Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

From their very first interaction, Shockwave knew that Blurr was a danger to his mission. 

Blurr was too fierce, too attentive, too questioning, much more capable than any of his co-works; it was no wonder he had such high scores as an Intel agent, arguably the best agent they had. 

Longarm hadn't even been promoted to a prime when he started to take notice of certain habits of the other agent, how he would often work overtime till late in the cycle.

Curiosity mixed with waryness took the better of the decepticon spy, prompting an invitation to Blurr to work together during their overtime; an excuse to keep a close optic on him from a safe distance. He could have never expected how eagerly the offer would have been accepted.

It didn’t take long for Longarm to pick up a possible weakness from Blurr. He was lonely, and Transformers, especially autobot kinds, were known for being social. 

It seemed Blurr had just a single friend, a homme designed Dug Base, a mere civilian who he couldn't share half of his stories with due to work secrecy. 

Not many mechas had the patience to speak to Blurr because of his rapid speech and constant twitching and gesturing, many considered his hyperactive and motormouth either annoying or overwhelming –if not both. 

Longarm had expressed once he found unfair the lack of interests others had in interacting with Blurr because it was much easier for mechas to replay what he said slower in their processors than it was for him to go against his speech glitch; but no one in their work environment seemed to consider it. Blurr had put on a strong face and said it was alright, that he didn't mind it, but on the inside he shivered with a warm feeling of being understood and appreciated.

It was only a logical response for when Longarm offered consecutive companionship that the socially starved homme would react a little too eagerly to it.

It had not been in Shockwave plans, but this small action with the intention of observing Blurr and potentially drawing information out of him, led from complete silence, to small talk, to full conversations. 

It seemed Blurr had developed genuine affection for his colleague and Shockwave came to the conclusion it was for the best. Blurr was less likely to suspect someone who he considered a friend, that was the original plan. But nothing comes easy without a price to pay, and Shockwave found himself struggling to not look forward to the after work joors they would spend together; Blurr had proven himself to be a much more gratifying presence than Shockwave could allow himself to admit.

When the persona Shockwave had built finally was promoted to a prime, after a few convenient coincidences, Longarm earned his own private office at the intelligence department, the room which once was from his predecessor. The upgrade was appreciated, it was better like this, quiet and private, consequently easier to work the dual life he maintained. 

At that time Blurr believed it was over, that he had lost his only work companion, but his assumptions were wrong. Unknowingly Blurr had tangled himself too deeply into the new-prime-secretly-a-decepticon to be allowed to let loose, and when Longarm invited him to join him in his private office whenever both of them decided to stay after shift, he did not thought twice to accept it. 

Shockwave had been illogical in that decision, he had already earned Blurr’s trust as he had originally planned and there wasn't anything more he could gain from indulging in the small agent's friendliness, if anything he had jumped helm first in a worse situation than before because in a private environment their conversations turned personal, cheerful dialogues and invitations to meet outside of work. There was no denial anymore, he could have avoided all of this by simply not giving Blurr the attention he seeked, but for once in many stellar cycles, Shockwave felt glad to not be alone.

There had been very little to report in the recent solar cycles, a brief encounter between team Athena and a Decepticon patrol in the outer borders of the galaxy was the most out ordinary event that happened, which told much about the lack of actual activity. In other words: the agency was monotonous.

Longarm scrolled boredly through old reports trying to find anything new that may have slipped from his false optics with no luck, he was too sharp to let important intel go unnoticed. At the other side of the room, Blurr seemed just as bored, hunched over his terminal and typing away. Longarm wasn't even sure why he had been staying this late considering he hadn't received any new order, the speedster agent really was a workaholic at the core.

“Sooo.” Blurr started after a while. “Have you read Firestar’s newest release?”

“Not yet.” Longarm raised his false optics to Blurr “I still haven't finished Love in Paradise, I need to catch up with the series. Are the reviews good at least? ”

Blurr put his work down and straightened in his chair. “If my own opinion counts, I think the start didn't keep the standard quality of the prequels but I think it gets better once you get over the first few chapters, at least mechas in the cyberweb are saying it gets better once you reach chapter 8 and that the ending left them hectic for more.”

Longarm Prime was a private homme without much to say, always polite and friendly with a profile clear as water, to the point many considered him dull or boring. Bland personality. Almost like a worker drone. It was hard to pick up anything from him just by observing and his relations were often shallow, Longarm didn't allow others to enter his space easily; Blurr was good at reading other mechas and even he would never have guessed his boss was into trashy romance books just like him. Even more surprising was his peculiar taste for cross faction romance stories, considering the bad reputation it had across Cybertron and most of the Autobot’s Commonwealth. Longarm was clearly a loyal, dutiful bot. Blurr understood his reasons to be private about his harmless hobbies, cross faction fiction was seen with bad optics, even taken as a possible sign of betrayal by the most radicals. It was not something Blurr had particularly sought to read before Longarm had suggested him a few titles, though now he understood why his boss liked that specific trope, there were great titles hidden under it. 

“I have been focusing on reading old historical files recently, I bought new and rare unedited material and I was excited to read them all but I found nothing that I didn't already know.” There was clearly annoyance in Longarm’s voice.

“Sometimes I wonder what kind of things you get in your servos, these types of documents are hard to find, even illegal in some cases. It is obvious some part of what we have been taught was cut off, I get it, but I’m sure there are good reasons for them to ommit certain parts and I doubt it would change the story, it all ends up with the war happening and Decepticons equals bad, I don't think i need the details about what a decepticon scientist do in detail or something like that to know they are no good.”

It was fortunate Shockwave was so good at self control and so Longarm’s EM field didn't show the distaste and frustration he felt because of those words. Blurr had no idea how edited and full of lies and propaganda their historical files were, he was there in the war at it's peak to remember how it truly was. 

“If you’re curious you can come with me to my hab and read the files yourself.” Letting Blurr into Longarm’s habsuite wasn't a good choice, but Shockwave had fantasized about turning the loyal agent into a Decepticon many times before, he couldn't let an opportunity like this slip by.

Before Longarm could process what was happening, Blurr was leaning on his desk. “Really?” He sounded excited. “I would really like it, sir, when you think we could go? I mean, I don't mean to disturb you, sir, I know you’re a very busy homme and I would hate to be an annoyance.” Longarm couldn't help but find amusing how Blurr would babble every so often. “I don't mean to be overwhelming or annoying or bothersome, I’m just curious but I really don't want to slow you and- I’m talking too much aren't I? I’ll stop, sir, I’m sorry.” Blurr shut himself, feeling his faceplates heat in lavender with embarassment.

Longarm chuckled, it was genuine. “There isn't much work to do lately and staying here until late has been proving to only be wearing us out unnecessarily, so we could go to my place instead at any cycle. What do you think?”

A brief silence settled in the office, they never had been at each other's habsuite before (though Shockwave knew where Blurr lived for reasons), it was crossing a line that both mechas had not considered before. Maybe Shockwave shouldn't let the speedster pry this much into his persona’s life, but there wasn't a considerable real risk in letting him read some old files and his reaction to the truth could be very amusing. Other than that, Shockwave was in enemy territory and the possibility of having Blurr as an ally was too good to pass.

“I would love that, sir.”

Unfortunately, in the next solar cycle, a new field mission was delivered and took Blurr away for a couple of weeks. Luckily Shockwave was a patient mech, he could wait to start his attempts at changing his favorite agent’s views, it would be rather a slow process regardless of when it begun.

It was supposed to be just another boring solar cycle in the agency –another standard solar cycle in Longarm Prime’s life –another solar cycle of false smiles and forced friendliness on Shockwave’s part. The Decepticon spy held a rightful grudge against Autobots, especially towards the military and his co-works, the second for more personal reasons, but all of them equally had their egos hitting the clouds and an insufferable sense of superiority, it didn't feel much different from old times before the war. 

Shockwave easily hid his disdain towards them, he was great at what he did and knew how to maintain the facade of a good dutiful Autobot very well. But nobody is made of resilience alone. Often Shockwave would picture Perceptor being strangled or anyone who particularly upset him that cycle having their spark torn apart as a way of coping with the insufferable dystopian he found himself in. Surprisingly Blurr the only exception to that, he was the only Autobot who Shockwave was fond of, –his thoughts about him deriving even to inappropriate fraternization sometimes –the blue speedster had warmed his way into the spy’s cold spark and now Shockwave found himself relishing on the agent company more and more times.

