#Transformative Parenting

[tanglepelt]

Dc x dp idea 71

Danny’s accident happens early. Little 6 year old child was left alone in the lab. Instead of popping out on the human side he ends up in the ghost zone.

Only temporarily. A natural portal opens. Dropping 6 year old Danny on top of John Constantine.

[chrissy-kaos]

We got a bunch of rain, so I was out taking care of Jeffrey. They're my ficus bonsai tree. They usually have rocks, zen garden, and few other small plants in the pot, too. They are a vibe for sure. I've been growing them for about 8 years or so now! If you didn't know, I love growing plants. I have all kinds, including two avocado trees!

[compaculaaa]

Local mechanic tries to explain to the king and prime minister about organic culture 4089 colourised

(Click for better quality)

[emilixthefox]

Why do Bumblebee and Unicron look so alike?

Unicron: This is my child.

*Holds a little baby Bumblebee in their arms*

Primus: What?

Bumblebee: Ah.

Unicron: My child is my everything, if anything were to happen to them I would destroy every planet in my way.

Primus: Please don't.

-------------------------------------------

Cyclonus: My Lord, I have a bit of news...

Unicron: Well out with it.

Cyclonus: It's nothing of any consequence and it's certainly no reason to over react. It's just that Optimus Prime has..

Unicron: Disappeared?

Cyclonus: Uh, no. Optimus Prime has..

Unicron: Cut off his leg? No wait, the rust.

Cyclonus: No, my lord. Optimus Prime has asked Bumblebee if he would become his-

Unicron: Do not. Ruin my morning.

*cut to later*

Bumblebee: Optimus asked me to marry him.

Unicron: Poor thing. He'll recover.

*Bumblebee face palms*

Bumblebee: My answer was "yes".

Unicron: No.

Bumblebee: Yes.

Unicron: No.

Bumblebee: I wasn't really asking.

Unicron: Nor was I.

Bumblebee: What, You'll turn him into a ghost?

Unicron: Hmm.

Bumblebee: No, stop that. Why don't you like Optimus?

Unicron: Well for one thing he is cybertronian.

Bumblebee: I live on Cybertron.

Unicron: And I have never held that against you.

Bumblebee: Until I fell in love.

Unicron: Love... Love doesn't always end well, child.

Bumblebee: Yes I know, the last time you fell in love and stop being evil, Primus stabbed you in the back and took me away from you.

(Also art)

[daily-dose-of-danno]

early season 1 mid transformation scenes?

Sure thing, Wes.

Season 1, Episode 1 - Mystery Meat

Season 1, Episode 2 - Parental Bonding

Season 1, Episode 3 - One of a Kind

Season 1, Episode 4 - Attack of the Killer Garage Sale

[deliicacymercy]

[ PART 1/2 ]

TF:RID ‘15: Starscream’s Return 

Starstreak is the “clone” of Starscream, and is designated as the Second-in-Command. Thus, has to be proactive in the execution of his really shitty plans. 

After the capture of the wrong Minicons, Starstreak performs an “Performance Assessment” on the hired bounty hunters - which is not the thing you should do when dealing with Decepticon Bounty Hunters. 

Luckily, for once, Starscream steps in to preserve his loyal Second-in-Command from physical maltreatment. (That’s his job.)  However, he will question Starstreak’s sudden shellshock later... 

[ More info on Starstreak with be right here <3 ]

[lets-try-some-writing]

Just a thought here but since alpha trion adopted optimus when he was Orion what would be the other original 13 (dead or alive) reactions to having a nephew?

Assuming this is set in a universe where Optimus isn't the Thirteenth, this will be interesting indeed.

A New Prime?

Alpha Trion had exactly one function, that being to serve as Primus's recorder and prophesier. He was to watch, he was to quietly direct the flow of events, and he was to wait for the day when it would come time for his brother to make his return. That was his purpose, and he was content in it.

