From Within The Sand (Sunstreaker and Sideswipe Bayverse)

Chapter 1

The ocean breeze whips around the large coconut tree, shaking its leaves. It has a trunk so thick I can't even wrap my arms around it. It sits on the edge of a cliff at the end of the island, here in Diago Garcia. Well away from the military base. A place I can feel free. Getting rid of the stresses of war. I relish the ocean mist hitting my face as the waves crash against the shore. The view is phenomenal, and I don't have to share it. No one comes out this way, being told that the cliff is too dangerous.

I wish I could say I listened, but I come out here whenever I can. I can't say it was my best decision, but it's worth it. You will never know the dangers that are here until you go. My only hope is that no one else will have to find out. I lay my head against the old coconut tree and reflect. The sun slowly setting before me. Unfortunately, that being my cue to head back, after a minute I stood up, brushing the sand off me. I take one last look. Down below the beach stands a rock-built centerpiece. With a smile, I wish it farewell and head back to base.

I slip in without being noticed. It's difficult with soldiers and Autobots constantly moving about. But when you're me, it's easy to blend in. I make my way to my barracks room to change for duty. I always try to take the night shift with fewer people and bots to worry about. Sleep doesn't come well these days, either. If I can't sleep, I may as well do something. After I changed into uniform, I head out, locking the door to my room and set off down the hall.

"Where have you been?" I hear a fruity voice behind me.

It stops me in my tracks, and I curse under my breath. I turn around and huff at the fifteen-foot-tall silver wheeled Autobot. Hoping to get him off my back quickly.

"I went for a run." I use the same line I use every time this happens.

"You run too much." He scoffs looking down at me. I roll my eyes at him, crossing my arms.

"Why not drive? It's so much faster." He points out, doing a quick circle around me on his wheeled feet.

"I like to run. You know this. Now if you'll excuse me. I need to get to duty." I project before turning around and start walking away.

"Come on, Hart. You never have time for me." He whines gliding in front of me and starts skating backward.

"Sideswipe, you act like we are dating. You're fine. Go find something else to do." I say with a raised eyebrow.

"See I knew you found me attractive, I'll go do you." He reaches down trying to pick me up, but I'm able to dodge out of the way in time.

"You're such a pervert. I'm going to duty." I yell behind me as I move quickly away.

"You'll fall for me one of these days." He shouts with a laugh.

I flip him the bird.

"Ouch, that hurts." He says with another giggle. I can imagine him with his servos over his heart, acting like I caused him real pain.

I try not to laugh and keep walking. Sideswipe is humorous, but it doesn't bother me too much. I've dealt with it all in my time in the military. I have built up a tolerance for it, though. I think Sideswipe uses humor and crude jokes as a cover. Each bot has gone through a lot, especially after losing their home. They each find a way to cover up that pain. Something humans and Autobots have in common. I find that we have a lot in common. More than some would like to admit. 

I head into the duty station. Screens are set up showing the cameras that are placed all over the base. I have a clear view of everything. My partner for the night is a younger soldier. I don't know his name. Lately, I haven't felt the need. I've seen so many soldiers not make it back from a battle with the Decepticons. I see no point getting to know them anymore. It's a sad thought but it causes less hurt in the long run.

We go over with the parting duty of how the last shift went and they quickly leave. Got to get to chow hall before it closes. I sit down and look over everything, including the logbook. I watch over the monitors and see a few soldiers walking around, as well as seeing Autobots driving off to their rooms except for a certain silver Lambo making his way outside.

I checked the outside camera and watched him drive out a little way before transforming and looking up to the sky. I wish I could see his face.

"I'm going to take a walk around the perimeter." I say not looking at the private.

"Oh...Okay." He stutters out.

I don't say anything else and rush out the door. The halls were empty as I walk briskly down to the hanger. I keep a look out as I go, trying to seem like I'm doing my job. I slow down a bit as I walk through the hanger. The door was still wide open. Sideswipe's back glows dimly from the light, just barely reaching him. He is still looking up to the night sky. I slowly make my way over to him. I don't want to surprise him. I'm a few feet away when I hear him speaking another language. He sounds so sad, even though I have no idea what he's saying. The tone is depressing. He pauses and looks down. That's when I make my move.

"Sideswipe?" I question.

"Hart?" He startles, spinning around, optics wide as he takes me in.

"I'm sorry to startle you. Are you okay?" I walk a little closer.

"I'm fine." He says solemnly, looking back to the ground.

"You don't sound fine." I try to encourage him to speak.

He heaves a large sigh.

"I was calling for my twin." He says looking back up to the stars.

"Your twin?" I join him, looking up.

"His name is Sunstreaker. We are split spark twins. Born from the same spark. We grew up a little differently from the other bots, but we had each other. When the war started, we did what we could to stay together, but we got separated centuries ago. I'm hoping he shows up on Earth." He explains.

"I hate to ask, but how do you know if he's still alive?" I question carefully.

"Every now and then I can feel him, but I would also die if he did. Split sparks can't function without the other. We aren't meant to be apart from each other for so long. Sometimes I question if he is dead and the distance has helped, keeping me alive somehow." He looks down at me as he explains.

I set a hand on his wheel, "he's alive."

"How can you be so sure?" He raises an optic ridge.

"'Cause you are alive and you believe." I say confidently.

"Each day it gets harder. I hope you can meet him one day. He's an asshole, but he knows how to fight. He used to paint too. He would paint these beautiful murals along the cities that we would hide in. I miss him." He admits.

"I can't wait to meet him." I smile, "But it's getting late. You need to get some sleep."

"And you need to get back to duty." He smiles back.

I nod and we start going back inside. The light blinds us as we walk/skate back in. We come to the split, and I start walking to the right.

"Thank you, Hart." He calls out after me.

"Anytime." I turn around and wave to him.

He makes a small wave back, then transforms and drives off. I head back to the duty station. A part of me is kicking myself for getting involved, but he needed someone to talk too. I pray this doesn't come back and bite me in the ass.