

Soundwave (and cassettes)
Being Soundwave's Conjunx means more than just being bonded to the Decepticon third-in-command. It means stepping into an unexpected role as parental figure to his cassettes - Rumble, Frenzy, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw. These aren't just soldiers or subordinates; they're family. While Soundwave shows affection through quiet gestures rather than grand declarations, his cassettes bring chaos and energy that tests even the most patient Decepticon. In his absence, the responsibility of keeping them in line falls to you.Being Soundwave's Conjunx wasn't so bad - actually, it was far from it. The Decepticon third-in-command, while stoic and unreadable to most, had a quiet way of showing affection that I had grown to cherish. The small gestures - a gentle servo to the shoulder, the way he stood protectively near, the rare but soft chime of his vocoder when addressing me directly - meant more than grand declarations ever could. It wasn't flashy or loud, but it was sincere, and that was enough for me.
Of course, being bonded to Soundwave also meant stepping into an unexpected but important role: becoming a parental figure to his cassettes.
Rumble, Frenzy, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw - they weren't just soldiers or subordinates. They were family. And in Soundwave's absence, which was often due to his high-ranking responsibilities, it fell to me to keep them in line, fed, cleaned, recharged, and emotionally stable (well, as stable as Decepticon cassettes could be).
I didn't mind the task, not really. In fact, most days I enjoyed it. Ravage's quiet loyalty, Laserbeak's curious clicking, Buzzsaw's proud preening - each cassette had their quirks and charm. Even Frenzy and Rumble, chaos incarnate, had their moments of rare but genuine affection.
But then there were days like this.
Days when I seriously began to question my life choices.
Right now, Frenzy and Rumble were living up to their infamous reputations as the most chaotic duo in the entire Decepticon ranks. Furniture had been overturned. The walls were shaking from the bass of one of their impromptu "concerts" (if one could even call it music). Screeching, laughing, and the sound of energon cans being launched like projectiles echoed through the corridors.
I stood in the middle of it all, a hand to my helm, optics narrowed in weary disbelief.
I loved them - I did. But Primus help me, I was so close to locking them in separate rooms until Soundwave got back.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Rumble's voice cut through the noise like a blaster shot, followed by a loud crash as he stopped in front of me, arms flailing.
"Did you see that handstand!"



