mbv, The Ark, Hobbies and Plot Progression
Sky: *early in the morning before her husband is sentient, she drags in what looks like a cardboard coffin* Swiper, what the slag did you order that needs to be in a box this big? So help me if you shipped in some Russian girl....
Seamus: *Perks up and moves to gank his box* Nope. No Russian girl... just a ginormous stuffed shark.
Firebreak: *looks up from painting Daddy's face with apple sauce* Stuffed? Nom?
Ember: *Headtilty* Shark? Nom nom nom?
Seamus: *getting the box set down so he can get it opened* You'll see... *Grinning*
Sean: *wanders in with his eyes glued to the new iPad he bought a few days before* Uncle Wayne... How did you get a spoon stuck in BattleBetty's ear? What have I told you about trying to hack other people's games?
Sky: *herds Sean over toward his bowl of cereal, though she's still giving Seamus funny looks*
Seamus: *doesn't look up from box destruction* Dude... Wayne is made of fail. That's how he managed it. Oooo, packing peanuts....
Firebreak: *flings applesauce* Me 'Break want!
Sky: Packing peanuts? *WILL secure some for her babies!*
Seamus: *will now try and upend the box so he can get both shark and packing peanuts out quickly*
Sean: *watching curiously even as he pokes his father*
ChumBuddy: *lands on the floor with a soft "floomp" and a shower of packing peanuts*
Seamus: *Cackling*
Samuel: *groggy grumblings about being poked*
Firebreak: *steps on Daddy's face in her hurry to get off the couch*
Ember: NOM! *points at packing peanuts*
Hotspot: *Going after sissy!*
Firebreak: *crawly crawly crawly! Pounceonnapeanut! NOM!*
Hotspot: *crawlycrawlcrawl, snaggapeanut!* *NOMNOMNOM*
Ember: *Going to join siblings, kthx!*
Sky: *getting some peanuts for Sean*
Samuel: *waking up enough to try and get up so he can snag some packing peanuts for himself and to feed to Sky*
Seamus: *more cackling, and then he's wearing the ChumBuddy*
rest of the family: *sudden pause to stare*
Samuel: ... The Pit, Sides?
Seamus: *a bit muffled since the stuffed shark covers all but his feet* My new hobby arrived! *Cackling*
Samuel: ... *facepalm*
Sky: I thought your hobby was that game on the computer.
Seamus: Weren't you saying I needed a hobby that wasn't on the computer?
Sky: ...No. That was Russell.
Seamus: .... *More cackling, then he's moving to try and FIND Russell*
Samuel: If you run into a door, I'm not helping you.
Sky: *watches Seamus go and then perks a bit* I have a meeting, will you be alright with the kids?
Samuel: *nods* I'll make sure they eat something other than packing peanuts.
Sky: *grins at that, then steals a peck and heads for the door, her bare feet making soft sounds on the floor*
Seamus: *is down the hall by now, having run past Susana and the rest of the Aerialbots*
Felicity: *Blink blink blink, watches Seamus going farther down the hall*
Scarlett: ... The slag was that?
Susana: ... I don't want to know. It's too early for this... *moving to herd her sisters to the mess, nods to Sky in passing*
Sky: *watches brother go, and then heads for the meeting room*
Rachel: *sitting there and frowning at a lovely fried egg sandwich as she absently sips a glass of antifreeze*
Denver: *nursing a cup of coffee. Is dressed for the day, but still has epic bedhead*
Russell: *does not look pleased with what happened yesterday*
Capt. Reynolds: *Present as well, as are several other human officers*
Merlin: *soft sound of popping rubber soybeans from his place at the far end of the table*
Rachel: //C'mon, chief, how long can it take to get a sparklet dressed? We're all here.//
Patrick: //Would you like to try getting Soli to hold still long enough to get her dressed?//
Rachel: //I get Greg and Sven dressed.//
Patrick: //... *sighs and asks Emilia for help with the sparklet* *also tells her to stop snickering because it's really not that funny*//
Rachel: *slight grin and drinks more of her drink before cautiously poking her sandwich*
Sky: *meets Skylar at the door and quirks a grin* Morning, Screamer.
Skylar: *razzes Sky, moves to settle in a chair*
Patrick: *arriving a few minutes later, sans bebeh, since Emilia's taking Soli to the creche*
Sky: *looks around* Where's the Warlady?
Skylar: Prowl-hunting. *smirk*
Rachel: So she's not coming? *finally sets down sweet drink and has a bite of egg sandwich* *squints one eye and makes a funny noise as her taste sensors encounter the jerk seasoning Jack put on the fried egg*
Skylar: She will, if she can't find where Prowl's hiding this time.
Rachel: This is kind of an important meeting. *offers him a bite of her sandwich*
Skylar: *politely declines*
Rachel: What? It's good. *has another bite and then looks at Patrick*
Patrick: *settling in a chair* Where is our unexpected mech?
