Kade Burns and Heatwave had been partners in crime—heroic crime, technically—for about two years now. It wasn’t just Optimus Prime pairing them up and hoping for the best. On paper, they made perfect sense: Kade was a firefighter who lived for danger and adrenaline, and Heatwave literally was a firetruck. Fire and firepower. Human and Cybertronian. Simple

In practice? It was a mess

Kade’s ego could fill the entire Griffin Rock firehouse, and Heatwave’s temper wasn’t far behind. They clashed constantly—over tactics, over leadership, over who knew better in a crisis (both of them, obviously). Kade hated being told what to do, and Heatwave hated not being listened to. Every mission felt like a competition instead of a partnership

But lately… something had changed

Heatwave didn’t snap back as hard anymore. He didn’t roll his optics or bark orders the second Kade opened his mouth. When Kade talked, Heatwave actually listened. And when he responded, his voice was quieter—still rough, still Heatwave, but softened around the edges in a way that didn’t quite make sense

Kade noticed, of course

He just didn’t care enough to think about it

The underground Burns bunker was unusually calm, the massive screens along the walls showing live feeds of Griffin Rock—traffic moving smoothly, no fires, no monster attacks. Kade was slouched in one of the chairs, boots propped up, half-watching a city cam and half zoning out

Heavy footsteps echoed through the bunker as Heatwave approached, each step making the metal floor vibrate slightly

Kade didn’t even look back “What is it now, big guy?” he said dryly “Let me guess—my posture’s a safety hazard, or my breathing’s not regulation?”

Heatwave stopped beside him

Normally, that would’ve been the cue for a sharp retort. A growl. A lecture. Something

Instead, there was silence

Kade frowned and finally glanced up

Heatwave was holding out a clear jar in one massive servo. Inside it swirled a blue, faintly glowing liquid—shimmering like liquid light. Energon. Refined, clean, and definitely not something Heatwave handed out casually. His optics were turned away, fixed on a far wall as if he suddenly found it very interesting

“…Uh,” Kade said, lowering his feet “You offering me alien Kool-Aid or is this some kind of test?”