(no subject)

[dancerkali]

*after having cleaned off the dust and dirt, Kaleidoscope started wandering around the Ark's surroundings, never really having had the time to explore before. She took her time, at a slow, leisurely pace... simply observing and exploring and learning about her new home. As much as she could learn through observation, that is. Sometimes, she merely sat and watched and listened, in a sort of meditative state for a half-hour or more, before moving on*

*after a couple hours, Kali finally returned to the Ark, making her way down the halls to the lounge. Getting a mug of mid-grade from the dispensers, she moved over to a computer console, searching for and then downloading information on her new beast-mode's form and other related facts (that - to her earlier embarrassment she found she was lacking) onto a datapad. Both in-hand, Kali moved over to one of the lounges sofas, carefully sitting down (it took some creative work to find a position to put her wings in, and sit at, where it wouldn't be uncomfortable). Sipping at the mid-grade, a small smile crossed her face as she began to read the information on the datapad*

Comments

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*After leaving Maccadams, Tracks spends a few breems simply wandering up and down the halls of the Ark. He doesn't feel much like confining himself to his own quarters, nor does he feel like actively seeking company. Restless, worried and frazzled, he finally decides to hit the lounge for some low-grade in hopes a little extra energon will help settle him enough for recharge.*

*Shifting to robot mode just before he reaches the door, Tracks enters and heads for the nearest energon dispenser, hardly paying mind to anyone else who might be about. He's not even sure he can handle a simple greeting at this point, much less carry a conversation. Picking up a mug, he gets himself a little low-grade.....*

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*Kali glances up as she hears someone enter the lounge, and smiles at the sight of Tracks. That smile quickly fades, however, as the blue mech's unease is clearly visible. She frowns with worry as he heads to the energon dispenser in an apparant single-minded daze, setting the datapad and her mug of energon down on the table in front of her, before standing up, slowly*

.o(By Primus... what has happened? Tracks looks... terrible. Something has gone dreadfully wrong, but what? I can't just ask outright. That would be rude, and an unwelcome intrustion...)

*Biting down on her lower lip faintly, Kali watched him as he poured himself a mug of low grade, before forcing a smile to her face.*

Ah... good afternoon, Tracks. Would you care to join me?

*she gestured to the couch she had been sitting on, optics still locked on him*

.o(...hopefully he'll take the invitation to talk... about anything, if need be. But... ...if he doesn't, I won't press.)

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Tracks comes right close to dropping his mug at the sound of Kali's voice, the furred mech glancing over his shoulder at her before turning completely to face her. For a long moment, he says nothing, not sure whether he's ready to talk to anyone about what's gone on, or not. His usual choice would be Blaster, but the mech is having his own problems as a human and...well...to talk with him about the femme he was interested in when she ended up seeking out the company of Blaster's rival? Tracks then glances about, noting that the place is about empty. With the door to Maccadams open, the lounge is no longer the popular hang-out spot for the ones off duty. Finally, he nods and walks over to join her, sitting down on the couch.*

[q] I hope my being here didn't interrupt what you were doing, Kali. And...I may not be the best of company right now.

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*as Tracks sat down, Kali sat down as well... her forced smile slipping into a concerned look, her colours shifting to some grey overtones. Shaking her head faintly, she paused before shyly resting a hand on Tracks' forearm*

[q] You are not interrupting a thing, Tracks. I.. well.. your 'company'...

*she paused again, frowning a little, now, not sure how to address whatever issue was troubling Tracks*

[q] I would... never... I don't want to force myself on you, if you do truly wish to be alone, Tracks. However, if you are not the 'best' company doesn't matter to me. I... I can see that something is wrong; so very wrong. I want to help, however I can. If it's not saying a thing, and leaving you in peace, well... I will respect that. But... I'm worried about you, Tracks.

*she glanced around at the empty lounge, then back at Tracks* [q] I'm here to talk... and listen... whatever I can do. If you wish, we can move to a more private location, so whatever is troubling you won't be overheard...

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*The former 'vette sighs...staring into his mug of energon. Again, he struggles with saying anything at all, and if anything, what exactly TO say?*

[q] I'm...not sure there is anything anyone can do to help. No amount of talk thus far has helped the situation.

*Glancing up at Kali, Tracks lets out a heavy sigh, his misery easily read in his expression.* [q] ...she ran off to be with a Decepticon -- Soundwave, of all mechs. She has resigned from the Autobot army, but...I...cannot accept her choice. Not after all he has done to us as a group...to me. Channel does not seem to realize the possible danger she is putting herself in. Does not realize that she isn't the one who needs to prove herself, but rather...him. Her choice... I cannot readily accept it.