Rachel: *swallows her bite so she can reply* Kia's bringing him. *looks toward the door as the pair appears, Kia pushing the wheelchair that holds Wesson*
Wesson: *looking as sheepish as only a large strong man can look*
Kia: *steers him over and parks him by Merlin, then sits on the other side of him*
Patrick: *small nod, tells Xiaobei over comms to leave Prowl alone for the moment, gets snarked at by Motormaster*
Rachel: *asks Motormaster if that joint squeak needs looking at again*
Motormaster: *Shuts up*
Xiaobei: *arrives a few minutes later*
TC: *wanders in shortly thereafter, Song glomped onto his back with her little chin on his shoulder. Flops down in his seat and gently leans back against his daughter*
Patrick: Alright. Now that everyone's here... *attention going to Wesson* How long have you been on this planet? *Tone only holds curiosity*
Wesson: *quietly, as he sits to attention as best he can* Ten years, sir.
Denver: ... *slight frown, attention fully on Wesson now*
Patrick: *Small nod* And before that?
Wesson: Sir?
Patrick: Where were you before you came here?
Wesson: *swallows silently* Cybertron, sir.
Patrick: *another small nod, putting pieces together in his mind*
Xiaobei: *watching Wesson and making note of his body language*
Wesson: *starts slightly as Kia pats his hand, but he's still at attention, his eyes moving from Patrick to Denver though it's clear he can't see very well*
Denver: *doesn't realize she's come to the same conclusion as Patrick* *quietly* Ah ought'a knock y'u silleh f'r wh't 'appened back 'n Februareh... 'N f'r goin' 'n gitt'n up wh'n y'u sh'ld'a been rest'n'.
Wesson: *quietly, looking straight ahead now* Sir, it's my job to watch your back.
Denver: *slight scowl, is about to let Wesson know exactly what she thinks of his injuring Tracks*
Xiaobei: *to Wesson, as apologetically as her pride can let her get* Motormaster and her siblings did not act under Megatron's orders, nor did they act under mine. I'm sure you're aware, by now, of the former Warlord's decree?
Wesson: *blinking with confusion at the Warlady, but then understanding dawns* You mean when they attacked Soundwave?
Xiaobei: *nods* I was... compromised at the time... I was unaware of their actions.
Wesson: I'm part of Soundwave's team. It's not my job to be angry about what happens to him.
Frenzy: *will now go up Merlin's pant leg*
Merlin: *Startled yelp*
Xiaobei: *Eyebrow*
Wesson: *startles and looks at Merlin*
Merlin: *Trying to discourage Frenzy from climbing any higher*
Wesson: *frowns and then clicks softly*
Frenzy: *pip? Pip? Crawls out of the tunnel and comes to visit Wesson instead and get ear scritchies*
Wesson: Sorry, man.
Merlin: That is quite alright... I was not expecting Frenzy to attempt to utilize my pants leg as a tunnel....
Rewind: *Skitter skitter skitter into the room, pipping and looking for Frenzy*
Rachel: *calls softly to the little femme over comms and gives her directions*
Rewind: *thanks Rachel, is soon scaling Wesson's pant leg*
Wesson: *nods and turns back to the leaders, one hand going down to guide Rewind*
Rewind: *snuggles Wesson and gives kissies to Frenzy*
Seamus: *just narrowly avoids the door jam, is still wearing his ChumBuddy so only his feet are visible*
Rachel: *eye. brow. over the top of her glass*
Patrick: ... *As Seamus pauses behind him* It's behind me, isn't it?
Sky: *slow nod, her mouth a wry twist of humor*
Skylar: ... The Pit is that?
Xiaobei: *confused*
Sky: It's Swiper inside a lifesized stuffed shark doll.
Seamus: *muffled* Where the heck's Russell?
Russell: *facepalming*
Rachel: What do you want Russ for?
Seamus: I wanna show him that I do have a hobby that doesn't involve computers. *practically radiating an :D expression*
Rachel: ...Walking around with a doll over your head?
Seamus: Playing "Shark Attack Victim".
Patrick: Not in here, you won't.
Sky: We're talking about something important right now, Swiper.
Seamus: ... Oh... okay. *heads out, nearly beaning the door jam again*
Rachel: *shaking her head silently*
Russell: *Quietly* Why couldn't he have taken up chess, or checkers or any other SANE hobby?
Skylar: Because it's Sideswipe.
Rachel: What was wrong with his computer game, Russ?
Russell: He keeps sending me invites to play it. *slight eyebrow twitch*
Sky: I'll talk to him about it.
Rachel: Anyway. Back to business.
Patrick: *nods, attention going back to Wesson again* When you're cleared to leave the medbay, will you be needing quarters?
Denver: *still has that slight scowl on her face* First 'n foremost, who th' slag're ya?
