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Cybertronian emergence days are not all that different from human birthdays. Emergence days are celebrated with treats and presents and parties with friends and games and decorations. Of course, the games and decorations and treats aren’t the same as they were for humans, but it was equivalent. Both were filled with celebration and laughter and fun.
Hound quite liked emergence day parties. When they woke up on Earth, he had taken it upon himself to ensure each bot in the Ark was celebrated when their time came. Jazz’s party was filled with music and dancing, perfectly lively and joyful. Mirage’s was more sophisticated, with Cybertronian strategy games and fancy drinks made with glittering gems. Tracks’ was a spa party with washes and waxes and paint and decals that left everyone feeling a little more relaxed.
It’s truly one of Hound’s favorite things, providing this little bit of home and comfort to his friends. They all seemed happier afterwards. As his own emergence day approached, he didn’t plan much for himself. He figured he would go for a nice, long drive. See the sights. Take in the sunshine and fresh air. He’d enjoyed enough parties while celebrating his friends; he didn’t want to make a fuss for himself.
“Hey, Hound. You busy?”
Hound’s helm swiveled in the direction of the voice. Cliffjumper was standing in the doorway, arms crossed and expression grumpy. Hound chuckled.
“Not really. Did you want to come exploring with me?” Hound asked.
Cliffjumper rubbed the back of his helm. “I actually wanted to show you something.”
Hound blinked. “Oh, okay. I can’t wait to see it.”
“Come on, then.” Cliffjumper held out his servo, “grab it and close your optics. It’s a surprise.”
Hound took Cliffjumper’s servo before closing his optics. Admittedly, he was a bit nervous. Cliffjumper could be a bit of a wild card, so he really had no idea what he was getting into. He followed Cliffjumper’s lead as he imagined what was waiting for him. Maybe a new book or game? A movie party in the common area? Maybe they had found one of those “slip and slide” things Spike had mentioned? Oh, that would be so much fun!
Hound was pulled from his thoughts as he ran into something. He nearly opened his optics, but a shout from Cliffjumper made him squeeze them tighter and cover his audials.
“Scrap! Sorry, I shoulda been watching closer. You okay?”
Hound nodded. “Just a little bump, nothing to worry about. Are we almost there?”
“Yeah, yeah, just a few more steps. Sorry again, didn’t mean to give you a dent on your emergence day.”
Hound chuckled. It was rare that Cliffjumper was so apologetic. He reached out and gave the shorter mech a pat between his horns.
“It’s alright, really. This surprise has to be extra good, though.” Hound joked.
Cliffjumper snorted. “Yeah, yeah. Alright, one more step…open your optics.”
Hound slowly brought his optics back online. The common area was decorated with bright streamers, games and treats spread out on the tables. There’s a large banner that said “HAPPY EMERGENCE DAY HOUND.” Everyone had gathered to celebrate him, cheering for him as he took it all in.
Hound’s spark warmed. He has amazing friends; they had gone through all of this trouble just to show how much they appreciate him being onlined.
It was all overshadowed, though, by all of the balloons.
They’re all over the floor. It was supposed to be fun, he knew, and he could see Bumblebee happily shuffling through them and tossing them into the air. They’re supposed to be fun.
But all Hound could think about was them popping.
Cliffjumper looked up at Hound, optical ridge rising. “Well? Are you gonna come in?”
Hound smiled tightly. “Of course! Just taking it all in. You didn’t have to do all this for little old me.”
“Couldn’t let the party planner go without a party!” Jazz said, hooking his arm with Hound’s, “c‘mon, let’s get you a cube.”
Hound untangled his arm from Jazz’s and covered his audials. Walking through the balloons would inevitably result in one popping. He hated the noise. Hated it. He felt a servo on his back as Mirage came over.
“Are you alright? Do you hear something?” He asked, voice soft.
Hound shook his helm. How was he supposed to explain that it was something he would hear? That he’s a party pooper over something so small, that he’s hurting his friends by appearing ungrateful because of something so silly?
Gears huffed, kicking at one of the balloons. As his pede connected, it bursted with a loud pop. Hound pushed his servos against his audials with more force, his frame tensing. He rocked back and forth slightly.
Too loud.
It’s just too loud.
“Hound,” Mirage tried again, placing his servos over Hound’s, “is it the balloons? You don’t like them?”
