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And above all else, Knock Out, do not fall in love. It will be your undoing .
Staring at his own reflection, Knock Out nods confidently. It won’t happen. Breakdown was close to making him break it, but he’s shoved that down and away. He’s convinced he has control over it. Even if Orion Pax is drawing his attention more and more; he can still be the playbot he's come to be known as.
With Megatron busy tending to his own matters, and even knowing Soundwave was keeping surveillance of the ship, Knock Out found the opportunity open to him to walk the halls and slip into the room they are holding Orion within. He’d buttered up to Megatron enough that he’s certain if he’s caught, he’ll be able to worm his way out of any serious trouble.
Orion is dutifully at his station, seemingly lost in his work. It brings a smile to Knock Out; makes it too easy. He eases himself behind Orion, snaking his arms around the others waist, leaning himself into Orion’s back. It’s a gesture easily read as warm, and it ends up taken that way before Knock Out gets to let his hands wander as he’d planned.
His hold is broken as Orion turns, and Knock Out takes a step back, mildly stunned by the turn of events. He’s staring up at Orion when it happens - Orion recognizes it’s him; and smiles.
“Hello, Knock Out. Have you come to check my progress?”
Orion’s tone is full of a warmth that Knock Out had never heard directed to him before. He raises a hand up in front of his chest, shaking his head, nearly taking a step back in complete disbelief.
Do not fall in love .
“Knock Out? Are you alright?”
Orion’s hand reaches out, and Knock Out allows him to touch his shoulder, Knock Out’s arm slowly lowering as his brows furrow. What is happening? His optics meet Orion’s, and all he sees is warmth, kindness.
It will be your undoing .
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I - No. No, I’m… I’m fine.”
Knock Out reaches up to take a hold of Orion’s hand, to remove it from his shoulder. He gets it off of him, but halfway through trying to lower it back to Orion’s side, he feels his claws curl gently around Orion’s hand.
Why am I …
The thought is cut off when the gesture is returned, and that soft smile appears on Orion’s face again. Knock Out’s optics focus on the sight of their hands together, leaving him in a stunned silence.
“I see.”
Orion’s comment causes Knock Out to jolt his gaze up toward Orion. That kind smile is still there. A gentle gaze holds Knock Out captive.
“You came to spend time with me.”
“I…”
“It is okay. I am certain a short break from my work will not be too bad. Come. We can sit.”
Orion leads him to sit down, and Knock Out finds his body disobeying his mind. He should run, he should leave, he should not let this take him down. Of all the possibilities - it’s Optimus Prime. Those walls, his carefully crafted walls, torn down in moments.
I never should have come here.
Orion’s hand rests on Knock Out’s leg, concern once again in his optics as he looks at Knock Out. There’s some kind of care here - Knock Out can’t shake it off. He can’t even deny the fact he wants this. A relationship like this - someone like the Autobot beside him.
This will be my biggest mistake .
His body does not obey his mind; he moves up onto Orion’s lap, putting his arms around him, and leans his head against Orion’s chest. He can’t explain why his spark aches the way it does. He can’t explain why Orion’s embrace as he’s enclosed in it dulls the ache. He doesn’t understand why he smiles, why there’s a warmth blooming inside of him.
Above all - he doesn’t understand why he’s crying.
- [Present Day - Autobot Base] -
“You mentioned you did not tell the others the entire reason for you joining us.”
Optimus’ voice comes through to Knock Out, and he cracks open his optics. Laid beside Optimus, his arms around him, Knock Out raises a quizzical brow.
“You said you would tell me, if I asked.”
“This you asking?”
“Indeed.”
“I’m here because… you made me break my promise.”
“What promise?”
“To never fall in love.”