Wesson: *eyes widen slightly and his shoulders go back at the ire in his commander's voice* Lt. John Wesson. NEST operative.
Denver: *eyes narrow*
Wesson: It's the only identity I have, sir. *lifts chin slightly*
Denver: *clearly doesn't believe him*
Xiaobei: *Calmly, to Denver* [Let it go, Flashpoint. There are more pressing matters than whether Lt. Wesson has a proper designation or not.]
Denver: *Levels a glare at Xiaobei, before getting up and moving to leave.*
Wesson: *gruffly* Major... please.
Denver: *Quietly* [Give me time. I'm still mad at Soundwave for hurting my husband.] *out the door*
Capt. Reynolds: .... *raised brow as she watches Denver go*
Patrick: *Pinching the bridge of his nose now*
Wesson: *very slowly puts his arms on the table and then lowers his head to them*
Kia: *pat pat, full of concern for family member*
Capt. Reynolds: What the heck was that, just now?
Kia: Major Trach spoke in Cybertronian.
Wesson: *trying hard not to cry*
Rewind: *reassurances in the form of kissies* //Just give her time to cool off... She's scared because she doesn't know what to do.//
Capt. Reynolds: ... I thought it wasn't possible for us to do so.... *trying to make sense of this, really!*
Sky: You mean you don't know Flashpoint's one of us?
Capt. Reynolds: ... *brain-broken expression*
Wesson: *quietly* Sounders wasn't tryin' ta kill Tracks.
Rewind: //She still thinks like a human....// *moar kissie!*
Wesson: *tired and hurt, he's going to cry now, even with two ferrets kissing him and Kia hugging him in her quietly supportive way*
Merlin: *moving to offer comfort to Wesson now, in the form of a gentle and supportive hand on the other man's shoulder*
Sky: *looks at Patrick* *halp*
Patrick: Jennifer, remember the day that we had that miracle happen?
Capt. Reynolds: *small nod* ... You mean the Major being one of your people is another miracle?
Patrick: *nods, seriousness in his eyes*
Capt. Reynolds: *Murmurs a quiet curse, more out of surprise than anything*
Sky: Her body just matches her spirit now.
Song: Aunty Mac Seeker!
Capt. Reynolds: *looks up at that, clearly startled. She's seen the Seekers when they've decided to play sky tag*
Rachel: Actually, she's an Autobot, Song. She only has one alt mode.
Song: Seeker!
TC: *reaches back and puts a hand over his daughter's mouth so she can't argue with the officers*
Patrick: *very soft chuckle* Technically, she is part of Starscream's flock...
Skylar: *nods* And so is Tracks, even if he denies it. *leans back in his chair a bit*
Lt. Johnson: ... Flock?
Skylar: What Seekers call their family units. We're social beings, and the more of us there are in any given area, generally, the happier we are... *A bit smug, as he knows just how many members there are of his flock... And yes, he's darn proud of it*
Rachel: *small smirk at that smug look on her friend's face, but then she sobers and looks at Merlin* It looks like your family has officially grown too, Percy.
Merlin: *Absent acknowledgement, is more focused on comforting Wesson*
Rachel: *turns back to Patrick*
Patrick: I think it's time we adjourn... Kia, Merlin, why don't you take John back to the medbay so he can get some more rest?
Merlin: *nods in acknowlegement*
Kia: Yes, Patrick. *urges kinsman to sit up and moves to the back of his chair*
Wesson: *head bowed and not looking at anybody*
Merlin: *Quiet reassurances as he moves to help Kia with Wesson*
Rachel: *watches them go, her blue eyes thoughtful* Soundwave is sneaky. *knows she's using understatement, yes*
Xiaobei: If only you knew... *moves to get up*
Rachel: What makes you think I don't? I've been repairing what he's taken apart for a long time. *has another bite of her sandwich*
Xiaobei: *soft chuckle, moves to head out the door*
Later that morning
Wesson: *laying propped up in his hospital bed, one leg drawn up as he picks a slow tune out of his guitar*
Rose: *just outside the door* Jean, you dumb#$@$@, watch where yer walkin'. If you drop me again I'll.....
Maria: *Warning the couple to be quiet, since she doesn't know if John's asleep or not*
Wesson: *slight smile and a soft murmur to his amp, which turns up the volume just a little*
Rose: I can hear his guitar.
Jean: C'mon. He's awake... *carefully nudging the door open with his foot, since his arms are full with keeping Rose from taking a tumble*
Maria: *Mutters something in Portugese, before moving to hold the door open*
Wesson: *meets Rose's eyes as his friends come in. His own are once more holding that sheepish light, accompanied now by uncertainty* Hey.
Rose: Hey yourself.
Jean: How are you, John? I heard you brained yourself in a hole....
Wesson: *slight frown* You just now hearin' that?