Hound nodded. He hated to admit it when everyone worked hard. He’s horrible. He should suck it up, that’s what a good friend would do.
“Oh, jeez. I didn’t even think about that. Probably tough with his increased sensory inputs.” Jazz said.
“Alright, everyone grab some balloons. Let’s get them out of here.” Prowl said.
“No, no, I’m sorry, that would be such a waste!” Hound exclaimed.
Cliffjumper shook his head. “It’s your emergence day. The damn balloons aren’t important, you are.”
“That’s right. Besides, we weren’t planning to spend much time in here.” Mirage said.
“You…weren’t?” Hound asked.
Jazz chuckled. “‘Course not! This was just part of it. We know you like games.”
“I asked Optimus if the other surprise was ready! He said we can take Hound now. I’ll stay and help everyone clean up the balloons!” Bumblebee chirped.
Hound wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve such nice friends. Cliffjumper took Hound’s servo and led him away. Optics open this time.
He couldn’t have Hound involved in any more upsets today.
Hound was quiet as they walked. He still felt awful. Everyone had worked so hard, and they didn’t know about his sensitivities. It was just one of those noises that was difficult on his audio processors. It made him feel out of sorts when he heard it.
“Hey. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s fraggin’ balloons, who cares? We really shoulda thought about it, since you got all those sensory extras.” Cliffjumper said.
“I just hate to seem ungrateful.” Hound said.
“You? Ungrateful? You’re joking. We know you were happy we thought about you, it ain’t ungrateful to not wanna be uncomfortable at your own party. You bend over backwards to make us happy, why shouldn't we do the same for you?”
“It’s just a very silly thing…”
“I don’t care if it’s silly or not. I want you to be happy. You’re a good mech, Hound.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, Cliffjumper.”
They reached the Ark’s entry door. Cliffjumper punched in the keycode.
INCORRECT PASSCODE
“Are you kidding me?!” Cliffjumper snapped.
Hound chuckled. “It changes pretty often. Here.”
Hound quickly entered the code. The door slid open. With a huff, Cliffjumper led Hound outside. It’s a beautiful day, clear skies and sunshine. Spike, Sparkplug, Optimus, and Wheeljack were standing along a long, yellow piece of plastic covered in water and bubbles. Hound gasped.
“It’s the slip and slide!” He exclaimed.
Sparkplug grinned. “You seemed interested when we mentioned it, so we figured you’d like it. Wanna give it a go?” “Spike’ll show you how. I gotta talk to Cliff real quick, but I’ll be back for a turn.”
Sparkplug was sure it fell on deaf ears. That was alright, though. He was glad Hound was happy, especially after the balloon mishap.
He hoped his present would help with that in the future, though.
“Hey, Cliffjumper. Give me a hand, huh?”
*****
When Sparkplug and Cliffjumper returned, the party had moved outside entirely.
The slip and slide was a huge hit. Everyone wanted a turn, and Hound had even convinced Tracks, Mirage, and Sunstreaker to try it out. They loved washing up and looking shiny; this was basically just a big bath! A big bath that they could slide down really fast! Even Optimus tried it out, spinning all the way down to the end.
They noticed that Hound was covering his audials again, though. He was waiting for another turn near Blaster, who had the music cranked up. Sparkplug figured it was a good time to give Hound his gift. He walked over, Cliffjumper following behind, and patting Hound’s leg. Hound looked down and smiled.
“Thank you for the slip and slide! It’s very fun!” Hound said.
“Glad you like it! I got you another gift I think you’ll like a lot. Come here.” Sparkplug said, motioning for Hound to kneel.
Hound obliged. Cliffjumper fitted the gift on Hound’s helm, making sure it was placed snugly over Hound audials. Hound blinked.
The noise felt a lot softer.
“They’re noise cancelling headphones.” Sparkplug explained. “They don’t keep all the sound out, but it helps. Figured it might be nice for you not to have to use your hands all the time.”
“I love them!” Hound said.
“I’m glad. Now get on, go have fun.”
Hound started to take the headphones off. It was probably rude to have them on right now. Everyone was having fun, he could deal with the noise for now, it was just the music that was a little too much. Mirage walked past and moved Hound’s servos away.
“Wear them. Enjoy yourself, be comfortable.” He said.
Hound nodded, excitedly running up to the slip and slide for his turn. Be comfortable. He supposed if his friends wanted that for him, he could want that for himself.