These Paths We Tread (Autobot x OC)

LX. Weights & Measures

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Two days later, and Catherine's time off came to an end. Her attempts to quell Sunstreaker also ceased, and it only made things worse. It didn't help her bond mate was in the brig and she wasn't able to see him save for a few visits, and even then they weren't for long. He was, thankfully, allowed out the day she had to leave, and they had spent a long time talking. She hadn't brought up what his brother had said—she herself was still mulling over it—but they had talked about the golden-armored mech all the same. They talked a lot about him, and in the end, they made a decision.

She didn't like it, and she knew Sideswipe didn't either, but it was for the best, and the next day she departed with Smokescreen, Prime, Jolt, and Air Raid to Washington D.C. It was a solemn trip, although she was happy to see her father and base companions. She was also given a bit more free time for the day, for which she was very grateful. It gave her all the time she needed to have Smokescreen drive her to Sam and Carly's apartment. There, she let the Autobot go on his way, and settled herself onto the couch after allowing the other three miscreants in while she waited for Sam. It was the weekend, so she knew he would be coming.

Sure enough: a few hours later he arrived and was fairly surprised to see her there, but happily welcomed her. He meant to offer her something to drink, but he noticed her unusual demeanor at once and so carefully placed himself down on the couch next to her. He waited there, just lounging with her, figuring she would speak up eventually. However, as the minutes became almost an hour, he decided it was time to get things going himself.

"Alright, what's going on? You're not even trying to hide the fact you're upset."

Catherine let out a tired, miserable sigh as she turned her head from the top of her knees so that the prone figure of one Samuel Witwicky was in her view. He was leaning against the arm rest opposite of her, his legs splayed out to where his feet went underneath the arch her bent legs had made, and his dark eyes were watching her intently, daring her to refuse him. Of course, they both knew she wouldn't, and she closed her eyes to begin.

"I'm just... worried," she admitted, tightening the grip around her knees.

"About Sideswipe?" he pressed.

She nodded, "Yeah. How'd you guess?"

"He's kind of the only thing that gets you down like this, and he's always waits outside. So what happened? Please tell me you're not fighting."

"No!" she began quickly, but then settled down, unhappy once more. "We're not fighting... It's his brother."

"Sunflower, right?"

"'Sunstreaker', actually. And he's a freaking douchebag. Unfortunately, he might be a right douchebag, which makes it even worse," she groaned, and Sam frowned with confusion.

"Dude, 'Cat, what'd he say? What do you mean?"

Catherine sighed again as she finally let her legs go, dropping them to the floor, and ran a hand through her hair. She then propped her elbows on her legs and settled her chin into her palms.

"He just... he said... He said I might be hurting 'Sides," she murmured, almost too low for him to hear.

He had to pause, "Wait—what? How?"

"He said that the bonds are... are messed up. That I did it."

"You believe him?" he asked, moving closer. She frowned as she leaned back, exasperated.

"No. Yes. No! I... I don't—I don't know," she spoke weakly, pressing her hands into her face.

"Did you talk to him about it?"