Jean: Er... well...
Maria: *Facepalming*
Wesson: *deepens the frown as he turns his slightly unfocused eyes toward Lt. Ross*
Maria: *Muttering in Portugese about Jean being an idiot. Again.*
Wesson: Where the @#$#@ did you think I was all this time? *sits up slightly, his expression bemused*
Jean: *razzes Wesson, will sulk for a bit*
Maria: *concerned, will gently fuss over Wesson now*
Wesson: *takes a deep breath, his hand going still on the guitar strings* Yeah, I brained myself in a hole. But I was already packin' some damage before that.
Maria: *Fusses more*
Jean: ... *Raised brow* What'd you do?
Wesson: Took some hits when I helped out against the Stunties.
Jean: *Winces... wait for it... wait for it.....* Wait.... what?
Maria: ...
Wesson: *exasperated* Don't you guys even listen ta the comm channels? They're still talkin'.
Rose: *straightens out a bit as she digs in the pocket of her skirt for her comm clip*
Wesson: *lays back and shakes his head, looking unimpressed*
Maria: *Quietly* I thought you got away from that situation okay though....
Wesson: I hid 'n got Kia to fix me.
Rose: 0_0 You're a TRANSFORMER????
Jean: *toothpick falls out of his mouth as he gapes*
Maria: .... *looking brain-broken, and a bit mortified*
Wesson: *quietly, wincing at the tiny woman's volume* Yeah. I'm a Transformer.
Rose: *speechless for once*
Jean: *says something obscene*
Wesson: *gives him a Look*
Maria: *Quietly, a bit shocked* You mean... I did like the Major... and kissed a Cybertronian?
Wesson: *Look dies in the fire of massive blushing that doesn't show on his face but certainty shows in his expression*
Jean: ... *attention going to Lt. Ross, who is blushing more than she ever has before*
Rose: *blinking and trying to get her brain to reboot. Finally looks at fiance to ask questions*
Jean: *raised brow at Lt. Ross, who is doing her best not to look at anything or anyone* Okay then... *Attention back to Wesson* You've been here awhile, I take it?
Wesson: Ten years. *not looking at Lt. Ross*
Jean: ... So just as long as you and the Major've been a part of NEST... Huh... *considering something* Can we see what you look like in your robot form?
Wesson: *shakes his head slowly* *still quiet* I'm a 'Con, Jean. My bot mode wouldn't fit in this room.
Rose: o.0 You're a 'Con??
Maria: *attention firmly back on Wesson, her dark eyes wide and a bit fearful now*
Jean: ...
Wesson: *shuts his eyes for a minute. Then, even more quietly* I'm still the same guy.
Jean: .... *considering something now* ... *Quietly* You answer to Xiaobei then?
Wesson: *draws his lips together in an odd, wry expression* I answer ta Soundwave.
Jean: ... Okay then...
Wesson: *opens his eyes and looks at his friends wistfully* I'm still the same guy.
Marcia: *in a moooood, just got back from the Nexus, has a box of CinnaSeekers in hand as she enters the room*
Rose: *gives the pale woman a Look* Don't you go raisin' any fuss, girl.
Marcia: *gives the blonde a Look of her own, before snorting and putting the box of cookies where Wesson can reach them easily* Flashpoint said to give you these. *moves to head out of the room*
Wesson: *looks at the box, and then warily at the retreating back of the girl* Thanks....
Marcia: Whatever. *mutters something about "Fraggin' Autobot sentimentality" before she's out of earshot*
Maria: ... The heck was her problem?
Wesson: That's Motormaster. She wasn't happy about the Major makin' her get this. *frowns as he sets the guitar aside and reaches for the box*
Jean: Sheeesh... Talk about a walking attitude problem.... Wait... the Major's got a nickname now? *finds this amusing*
Wesson: *box in his lap as he facepalms* Man... the Major's one 'a us now.
Jean: ...
Maria: ... *boggling*
Rose: What the....
Wesson: Happened the same day your head got fixed. *looks at Havoc*
Jean: ... How?!
Wesson: Beats me. *drops his attention to the box as he opens it* Hey... she got me cookies??
Maria: *having a look* ... Those're glowing....
Wesson: They're those things the kids eat. *picks one up and sniffs at it* Feel like I oughtta go share 'em with Greg 'n Desti.
Jean: ... *small frown as he tries to remember what Pandita mentioned one time* Don't those contain minerals and stuff like that?
Wesson: Yeah... they're actually good for me.
Jean: ... *Snerks softly* Guess she's worried about you.
Wesson: *doesn't look up* She's mad at me.
Rose: Well yeah, runnin' 'round when you're hurt'll do that, ya....
Jean: Remember the dressing down she gave me when I snuck out for that smoke?