However one stormy night, things changed.

Alpha Trion hardly left his archives, but when he did it was always with purpose. He never expected for a storm to blow in and viciously tear across Cybertron's surface. He was forced to abandon his task and seek shelter in among the towering spires that made up Cybertron's wilds. There he waited out the acidic rains and the howling winds that made even the largest mecha struggle. It was unexpected, but it was a momentary setback in his mind... right up until as if sent by some sort of divine power, a young mech emerged from the foliage.

Even though his huge optics and the remnant sensory panels lining his helm spoke of the mech hardly being a vorn into younglinghood, he was large for his age, coming up to roughly Alpha Trion's waist. His frame was slim and heavily armored, his denta were sharp and fanged, and he had claws deadly enough to shred most creatures adorning his digits. He was a dull gray, but his optics were so wide, so full of life. However most notably was the face that the mech had a face and an aura that caused Alpha Trion to pause in consideration.

He looked exactly like Thirteen. He wasn't Thirteen, his spark was too youthful and didn't possess the same touch of ancient power, but Alpha Trion knew him for what he was. This mech was meant to be Thirteen's vessel, his chosen child meant to house him when the time was right. That was all Alpha Trion needed to know to have a good reason to collect the mech and begin dragging him back to Iacon even as he snarled and flailed like a wild animal.

He brought the mech back to his archives and didn't hesitate to begin taming the wild youngling. It was not easy by any means though.

The youngling who he affectionately named Orion Pax was nothing short of a monstrosity. He was downright feral in every aspect and even with the Covenant offering slight insight into the future it didn't make managing him any easier. Orion needed to be kept away from others for over a vorn while Alpha Trion training him out of chewing on everything. He needed to get Orion some frame alterations to make him more presentable and he more often than not emerged from meeting with Orion covered in claw marks and bites. It was even harder trying to convince the youngling to consume his energon in a civil manner and not eat it like an animal. He was covered in energon more times than he cared to admit as he tried to assist Orion in figuring out how things worked.

It was tiring and all the kept Alpha Trion going was the promise of his brother's return in the frame of the youngling some day. He just needed to make sure the youngling was worthy and then when the time was right, the Matrix could be given and Thirteen could take control. That was the plan, that was all it was. There was no reason to care more than necessary for the feral little thing. He needed to ensure the youngling was educated in all that was related to their history and skilled in all matter of things so that Thirteen could absorb those abilities when it came time. He was not required to be loving or affectionate.

But as with all things, time took its toll and eventually Orion began to calm while at the same time Alpha Trion got attached. It started small, that with Orion uttering his first garbled glyphs in the old tongue as Alpha Trion had taught him. It warmed something in his spark to have Orion call out his designation in a staticky mess alongside hisses and whistles. He found it... endearing. Even as he worked to correct Orion's speech and help him adapt to better speak the old tongue and then later the modern, he always loved the little calls of "Sire" Orion was so fond of crying out to him once the youngling learned the meaning of the word.

He tried to tell the youngling that he wasn't his Sire, but Alpha Trion's spark thought otherwise as a fledgling bond between Orion and him formed. The youngling, as soon as he was somewhat civil, followed Alpha Trion everywhere. Like a loyal guardian he would stay as close as possible, often clinging to Alpha Trion's cape and growling at any who came too near. He was dutiful, watching and keeping an optic out for threats at all times. It was honestly adorable considering his size and his wide optics. He thankfully never attacked anyone, he would always listen to Alpha Trion in that regard.

Of course then Orion had to go and show himself to be curious and only get Alpha Trion more invested in the youngling. He always peeked over Alpha Trion's shoulder when he was reading with little wonderings of "What that Sire?" and so on. Eventually Alpha Trion had no choice but to begin teaching Orion reading and writing, a set of lessons that managed to civilize Orion more than simple instructions did. The youngling was quick to read and write, learning every dialect and sub-class of language in record time. His ability to speak skyrocketed and before Alpha Trion knew it, he saw the youngling as his sparkling more than a ward, especially as he began speaking clearly and expressing greater interest in the archives.

