o24 ★ THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

[electrowhipit]

[ There's a clatter as the phone is knocked off the hook. Another as Jolt tries to pick it up you can hear him muttering: ]

I'm back- it can't be true, it can't-- I'm back.

[ A final scramble for the phone and he manages to grab it. There's no mistaking the urgency of his tone ]

Sideswipe-- I need to talk to Sideswipe!

Comments

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

... then I'll just have to get you home. Really home.

[electrowhipit]

[ A smile- accompanied by a warm sort of affection- as he perches on the edge of the couch ] I'd like that.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He can't really say anything to that - not without getting choked up. Instead, he uncurls an arm from around his legs and reaches over to grip Jolt's hand. That feeling... it feels so good after everything else today.]

[electrowhipit]

[ He's still got the ring in his hand, and he passes it over when their hands touch ] I think you dropped this.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He lifts his head a little, peering at the ring, and Jolt.]

... It's yours. Remember?

[electrowhipit]

I wasn't sure if you still wanted to give it to me or not.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

I... probably would have thrown it out the window, if that were the case.

[electrowhipit]

I'll try not to ruin the moment again, if you want to actually give it to me. [ He's starting to relax, and there's some earnest happiness behind that smile. Everything is okay. They're going to be okay. ]

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He shifts slightly, enough to lean a little against Jolt. He can feel himself starting to relax, in response. And it feels good.]

I don't exactly have the box, any longer.

[electrowhipit]

I'm sure you can improvise.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He doesn't move for a second. Then holds out his closed hand.]

Happy Christmas?

[electrowhipit]

[ He laughs, amused ] Do I have to unwrap it?

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[That amusement is literally contagious.]

If you want.

[electrowhipit]

[ He trails a hand down Sideswipe's arm, and finally taking his hand, trying to twine their fingers together ]

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He leans his head against Jolt's shoulder, tilting his hand until he can open it.]

Ta-daaa...

[electrowhipit]

[ He gasps in mock surprise ] A ring? You shouldn't have!

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He scoffs. This is infinitely better than the rest of his day has been.]

As if I was going to be outdone by... future... me.

[electrowhipit]

You did good. [ he leans over, and gives Sideswipe a kiss ]

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[That's pretty much all the incentive he needs to uncurl, and wrap his arms around him.]

[electrowhipit]

[ He's just... so relieved, and happy, that they're okay. And he's so, so in love. ]

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[Those feelings... Jolt has no idea how much of a relief they are. He just sort of curls against him.]

[electrowhipit]

Mm. [ he snuggles closer ]

One of these days we'll have a good Christmas.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

... Once we get out of here, we will. Promise you.

[electrowhipit]

I'm gonna hold you to that.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

Good.

[Pause.] And... this time, I'll go with you.