Wesson: It ain't just that. *sighs and lays back wearily, one hand going up to rub his eyes with thumb and forefinger*
Jean: ... *raised eyebrow is a go*
Maria: *mother-hen mode...maybe* You should rest....
Wesson: *low and discouraged sounding* Yeah, yeah....
Jean: Craving anything in particular?
Wesson: Not really hungry. *turns his head slightly to give his friend an apologetic look*
Jean: Well, if you feel hungry for something later, just call...
Wesson: Sure... hey, will you tell the others?
Jean: *Serious* 'Bout you, or 'bout the Major?
Wesson: Major's ain't our secret ta tell. *frown* Though I already opened my big mouth.
Jean: *small nod* I kinda get the feeling we may be having a team meeting soon anyways....
Wesson: *quietly* Jes' hope I'm still part of the team when it's adjourned.
Jean: Chin up... It's probably only gonna be about how to behave when we're dealing with the public, and how to deter civies looking for a tour...
Wesson: ...Lookin' for a tour? *confused look*
Frenzy: *wakes up and wriggles around under the blankets at the foot of the bed*
Jean: 'Cause we're on a bonafide military base... Civies love taking tours of stuff like that....
Rumble: *protests wriggling*
Rewind: *nosing Frenzy around, pauses when she catches the scent of the cookies, then she's making a beeline for the nearest opening in the blankets to try and beg a cookie from Wesson*
Wesson: *absent pets for the little ferret as he frowns at Havoc* When'd that happen?
Jean: Mr. Oberson mentioned it when we ran into him earlier.... Apparently, the Col. pulled a few strings, and now the Dinobots and the Seekers can wander around in their robot forms...
Wesson: *blink blink* Dang!
Jean: *chuckles* The big guy... What was his name... um... Sludge? Anyways, he and Swoop were hamming it up by the gate for this farmer.....
Wesson: *blinks again, and then the corners of his mouth are twitching* Layin' on the charm?
Maria: *Gets out her cellphone and pulls up the video of Sludge and Swoop at the gate, before offering her phone to Wesson*
Wesson: *takes it and squints at the screen, then frowns and offers it back, softly reciting a comm frequency she can databurst it to*
Maria: *small nod, sends the video to the frequency*
Wesson: *bit of a frown as he sorts it out, and then he's chuckling that deep chuckle that's more felt than heard* Yup.
Maria: It's hard to believe they're just babies....
Wesson: Nah. That's pure baby charm. *still rumbling softly*
Maria: I meant 'cause of the fact that Greg totally owned Jean that one time...
Jean: Hey! *Sulk*
Wesson: *wince* Oh yeah.
Rumble: *ferrety little snicker*
Rose: *shaking head*
Rewind: *pips at Rumble, reminding him to be nice*
Rumble: *kissies!*
Rewind: *Surprised squeak at the kissies from Rumble*
Frenzy: *making cute as he sits by the cookie box*
Wesson: But that's what they were made for, Jean. *uses one hand to take out a cookie and then breaks it in half and holds one piece near Frenzy while poking Rumble with the other*
Jean: Doesn't mean I was expecting to get clobbered when I went to help Capt. Blume.
Wesson: *quietly, his eyes on the ferret brothers as they sniff and then gnaw on the offered treat* I know.
Rewind: *Makes with the cute*
Rumble: //What're yous waitin' for? Git over here 'n eat!//
Frenzy: //Big round nom!//
Rewind: *Will pounce on you and steal your nom, Rumble!*
Rumble: //Gah! Yous never hear'a sharin'??// *push push, whiskers twitching!*
Rewind: *Razzes and snuggles*
Maria: *soooo getting pictures of the cute*
Wesson: *hears the sound of the two women's cellphones taking pictures* *grins* Rumble's courtin'. Rewind ain't sure what ta think. *breaks Rumble's piece of cookie and moves half to the other side of his hand so that each little recorder has their own piece*
Rewind: *razzes Wesson over comms as well, nommacookie*
Rose: *looks at the picture she just took and d'awws softly*
Jean: *Snerks as Rewind pips softly and noses Frenzy around a bit*
Wesson: *soft clicks for the little bots, the sound still coming out awkward and human*
Frenzy: //Big nom!//
Rewind: *gentle as she noses Frenzy around, quietly wishes Soundwave were around to help Frenzy*
Wesson: *sets down Rumble and Rewind's cookie pieces and puts a big hand over the little femme's back* Don't worry, he's around someplace. But remember, he got even more banged up than I did.
Rumble: //Yeah, what he said! Uh... wait? The boss's okay, right?// *looks up at Wesson, who shrugs*
Rewind: *Quiet pips, snuggles against Wesson's hand*
Wesson: *expression gentle as he clicks again*
Rose: *blinks as her watch beeps, and then gives a soft cuss* Physio time. We gotta get back, Jean.
Jean: Aww... Alright... We'll be back to visit soon, John...