Many a cycle was spent with Orion buried in datapads discussing the past and going over history together. Those were good times, filled with smiles and eager enthusiasm. Alpha Trion grew to truly love his sparkling as Orion grew in knowledge and showed himself to be just like Thirteen in mentality. He was kind, he was soft-sparked, he was intelligent, empathetic, dutiful, and so much more. Thus when Orion was grown and the time came to take him to receive the Matrix.... Alpha Trion waited. He told himself it was because Orion wasn't ready, that he needed further training. As such he sent Orion on trips to study, had him dig into old mysteries, anything to keep him learning and working.

He practically threw Orion down to the pits to get him working with Megatronus and very nearly forced Orion to go meet with Ratchet to learn from him. Perhaps a Prime wouldn't even be needed if his sparkling could stop things before they grew to large... at least that was his hope. He missed his brother, yes. But Orion... Orion was his sparkling who he had raised and forged into the mech he was. He knew based on how he had raised Orion that if asked the mech would gladly give himself to the Matrix and Thirteen. However Alpha Trion didn't want to lose the one good thing he had gained since his brothers scattered.

He tried. He tried so hard to keep it from happening, but with how Cybertron was deteriorating... they needed a Prime. Alpha Trion hated every moment when he took Orion a day before his meeting with the high council and dragged him to Primus's core. He hated himself when Orion screamed out for him as the Matrix was offered. He hated how cruel it all was when his dear and precious sparkling was left to fade away, his spark locked within the Matrix so that Thirteen could take his place.

However, Thirteen never took control. He could sense his brother was within Orion's frame, but Thirteen did nothing, merely pulsing within the Matrix in curiosity. Orion, or rather Optimus was confused but took to his position well. Unbeknownst to the living, the Primes were conflicted and joyous at the same time.

When Thirteen connected to his chosen vessel, the first thing he sensed was the mech's connection to Alpha Trion. It startled him so much that he did not try to force control over the frame offered to him. He instead sat back within the Matrix, watching as the youngling who had been modeled after him fulfilled the purpose set before him without Thirteen even needing to be involved. This one was loved, this one was deeply connected to his brother. Thirteen could never in good conscience ever take his brother's only sparkling from him. Thus he instead opted to serve as a guide, directing Optimus and offering him the wisdom within the Matrix as needed. He was there to bear the brunt of the woes Optimus experienced and he came to quickly care deeply for the youngling.

Optimus was pure, Optimus was just like him. His new Prime was loved, he was kind, he was everything Thirteen was and more. Thirteen didn't need to take control, Alpha Trion had raised Optimus so well it was unnecessary. Instead he came to care for Optimus, watching and guiding as a mentor. He couldn't leave his nephew alone after all.

Solus from within the realm of the Primes did a complete double take when she saw the one Alpha Trion had taken as his own through the Matrix. Her first instinct was to call slag on it, Alpha Trion didn't care for others like that. However upon seeing Optimus she conceded and agreed that Optimus was indeed worthy of her brother's affection. Thus when possible she would speak through the Matrix to Optimus, smothering him in affection through emotional waves. He was so sweet and lovely, a baby Prime indeed. He needed an Aunt there to play a more maternal role throughout everything. She would gladly take on that role.

Prima was skeptical of the new Prime, but those worries disappeared when he saw Alpha Trion of all mecha care for the newly named Optimus Prime. He was marveled even more when Thirteen didn't try to take control of the new Prime and instead served as a guide. Thus not to be outdone, he joined his brother and his sister in teaching, quickly coming to care for Optimus as well. The baby Prime was young but wise. He embodied everything Prima sought in a true Prime, a perfect leader for the damaged world above.