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*frowning softly, Kali let her hand slide down Tracks' arm to his wrist, then shyly curled her fingers around his hand*

[s] Whether it helps or not... I'll still be here for you, Tracks...

*at Tracks' explanation, Kali's optics go wide, her colours shifting to startled yellows and greens, then fading into muter, paler shades before slowly drifting back to her regular blue*

[s] Oh, Primus... Tracks. I... I... I don't know what to say. Primus. I hope she'll be all right, but... ...Primus...

*she sat back a little, stunned... then watched Tracks with sympathetic optics, frowning deeply*

.o(You're hurting so much. The pain; I can understand, even if I can't relate. Oh Tracks...)

*frowning, she tightened her grip on his hand, leaning in a little towards him* [s] Tracks... I... I don't know what to say. I don't think there is anything I can say. It... I can only imagine the hurt you must be feeling. I wish there was some way I could help you. Help heal all this, but...

*she trailed off, shaking her head, frowning more. She reached forward with her other hand, to rest it on Tracks' other hand* [s] I can... only hope for her safety... Nothing I say would change her mind; that I know. I'm... not a part of this. It's her choice to make. But... right now... Primus... YOU are the one I'm worried about. The one I want to help. To comfort...

*still sad and unsettled, Kali curled her fingers around Tracks' hands* [q] I feel so helpless. I want to help you, Tracks. I want to help heal this hurt, but... I fear whatever I can offer might only be superficial, or temporary at best. I can... only offer my support, comfort, but... *she trailed off, shaking her head faintly* [q] That can... only patch things, temporarily... It won't solve, or completely heal everything, no matter how much I wish it would.

*She paused again, trembling faintly. She pulled back a little, glancing around cautiously, nervously... before letting go of Tracks' hands, opening her arms a little* [s] But... if all I can do is offer comfort, then... I offer it willingly and without hesitation. My offer for a more private venue still stands. We've been lucky no one seems to be around, yet, but...

...I'll be here for you, if you need me, Tracks. *her voice soft, her colouring fading to a very pale pink*

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Tracks nods, his mind still a jumble of thoughts that he still can't seem to quite order and process. At the mention of going someplace more private, he frowns a bit...*

[q] I... wouldn't want to take up your time with my problems. And while I would like to get away someplace where I wouldn't have to face up to anyone else...I don't want you to think that you need to go along with me. Misery does love company, but I don't want you to be miserable as well, especially when no amount of discussion can help this, when it's all completely out of our hands. It's just...this feeling of total helplessness. Like I've somehow failed my only kin. I do thank you for your concern and patience, Kali... With Blaster away, there aren't many here I feel I can confide in...

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*Kali shakes her head, replacing her hands overtop Tracks'* [s] You're not taking up my time, Tracks. Your... your problems... I want to help shoulder those problems. If I can.

*still frowning, she stood, offering her hand to Tracks* [s] You haven't failed, Tracks. This... all this... you're not at fault at all. I don't know all the details, but...

*she trailed off, shaking her head* [q] You can always confide in me, Tracks. I want to be there for you whenever you might need me. Shall we head somewhere a little more private, then? *her colouring took on a faint shade of pink again* [s] Y-your quarters, or mine?

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*While it was hard to tell due to the color of his faceplates, Tracks blushed a bit as he took her hand and stood, energon forgotten on the nearby table for the time being.* [q] Er...yes... Perhaps...perhaps my quarters. If just...for the company.

*Glancing around to be sure no one else had come in and seen them, he quickly guided Kali out of the lounge and down the hall towards his quarters....*

*and moving locations within the thread*

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*embarassed, but forcing herself past that, knowing Tracks needed someone to be with him, if just in silent support if nothing else, Kali nodded, falling into step beside him as they headed at a brisk walk to Tracks' private quarters*

*Upon entering, Kali glanced about, her colours still a soft shade of pink, wondering where to sit. She wanted to remain close to Tracks, for support, but the only piece of furniture that would allow them to sit side-by-side was the berth, and her upbringing made her almost instinctively shy away from being that "forward"*

.o(It would be improper... But... Tracks needs some support right now. Some comfort and companionship. I would merely be keeping him company. Sitting by his side. Nothing 'improper' about THAT at all, correct? ... As I said earlier... Primus, it seems so long ago now... That past is long past... I am in a new world. I should... must... move forward)

*she glanced up at Tracks, and smiled shyly, giving his hand a soft squeeze*

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Once he's shut the door in their wake, Tracks ruffles his wing feathers a bit, aware of the fact that Kali might be a bit nervous about, well...being in his quarters and being close. He hasn't quite turned up the lights all the way, either, preferring dimmer lighting, given his mood.*

[q] Beast mode...

