These Paths We Tread (Autobot x OC)

XLI. Twisted Logic

“Sweet. Well, you’ll have to tell me all about it later. Er, well, if you can, since you’re Ms. Top-Secret over there,” he snickered, and then let out a loud sigh of relief. “Alright! Finally all done!”

“I guess I should let you go then. I’m sure your Dad is eager to get you out,” she snickered back, leaning up slowly as she maneuvered her two drones into her lap.

He groaned, “You have no idea. But yeah… It is about time for me to head off. Don’t you have some super-secret NEST business to get to, anyways?”

“Yeah… I guess I should head to the Command Center. If this new information is worth anything I’ll want to discuss it with General Morshower and Optimus.”

“I’ll be sure to send you picture of the room and campus. Show you what you’re missing out on,” he grinned back, and she laughed.

“Please. Nothing can beat tropical island paradise. Anyways, be safe and have fun, alright? I don’t want to have NEST fly me down to Princeton to save your sorry ass.”

“Aw, c’mon, ‘Cat! Have some faith will you?”

“Alright, alright,” she sighed, rolled her eyes and set the drones on the bed to swing her legs over the side. “I’ll talk to ya later.”

“Sure. Now, I’ve gotta split—Dad is calling. Later!” he shouted back in the midst of shoving R2 into his pocket, and no doubt racing off to get his things to the car, all the while being heckled by Mr. Witwicky. Catherine grinned and shook her head at the thought as she stood and stretched. Her drones beeped and clicked for her attention, but she soon appeased them with a promise to be back in a bit—she just had to do some NEST business. They settled back down grumpily, and after tugging on her boots, she slipped out the door, only to pause as a wonderful surprised greeted her in the form of a large, metallic lion.

“Steeljaw!” she cooed, taking her youngest son’s head in her hands and nuzzling at his brow, eliciting an electronic purr from his throat. His mane’s panels flexed and relaxed multiple times as well, much like the door wings of some of the mechs did. “I see you’re on break, so what brings you this way?”

“I desire your company,” he rumbled back, presses his head into her stomach once she released his muzzle. “If that is not too much to ask of my creator.”

Catherine smiled as she cupped his cheek, “Not at all. It’s been a while since we spent some quality time. Although, I hope you don’t mind maybe spending it in the Command Center.”

“Ah, yes—the team will be returning soon,” he hummed, ears perking up. “I do not mind. The humans there are accustomed to my presence and are aware we are close.”

“Oh, come now, Steeljaw. No need to be so formal with your mother,” she laughed, and started walking. He trotted beside her, leaning close in such a way that she knew he wanted affection. Grinning, she began to stroke the armor behind his mane, which brought a pleased look to his mug.

“My apologies. I find I cannot be so informal. I suppose you could say it is part of my programming,” he mused, sending an apologetic look in the redhead’s direction. She waved it off, though.

“It’s fine. It makes you quite the gentlemen. Or, well, gentle quadruped, I suppose,” she chuckled. “Anyways, how’s your guard duty going? I haven’t really spoken with any of the soldiers directly, but there’ve been no complaints either.”

“My human co-workers are exceptional and quite fun, if I do say so myself. They have even requisitioned rides from me before—particularly the young woman called Breanna. She’s rather keen on the action. I enjoy it myself, of course, and it’s the least I could do to repay their kindness. They have always treated me well and as part of the team despite my… non-human appearance.”