Vector cared very little for the birth of a new Prime. He saw it amidst the push and pull of time that passed him by, however he gave it little thought. If nothing else, Optimus was a chance for Alpha Trion to grow and for Cybertron to change. However he was just one spark among a sea of others, not worth too much attention in the grand scheme of things.

Micronus was confused above all else when it came to Optimus. Why was Thirteen not taking control? Optimus wouldn't fight back, he was too good for that. If he believed it to be for the greater good, he would gladly give himself willingly. So why wait? Why not take what was offered and fix things? Micronus got his answer when he decided to watch the newest Prime and saw how much Alpha Trion cared and how he very nearly cried when Optimus was not locked away and instead allowed to continue living. He did not love Optimus, but he saw how much he meant to Alpha Trion and thus endeavored to teach if only so that Optimus could fulfill his duties.

Alchemist for his part knew about Orion long before he was a Prime and quietly supported Alpha Trion from afar. He was pleased that his most isolated brother aside from the fallen was finally getting some interaction. He was also so very pleased when Orion began wandering to his bar once he got older. Alchemist was perfectly happy to offer Orion some low charged drinks on exchange for a few stories. Orion was such a sweet young mech, he was perfectly content to be a kind listening audial and an uncle to the little mech Trion loved so much. He still remained at his bar offering drinks when Orion became the Prime, nothing changes about how he treated him and Optimus appreciated it.

Nexus had optics everywhere with so many of his component parts running around. He was well aware of Orion and played a role in getting him from point A to point B. He thought it was great fun luring Orion into new situations to try and get the youngling to have fun. He also tended to keep close watch on his nephew at Alpha Trion's behest. Orion was a good mech, but he got himself into all sorts of trouble, especially after becoming Prime. He didn't like intervening too much, but if only to calm his brother, he would drop in at times to make things happen. Optimus never knew it was him, but Nexus knew Optimus and he was fond of the little Prime. Still so very young and worth protecting.

Onyx Prime was not enraptured with Optimus once he claimed the Matrix at first. It took him time to determine Optimus's worth, but once he did, he was willing to offer much needed spiritual guidance. Thirteen offered wisdom, Solus offered love, Micronus offered wits, Prima offered skill, and Onyx brought his understanding of sparks to the table. He was there to direct Optimus to places of interest and helped to protect him from the EM attacks of others that could rattle his spark. The young Prime needed guidance, it wouldn't do to sit back and watch while Optimus dealt with the fallout of millennia of abuse and corruption alone.

Amalgamous thought Optimus was the best thing since processed energon the moment he saw him from within the Matrix. He was just so very pure and so hopeful. Amalgamous adored that about him and was so very pleased when Optimus allowed himself to enjoy life a little bit. Where other Primes guided Optimus to perform better, Amalgamous preferred to instead convince Optimus to rest and relax, to take care of himself after long days. He was also there to feed the little Prime good memories and happy feelings after everything. Optimus needed joy just as much as he needed everything else. And Amalgamous couldn't possible leave his dear nephew to wallow could he?

Quintus for his part didn't care much for Optimus. He preferred creating over watching growth. He would offer bits and pieces of knowledge and come forward to watch when something of interest happened, but beyond that he was content to remain largely uninvolved. Although when Optimus deviated too hard, he would fight bitterly to force Optimus back onto track. It got him scoldings from all his siblings, but to Quintus it was worth it. Sometimes young Primes needed reminders of why they fought. Being allowed only support could lead to imperfections.

Liege was for his part denied any and all access to Optimus when possible. The Primes didn't trust him, they didn't want him whispering lies and other cruel things into their baby Prime and nephew's audials. Thus they fought bitterly to keep him away, however even with their efforts there were times where his influence managed to sneak through. He was not a kind mech, but he did care for his kin to a degree. When he was allowed access, he guided Optimus on how best to use his words to manipulate in quiet ways. He always whispered sweetly, never too loudly and never too boldly. He always made sure to sound as though he were loving and caring, and often, much to his glee, Optimus took his advice.