Wesson: *looks up* Alright, Jean. Keep your nose clean. See ya, Rosie.
Rose: Rosie, my....
Jean: *Carefully hurrying fianceé out the door!*
Wesson: *chuckles and pokes a cookie bit in front of Rumble as he goes on a kissie fit*
Rewind: *Startles, squeaks as she takes a tumble, but transforms at the last minute and clings to the side of the bed*
Maria: *Acks and moves to help the recorder back onto the bed*
Wesson: *also threw out a hand, catching Rewind by the wrist, but now he's got to let go of everything and lay back as damaged components let him know their displeasure at the sudden movement*
Maria: *Fusses over both Rewind and Wesson*
Wesson: *woozy. Lets out a small groan before he can help himself*
Rumble: *transforms and hugs Rewind, then looks at Wesson with a worried expression*
Maria: *Fusses even more*
Wesson: Maria... get 'em off the bed?
Rumble: Gettin'! *stands and moves to tiptoe toward the foot*
Maria: Right... C'mere... *gently scooping Frenzy up as Rewind moves to follow Rumble*
Frenzy: *confused, but will say hi to the nice lady. Whiskers just agoing as he pips and offers kissies*
Maria: *Moves to try and get Rumble and Rewind as well*
Rumble: Don't squish Frenzy, okay? *scoops Rewind up and offers her*
Maria: I won't... *and then she's got Rewind clinging to her back*
Rumble: *jumps over the foot board and lands on his feet, then scoots over to the human woman*
Maria: *Watches Wesson, concerned*
Wesson: *trying to find the bits of cookie without looking, so that he can give them to the recorders. Upsets the cookie box and cusses softly*
Maria: *quiet clicks, moves to try and help pick things up*
Rewind: *moves to keep Maria from touching the cookies, will get things picked up as well as she can*
Rumble: *quietly and respectfully* Yous don't wanna touch dose, squishy lady.
Wesson: ##$#@$@, Maria, don't touch energon!
Maria: *Flinches slightly* *Quietly* I just... wanted to help....
Wesson: It can burn you. *finds her hand and gives it a squeeze, then sets it safely out of the way on the railing*
Maria: *slight wibble*
Wesson: *squinting at her as he frowns with concern* Maria?
Maria: *Quietly* It's just... Everything's been so crazy since we made that raid... And now, finding out two people I care about're some of the people I've been assigned to protect....
Wesson: *gruff gentleness* Maybe you need some time off.
Maria: *quietly* I'm scared that if I do... Something'll happen that I could'a prevented...
Wesson: ...And maybe a chat with Lindy.
Maria: *Quieter* Maybe...
Wesson: *face heats again slightly* I'm not mad.
Maria: *quietly, in Portugese* {I know...}
Wesson: It's just.... *looks down at his lap*
Rumble: *ganked the cookie box, is leading the others out of the room*
Rewind: *knows when to abandon ship! Will carefully grab Frenzy and follow Rumble*
Frenzy: //Noms. Noms.//
Rewind: //In a little bit, Frenzy...// *closing the door behind her*
Maria: ... *Blushes as she realizes what the recorders did*
Wesson: *quietly* They just flew the coop, didn't they?
Maria: Yeah....
Wesson: Little brats.
Maria: *Very soft snerk* Well... Rewind is one of Blaster's.... And he's a cheeky guy....
Wesson: 'N Rumble 'n Frenzy always were punks.
Maria: *Quietly* You've known 'em for a long time?
Wesson: Since they came online. *slight smile*
Maria: Awww.... So you're their older brother then....
Wesson: Some people'd say that. *finds the last little cookie bit and puts it in his mouth, chewing slowly as he contemplates the flavor*
Maria: ... *raised brow*
Wesson: *chew chew chew....*
Maria: What do you mean by that?
Wesson: Wait'll you see more of how Cybertronian families work, 'n you'll see.
Maria: ... Okay... I'll take your word for it...
Wesson: *rubs his forehead slightly* This really does taste like cinnamon.
Maria: In a good or bad way?
Wesson: *slight grin* I like 'em. But I have't had energon in a long time, so it's probably a good thing the rest just left.
Maria: *Concerned* Are you going to be alright?
Wesson: Yeah, I'm not on any meds. *slight grin as he turns his head and tugs on the blanket*
Maria: *moves to help with the blanket*
Wesson: Thanks. You wanna lower the bed? *meaning the head of the bed*
Maria: Sure... *moves to do so*
Wesson: *sighs once the bed's flat* Thanks.
Maria: Take it easy, alright? Things'll turn out okay...
Wesson: *quietly and tiredly, without his usual grin* 'Course they will.
Maria: *Gently patpats his hand*
Wesson: *calls up a ghost of his grin, and then a chuckle as he hears Rachel scolding recorders in the hall outside his room for scattering crumbs around*
Maria: *facepalms*
Wesson: Those guys're..... *muffles a yawn*
Maria: *Gently* Get some rest...