When the shift had begun and the joors into it seemed like a gloomy cycle of filing reports and reading useless complaint files from Sentinel Prime had a pleasing twist of events when a lean blue frame stepped a little too fast into Longarm’s office. Blurr had come back sooner than expected, very much to Shockwave’s enjoyment.

“Agent Blurr.” Longarm spoke in his usual friendly manner. “I see you returned sooner from Elonia.”

“Yes, Longarm Prime, sir!” Blurr saluted briefly, ready to give one of his typical rants as he started to pace from one side to another. “As you have been aware, there was a rumour of Decepticon sympathizers increasing in the colony, which confirmed to be true as I stayed stationed there. At first I was only able to get hold of small names, most civilians unsatisfied with the current energon distribution willing to work with the enemy with false hopes of better conditions, which was a problem but not as big at first since we could work around to increase the satisfaction of the local population and so drive them away from Decepticons, it changed when I learned about local influential mechas being sympathizers as well. I filled a report with names and enough proof against each individual during my trip back and submitted into the intel database, it must be enough to get the elite guard involved as soon as you revise and approve the information.”

Longarm took two kliks to absorb everything he said, blinking his false optics. “You did a good job, Agent, as you always do.” The way that Blurr’s lost composure for a moment and his EM field spiked happily at the compliment didn't go unnoticed by Shockwave. “I imagine you must be tired from your mission, take the rest of the cycle to rest. Your report should have been uploaded to the database by now so I’ll take the lead from here.”

“Thank you, sir.” Blurr went to the exit but didn't immediately leave, instead he stood at the door as he looked over his shoulder, breaking his serious display and smiled prettily at his boss and waved with one servo. “I'll see you tomorrow then.” 

Blurr left before  Longarm could answer, leaving a faint bluish trail in his wake. Longarm flinched shyly while holding his field closely. ‘Stupid illogical Autobot’, he would think to himself as he focused on reading the report displayed on his monitor, trying to ignore how such a small action could have such an effect on some who thrived in self control like him. How low had he fell.

With Blurr finally back and workflow still slow in the department, it sounded like a fine opportunity for Shockwave to start his own personal, self indulgent, mission of conversion, and invite Blurr to Longarm’s habsuite to introduce him to unedited and uncensored history (and possibly Decepticons ideals).

Blurr had barely entered the office when Longarm got up and spoke to him. “Lets call it a cycle.”

The blue speedster tilted his helm in a curious manner. “What do you mean, sir? I know the shift officially ended a few minutes ago but both of us usually stay for a while longer, it's unusual to see you leave at same joor as everyone else does but if you want to leave at normal schedule I won't try stop you, the opposite actually, I understand everyone burns out at some point and even if not, you surely deserve a well earned rest, I should probably listen to myself and take a break too or at least work for a normal amount of time instead of overdoing my shifts.”

Longarm just smiled as he usually did and Blurr felt his tanks roll at the sight. Longarm was always so kind, so patient and willing with him. Blurr didn't know what his boss saw in him, at first he assumed it was just an interest in his usefulness at work, appreciation for competence that would grow out once he learned of Blurr’s grating personality, but the young prime has shown a friendly gesture that exhaled understanding and companionship longer after they became mere acquaintances. Blurr couldn't help but feel like a fool, after so long in solitude, falling for the first homme who showed him true interest in friendship. 

“You should have forgotten?” Longarm’s voice was always so calm, so clean and pleasant to the audials. “Before you went on your last mission, I promised to take you to my hab and show you those files I have. We don't really have much work to do so I thought perhaps now would be a good time for it.”

It took more kliks than one would expect for Blurr to process the information but when he did it he couldn't hide the excitement in his voice. “Sir, you really meant it?” He made a small pause, which was out of the ordinary for his rants. “-Not that I had doubted you, of course not! I just thought it was something you said without really considering what it means.”
“What does it mean? Spending time with each other is a normal thing between friends, isn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not trained in the social field.” He spoke innocently.

“I didn't mean anything at all!” His speed glitch slipped in as his speech only got quicker and quicker as he tangled up in excuses. “I did not mean anything bad at all or that could be considered misconduct sir! You’re an officer and my superior specifically, it would be unethical! Not that I’m insinuating anything inappropriate would happen at all!” He chuckled nervously, fiddling his fingers in an unsure manner. “We are friends, of course, and only that! I-I, uh… I think I’m getting out of line and only embarrassing myself further as I try to explain, aren't I? I will stop now, sir, I apologize for my inappropriate behavior.” His shoulders flopped down.

Shockwave knew very well that Blurr had a crush on Longarm and he particularly enjoyed quite a lot playing with it by using ‘innocent words’ as a disguise for teasing. It was adorable when Blurr tangled himself with his own words, even if most other mechas disagreed and would rather have the chatty agent shut. Shockwave liked to listen to him speak. And in a situation like this the most logical reaction was to chuckle lightheartedly at the agent’s embarrassment. “Be at ease Blurr, you don't need to apologize.” Longarm said as he approached the stiff and anxious homme, putting a servo on his shoulder to reassure him. “If you’re still interested, we should go now before it gets too late. I considered bringing a file or two to land you but honestly what I have is too much and would be better if you could freely choose what interests you. But if you’re not up for it anymore I will understand, no hard fee-”

“Nonono, I do want it!” The reply was instantaneous, barely letting the prime finish.

“So let's get moving.” Longarm said as he went to the exit, being followed by Blurr.

When they arrived at Longarm Prime’s habsuite, Blurr took a good look around, it was his first time here and he wanted to remember it, the warm and comfort of being at his place with him.

The first thing Blurr saw was a warmly lit room, with a soft looking couch with a table in front of it and a holoscreen that probably hasn't been turned on in a long time. A whole wall was made of smoked glass, not allowing the outside to see the private quarters and yet exhibiting the stunning view of at least half of Iacon. In the opposite wall rested shelves full of datapads placed between doors leading to other rooms. It looked like a normal living room for a high ranked officer if it wasn't for how spacious it was; likely a big warframe could easily fit inside without an issue, but it made sense if you think about it, Longarm had the ability of stretching his limbs so he probably preferred to live in a spacious apartment where he could rust away and stretch as much as he wanted.

“Come.” Longarm waved for Blurr to follow as he walked towards one of the shelves, despite not being tall enough to reach the top of it he could easily stretch his legs to get to higher levels. “Do you have any idea of what you want to read first?” in the next klik Blurr was standing beside the prime and taking a look at the titles he could catch a glimpse of. “I only have files related to the Golden Age and how both Autobots and Decepticons came to be, if you want anything after that then I’m afraid I won't have.” Longarm stated as he turned to look at the speedster.

“I’m not sure what I want,” Stated Blurr as his optics quickly dashes from one title to another, trying to catch something interesting; Punishments and Lawsuit, Decepticon Revolutionary Movement, Pits of Kaon: Times in the Mines and Arenas, Towards Peace, Magnus and the New Council, Functionalism: Know Your Function, and many others. “Decepticon revolutionary movement? A revolution… Led by the Decepticons? It almost sounds like a mockery because in the academy we learn in detail how the Decepticons came to be and I'm sure you know it is not even close to a revolution, it's a really odd way to describe it like that if I’m being honest, it makes them sound heroic when in fact they aren't, hard to buy a title like that when everything they do proves the contrary of good.” He gestured wildly with his servos, not paying attention to his companion at all during his complaining. “They are terrorists! And what does ‘functionalism’ mean? I can assume bits of almost every other title but this one specifically I’ve never heard about before.
For a moment during his babbling Blurr swore that the glass in Longarm’s forehead had glowed but he paid no mind to it, assuming it was the ambient light reflecting on it; And he was sure the EM field souring briefly must have been in agreement with his indignation words. 

“Then we found out where to start!” The prime handed him two datapads including the texts about functionalism. “Sit and get yourself comfortable, I will get some energon for us.”

As Longarm left for another room, Blurr stood in front of the shelf with datapads in servos, awkwardly. It was rare the occasion where Longarm accepted Blurr’s invite for an oil drink at Maccadams or anything similar –they did have lunch together sometimes but it wasn't exactly a common occurrence either –now not only have the prime invited him for something out of work but it was nonetheless an invitation to his private quarters. It felt casual and Blurr was struggling to not overthink about it and not burst his EM field out, he had to control himself, he had to be normal for once.