Then there was the Fallen. Simply put, he felt the shift around him as a new Prime was born, but other than that he knew nothing. He was temped to return to Cybertron to greet his newest brother, but he abstained. It wasn't his place, not after all he had done.

[ezrisdax-archive]

I’m still calling you Dad2.

[wooldawn]

just a bunch of extras because sims is fun again <3

[yasbeych]

this bitch would

[witchofthesouls]

I admit, this little heartwarming idea came from me, an angst loving eater of doves, surprisingly.

TFP Megatron learning how to do his human child’s hair, especially if they have thicker and kinkier hair like a 3b-4a type. It just tickles me pink at the image of the big, scary lord of the Deceptions learning how to braid his black child’s hair and how to put beads in it and see his kid wear a wide grin as they shake their head to make the beads clang together.

Oh, that's so cute. And strangely in character for this Megatron.

TFP Megatron was a top-tier gladiator, so he definitely knows the value and effect of presentation. Plus, it's an action that's similar to a Cybertronian act of affection on his own human child -performing maintenance for another as well as applying someone else's colors.

Between the crash courses and blogs from the internet, eye hustling hair stylists, and tips from the local parents from school events, he gets it down pat.

Because his claws are too thick for something that needs a little more finesse, he uses a holomatter to complete it. He mixes it between wood and metal.

Megatron would purposely put on beads with his particular shades of silver and purple. Your favorite beads that make a loud, drum-like clang when rattled are made from his own armor pieces. Discarded ones, of course.

He likes putting those on since it's not only easier for him to locate you whenever he pinges for your placement, but it also draws in some of your own biosignature to interact with him.

[redbowedblogger]

Alex: Dotti! This parenting book has nothing in it on how to keep your kids from takeing the car when they ARE the car!!!

[emilixthefox]

Nightmare (Opbee)

(In this universe the transformers look like humans or they have human features. They're still the same size and can transform but it's just far more complex.)

-------------------------------------------

Bumblebee: Kill me then.

Megatron: No, I have a better idea.

*Megatron throws Bumblebee across the floor. Bumblebee coughed trying to get up. Megatron kicks Bumblebee onto his side and pulls him up by the arm.*

Megatron: You won't talk, right? 

Bumblebee: Not a word to you or any deceptacon. I won't let you hurt them.

Megatron: Then let's make it official, shall we. Shockwave is the table ready?

Shockwave: Yes, Lord Megatron.

*Megatron drags Bumblebee making him stumble over his steps trying to keep up, over to the operating table by his arm.* 

Bumblebee: What are you planning?

Megatron: I think you know, tie the Autobot scout down.

*Megatron slams Bumblebee onto the table as Shockwave grabs his arm and ties it down. Bumblebee thrashes against Megatron's and Shockwave's hold on him. He wouldn't go down without a fight.*

Bumblebee: Let me go!

Shockwave: It's useless to struggle.

*Shockwave secures both of Bumblebee's legs as Megatron secures his left arm. Once Bumblebee is secured to the operating table Shockwave grabs his tools and brings them back over. Bumblebee's breath quickens at the sight of the sharp tools.*

Bumblebee: Stay away from me!

Quintessence: Rip out his voice box.

*Shockwave begins by opening Bumblebee's neck skin, Energon blood leaking down his neck onto the table. Shockwave quickly locates his voice box and begins to pull and tear the wires connected to it. It hurts, Bumblebee thrashes around in pain, consequently the cut opening becomes wider.* 

Bumblebee: No! Stop, stop it! Ow! Aagh! 

Quintessence: Ahahah. 

*More blue blood bleeds out 

Bumblebee: Aaagh! Noo- Aaaagh! *cough*

*It hurts, make it stop! It became harder to talk with each passing second. Robotic tentacles started to rap around his limbs.*

???: Bumblebee!

