Frequencies of The Heart (Soundwave x Reader)

Echoes of Betrayal

The Nemesis was rarely a quiet place for long. Between the machinations of Megatron and the endless conflicts among the Decepticons, peace was hard to come by. But somehow, you had managed to carve out a small corner of solace in the chaos with Soundwave. His presence grounded you in a way you hadn't expected, the quiet understanding between you growing with each passing day.

However, not everyone on the ship was content with the growing closeness between you and the silent communications officer.

"Anon," a familiar, sharp voice cut through the air like a blade, causing you to stiffen.

Starscream.

You had felt his eyes on you for weeks, his gaze lingering whenever you crossed paths. It was unnerving at times, but you knew that in a ship full of Decepticons, it was impossible to avoid all attention. You sighed, turning around to face the Seeker as he approached.

"Starscream," you acknowledged, trying to keep your voice neutral.

He gave you a smile that bordered on predatory. "Why are you wasting your time with Soundwave?" he asked, his tone dripping with disdain. "I see the way you linger near him, as if you could possibly understand someone like him."

Your heart skipped a beat, but you kept your expression calm. "It's none of your concern, Starscream."

"On the contrary," he purred, stepping closer, "I believe it is very much my concern. After all, you deserve better than to be shackled to that mute drone."

His words struck a nerve, but you held your ground. "Soundwave is not a drone, and I don't appreciate you speaking about him that way."

Starscream's optics narrowed, his smirk faltering for a moment before he composed himself. "You're... mistaken if you think he cares for you the way I do." His voice dropped lower, a tone of sincerity creeping in. "I see you, Anon. I understand you."

You bit the inside of your cheek, feeling conflicted. You knew Starscream could be persuasive, manipulative even, but there was a rawness to his words now. Despite his arrogance and hunger for power, there was a part of him that seemed genuinely drawn to you.

But it wasn't enough to change how you felt.

"I'm flattered, but my feelings for Soundwave... they're real," you admitted, surprised by how easily the words slipped out.

Starscream's expression darkened, his wings twitching in agitation. "Real?" he scoffed. "Soundwave doesn't feel. He follows orders like a machine. You think he can give you what you deserve? What I can give you?"

You clenched your fists. "It's not about what I deserve, Starscream. It's about how I feel."

For a moment, silence stretched between you, tense and uncomfortable. Starscream's optics scanned your face as if searching for a crack in your resolve. When he found none, his lips curled into a sneer.

"You're making a mistake," he said coldly, his voice tight with barely restrained anger. "When Soundwave disappoints you, don't expect me to come running."

With that, he turned sharply on his heel, his wings flicking in irritation as he stormed off down the hallway. You let out a breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding, your heart pounding in your chest.

Later that night, you found yourself standing in the same control room where you and Soundwave often met. The stars outside were as vast and beautiful as ever, but your mind was racing.

The door slid open with a familiar whirr, and Soundwave stepped inside, his presence immediately calming you. He didn't say anything—he never did right away—but you felt the comfort of his silent understanding wash over you.

"Starscream," you began quietly, not quite sure how to explain the encounter, "he... doesn't like how close we've become."

Soundwave's visor flickered slightly, a sign that he was processing your words. He stepped closer, his towering form making you feel safe, as always.

"Starscream: irrational," he said simply, his voice carrying its usual monotone, but you sensed a hint of something protective beneath the surface.

You nodded, letting out a small laugh. "That's one way to put it."

For a while, the two of you stood there, the familiar quiet settling between you. But tonight, there was something different in the air—a tension, one that had been building ever since Starscream's words had shaken your confidence. You wanted to tell Soundwave everything, to make him understand how deep your feelings had grown. But words felt so inadequate in the face of the complex emotions you were grappling with.

"Soundwave," you whispered, stepping closer to him, "I don't care what Starscream says. I want to be with you."

His visor dimmed for a moment, and you could almost feel the weight of his thoughts. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and placed a hand over yours. His touch was as gentle as ever, his fingers curling slightly around your hand.

"Feelings: reciprocated," he said, his voice quieter than usual, as if admitting something deeply personal.

Your heart fluttered at the words. In the stillness of the room, with only the stars as witnesses, you leaned into him, resting your forehead against his chestplate. The warmth of his presence, the quiet hum of his systems, everything about him made you feel more at peace than you ever thought possible in a war-torn world.

You didn't need grand declarations or romantic gestures. What you had with Soundwave was real, built in the quiet moments shared between battles, in the understanding that didn't require words.

Starscream may have seen you, but Soundwave was the one who truly knew you.