It took a vent, then another one, for Blurr to finally walk and sit on the couch. Staring at the two datapads –part one and part two –one explaining what functionalism was and the other teaching how to fit in and to act properly. He placed the second datapad on the table for later and leaned relaxed on the couch, starting to read. 

Longarm didn't take long to come back, placing two energon cubes on the table along with some small energon snacks as he made himself comfortable at Blurr’s side. He was all too quiet for someone with such a sturdy frame and his EM field was barely there, but then again, he was an intelligence officer first before being promoted to the agency’s head prime. 

“You finished Love in Paradise while I was away.” Blurr took notice of the book in Longarm’s servos. “What do you think of God Games so far?” 

“The same as everyone else, the beginning was boring but it is getting better.” He said nonchalantly.

“Pfft” the speedster smiled. “I told you the same thing!”

Longarm smiled in reply.

Silence quickly settled between them as both fixed on their own datapads, drowned in their own readings. –Occasionally Blurr would chew on an energon candy or another.

“We, Transformers, are a highly adaptable species. A perfect example of evolution and (adaptation sinônimo aqui). Understandably it is hard to find your place in our world when everything is so widespread and constantly growing.

This is where the caste system comes in: To guarantee an unified society where everyone should have a chance.

It follows the original and very simple line of thought: we are what we are made of.

-Velocitronians are made to race, courier and anything that rely on speed. Camiens are born made warriors and priests, the only ones who could pilot a titan. Beastformers are made to rescue and scout, shining in ambients of harsh nature. And so go on into every sub-species of our kind.

Naturally frametypes are an even more of an influenceable factor. Warframes are strong and resistant, made for hard labor, to fight our wars as our homeland protectors and with no need to think about complex society issues; that is when civilian frames come in, weaker bodies for simple workers, for simpler tasks that require a superior thinking processor like management, science and politics, to keep our home machine functioning.” 

With the reformulated caste system in action, the alternative mode becomes an indispensable matter to define a Transformers by their natural means. 

Under this system, a Transformer with bulldozer alternate mode will perform a construction job, while a Transformer who turns into a microscope will become a scientist. It is only reasonable for a citizen of our society to follow a path that they will qualify and execute the best –after all, it is gratifying to perform well and be an useful cot of our social machinery, that is an universal belief agreed on by everyone [...]”

The beginning was already leaving Blurr was a bad feeling in the back of his processor. The idea of taking into account the influence of birthplace, physical traits and alt mode to give opportunty in optimal fields didn't sound terrible, but limiting mechas completely and solely based on that was the part that sounded that bad. Very bad. Other than being oppressive and potentially creating a frustrated population, it was also a waste of potential: 

Blurr was too aware of how good of a smooth talker Megatron was, how Strika was a master strategist or even how the creepy and powerful processors of Blackarachnia and Shockwave worked for science, and those Decepticons were all warframes according to the Autobot's official files

At the same time the Autobot had genius civilian frames like Perceptor or Wheeljack, it also had many stupid ones like Sentinel Prime. 

Everyone could be more than they were originally forged to be, it was all just a matter of opportunity and desire to try. 

They kept on reading in silence for about two joors according to Blurr’s internal clock, until the speedster let out a frustrated vent. “Sir, is this really from the so well called ‘Golden Age’?”

“Certainly, why?”

“I was expecting something… better?” Blurr stared at the ceiling, reseting his optics frustratedly before looking back at the datapad. “I’m going to be honest sir, this is all slag. Garbage, really. Giving a Transformer an occupation based on their alt mode seems like a good idea in theory but forcing the mechanisms like that into undesirable functions, especially the dangerous ones, is not right in the slightest! I feel like I’m reading an article that is trying to brainwash me to fit into a box that benefits a few individuals only. According to all of this I was supposed to be what? An courier, really? I thrive in being an Intel agent, it is what I like and what I good at, but in a system like this I would never be allowed that! A very unpleasant read if I have the right to say so.” During the rant Blurr was able to pick a few things Longarm’s EM field: a weird type of understanding and a tingle of amusement. “And I surely have been on the field enough times to know by my own experience that a warframe can be smart enough to be problematic.” 

Longarm hummed, taking his time to savor the upset words. “It is trying to make you agree with their system and in a time it was the norm, not much manipulation was needed for it. This text is not exactly a history article explaining every detail, like the oppressing side of it. It is made to explain on a really shallow level and convince mechas that it is the right path to follow and don't question it. It's poorly hidden propaganda.”

Blurr tapped his pede on the floor, frustration winding out lf his frame after a heavy vent. “Everyone says how wonderful Cybertron was before the war, the Golden Age that, the Golden Age this, but if the system was really based on this then it was all slag. I can't imagine a world where I’m not allowed to become an agent because my main function is speed! I like racing but doing only that would drive me nuts.”
“Well, I wasn't there and I just have the old texts to tell me what it was like.” Lie, Shockwave was there, he faced it, he knew what they did to him and others, he was old enough to remember those times but not his young persona, Longarm Prime didn't even witness the war with his own optics. “But I trust my suppliers enough to sell me authentic material and I believe what is written on said material to be at least partially true.”

With a last vent, Blurr collected his EM field. “I’m not doubting, sir, it's just hard to believe, I know some things were bad but this seems outright awful and honestly I don't want to read the second part because I think this one was already enough for me to understand. Sir, if you don't mind I would like to read something else.”

“Of course, Blurr.” Longarm smiled gently. “Go on and pick whatever you like, if it's out of your reach just call me.”

Back at the shelf, Blurr put the datapads back on it and started to look around some titles again, remembering he had caught something about law and getting curious about how it worked back in a time where your life was defined by your frame and alt mode. Unfortunately he didn't find it again but got something quite similar: a single datapad explaining methods of punishment for different types of crimes. The file about it didn't seem too long and from what it seemed like, the article was an uncensored version of one that could be found in the Archives of Iacon, with more details about obsolete and forbidden methods that the oldest Autobots wanted to forget.

Blurr went back to the comfort of the couch and they had another small talk about the previous subject, especially about how Blurr had a hard time believing this was the system of a so well called perfect time while Longarm just agreed that it doesn't sounded like the perfect utopia mentioned in the files at the archives. The conversation didn't last long as the speedster got easily distracted in his own reading again and the prime let him do it at peace. 

Shockwave peeked with his real optic to the datapad Blurr had taken, noticing it was this one, he mused to himself that the agent's reaction will surely be entertaining to witness.

“In the following text you will read popular ways of punishment during the Golden Age. 

In theory all these methods were supposed to be used in the worst types of unredeemable criminals but the council, corrupt as it was, used it in questionably ways and motivated by pettiness, often in political enemies, mecha who spoke against the state or expressed increased dissatisfaction or refused to model themselves around their alt mode and frametype, mechas who had dreams of doing more than they were originally designed for. Those methods were mainly used to oppress and silence, making the population obedient and fearful. 

It's important to clarify that those types of procedures are strictly forbidden in the current Autobot society and long forgotten by their medics and scientists. Most mechas whose are still able to perform such things are well hidden Decepticon medics. [...]

Mnemosurgery is a technique in which one Transformer can enter the mind of another by using a set of needles attached to the surgeon’s digits, viewing the subject's memories and giving the mnemosurgeon the ability to exactract and even edit said memories. It is the most invasive form of hacking and was not originally used for punishment but for criminal investigations and therapy. Eventually was brought the possibility of using mnemosurgery as a method of punishment by adding and removing certain memories and working with the criminal’s guilt. It was approved as an official form of punishment under the excuse it could delete violent intentions of the drives of a convicted suspect.

It didnt take long for it to lose its original purpose and become a way of manipulating its victims' mental state, often wiping whole memory drives and substituting for new, false, ones. The great majority of times the process was done in ways that made mechas totally unaware that they’ve been through the procedure, so the individual was often confused, with big memory gaps, and with life experience as the completely opposite of the one they originally had.