Wesson: Yeah. Thanks, Maria.
Maria: Any time, John...
Wesson: *tired grin as he shuts his eyes, one hand moving to rest on the neck of his guitar*
Maria: *Waits until Wesson is asleep before she leaves the room*
Meanwhile, over at Tracks and Denver's quarters....
Tracks: *sitting on the couch with Dion draped across his lap as he writes some blog articles. Keeps glancing toward the door as he waits for Denver to come home from the gym*
Denver: *returns from having a good, hard run and working out almost twice as long as she normally does, is running low on energy, even as she stubbornly moves toward the hallway that leads to the bathroom*
Dion: *Squeak!* Mama!
Tracks: *saves and sets the iPad aside* Darling? *baby under one arm, smallish long box in the other hand as he gets up to go see her. Is shivering inwardly with the suspense of hiding a surprise from her*
Denver: *pauses just before the showers, turns to give Tracks and Dion what she hopes is a smile that hides just how tired and sore she's feeling right now* Hey....
Dion: *Happy squeak*
Tracks: *gently* I can feel how you're feeling, Darling. But maybe this will help. *offers the box, which has had the packing labels removed*
Denver: *slightly wry chuckle* Guess 't does me no good t' trah 'n hahd stuff fr'm y'u... *slight headtilt as she accepts the box and begins to open it*
Tracks: *just smirks and hugs Dion as he watches the unwrapping. Inside the shipping box is another box that fits inside it neatly, and written on that box are the words 'Platinum Rose'*
Denver: *pauses when she gets to the second box, then she's looking at Tracks, a small smile coming to her face before she finishes unwrapping the platinum-plated rose within the box* Y'u.... 're a total suck.... Don' evah change... *moves to lean against Tracks on the side not currently occupied by Dion*
Dion: *Giggles*
Tracks: *smirk grows as he slips an arm around Denver's waist* I'm glad you like it, darling.
Denver: *sound of approval as she tries to hide a slight wince as something protests being jostled after being abused during her workout*
Tracks: *gentle back rub, doesn't even look toward the door as the sound of Starpounder laughing at a self-pwnt shark attack victim comes through it* *softly* What did you do? *knows how she was feeling. Knows what she did. But asks anyway so she can talk*
Denver: *Quietly recounts what happened at the meeting, how she fought with Motormaster about getting cookies for Wesson, how she went for a long run around the base perimeter, and what she did at the gym. By the end, she's leaning against him even more and trying not to wince*
Tracks: *gently kisses her cheek and then guides her across the living room and to the hall that leads to the bedrooms and the large master bathroom* Should we run Denver a lovely bath, Dion?
Dion: *nodnod, clickstorm.*
Tracks: Are you volunteering yourself as a tub toy? *slight smile as he looks down at baby brother*
Dion: *Pokes Bubby in the chest*
Tracks: What? *kisses Denver's cheek and hands her Dion, then moves over to the raised platform around the big round tub*
Dion: Bubby bath toy.
Denver: *Very soft snerk*
Tracks: Nonsense. I don't squeak. *sits on the edge of the tub and starts running water into it, adding some rose scented oil as he does so*
Dion: *bitty razz*
Denver: *another soft chuckle as she moves to sit down on the raised platform and settle Dion in her lap* Silleh kid....
Tracks: *offers Dion the American made silicon duck*
Dion: *Dooooood, DUCKIE*
Tracks: *squeaks the toy, will give if it's taken*
Dion: *Reaches for Duckie*
Tracks: *hands it over carefully, making sure little hands have a grip*
Dion: *Clickstorm as he cuddles Duckie*
Denver: *soft sound, is starting to fall asleep*
Tracks: *moves to take Dion* -Denver, darling, why don't you get ready for your bath?-
Denver: *Slight start* -Huh?-
Tracks: *scoops baby brother into his arms and sets the little guy down on the floor, then gives Denver's sleeve a gentle tug* *softly* Your bath.
Denver: Rahght... *moves to get her boots unlaced and her socks off while Dion sits and cuddles Duckie*
Tracks: *goes to find the bunny towel, and also a soft silk chemise and robe set that he thinks should be comfortable even when the wearer is achy and tired. Brings these things back along with a little cut crystal vase that once held flowers from the florist*
Denver: *has managed to shuck her clothes and settle in the tub by sheer stubbornness alone. Has Dion with her in the tub and is making sure the little guy has a proper bath and that the water in the tub doesn't go every which way*
Tracks: *sets the vase down and carefully sticks the platinum rose into it, then spreads out the chemise and robe, and the bunny towel, where they are easily gotten before vanishing from the room again*
Denver: *finishes giving Dion a bath, makes sure he won't get into mischief, leans back so her back is resting against the side of the tub, and then she and Dion are clicking to one another*
Dion: *likes talking to Mama!*
Tracks: *back with the candle holder that looks like a wrought iron flowering tree. Sets it by the rose in its vase, and then lights the five lavender candles it holds in its frosted flower cups*
Denver: *Barely turns her head, soft chuckle*
Dion: Ooo? *Curious bitlet is curious!*
Tracks: Now these are to smell and not to touch, Dion. *cracks a rose-scented bath bomb in his hands and gives a bit to baby brother, and then a larger shard to Denver*
Dion: *Doood, treat! Happy sounds*
Denver: Th'nks, Tracks...