-------------------------------------------

        Optimus Prime shook Bumblebee awake from his nightmare. Bumblebee opened his optics looking around frantically before putting his hands to his neck. His neck was no longer cut open, only a scar where the cut was made. Bumblebee sighed in relief leaning against Optimus who was rubbing his back in comfort.

       "Are you alright, Bumblebee?" Optimus' voice was filled with concern and worry, Bumblebee looked up at Optimus frowning. He wasn't okay, he was scared. Bumblebee shook his head, Optimus wrapped his strong large arms and held him tight to his chest, kissing his forehead.

       "I was back in that room, Optimus, but it had an operating table in it; and Megatron was there and so was…" Bumblebee choked on his words as he sobbed into Optimus' chest. All of his worst memories had come back to haunt him. 

        Optimus Prime wished that Bumblebee didn't have to go through that. Both this time and the time before, it was all because he was too late in saving Bumblebee. He was never there for Bumblebee when he needed him but when Optimus needed someone Bumblebee was always there. "I'm sorry Bumblebee. I truly am." Bumblebee sobbed harder into his chest.

       "I couldn't move, I was so scared." Bumblebee whimpered as Optimus pulled him into his lap, cuddling him. "It's okay now, you're safe. I won't let it happen again." Optimus Prime would keep this promise in his spark and mind. "Even if I have to kill." Bumblebee couldn't help but chuckle in between his cries. Optimus killing somebot for no reason was so funny to him.

       "Optimus, you're too soft for that." Optimus softly smiled at Bumblebee who had a small smile on his face. But Optimus couldn't deny the fact that he was right, he wouldn't kill somebot for no reason. Bumblebee slowly began to relax in Optimus Prime's arms. 

       Optimus looked over at the doorway hearing it opening, standing there was a little light blue sparkling. "Strongarm?" Bumblebee turned his head to see what Optimus was talking about. Strongarm walked over to the berth and tried to climb up. Bumblebee smiled softly and let go of Optimus and picked up his little creation, bringing her to his lap.

       "What's wrong, my strong little warrior." Optimus Prime put his arms around Bumblebee's shoulder as Bumblebee cuddled Strongarm. "I heard Sire shouting Carrier's name. I was scared something had happened." Strongarm cuddled Bumblebee back, she hoped that Bumblebee was okay. She traced Bumblebee's neck scar but quickly pulled away. 

       Strongarm looked back up at him and asked a question, "Can I fall asleep in here?" Both Bumblebee and Optimus Prime smiled at her. Optimus pushed some of her short white protoform hair out of her face as Bumblebee nodded. "Yeah you can." Having his creation and bondmate nearby always calmed him down. Giving him a sense of relief of safety and peace.

       Bumblebee put Strongarm in between him and Optimus and laid down next to her. Optimus pulled the covers over them before lying down with them. Before Bumblebee could fall fully to sleep he heard Optimus whisper, "I love you, Bumblebee." 

       There were no more nightmares while recharging.

[kazuchuu]

kobd thought of the day: kobd who have recently landed on earth, still exploring the environment around them, and finding—a cat.

they stumble across it when it tries to climb up breakdown’s pede, pawing and scratching at the metal plates. breakdown freaks out for a moment because the scratching feels too much like a scraplet’s. breakdown practically takes off in the opposite direction, leaving the cat and a confused knock out staring at him. when knock out realizes what happened he has a good laugh about it, which leaves breakdown both flustered and in awe of how much happiness suits him.

turning their attention to the cat—which seems to be unafraid of them—kobd try to figure out what the frag it is.

“I thought every organism on this forsaken planet was covered in flesh,” Knock Out says. “But this one is all…furry.”

“It’s so small,” Breakdown murmurs. “Primus, K.O., it’s a miracle I didn’t crush it.”

and when the cat starts purring, that has them occupied for a good, good while.

“Maybe it has an engine inside,” Breakdown reasons. “A small engine.”