Shadow play was a type of mnemosurgery in which instead of altering memories, it altered personality. Originally used to rehabilitate criminals to society without putting the population into potential danger, it was secretly used as both a political move and punishment. Shadow play could change a bot's whole personality, opinions, behavior and even more, turning the subject unrecognizable. It was often used to make rebellious mechas obedient or to get political support and advantages.”

This was a heavy read, not because the text was badly written or boring, but because it was terrifying and hard to digest, Blurr had to come back and reread a few parts again multiple times. To think of an ability like this that could be learnt and used in however ways the surgeon desired, it was scary, and he even wondered if there was mechas who had mastered it still functioning and using it. Even more scary to think it was used by powerful leaders who wanted dominance over ‘lower classes’. It was obvious now why there was so much censorship in the files in the archives, no one would be proud about a time like this, no one would want to remember or be remembered for that part of the past, it was shameful. Blurr questioned for a moment how does Longarm was able to get his servos in information like this, the first one was a propaganda according to him and this one seemed to be written by a fellow Autobot when taking into account how it speaks about Autobots and Decepticons at the beginning of the text. So at least it doesn't seem like the suppliers are not neutrals or even Decepticons in the worst case scenario, which means it was fine, right? 

Dismissing the questioning thoughts, Blurr focused on reading the next part.

“Empurata had less occurrence but it was considered worse by many.

A forced frame modification consisting of removing the helm and servos of supposed criminals and installing new faceless features, with the bare minimum, and non-standard digits replacements to socially isolate them, a cruel way of using appearance and vanity to let everyone know they should be avoided and shunned. [...]

Empurata was often followed by shadowplay. It used to change the original coding and tricking the spark into believing the forced changes was the correct configuration it had when emerged, almost always making the change irreversible. Permanent damage was not an unusual accident to happen during the process of empurata and often left its victims with chronic glitches; it is discussed if the damage was caused in fact by the procedure or if by the removal of comm lines, a very common procedure to follow enpurata, and which were done by butches who more often than not busted the part of the processor responsible for comm lines.

Even if the mecha did find a way of turning their servos back to normal, the head was almost never turned back to its old self as the original helm and face plates were always smelted, the drastic changes were too hard to undo and could permanently damage the processor further. Empurata victims often choose to adapt to their new appearance rather than going through the risk of damaging themselves further. 

In our present time, most of the victims of empurata are already one with the well of sparks and the remaining ones blame the Autobots for their condition, siding with Decepticons even after Ultra Magnus banished the procedure as soon as he came into power.”

Blurr could recall a few Decepticons that matched the ‘faceless’ description, he had been taught they were older models not produced anymore but this text explained why they were so few and why he had never seen an Autobot like that. 

They kept on reading in complete silence for almost two more joors. Blurr’s datapad kept on explaining in detail how old banished methods worked and it was slightly disturbing the amount of detail and illustrative images it had, it also had details about few other modern ways of dealing with crimes that were not near as terrible as the ones from the Golden Age.

“You know, sir…” Blurr started, getting Longarm’s attention. “I don't like this at all. Toying with someone's processor, changing personality and memories, forcing frame modification, glitching mechas permanently, this is not right in the slightest. I’m glad it is all banished nowadays and we have better laws but it's kinda bizarre to think it was acceptable once.”
“Yes, it was indeed something unacceptable,” Longarm agreed completely, any sensible mecha would agree, but he had deeper reasons that Blurr shouldn't be made aware of for now. Shockwave has always been against such punishments and the distaste only increased after he suffered the treatment himself. He knew the panic of coming online in a frame that wasn't his, not being able to face his own reflection and the disgusted stares of those who once he called friends and family. “Mnemosurgery is still legalized, though it has an intensive process to guarantee it won't be taught to unsuitable mechas and used for selfish reasons, it's only taught to a very few selected number of mechas from the elite guard only. In my opinion it shouldn't be taught at all anymore but the council seems to enjoy the idea of having a very few blindly loyal and dangerous mechas under their control.” There was a glimpse of spite in the prime’s voice that Blurr couldn't fully understand where it came from, especially in the last part. Perhaps he was just as disgusted as Blurr, he assumed, he had read only two files until now and already had a pretty bad opinion and Longarm had a whole shelf full of similar material, who knows what type of abomination was documented in those files? Every homme or femme that Blurr knew who was a history nerd had some sort of hatred hidden inside them and now it only made sense, no one would be happy by being aware of every mistake and injustice their beloved nation committed.

“Even if it's a very small selected number who are permitted to learn it, I wouldn't feel safe around someone who can literally change my processor and I wouldn't even notice.” Blurr confessed as he reseted his optics, he had just finished the reading and so took the opportunity to check his internal clock. “I should be going.” He got up and looked at Longarm, who put his own datapad on the table and stared back at him with big blue optics. “It's late, I really enjoyed our time together but we still have work tomorrow and I would hate to disturb your recharge cycle, sir.”

It seemed to hit something in Longarm as he checked his own internal clock, noticing that it was in fact getting late for both of them. “You’re right.” With that he was up and walking Blurr to the door while doing some small talk. 

“Any new thoughts about God Games? you seemed really focused on reading it so I’m assuming you have progressed a lot.” Blurr asked as he stepped out of the habsuite, leaning at the entrance and crossing his arms.

“I’m close to the end of the book,” Longarm replied in the same nonchalant tone. “I wasn't expecting to get so caught up with the plot considering the beginning but the reviews are indeed right, it only gets better and better as you read. The chapters about Solus Prime having to play Unicorn's games in hopes of freeing Prima Prime were the best part for sure.”

Blurr nodded “I told you, didn't I? And yes! Those chapters were great! Firestar is always so good at writing tense and detailed scenes, sometimes I wish I could forget it to have the chance of reading it all again for the first time!” He grinned confidently, just to have said confidence ripped away when Longarm gave him the sweetest smile as a response. “I, uhh-” Blurr felt his face plates heat, he was blushing, wasn't he? “I t-think I should go now! Thank you for today sir, it was really fun and- and I probably should get going!” His speech was even faster than normal as he stepped away.

Longarm chuckled at his reaction, –it is one of Blurr’s favorite sounds, the prime’s laugh. 

“Blurr!” He called, making Blurr stop and stare at him. “Before you go, I just want to say I wouldn't mind doing that again, spending time with you like we did today. I do have a lot of files that I wouldn't mind letting you read, be it those historical documents or some of the scrap novels that you’re aware that I like.”

Silence fell between them. Blurr couldn't believe what his audials just caught, Longarm admitted liking spending time with him and even invited him over again. Between all the information he received today, this was by far the sweetest one. “Well, I guess I will see you tomorrow morning then.” Longarm said when Blurr didn't say anything back. “Good lunar cycle, Blurr.” The door closed and the prime was gone, leaving the best intel agent frozen and feeling like a sparkling again. 

This went well. Too well. Maybe things would turn out good for Blurr.

It eventually happened again, when Blurr and Longarm’s day off coincided. Blurr was invited over again and all too soon was already sitting by Longarm side in the living room.

He was not exactly in the mood for some gloomy history that morning so instead he picked the first trashy novel series that he had to catch up to read.

It was a light morning, with both of them reading and chatting cheerfully. They even had lunch together in a cafeteria nearby and Blurr had managed to not embarrass himself not even once, which was great, and Longarm seemed to be enjoying himself. The prime deserved more than anyone to relax and Blurr was more than happy to help him with that. 

Eventually they had their goodbyes, but different from other times, this time the speedster was feeling refreshed and happy, it was just like he had a sudden burst of energy and maybe he in fact had. Blurr still had the whole afternoon for himself, he considered messaging Dug Base to see if he was up for something but he needed to burn all the energy that had built inside his frame during the morning, so he ended up going to the racetracks on the underground, it would never hurt to keep his title of fastest mecha on cybertron.

One became twice, then thrice, and one more time that led to another various ones. 

It became a normal occurrence for the prime and agent to have lunch together and sometimes Longarm would even order energon goodies for them during their overtime at work. 

Blurr became familiarized with Longarm’s habsuite and eventually they even went to Blurr’s place instead; It only happened twice and he much preferred to go to the prime’s comfortable and spacious and welcoming habsuite. 