Tracks: You're welcome, darling. *smiles as he senses her relaxing*
Dion: *finishes his piece of bath bomb, wants picked up!*
Tracks: *grabs the bunny towel and spreads it over his arms, then holds them out*
Denver: *chuckles and moves to transfer Dion over to Tracks*
Dion: *Happy clicks and squeaks!*
Tracks: *wraps baby brother and holds him close, making sure that the hood of the towel is in the right place* Hmm, you smell like roses.
Dion: *SnuggaBubby! And clicks about smelling like a nom!*
Denver: *Another chuckle* 'E gotta bath...
Tracks: *nuzzles the sparklet's head, and then smiles at Denver, his icy blue eyes shining*
Denver: *content as she watches Tracks and Dion interacting, is still feeling a bit sore, but she's calmed down considerably from how agitated she was earlier*
Tracks: *sends his love over the bond, and his reassurance. He is fine. And he is very happy to be here*
Denver: *shares thoughts of snuggling under the covers of the bed*
Tracks: *nods and goes to get a massive fluffy towel out of the dryer and bring it to her*
Denver: *getting out of the tub once she's got the towel in hand, wrapping it around herself as she gets out the rest of the way*
Tracks: *smiles and then carries Dion out to the bedroom to pick a little sleeveless onesie for him to wear*
Denver: *Gets dried off and slips into the chemise and robe before moving to carefully get her clothes off of the bathroom floor. Then she's heading for the bedroom with the intention of getting the sheets pulled back*
Tracks: *looks up from where he's sitting on the comfy ottoman by the dresser, feeling glad to see her as he bounces a Dion in a stripy little outfit with a sailboat on the front*
Dion: *Clickstorm! And there's Mama!*
Denver: *Small smile, pats the bed as she moves to get in between the sheets*
Tracks: *brings baby brother over and sets him down on the edge of that big bed, then urges him to crawl to Denver*
Dion: *Crawly crawly crawly! Snuggles Mama when he reaches her!*
Denver: *soft chuckle as she gently cuddles Dion*
Tracks: *chuckles and makes a last trip to grab Dion's bottle and a piece of chocolate fudge for Denver, and then he's back and setting those where Denver can reach them as he kicks off his shoes and goes to make a quick change to pyjamas*
Denver: *clicks to Dion as she carefully feeds him*
Tracks: *tucks himself in bed, is busy adding to one of the blog articles via wifi link to the iPad*
Denver: *Soft chuckle as Dion eats* -Wh't 'n Earth're y'u wraht'n' 'bout?-
Tracks: *smirk* Soccer. Beastly sport.
Denver: *Soft snerk* -Ain't nearleh 's bad 's th't slag th'y trah 'n pass off 's "Professional Wrestling"...-
Tracks: *sniff* The blogs I write for are supposedly cultured.
Denver: -Y'u're wraht'n' 'bout a sport wh're people bet on whether th're'll be a fahght 'n th' field... 'n th're're rahots 'n Europe 'n South America 'f certain teams lose.-
Tracks: Yes, to the Italians that's very cultured. *rolls his eyes*
Denver: *Snickers*
Tracks: *writes a little more, giving it his usual lightly biting sarcastic edge which is far too subtle for most people to catch*
Denver: *has a peek, soft sound of surprise when she sees what language he's writing in*
Tracks: *blinks at that sound, and the feel of her surprise* Darling?
Denver: -Di'n't know y'u know 'talian...- *Surprised and impressed*
Tracks: Ohhh, that. Yes, we shot some scenes in Italy for a few movies, and it seemed wise to know the local language.
Dion: *Soft sound that has Denver shifting position to check on him*
Tracks: *also checking the sparklet* *softly* Should we stop chattering and let you sleep, Dion?
Dion: *Sleeepy expression. Seems the sound he made was just a soft burp*
Tracks: *chuckles and excuses him in Italian, then kisses his fuzzy hair before nuzzling Denver and closing his eyes*
Denver: *eats the piece of chocolate fudge Tracks brought her, then moves to snuggle, with Dion between her and Tracks*
Dion: *Contented sparklet purrs*
Tracks: *soft smile as he listens and continues to blog*
((co-written with random_xtras))