“With the size of this thing, try tiny.”

“Tiny engine,” Breakdown says, a faraway look in his optics. Knock Out hasn’t seen that expression in some time now: Breakdown is fascinated.

the rest of the night is spent studying the cat, listening to its meows, and poking it tentatively (breakdown is extra careful), and hey, they may be currently stuck on an unknown, dreary planet—but at least it has cats.

[ask-uts-earthspark-au]

Does Nightshade ever have owl instincts even when in Bot mode, like sees something egg shaped they sit on it, or they just randomly screech

Nightshade: What? No.

Nightshade: I do have night vision, though.

Hashtag: Sometimes they squawk, or hoot, or coo. But don’t think I’ve ever heard them just screech, let alone randomly for seemingly no reason. I do have a file full of cute owl noises and things they do though!

Tarantulas: Not necessarily the egg thing, they are just a youngling, after all.

Tarantulas: However, they do not screech, it’s too much for their sensory processing to handle, and it greatly distresses them when there’s such loud scratchy noise.

Tarantulas: But they have certainly at some point randomly made owl noises, and sometimes if they hear or catch something out of the corner of their optics they’ll whip their head around to it.

Tarantulas: Sometimes the tiny toys that can move and meant to be a form of torment for others will trigger their predator response and they’ll swoop in to catch it. And they have destroyed multiple. They’re always very remorseful after.

Tarantulas: And of course, let us never forget: like any flight frame beastformer, their berth has been made into a messy nest, and they hoard all the things they like in it.

Hashtag: You mean the way they wall it off, and it’s super fluffy, and they don’t have one definitive point to leave their head or peds? And they hide all their sweets and most precious toys and that book they really like?

Tarantulas: Indeed, that is what I mean. Your sibling’s made a mess of their sleeping space known best as a nest.

Tarantulas: So it would more of a not quite that in particular, but there are other things they do.

Tarantulas: You’re welcome. |;)

Nightshade: *flustered* stop it…

Hashtag: no. <3

Tarantulas: Alas, you’re simply too cute for us to not share a little, owlet.

Nightshade: >/////<

[lets-try-some-writing]

Does Soundwave get to see sparkling Rafael from time to time? He deserves some Baby Time on occasion

For the sake of the timeline of this Au, I am breaking request order to answer this. But simply put, yes. Soundwave gets babysitting rights sometimes.

Little Cassette

The moment he saw Rafael, Soundwave was sold on the idea of taking care of the little cassette even if he had to fight Optimus for the right. Rafael was so small, so vulnerable, and so very much in need of a carrier. A Sire can only do so much for a cassette or any minicon really. Sooner or later the minicon in question will need a carrier to instruct them and to nurture them in a way that no other can. However Soundwave has never been one to rip sparklings away from their caretakers, hence his meeting with the Prime coming as soon as Megatron had his back turned.

It was a dark rainy night when he met Optimus out in a secure location. Both were wary of the other and for good reason. However after a while of tense staring, Soundwave broke down first.

Soundwave: Sparkling Cassette: Requires Carrier Unit.

Optimus: What are you getting at Soundwave?

Soundwave: Soundwave is Carrier Unit. Can provide services.

Optimus was of course incredibly skeptical. Soundwave was nothing if not loyal. Letting the Decepticon into base to interact with Rafael was asking for Megatron to find their location. And yet as he looked at Soundwave, he found himself oddly compelled. He could see the sincerity in the spymaster, the pure desire to care for a sparkling not too dissimilar from Optimus's own. Besides, he wouldn't have put it past Soundwave to steal his youngest sparkling from him should he fail to come to some sort of agreement.