Blurr's crush for his superior only grew more and more each solar cycle they spent together. He knew it was a delusion but he couldn't help himself when Longarm was so perfect; he was kind, understanding, a good listener and speaker, he was smart and loyal, a great boss and friend, Blurr could go on all cycle. Really. The speedster was convinced that whoever Longarm ended up choosing as partner would be the luckiest mecha in the universe and, deep inside, Blurr prayed to Primus that this mecha would be him, even if the odds were against him. –At least he had the prime’s friendship and had learned to control his own stupid feelings to have a normal conversation without overthinking every word he said and not embarrass himself so frequently. It felt casual, it was so normal. And it was good enough like this if this was everything they would have. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately, not everything goes as planned and Blurr got a chance to terribly embarrass himself again.

“Blurr?” Longarm tilted his helm slightly confused as he tried to pick up what the agent was trying to say. Usually he doesn't have trouble with it but right now the speedster went into a speech spree a little too fast even to him. “Please, calm down. Can you speak a little slower? I can't understand you when you’re like this.”

Blurr took a vent, then two, and started again. “I’m sorry sir, I didn't mean to.” He vented again, still looking quite nervous. “I just, I- look, I didn't mean to upset you, sir. It's not like I like you, I mean I do, I really d- but not like that!” He gestured his servos wildly. “I like you as a friend, because that's what we are, aren't we?” He looked away and chuckled nervously. “We are just friends, I know it.” Blurr tried to disguise the longing in his EM field as he spoke but something like this wouldn't go unnoticed for someone as sharp as Shockwave.

Longarm smiled softly at Blurr, trying to ease him. “We surely are friends, aren't we? No need to be insecure about that.” 

To his surprise, Blurr advanced and slammed his servos on the officer’s desk. “Longarm.” The faintest purplish blush was spread on his cheeks. “I have never been honest with you, slag it, I have not even been honest with myself but I think the occasion I put myself into forces me to come to terms with both of us.” He stared at his own digits as they tapped the desk frantically. “You’ve always been friendly towards everyone but your relations never exceeded professionalism, it's not hard to pick up that you’re a very private mech. Then you started to talk to me while you had many better options in the department to become close. I thought so much about it and the only explanation I got was that you’re different. It was extremely hard for me to not like you like that but we only got closer and it became impossible for these feelings to not increase even more. What I mean is: I like you a lot. More than a friend should. When I know I shouldn't.”

Shockwave couldn't deny he was surprised, he was aware of the feelings that Blurr harbored for Longarm Prime, he was just not expecting for him to ever declare. 

The speedster finally gathered enough courage to look up at his boss, meeting his widened, surprised optics.

Shockwave pondered what those words meant for him. He was fond of the agent, true; he looked up for the time they would spend together, illogical but then true again; he was the only Autobot who wasn't completely insufferable (quite the opposite to be fair), Shockwave even had the thoughts of turning the loyal speedster against his own faction and joining the Decepticons at his side, but this was logical, an agent with Blurr’s skills would only benefit the cause; but that wasn't his sole reason, was it? He wanted Blurr by HIS side because he wanted it personally… Could he say the feelings were mutual? It was hard for him to synthesize this question. Since he went through empurata, his processor had been glitched, making emotions too hard to describe since then. Shockwave was loyal to his cause and to his warframes, that was his only motivation, the only thing he certainly loved and made him feel somewhat alive, but then, why did he feel just as alive, maybe even more, when he was with Blurr? Blurr made his glitched processor feel things in a way he thought he had lost the ability millions of stellar cycles ago. Yet it still felt wrong, Blurr was an Autobot, Autobots were enemies, they were the reason for his and his people's misery, there was no denial in that. Nonetheless, being with Blurr felt good. Undeniably.

Blurr was visibly shaking, the prolonged silence coming from the homme of his affections stressing him up levels beyond what could be put into words. He started to apologize and it reminded Shockwave that he needed to answer, it was time to choose if he wanted the agent or not.

“I like you too.” Longarm said looking so calm but on the inside Shockwave wanted to offline himself for admitting it aloud. What had become of him? Saying those words for an enemy.

“I know it's unethical and wrong considering our work roles, and I don't want to spoil our friendship, I treasure you a lo-” Blurr cut himself middle sentence, still in disbelief for the words he just heard. “Sir, I’m afraid you don't understand, I said ‘like’ but I mean more than that, I’m really bad at this but I mean mor-”
“I understand very well what you mean and I’m sure you’re no fool and can comprehend what I said too. But in case you don't: it is mutual.” Shockwave was having a hard time keeping a calm facade and not cringing into a ball and hiding in the corner, he was too old for this type of slag.

They didn't say a thing for a long period, just gazed at each other motionless for what seemed like an eternity –perhaps it was –and when the silence felt deafening, Blurr decided it ought to be broken with a simple question. “So what now?” His EM field was blowing with overwhelming bliss, it made Shockwave want to twist his hidden antennas with overstimulation.
Indeed, so what now? Shockwave had no idea, his previous experience not really counting as it happened when he was still young and pretty and had a face and servos, he never felt interested enough in someone after it and he believed he had lost the capacity for romance entirely after empurata. “We do what we always do.”
Blurr tilted his helm to the side and narrowed his optics trying to understand.

“We work, we have lunch together, we talk about our bad tastes in novels, we sometimes hang out together, we just keep things as they were before. It is all a very new and unexplored field to me but I wouldn't mind any type of affection. Despite not being prohibited it is unethical to have a relationship with a mecha from the same department, even worse if it's an agent and officer, so in anyone's presence we are just two normal colleagues. Does this sound fair to you?” Longarm gave his so always sweet smile, a sight Blurr would never get tired of seeing.

“Actually, it does.” and Blurr smiled as well.

They ended up falling back to normal relatively fast, with brief differences now: subtle touches, fond gazes, tender actions, joyful conversations, it all happened so gradually and naturally as time went on, it was comfortable for both of them. Blurr was obviously overjoyed with it. 

It was not common for them to say things such as “i love you”, though Blurr sometimes would express those words, Longarm never said those exact same words back to him. More often than not he would flinch and look away shyly, going mute for a while, but on other occasions he would say “I'm fond of you too.” Or “I like you too.” But never love.

However, Blurr didn't stress over it, the prime proved to be more timid than the speedster had originally assumed and it seemed like words were truly his weakness, if anything he must think that saying words more complex than a simple love must means he cared more and it flattered Blurr to think that way. Especially when his other methods of showing affection were more than enough for Blurr.

And then it happened, again in such a natural way despite the suddenness of it. Longarm had just entered his office with a bag of energon snacks he had bought for them and Blurr approached to see what he had brought. They exchanged a few words when Longarm cupped Blurr's cheek with his free servo. Blurr leaned into the touch lovingly, Longarm was clearly better in expressing what he felt with touches and quality time and Blurr was not the one to complain, he loved every time his prime was close to him, touching him or brushing their servos. Longarm was always so careful, like if the speedster was a glass that could stain at any careless squeeze. Blurr didn't fully understand where this concern came from, because of course he had thin armor, every speedster had, but it was not like he would break easily at any squeeze, he was still made of metal and the prime had no intention of hurting him nor had a dangerous body; truth be told he didn't understand a lot of things about the homme he loved so much, but he would learn eventually.

Without thinking at all, Blurr closed the gap between them as he leaned even closer, touching Longarm’s lips with his own and only realized what he was doing when it was already too late. He was about to pull back and apologize for stepping over boundaries when the servo on his cheek moved to the back of his helm and the action was reciprocated. 

Sudden but not an unwelcome turn out of events. Truth be told, Shockwave was nervous on the inside despite enjoying it. It's been so long since he had a proper mouth that he had no idea if he was doing it right and the thought of being found out because Longarm was an awful kisser was humiliating. 

From Blurr's perspective it seemed like Longarm was just inexperienced, which was fine for him. It wasn't unbelievable that what they had was probably the closest thing the prime ever had of a true relationship, he was young and already had serious problems of being a workaholic to the point he had practically no social life outside of work environment. It only made sense for him to be inexperienced. –Blurr had no problems in letting him try more times if he wanted to get better.

All too soon they pulled apart, neither of them daring to say a thing and break the warm silence. 

Longarm took no time in moving his servo back to Blurr cheek, smiling in his so usual sweet way and softly rubbing the faceplate under his thumb. Blurr wasn't sure how to proceed and he was sure that if he put much thought into it he would melt his processor. For his luck, it seemed that the usually shy prime knew what to do next, servo falling down from face to neck and going down until Longarm was holding one of Blurr’s servos with his own, he wasted no time and brought it to his lips and deposited a kiss on it while bright blue optics remained locked on each other. 

