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]

[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.

[electrowhipit]

[ There's absolute certainty behind these words: ] You never left me the first time.

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He takes a deep breath, and nods into Jolt's shoulder.]

I... hadn't planned on it. Never crossed my processor.

[electrowhipit]

[ He just wraps his arms around Sideswipe, and pulls him close ]

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

[He is fine with that, leaning against him.]

... I like this part of it... I think.

[electrowhipit]

This part of what?

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

Mmn. Feeling... you.

[Shrugs.] It's better when you're not hurting.

[electrowhipit]

Funny how that works, isn't it?

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

Mm. Yes. It is.

Suppose this place never counted on my finding something... good to feel.

[electrowhipit]

Yeah. I--- [ a pause, and suddenly he's feeling a bit mischievous ] Hey, Sideswipe?

[weaponsparked.livejournal.com]

... Yes? What are you up to?