complicated than that. But, Soundwave had no interest in explaining so Starscream’s simplified version would be suitable. He inclined his helm, a bit pleased with Starscream’s mouth ticked up in a smile.
“Impressive as always. Maybe we should withhold recharge from you. You don’t seem to need it.”
Despite his teasing words, Soundwave took note of the formality of his words. There was no jeer, none of his typical bravado. Quiet was the only way Soundwave could describe it. Perhaps even concerned , which Soundwave was even more perplexed by.
It wasn’t like Starscream to be considered with others, let alone Soundwave’s recharge patterns. He cocked his helm curiously, biolights pulsing.
“I’m not concerned ,” Starscream snapped, though it was light. “I’m merely observant. Wouldn’t you consider that an admirable quality?”
Soundwave found himself amused with Starscream’s deflection. It seemed in his tiredness, his typical insults became softened. That being said, Soundwave noted it was well into Starscream’s scheduled recharge slot. It wasn’t often the seeker was roaming about at this hour.
He brought up the hour to his visor and directed it fully at Starscream.
“I’m aware of the hour, thank you,” Starscream sneered. “No need for you to be concerned either. I just…” Starscream let the sentence die, his gaze turned back to the central console screen.
Despite his words to not be concerned, Soundwave could not help the matter. While it was rare for Starscream to be up at this hour, it was even more rare for him to lose his words. The quiet was now disquieting . Starscream was not one for quiet. He liked the sound of his own voice too much to not fill the gaps of peace with it. Soundwave felt on edge, waiting for the silence to end.
Awkwardly, Soundwave shuffled slightly to his right, opening up the space at the console. For them to share.
Starscream huffed a mildly unamused laugh but didn’t say anything still. For a few kliks, nothing happened and Soundwave felt the tricking of dread. Perhaps his gesture of kindness was rather that of foolishness.
Slowly, Starscream leaned closer. Soundwave made no move to notice it, continuing to type away. Another klik passed before Starscream stepped closer, helm bowed to look at the screen.
“You know,” Starscream started again, his usual cadence back, “if you are so desperate for my assistance, you could just ask.”
Soundwave turned his visor to Starscream unamused, but relieved by the smirk cropping up on the Air Commander’s face. His field was warmer as his vile grin covered his face.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you company.”
Unexpected words, but Soundwave found them to be not completely unpleasant.