Yes, Blurr was going to overheat and melt from inside out until the end of the lunar cycle, he was sure of that.

It was just the start and they eventually became closer and closer. Longarm seemed to still be unsure how to kiss but Blurr paid no mind, in his optics the prime was perfect as he was. Their talks became more personal and Blurr would tell a thing or two about his time as a successful racer in Velocitron, while very rarely Longarm spoke about a much less exciting and simple life in one of Cybertron’s moons, Luna-1. 

Eventually during their log talks in the office, they revisited the topic of the Golden Age.

“I still can't understand how most older mechas talk about it like it was great after some of the stuff I read in your documents.”

“It's very simple, they’re talking through the view of a civilian frame.” Longarm stated like it was a simple matter of fact, –for him it was. “Civilians didn't have to worry about qualifications as their alt mode would lead them to pleasing and easy occupations that paid well, they were entertained and had enough wealth and fuel, didn't have to worry about life hardship at all, there was no faction and they were at peaceful times. The hard and dangerous occupations were left for the warframes only, at least until they rebelled.” 

‘Rebelled’.
Blurr recalled a title about a Decepticon revolution at Longarm’s collection that he never paid attention to before because he always found it biased, but the way Longarm had explained it fueled his curiosity to some degree. So now he already had an idea of what he wanted to read the next time he went to the prime’s habsuite.

With datapad in servos, Blurr made his way to the couch and sat by Longarm’s side, just to hear the sound of a stretching limb and feel a servo be placed on his hips and pulling him closer. Blurr let himself be pulled gladly, laying his pedes up on the couch and resting his helm on Longarm’s shoulder. 

“clingy, aren't we?” 

Longarm just looked at him and smiled before going back to his own datapad, scrolling through files and texts. He seemed to still be doing something work related so Blurr left him alone, turning his attention to his own datapad: ”Decepticon Revolutionary Movement” –and started his own read.

It started explaining briefly how Transformers society was formed in the Golden Age and how they were separated by frame type and alt mode. It soon changed to exclusively explain warframes conditions. Many weren't even given proper designations, had hard and dangerous jobs, with long exhaustive shifts, not enough payment to survive and low quality rations. Most jobs often ending in accidents with poor medical care afterwards (when they got it), and then the worst part: when a warframe was deemed not useful anymore to perform, either because the individual had become obsolete or didnt have the conditions to treat wounds, they would be left to rot without any assistance, leading to being unable to afford fuel and eventual starvation and deactivation –the frames were smelted and metal reutilized. There were many common cases of ‘disposable bots’ hopelessly spending their last savings to drown their system in syk, nucleon, nuke and other types of substances as a way of coping with their creeping demise.

The subject was changed to which types of jobs were the most commons for warframes, the easiest ones were related to guard security and bodyguard, which were mostly occupied by the few seekers that ventured out of Vos; Another occupation was transportation, material was needed in different parts of Cybertron and warframes often were hired to deliver it due their natural strength, it was relatively safe but tiring due the abusively heavy cargos and long journeys. –It kept on explaining briefly about some occupations, gradually getting worse and worse. –Stray seekers were often sent to patrol places in space where accidents with alien species were a common occurrence; Mining was one of the most common occupations for warframes, but it was dangerous and harsh. There were different levels in the mines and mechas set in the lower levels often spent stellar cycles without seeing the sunlight, it was overly tiring and miserable, and more often than not mechas would get trapped in landslides in the lower levels.

There were the arenas, popular in cities like Tarn and Kaon, where only the strongest and most courageous, or desperates, would submit themselves for this and survive. Many mechas would gather to watch and bet on warframe fighters as they fight against weird alien creatures and even one another, casualties were a normal thing between gladiators. It was from inside the arenas that the revolution, which would be known as Decepticons in the future, would start.

Shortly after giving enough context about the critical situation that most warframes found themselves in, it began to talk about the revolution. Many warframes were rightfully dissatisfied and all it needed was someone to lift their sparks, gladiators all over Kaon started uprising in their own disorganized way, until, one cycle, a well known gladiator gathered enough following to start his own revolution: His name was Megatron, a natural speaker, a skilled fighter and strategist, an imposing figure.

The council did not pay attention at him at first, looking down on his pathetic attempt of revolution, until mechas in other cities started to uprise in his support and following Megatron’s words; a few high ranking Decepticons were mentioned as being part of the original revolution in its early joors, Blitzwing, Shockwave, Strika and Cyclonus were names often mentioned.

When their voices became too loud to be ignored, the council decided to fight back by making warframes lives even harder. More work and less fuel. It obviously fueled their anger and fights began to break between protestants and government workers, with a rather common occurrence of warframes being harshly punished by the authorities; there was a whole section detailing which types of punishments were commonly used for protestants who were arrested, more than only imprisonment, it also mentioned electrical and starvation torture and even empurata and shadowplay in some specific cases. 

Witnessing their loss of control happen in real time, the senators tried a supposed ‘truce’ with Megatron, which was only a way of trying to control damage. It didn't work and a civil war broke in not long after, which would lead to the all well known events: the old senate fell and a new command would rise up with Ultra Magnus as their leader, despite the new constitution peace wasn't archived, Megatron and his sympathizers started to be called ‘Decepticons’ –a faction that was often portrayed as mechas who refused to listen to the state and wanted to take over –, the Autobots created as an opposing side, the war getting worse as it got out of Cybertron and reached the colonies until the Decepticons were banned from within Autobot space (Cybertron and the colonies), and in the end the AllSpark getting lost in the battle.

It had been such a strange reading, Blurr had been taught his whole life that the Decepticons were bad, that they were fragging terrorists wanting sovereignty and slave Autobots. It went against everything Blurr knew and he was unsure who to believe, he had always been told warframes were brutes manufactured with violent coding and a constant need to fight, and he always believed it when he was at the other end of a gun.

No one ever spoke about warframes and Decepticons the way this text did, about how poorly these mechas were treated, how they wanted rights and ended up being expelled from their own homeworld because of it. 

Blurr needed some time to think about all of this, shifting in place and leaning his helm in Longarm’s thighs, who was still doing his work unbothered by the speedster constantly shifting.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Longarm asked after a while.

“A bit, sir.” Blurr looked up to those bright blue optics that captivated him so much. “Honestly it's a bit strange to read about how warframes were treated before the war and what led to the formation of Decepticons. If all of this is true I would also be angry and want to go away like they did. Well, I kinda left Velocitron because I felt terrible there, but nothing compared to this.” He waved the datapad in the air.

Blurr left Velocitron because he was unhappy there? That was news for Shockwave. He always heard stories from Blurr about how thrilling was the life of an admired racer, how the public would root and scream for him, the feel of the wind hitting on his windshield and tires burning from driving for joors at full speed, but never about his personal relation with other mechas in his homeworld. This was something Shockwave should dig up more about later, now he had other plans that may or may not involve feeding his favorite speedster with Decepticon ideals. 

“If you’re surprised and somewhat upset with what led to the Decepticon revolution, I wonder how you would feel after reading ‘Towards Peace.’” Longarm chuckled. Shockwave wouldn't miss the opportunity of suggesting to his beloved speedster to read what his lord had written and motivated so many of his fellow soldiers.

“Towards Peace, uh?” Blurr smirked, “cliche name, what can a book with a title like this could offer?”

Shockwave normally would feel offended but he was going to let it pass this time just because Blurr didn't know any better. “It's just an illegal book written by no one less than Megatron himself, which motivated his first followers to riot and it's a mandatory knowledge to every Decepticon.”

Blurr stared at him, taking a moment to digest the information he had just heard. “And you have it?” he yelled as he got up and closed the gap between them, faces almost touching.

“Yes and it's the original unedited version,” he bragged. “But don't ask about how I got it, I won't snitch my supplier.”
“Sir!” Blurr was almost in disbelief. “You said yourself that this material is pretty much illegal, what if someone finds out you have it in your personal collection? You’re a prime, what if your supplier decides to snitch on you instead in exchange for benefits? You have a big role but I’m sure your fellow councillors won't take it lightly!” Blurr pointed a digit at Longarm's face and was already ranting again before the other homme could defend himself, “and you don't dare to come with the whole ‘it's just a single datapad’ when you have a whole collection of just as damaging documents, they will see it as treason! Primus, they may even suspect you’re working for the enemy and plotting with them!” Despite the harsh tone, the speedster EM field was blooming with worry.

