Ensconce Transformers Prime AU (Book 2) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Twenty Six

The silent man slowly opened his eyes and looked around groggily. He didn't recognize his surroundings and his eyes widened a little. He noticed an IV in his arm and another in his other. He was afraid Shockwave was going through with his threat. He didn't want to be experimented on. He started to panic and tried to get out of the bed. Piper came in with Knockout and they helped him back down.

"Relax." The medic said seriously and furrowed his brow. "You've been asleep for a full day... maybe a little longer." He mumbled. Soundwave shook his head and tried to get up again. He had to get out of here.

"You should actually listen to your doctor." Another man said as he walked in. Soundwave stared at him blankly for a few minutes. Ratchet watched him quietly then sat by his side.

"Knockout called me to help, after you blacked out." He said seriously. "I..." he looked at his hands and cleared his throat. "I want to thank you for saving the children..." he mumbled. Soundwave stared at him then looked at the floor. He didn't deserve that.

"Rest for a while longer." He mumbled and stood up again. The injured man watched them intently and furrowed his brow. If Knockout told Ratchet he was here, who else did he tell? He couldn't trust these people. What was he thinking?!

He tried not to let his panic show and watched the two leave the room for a moment. Ratchet stayed behind and furrowed his brow. He sat down again and stared at him intently. This made Soundwave uncomfortable and he squirmed a little as he looked away from the old medic.

"You... you've been abused by someone." Ratchet muttered and motioned to his bruises. He furrowed his brow and looked at him again.

"Yes I know. I can tell by the bruises on your neck and face. I'm guessing it's from someone you trust... or did at one time." He said seriously. Soundwave looked away again and touched the angry mark on his neck. His expression became unreadable and he hung his head a little.

"Don't be ashamed of yourself... it's not your fault... it's their's for doing this." He muttered and watched him intently. Soundwave furrowed his brow as he hugged himself then looked at him.

"You don't talk much. That's alright... you don't need to. I know a young man that didn't speak for a long time." He said and smiled sadly. "You might know him..." he trailed off and stared blankly for a few minutes. Soundwave just stared at him and wondered why he was talking to him.

Ratchet noticed the confusion and sighed forcefully. He glanced at the door then at him. He carefully rolled up his sleeve and showed him the ugly scar. Soundwaves eyes widened in surprise and he stared at it before looking at him.

"I know you did some things you weren't proud of. I also know you're trying to change for the better." He mumbled as he pulled the sleeve down again. "Ten years can change a man for the better, or for the worse." He said seriously. The room was silent for a few minutes as he watched the younger man.

"You are at a crossroad in your life Soundwave." He said seriously and the other looked at his hands. "Decide now what you are going to do." He mumbled and glanced at the door. Soundwave didn't look at him and heard him walk out.

"But I know one thing." The doctor muttered and stared at the door as he slowly opened it. Soundwave looked up at him and furrowed his brow slightly. "Heatwave won't ever turn his back on you." He said seriously and glanced at him before walking out.

The young man stared blankly at the empty space then hung his head. He had a choice to make. Stay here or go back to what he knew.

Later that night Soundwave stared blankly at the wall for a while. He furrowed his brow and sat up then got his things together. He pulled out the IV and put his shoes on then headed out. He went to the door and quietly opened it then stopped suddenly.