As such after several hours of hashing out the details, Soundwave was granted access to Rafael on a few conditions. 1. He may never reveal the location of the base. 2. He may not use any consoles or touch Autobot data. And 3. He may not take Rafael out of the base without express permission or supervision. They were simple rules, but if Starscream of all mecha was willing to follow a similar creed, Optimus was willing to give Soundwave the benefit of the doubt. And it didn't take all that long for the spymaster to begin making his visits. He always appeared the in the dead of night, never coming to base during the day for reasons he never bothered to specify. The team were mostly recharging whenever Soundwave came by, but since Optimus was going to be up anyway to care for Rafael, he was the one who opted to keep an optic on the spymaster during his visits. Soundwave for his part never made any noise and kept quiet when he visited.

It started small at first. Soundwave would only watch Rafael and play with him while Optimus prepared the sparkling's fuel in the dead of night. Then he began carrying Rafael around, rocking him and playing Cybertronian lullabies as the Prime worked. Soon after he began assisting in everything Rafael needed in relation to his care. Things that were once done during the day like cleaning his growth plates and gears became a nightly activity instead since Soundwave began visiting and took over the chore. Before long Rafael became more and more nocturnal to facilitate this change, causing him to also become more active much to Soundwave's delight.

The next thing Optimus knew, Soundwave began turning off his alarms and completely took over Rafael's care at night. The first time it happened he almost had a spark attack for a plethora of reasons. Did he leave Rafael to starve all night? Did Soundwave steal him? What if something terrible happened because he was stupid enough to sleep through his alarms?!?!?

Optimus: *Flying down the hall and into the main part of the base* WHERE IS MY SPARKLING!? Soundwave: *Staring at Optimus with a spoonful of jellied energon halfway to Rafael's mouth* ...

Optimus: ...

Soundwave: Cassette: Healthy. Fueling: Taken care of.

Optimus: ...

Soundwave: Prime: Needed rest. Soundwave: Took care of cassette.

Optimus spent the next three weeks staying awake just to make sure that Soundwave wasn't trying to trick him and find an opportunity to do something. When he physically couldn't remain awake due to the stress of the day, Ratchet took over his role of faithful watcher. And Ratchet was far more critical. He looked for any and all excuses to call out Soundwave and get him the frag away from Rafael. But no matter how long Ratchet watched, even prodding at times, Soundwave never did anything that wasn't in Rafael's best interest. The spymaster became Rafael's carrier and not a spark could stop him with how quickly the sparkling bonded to him.

During the day, Rafael was Optimus's and Optimus's alone. But at night, the tides shifted and Rafael was in Soundwave's care. The spymaster brought things for Rafael once the team were comfortable enough with him to recharge while he looked over the minicon sparkling. He brought small toys, old Cybertronian Knick knacks that he had held onto, story datapads to read to Rafael, and he even began bringing Laserbeak with him. Laserbeak came to quickly adore Rafael, often rubbing up against her new little brother with contented chirps, much to Rafael's joy.

Eventually Soundwave began his real work as a carrier. Minicon's need someone to bond to in order to feel safe and to regulate their highly emotive mental states. Those that had gestalts did not require this, but since Rafael only had his Sire, Soundwave did not feel bad at all beginning his work. He began slowly allowing Rafael inside of his carrying compartment, and while Rafael could not yet transform, it was a good start for him to get used to the idea of being carried by another mech. Rafael took a while to get used to the idea, but grew to be comfortable being carried around by Soundwave in his compartment. Then once he was content, Soundwave began to process of reaching out to Rafael, tentatively attempting to establish a bond. He would never dare try to take Rafael away from Optimus, but he also would not leave the small minicon sparkling without a proper guardian. After all, if Optimus and his Autobots were to fall, he wanted Rafael to be comfortable with him and thus be able to move on should the need arise.

With time, Rafael came to accept this offered bond bit by bit. Soundwave never rushed the sparkling, taking all the time in the world to bond with him and allow Rafael to relax. For if nothing else, Soundwave was loyal. He would wait for his little cassette to calm. And then when Rafael was older, he would begin the process of bonding to the sparkling completely (with Optimus's consent of course).