*Letting go of Kali's hand and shifting down out of robot mode, he tucks his wings in and leaps lightly to the berth, turning around three times before laying down with his head between his paws...*

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*Kali turned and watched Tracks transform with a soft frown, carefully going down onto her knees, reaching out towards him with one hand -- but paused halfway, shy and unsure if he would want to be stroked, or if he would consider that an insult. Shifting faintly, nervously, she hesitated, then reached out again, gently letting her hand rest on Tracks' back, between his shoulderblades* [s] ... if this... upsets you... I can... I'll stop...

.o(It's forward of me... bordering on rude and improper, but... Primus! I just want to help him, so much...! It ... hurts. It actually hurts to see him hurting so much. T__T)

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Shaking his head faintly, he shuts his eyes, seeming to relax at the touch.* [q] No... It's fine. Almost...reassuring, in a way.

*Exhaling deeply through his intakes, he wonders just when things will start looking up again. Things have been going so very wrong since all the changes hit...and he can't help but wonder if half the problems with Channel could have been avoided if he'd just...done something, said something to her when he first became worried.*

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*despite Tracks' reassurance, Kali still felt a little awkward. After all, this was Tracks, not one of her catbots. He wasn't even feline, she was sure of that. (just what he was, though, she had no idea) Shyly, she slid her hand down his back, stroking his techno-organic fur gently. It was a rather interesting sensation, she had to admit... and hoped that this action WAS reassuring him*

*pausing to sit on the floor, so she was more comfortable, and could sit for a longer time, she resumed her gentle petting of his back in long, smooth strokes. She was silent, having no idea of what to say*

.o(... I wish I knew what to say. What to do. ... Perhaps... there's nothing I can say. Maybe I don't need to say anything. Just so long as I'm here for him. That's what should be the most important thing, right?)

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Despite himself, Tracks rumbles softly in response, tail curling around his haunches.*

[q] ...don't know what I would do without you, Kali. You've been a blessing since the night I first saw you.

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*Kali blushed darkly at the compliment, a little, inexplicable shivver propted from the rumble. She smiled, then, faintly... taking that as a sign that Tracks was starting to relax, a little at least*

[s] I am just... so very happy to be here for you, Tracks. You have... become so very special to me, too. You've helped to show me that... what I used to think, the way I used to live... some of those beliefs... aren't as important as I thought they were. ... I mean that as a good thing. You've... opened my optics to new ways, new thoughts. You've helped me to open up to others, to ways of life I would never have looked at before and... for that I am grateful. But... more... ... *she blushed a little darker* [s] I'm just so very grateful to have met you.

*she paused in her petting, wanting to say more, but too shy to, yet, her fingers lightly stroking the back of his head* [q] If I'm helping you... however I'm managing it... then I'm happy, Tracks.

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

[s] ...you've really taught me quite a bit, as well. I used to place so much more emphasis on how I looked rather than who I am as a mech, and the same attitude made me think less of others I didn't think met the standard of "aesthetically pleasing" to the optics. Meeting you when I was so vulnerable back then...really made me rethink things. And you have always been so patient with me...

*Turning a little, he pushes his head up under her palm so her hand rests against his forehead, fingers splayed between his ears.* [s] You mean so much to me... Having you here, now, reminds me that no matter how dark things look, there are reasons to keep trying.

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*Kali gently stroked her fingers gently side-to-side over Tracks' brow, her thumb softly rubbing behind one ear* [s] Seeing you then, Tracks, taught me some important lessons, too. To look beyond the surface, and all.

*sliding her arm loosely around Tracks' neck, she leaned down to give him a tender hug* [s] If you would allow me, Tracks, I would like to... be by your side forever. *her colours went a definate pink, there, embarassed at her own 'boldness'* [s] We haven't known each other for so long, but... I know that to be true.

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

*Tracks blushes beneath his fur, but brings one wing around to "embrace" her in return.* [s] ...if you think you can put up with me, I would very much like that. And...despite not knowing each other long, I know that I would be happy to have you with me for the rest of my life.

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

[s] I am certain I could 'put up with you', Tracks... if you can put up with me... *her blush deepens a little, and she bows her head to press a light kiss to the top of Tracks' head*

[beau-in-blue.livejournal.com]

[s] Hardly "putting up", love.

*Half leaning on her, he shuts his eyes again and simply enjoys the moment, the contact and the quiet. There are still no solutions for what had him so worried, but at least he feels like he's finally hit the calm after the storm.*

[dancerkali.livejournal.com]

*hugging him gently again, Kali powered down her optics, allowing herself to take in the moment as well*

[vs] I love you, Tracks...