Soundwave was frustrated with his slow progress. Every day he got a little stronger – was able to walk a couple steps farther, able to pick up his smaller younglings, able to take care of his own hygiene without assistance – but it didn't seem to be enough. He was unable to walk the length of the room without support, and he knew that it bothered Rumble and Frenzy that he couldn't lift them, despite their unusual verbal restraint. He seemed to spend most of his time in the berth, resting. Soundwave was thoroughly sick of resting. However, it did give him time to think, which was both a blessing and a curse. He had spent a great deal of time seriously re-evaluating his entire perception on the war and where he wanted his life to go. He had come to the conclusion that he did not want to remain with the Decepticons.

Megatron was not the mech he once was. He was reckless, arrogant and would rather see the battlefield drenched in the fluid of his enemies than contemplate a peace treaty. There were so few Cybertronians left now. Additionally, the telepath reflected, it seemed like Autobot and Decepticon ideals had changed. The Decepticons the Kaonite had joined had fought for equal rights and freedom from the corrupt government. When Sentinel Prime had fallen their faction had rejoiced, only for Optimus to immediately take his place. Would it have been different, Soundwave wondered, if they had tried to negotiate with the new Prime? He rather thought it would have. Optimus Prime was a fair leader. He had given his younglings sanctuary and authorized the sound system's repairs. He had even granted Soundwave sanctuary without asking for reparation for war crimes. Had he been an Autobot in Decepticon captivity Megatron would have publicly executed him.

Too much time spent thinking, however, eventually evolved into thoughts about a certain aerial commander. The seeker had become a steady presence in his and the younglings' lives. Soundwave was not looking forward to the day they would be asked to move out. His creations would be devastated. They looked up to Starscream as a co-creator, and the seeker seemed to flourish in the role. But there was more to it than that. Soundwave knew Starscream loved him. The problem was he had never really experienced love beyond that he had for his creations. The strange emotions rushing through him didn't help matters, especially since he had no idea if what he felt could be labeled "love". His cheekplates heated and his spark jumped in his chassis whenever he met the Air Commander's gaze. The telepath also genuinely enjoyed spending time with his former rival. Starscream was cultured and intelligent. They could speak about a wide variety of topics or sit together in comfortable silence. These feelings unnerved Soundwave. He doesn't really love you, an insidious little voice whispered in the back of his mind, you were just the best of a bad crop. He will get tired of having to take care of you soon and then you will never see him again. That thought made Soundwave's spark drop. It was hard to picture Starscream completely disappearing from their lives.

Coming to a decision, Soundwave steeled his resolve. The former Decepticon berated himself for his out-of-character behavior. This was not him. He was strong, stoic, and above emotions. Taking care of his family was all that mattered. He had to remember that.

"So Boooored," Frenzy whined from where he lounged on the couch, watching his brother and the Lamborghini twins play a racing game on the transformer sized x-box. Rumble cheered as he drove into Sideswipe, knocking the older red twin off the bridge. The Autobot cursed as the cassette continued
to cackle.

Unhappy with being ignored, Frenzy sent a sharp jab over their bond to his twin. Rumble flinched, car slowing down onscreen enough for Sunstreaker to zoom by for the win. The older ex-Decepticon shot his twin a filthy look, but Frenzy was unrepentant.

"What's bugging you, small fry?" Sideswipe asked as he shut off the console.

"There's nothing to do! I mean, how many times have you played that game today?"

"Too many," Sunstreaker grumbled, reaching into subspace for his art pad. "It's getting too easy to beat you two."

"Hey, I won more than you did!" Rumble protested.

"Bro, so not the time. I don't wanna get kicked out of the rec room because you got your aft whipped by Sunshine over there."

"Wanna say those words again bro!?"

"Who are you calling Sunshine?" The growl was more threatening than his brother's raised fists, but Frenzy knew Sunny wouldn't actually do anything to him. In the short time they had been on board the Lamborghini twins had become, if not friends, then protectors. Those vicious minibots had cornered all six of the cassettes in the rec room one morning, and started in on them away from the command staff, hoping to goad them into a fight. For whatever reason, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe had stepped in. The words got heated and one of the fraggers had lashed out, striking Ratbat in the face. The youngling had started to cry, more from shock than pain, and it was all over. Three minibots headed to medbay to face the wrath of Ratchet, while, surprisingly, the twins got off with a warning. Now they made sure to be close by, in case of another sneak attack. Or so they said, anyway.

"Why don't you go hang out in your rooms if you're so bored here?" a new voice piped up. The quartet looked up to see Skywarp dragging Thundercracker over to join them.

"Because then we would have to watch Starscream make goo-goo optics at creator while Soundwave gives him longing looks as soon as Star turns away! It's so fragging frustrating." Rumble nodded, agreeing with his brother.

The Autobot twins exchanged startled looks, but the seekers just nodded. it was frustrating, watching their leader pine for a mech who clearly felt the same. Every time they brought it up though Starscream would brush them off. Apparently Soundwave's creations weren't having any more luck.

"We should get them together."Five sets of optics turned to stare at Skywarp. "No, seriously! Both of them are stressed out, in love, and have no idea how to handle it. And they are both stubborn enough to go on ignoring their feelings until the universe implodes. So, we should help them. Plus, you said you were bored." Wicked grins of glee curved over the younger twins' faces while Sunny and Sides looked at each other and shrugged.

"We're in." It would be entertaining, if nothing else. Thundercracker didn't even bother to resist; he was too used to being pulled into the dark seeker's crazy schemes. Plus, if anyone deserved happiness it was Starscream.

Optimus Prime watched from the doorway as six mechs from different factions plotted together at a table in the back corner. The younglings bounced excitedly in their seats as Thundercracker and Sunstreaker argued heatedly about… whatever it was they were discussing. There was friendliness in their tones however, and no one was looking like they were going to start swinging. It gave him hope for the future, that perhaps they would one day see the war end. Casting one more look at the eclectic group the Autobot leader collected his energon and left the room.