Shockwave had to hold back an amused laugh, it was an irony to hear Blurr worry about other mechas suspecting that Longarm was a traitor because he in fact was one. 

“No one will find out about this, you don't have to worry, Blurr.” Longarm reassured. “and it is not necessarily bad for me to have it. You know very well how mechas from intel are always dealing with Decepticons and I’m the head of the department. It's good for someone like me to know their motives and objectives, it makes it easier to predict their moves if I know how they think.”

Blurr just narrowed his optics and stared suspiciously at his companion. “Sure, sir, it makes sense,” the worst part is that it did make sense, it was an advantage to know how the enemy worked. “But are you really sure you need to know that much?”
“Absolutely.”

“With so much material like this I can't help but fear that in one cycle you’ll leave for the Decepticons and I won't have you by my side anymore.” It was a joke with a pinch of truth, not because he doubted Longarm but because he was afraid of being abandoned.

Longarm put his own datapad away and looked intensely at Blurr. “I know a lot and I have not left even so.” He stroked Blurr’s crest. “And you don't have to worry, I wouldn't go anywhere without bringing you along.” He smiled.

Blurr tanks rolled and the only thing he could do was giggle. “I would go to the darkest pit if it meant still being with you.” And he was laying his helm again in Longarm’s tights.

They stared at each other for a while in pure silence, EM fields overlapping in a tender warmth. “Maybe I’ll read that Megatron’s book next time,” Blurr said after a while. “but I think I’m too busy now looking at you.”

This homme was going to be the end of Shockwave, for sure.

Eventually that ‘next time’ came and Blurr found himself reading Towards Peace. It wasn't a long book as many would expect. It was brief and direct to the point, calling out the ruthless situation of almost every warframe and how to make it better, fix it, make things right for once, and that the fear of retaliation wouldn't ever shut him. Everything was written in such an easy way to understand even the most complex points.

Blurr was alone in the living room when he finished the reading, Longarm had left to get something he did not pay attention to, and he was having a hard time believing what he had just read. 

A nameless miner warframe, D-16, rising from the dark to the arenas as a gladiator, where the public popularly named him “Megatron” after the old prime, Megatronus Prime, because of his incomparable strength being often compared to the legendary mighty warrior. The feared tyrant and leader of Decepticons was once an aspiring poet hidden in the dark of the mines, working his way to the surface with hopes of a better life, only to be met with a harsh reality that motivated him to write a whole book about oppression, freedom and well being of fellow warframes, and when his words proved to not be enough anymore, he raised hell into Cybertron’s streets, everything because of anger and a passionate dedication for his people. 

When Longarm came back, Blurr was quick to jump into his pedes. “Sir!” His processor was full of questions. “It all made sense for the time it was written but it's kinda obsolete nowadays, isn't it? I-I mean, the council and leadership was completely changed, it is all in the past, right? The current high command is good, aren’t they? You're there and I know you can say it to me.”

Shockwave pretended to be trying to understand what Blurr was talking about “So you finished it?” he reseted his false optics. “To be honest, it's a big kinda.” He pretended to be upset. “There are good mechas in the council, of course, but there are some that simply aren't, Perceptor and a certain big chinned homme are prime examples of bad mechas in powerful positions.”

Blurr just ignored that he name dropped Perceptor, of course the scientist was a little creepy but he worked for greater good, and Blurr knew very well that Longarm had a very big aversion for the scientist for a reason he still hasn't figured out. At least they agreed about the big chinned Sentinel Prime being a pain in the aft. “But we can make it better if we do our part and be good Autobots.” Blurr counter argued.

“Sure.” Longarm agreed. Shockwave disagreed. 

Blurr just vented and shrugged his shoulders, Longarm seemed to be trying to hide he was hesitant but it wasn't a surprise, with all his knowledge he was probably just pessimist and concerned, cornering him with stupid questions would do no good. 

“It's alright,” Blurr tried to lighten up the mood. “The Decepticons are quiet lately and Ultra Magnus is not the type of mecha who would let Autobots fall back into old habits. So, sir, if you let me say so, we can lay low and enjoy it while it's peaceful.”
Longarm gave an apologetic smile and put a servo on his shoulder. “You’re right.” Blurr wasn't right, he would understand if he knew a bit of what Shockwave had observed in his time as Longarm Prime. Ultra Magnus was a good homme (at least for the Autobots) who had to make hard decisions, just like every leader had, but he was not sovereign (and mostly important: Shockwave did not like him). He had to act and comply with the opinion of other councilors and senators and Shockwave knew very well that at least half of these so well called ‘good Autobots’ had no true good intentions at all. “Let's not think about it now, ok? I got the oil cake that I know you like and I’m sure my holoscreen could use being turned on, we could watch something for a change, what do you think?” Shockwave was being oddly genuine and he was sure his spark pulsed differently when he saw Blurr lightning up and nodding excitedly.

Shockwave doesn't have a clue to how they ended up in that situation but he couldn't care less when everything he felt was the speedster’s lips pressing feverishly against his own, false, ones. Even if the motion still felt strange after so many stellar cycles without supposedly ‘real’ faceplates, he melted under the touch. Hopefully it wouldn't be so obvious how much he had to concentrate to make his facial structure work like ones from a normal mecha if he compensates in other ways. At least that was Shockwave's conclusion as he moved Longarm’s servos to Blurr’s waist, tracing the lines and transformation seams. It seemed to work as intended, and as an almost instantaneous response Longarm was pushed into the berth and the next thing he knew was Blurr standing over him, straddling his hips and back into devouring his intake; EM field pulsing with an eager desire, fiercely trying to attract attention, a palpable necessity for more. 

If that's what Blurr truly wanted, then Shockwave would gladly indulge in the agent's fantasy. Longarm wrapped his arms around Blurr’s thin waist a few times, squeezing lightly and bucking his hip to brush their arrays, earning a groan from the speedster as a response. 

A popular misconception was that Blurr couldn't stand being slow, he could be when he needed or wanted, which he didn't most of the time, but right now Blurr seemed to be enjoying himself in taking it slow, tasting the other homme glossa and savoring every movement patiently. He suddenly pulled away after what seemed to be both an eternity and too soon, sitting up on the prime’s lap, servos on Longarm’s chassis as it was his turn to toy with his transformation seams. Longarm was quick to lower his servos to Blurr’s tights, rubbing and lightly pinching the soft protoform, almost mesmerized by the homme over him. 

“Beautiful.” 

Blurr raised his chin and smirked at the compliment. 

“You’re truly beautiful, Blurr.” And with that compliment, Shockwave caught the clicking sound of transformation as Blurr retracted his panels, revealing his bare valve and pressuring spike.

“And I’m all yours for as long you’re able to keep up with me.” Blurr whispered as his fans roared into life. Before an answer could be given, he had a thumb resting against Longarm's lips, caressing the soft metal beneath. “Shhh, let me take care of you tonight, sir.” He rolled his hips provocatively to give Longarm some taste of what was coming, a groan escaping the vocalizer of the homme below him, fields pulsing with arousal from both parts now. 

Perhaps Shockwave would enjoy this play date more than he initially thought as he finally opened his panels as well. Yes, he would enjoy this.

Shockwave was compromised. As if he didn't already know that before, now he had no doubt of it, or any other way to deny it. The little speedster rested his helm on the chassis of his beloved (false) prime after a session of pleasant interface, totally unaware of how dangerous was the homme he sought so tenderly for comfort.

Shockwave responded by wrapping his arms around his berthmate in a tight embrace, feeling more possessive than he had in millions of stellar cycles, maybe even in his entire existence. Shockwave should end this now, rip off Blurr’s spark before it's too late, before he gets even more attached; because he is already far more than acceptable. Instead he found himself soothed by the sound of another pulsing spark so close to his own. He was even bothered that Longarm’s form was not ideal to fit against Blurr's as perfectly as he deserved, even if the speedster seemed content in his recharge. Shockwave wondered if Blurr would hold the same affection towards him if he knew the true mecha behind Longarm’s friendly and sturdy civilian frame, the mere thought of a possible rejection made his spark ache. At the same time there was an illogical hope lingering at the back of his old processor:

Blurr had seen too much, he questioned too much, he knew about the putrid side of this seemingly perfect society, he understood the rottenness of the council. He acknowledged it and was repulsed by the roots of his faction and the tainted purity of the councillors. He was not fully blinded by propaganda and false promises.

