Don't Press the Red Button, For Lightfang

[Shadowcat9279]

"Well we cant stay out here at night because its a bit dangerous. Believe me if we could most of us would." Lightfang moved out slowly and kept to a trail that was dotted with shade so it would not be too harsh on the pup eyes. "But there is nothing wrong if you wanna nap out here in the sun. I will watch over you."


Lightfang got to the clearing and spread out before them were flowers of every color and butterflies, easily one of Lightfangs favorite creatures on this planet, fluttered about in masses of colors.

[Big Kahuna]

He was supposed to have been off duty. Of course, leaders never actually had time off, but they did normally get time to be “on call” as apposed to being there at the desk. Of course, nothing around here worked as it should, so why should the schedule? Some foolhardy teen girls had gone and chained themselves to the stables, protesting the “abusive” use of the draft horses and the eating of the barn animals. They didn’t get that mankind had been using animals for thousands of years and would never stop. It was just part of the natural order of their ecosystem, something they could not avoid even if they went to other words. And of course, his men didn’t know what to do about it. Gorebash had been afraid of breaking one of the girls. So they had called him out there to spell things out for them: cut the chains and drag the girls, kicking and screaming, back to their parents.

The call had come in during Cassidy’s afternoon nap, and as luck would have it Ziggy was on duty herself with the engineering corps so she couldn’t babysit. The working parent hadn’t had time to call in another babysitter so he just left in the hopes he would get back before the child awoke. And of course, that hadn’t happened. As he trudged back to the Zeta-1, mentally exhausted, he caught movement out of the corner of his optics, turning just in time to catch Lightfang with Cassidy on her back disappearing into the brush. He didn’t want to call out for them and risk getting someone’s attention—he still felt embarrassed about this whole situation. So sighing, he followed after them.

“And what do we have here?” he asked to announce his presence as he found them in a clearing. He didn’t know how he felt about Lightfang being so invested in his clone—certainly, she had been correct that Cassidy was a living being and had a right to live as full a life as possible. Still, when she involved herself he felt as if she was intruding into his personal business. He knew better than to say anything. These were his own personal hang-ups to overcome.

[Mayhem]

“Why?” he asked while batting at the leaves they walked beneath.

Cassidy couldn't see anything being dangerous for Lightfang. She had really big teeth after all. And nothing would ever hurt him. Lightfang and Moonhunter would not allow it. So he too would be safe to sleep outside.

At the sight of butterflies, he was off Lightfang and running around in a heartbeat. The happy cub galloped through the flowers on all fours, occasionally pouncing for a butterfly.

“Daddy!” Cassidy excliamed and raced straight for Moonhunter. Laughing, he launched himself at Moonhunter.

He had forgotten that he had basically snuck out without telling anyone and might be in trouble. Cassidy was just pleased to have Moonhunter, Lightfang, and flutter things all in one spot.

[Shadowcat9279]

Lightfang smiled and moved toward Moonhunter. "Seems the little one was out for a walk so I thought it best if I joined him." Lightfang had a real scathing lecture for the werewolf and yet she said nothing of what her mind was thinking. For one reason, the cub was right there. And another... she was just too tired.

No rather then just yell and ingeneral bitch at him... she just calmly explained. "I figured he would need supervision since he didnt seem to have any at his place."

[Big Kahuna]

Out for a walk? Cassidy had figured out how to open doors, then? Hmm. Clever boy, he thought, surprised. His clone was impressing him every day with new skills and an expanding intellect. He was becoming a real person and reminding Moonhunter of that every day. He looked down at the child in his arms and felt a gnaw of guilt upon remembering that he had almost left Cassidy to become a lab rat. Still, being called "daddy" made the mech fluid rise to his face a bit. He wasn't used to being called that at all.

Normally, Moonhunter despised those who used people as living shields. However, he was glad Cassidy was there to be a buffer right then and there. If not for his presence he was sure Lightfang would be screaming at him. Passive aggression, he could better handle. "I got called away for an emergency and didn't have time to find a babysitter," he tried to explain, tilting his head a little. "And I didn't think the little tyke would be able to open the doors and escape my quarters."

[Mayhem]

There was a tension between the two adults and Cassidy squirmed uncomfortably. He was too young to understand what was going on between the adults but he was old enough to know something wasn't right.

“I sorry,” he said quickly. In his little world, saying sorry fixed everything.

Cassidy watched everyone and everything they did around him. It had not been difficult to figure out how to open doors. It had been harder to reach the buttons but that's what chairs were for.

“Fludderfly!” he squeaked and slipped down to chase another butterfly around Lightfang.

[Shadowcat9279]

Lightfang chuckled. "One can never tell with younglings, Moon" She smiled at him and bapped playfully at a butterfly. She was thinking but it seemed any anger she had for the situation was gone completely. "Well.. next time that happens call me. I can put him up in my room and find a watcher for you okay?"

She looked around some then turned back to the two. "You heading back inside then?"

[Big Kahuna]

It was funny, even though Moonhunter was taller than Lightfang no matter what forms they were in, for some reason he always felt like he was looking up when he regarded her. The femme's seniority was just so radiant that Moonhunter could fathom her any other way. He couldn't connect the violent Decepticon he had read about in her file to the matronly femme that stood before him. Perhaps that was why it was so easy to forget about her file and accept her for who she was now.

At her question, he shrugged. "I don't really have any reason to head back in yet. I could stay out here and watch Cassidy, unless you'd like some time alone with him." The thought of a chance at alone time never really occurred to the reluctant parent. At this point, he wouldn't really know what to do with himself if he didn't have something to keep busy with anyway.

[Mayhem]

“I don't wana go!” Cassidy protested.

There were futtering things, soft grass, and a great warmth from the sun. Outdoors had quickly become his favourite place. Not wanting to go, he used his only weapon available; his big sad blue puppy eyes.

The cub looked sadly up at the two adults and gave a little sniff.

“Please?”

Cassidy wriggled his tail hopefully.

[Shadowcat9279]

Lightfang could not help but laugh some at the cubs darling little eyes as he pleaded to stay outside. "You have to ask your father. But its okay with me."

She stretched out and lay down in a sunny spot. "But Im staying out here to soak up some warmth. My old joint arent what they used to be." She looked to Moon with a smile. "You are welcome to join me though"

[Big Kahuna]

Ugh, tired. @_@

"Well..." Moonhunter stroked the underside of his muzzle thoughtfully. Staying out here didn't seem so bad. And he had a datapad with him, so he could be constructive while he was out. "I guess I could use an excuse in case I get called in again. Okay."

Taking a cross-legged seat under a tree, he patched into the Zeta computers and began designing a wrist communicator for Cassidy. if the lad was going to start wandering about he knew he would need to be able to keep track of him at all times. He was also going to have to have a talk with him later but now wasn't the right time. He was too distracted by all the new sights and sounds. He realized he was beginning to feel protective towards Cassidy. Didn't see that one coming, he thought wryly.

[Mayhem]

Cassidy would eventually learn that once he had Lightfang, he had won. Since he had not quite hit that realization yet, he turned the full force of his sad puppy eyes on Moonhunter. The cub held his breath in anticipation. For one so young, it was easy to live in the moment and thus the fate of the world felt like it was hanging in the balance.

Mission accomplished. Cassidy beamed brightly and stood tippy toe to hug the sitting Moonhunter. Happy to have his two favourites there with him, the pup resumed his scamping around in the pursuit of insects. Now and then he would stop and sniff at a flower thoughtfully before eating it and running off again. He definately enjoyed the outdoor word.