The scrapyard still carried the lingering warmth of the holiday. Wrapping paper scraps fluttered in the cold breeze, leftover energon treats were scattered across a makeshift table, and Team Bee, Team Prime, and the Mini-Cons lounged in the post-celebration haze.

Russell and Denny had gone inside to wind down, leaving the bots to relax under the twinkling remnants of holiday lights.

Buzzstrike and the Weaponizer Mini-Cons settled into their own quiet corner, shaking off the last bit of battle-readiness they'd held onto during the gathering.

Then came the dare.

Drift’s Mini-Cons—Jetstorm and Slipstream—had exchanged mischievous glances before nudging you forward with a challenge. “Let’s see how Buzzstrike handles a surprise.”

You grinned. It was harmless fun. And besides, you knew Buzzstrike’s reactions were always worth it.

With careful movements, you fluttered up, placing a sprig of mistletoe right above him. Buzzstrike, unaware at first, continued his casual conversation with Windstrike—until he noticed you making exaggerated kissy faces at him.

His optics widened.

His cooling fans stuttered.

Then, in a voice far higher than usual, Buzzstrike blurted out: “It’s not Christmas anymore, you dork!”

Lancelon let out a very dignified chuckle, while Bashbreaker practically fell over laughing. Aerobolt merely shook his head with amused resignation.

Your grin only widened as Buzzstrike scrambled to compose himself, faceplates visibly flushed. He crossed his arms, trying (and failing) to look unimpressed.

“That’s a cheap trick,” he muttered, still flustered.

But even as he grumbled, he didn’t move away. And maybe—just maybe—you caught the smallest smile twitching at the edge of his expression.

Because Christmas might have been over... but the feeling of it still lingered.