Perhaps Shockwave was feeding a false hope. Perhaps there was a chance for him and Blurr. Between so many ‘maybes’, there was one thing he was sure of: he was truly compromised. 

The next cycles were hard for Shockwave. He was proud of his more than ideal self control, only a mecha as composed as him could maintain his disguise for so long so successfully. It went unnoticed between his co-works how distracted Longarm Prime was. He managed to keep focused during the brief transmission with Megatron. 

He would love to put all the blame on Blurr for being so forward but truth be told, he was the only one to blame for letting his own feelings compromise his mission. 

It was proving to be rather impossible to keep Blurr out of his processor.

Admitting he was compromised was one thing, not having the strength to overcome these feelings was another. Shockwave should not have interfaced with him, now he was struggling with glimpses of what they’ve done that lunar cycle; having Blurr over him so willingly, legs spread wide, valve tightening around his spike as the speedster moved his hips so delightfully. Shockwave still could hear Blurr’s whimpers and moans and see the way his optics widened during overload. He wanted to do this again, on his own rhythm, squeezing his thin neck with one servo while the other kept the speedster pinned below, everything while pounding his spike into that warm valve. Then frustration would rise up again. He wanted Blurr to want him as he truly is, the Decepticon warframe known as Shockwave, not the carefully molded civilian frame known as Longarm Prime. 

Shockwave vented, letting out warm air he didn't notice he had been holding. Screw all of this, he went for so long being celibate that he could allow self indulgence for a change of scenario, and screw Blurr in particular for being so hot and impossible to not think of.

At least Shockwave had a plan now: he was going to find a way of colliding their days off, he would invite the speedster over as he always did and at the first opportunity frag him. 

When Blurr entered Longarm’s habsuite, everything seemed just as usual except for the slightly darker lighting. The speedster went to the glass wall, never getting tired of the view. Iacon was always a city so full of life, especially at dusk, he also appreciated that the glass was smoked and no one could see them from outside, it made Blurr feel safe from the prying optics that would always lock on him.
Shockwave peeked at Blurr as he passed by his side, admiring his whole frame; pretty blue finish, a crest that Shockwave knew very well how sensitive it was and perfect to be pulled, thin neck made to be squeezed and bitten, slim and grabbable waist, a so desirable pert aft, and attractive long legs. How was possible for an Autobot to look this attractive? It was indeed a question Shockwave needed to look for an answer.

“Blurr.” Longarm purred softly as he approached from behind, earning Blurr's attention. The prime cupped the speedster cheeks with both servos, this was the time for Shockwave to be forward in a field which he was inexperienced, and he had every intention to be: he wasted no time in pressing his false intake into Blurr’s real and warm lips, pinning him against the glass and forcing their frames together. Blurr was quick to understand what was happening and responded by wrapping his arms around Longarm’s neck and parting his legs slightly to accommodate the prime’s frame. 

Longarm pulled away to look at Blurr’s face, meeting bright blue needy optics.

When Blurr smirked, Shockwave felt like he was being dared to keep going –and he would happily accept the challenge.

Before Blurr could take the lead like last time, Longarm’s servos went down from his face to his thighs instead, grabbing him and pulling him up into the prime’s lap. Blurr liked the forwardness quite a lot and he approvingly wrapped his legs around the sturdy frame. “Oh, sir,” he teased between breaths.

“Don't call me ‘sir’.” Longarm's voice sounded different for a moment, a bit too raspy, older.

“What?”

“We are not at work, use my designation.” 

If Blurr had any intention of answering it had lost the track when he felt servos grabbing his aft and thigh as Longarm's attention was drawn back into tasting his intake. 

Differently from the first time, this time was messy and needy, fluids sticking between their frames and stretching in thin lines every time they moved apart before crashing together again. Longarm had Blurr pinned against the glass, fragging him right there. The position wasn't one the speedster was most used to but he wasn't against the out of usual position. Quite the opposite. It was especially obvious how much he was enjoying when, with a silent gasp, he overloaded a little too quickly for his normal.

Blurr's trembling frame and widened optics was far from enough to make Longarm stop his thrusts, the non-stopping slamming causing charge to build in Blurr's system all over again.

While at it, at some point both of them fell to the floor, bodies too heavy and too charged to keep up against the foggy glass. Blurr was now on all fours, aft up and helm dropped on the floor as he gasped and whimpered at each slap of their hips. 

He had given up long ago in controlling the trembling and shivering, or to stop the drool from running down his intake to the floor and then smearing over his own face, instead Blurr processor was too focused on the pleasure to care. He had not anticipated for Longarm to be so tireless and rough, and honestly he doubted the other had expected it from himself too, but he was loving every klik of it, maybe the prime just needed a little push in the right direction and their first coupling had been enough for it. 

Blurr couldn't stop the embarrassingly loud moan that came out of his vocalizer when Longarm grabbed his crest and pulled it back, forcing him to look up at the ceiling. Damned be Longarm for abusing of his helm kibble and how sensitive it could be at times such as this one.

Blurr didn't count how many times he had overloaded in their little fun time but he was sure it had been a few times. 

Lunar cycle had fallen into the city and Cybertron’s two moons were visible in the sky. Longarm offered him a servo and Blurr took it to get up. It had been a while since he felt his legs so weak after interface but frag it, it had felt so good and he would love to have a repeat at any other cycle.

Longarm had offered Blurr to stay for the lunar cycle and now both of them were sprawled together in an oversized berth. 

“I told you to not address me as ‘sir’ earlier and I meant it.” Longarm caressed Blurr’s faceplates tenderly. “We are not at work, you don't need to do it when we are alone.”

“I’m not sure sir, I’m just used to the formalities.” Blurr leaned into the touch. “And I like it–”

Longarm hummed. “How do you plan on getting serious with me while treating me as your superior officer all the time?” He sounded casual but inside Shockwave wanted to offline himself for saying it aloud. He was indeed too old for this scrap.

“I’m not sur-” Blurr shut his vocalizer when he realized what Longarm had said, staring at him for too long. “G-getting serious?” He was in disbelief. “Like dating? officially? I mean, I would hate to assume the wrong thing and make you uncomfortable, sir. Or just crossing boundaries.”

It was almost adorable how Blurr still worried about overstepping after everything, it's not like they had just messily fragged on the floor in the living room barely a joor ago… the proof of it still there drying on the floor.

“Blurr.” He chuckled. “We spend a lot of time together, we kiss, we frag, you like me and I like you, we do everything that mechas who are more than friends do, it's only logical for us to be together, don't you think?”

“Would you like to, sir? I would love to have something more with you than friends with benefits but if you want to keep it casual… I would understand.”
“Yes, I would like,” Shockwave felt defeated as he admitted it. “But only if you’re able to stop with formalities when we are alone.”
Blurr instantly lighted up, his optics glinting. “Of course sir- I mean, Longarm.”

And this was the closure of their lunar cycle: fans coming down and turning off and officially dating.

What a weird feeling it was in Blurr opinion, but it felt good, especially when they recharged tangled in each other.

A few cycles later, Blurr was designed into another off-world mission. Apparently the quintessons were being noisy on the other side of the galaxy and he was going undercover for at least a month to try to find out what the squids were planning. 

Blurr felt a little upset about the timing, he and Longarm had just become a thing officially, Blurr could finally say he was the luckiest mecha in the whole universe and he wouldn't be able to enjoy it fully for now. But, as he waited for the shuttle to find a spot to land, he couldn't ignore the warmth he felt in his spark. The feeling of coming back and having someone waiting for him was so odd but so amazing. Dug Base would always be glad to see Blurr back but it was different, they were amicas who met occasionally. Longarm was much more than just a friend, he was special, he was Blurr’s special someone. 

For the first time Blurr had someone waiting for him back home as a motivation to do his best so they could be reunited again. It felt new. It felt strange. But frag it all, it felt so good.