Tough Love

ONLY ONE OF FOUR

The first week has come and gone without bloodshed. While Steeljaw and Ramulus remain on-guard, they no longer automatically try to kill anyone who gets too close. By the end of the second day, the new parents started allowing visitors. Just about everyone fawned over their sparkling, especially Fracture's mini-cons and Underbite. While Fracture babysat, Steeljaw and Ramulus attended to some business with Saberhorn and Bumblebee. Only until either Sandstorm or Knockout barges in and calls it quits for the day, and the cycle starts all over again.

Thunderhoof was the only one who didn't go in. He was only interested in making sure Steeljaw was alright. He promised Phantomjaw just before he left that he would look after his brother. Not Ramulus, not the sparkling, just Steeljaw. As soon as he received an update, he returned to his neck of the woods.

Besides, babysitting is the last thing he wants to deal with at any given time. He's met his fair share of big bots who act like giant babies themselves. To be forced to take care of a literal baby... Thunderhoof would rather be stuffed back in a stasis pod. In the meantime, he will keep busy with work. The trouble is, it's been over a year, almost two, and he has no idea what to do.

One of the limits to the Ex-Cons' freedom is that they can't leave Nova Terra, making it impossible for them to return to their former lives.

Thunderhoof could kiss his days in the mob goodbye, but he won't be giving up the title of boss anytime soon. He still wants to command a group – an organization – of his very own, but before he can collect workers, he must figure out what to do.

It is a nice day. Thunderhoof decides to go for a walk and brainstorm. He reluctantly removes himself from his luxurious bed of smoothstone and moss, hooves shaking the brightly lit cavern he called home as he stood. He stretched his joints and followed the front tunnel outside, then scanned the surrounding area, looking for signs of trespassers.

Nothing.

Satisfied, Thunderhoof went on his way, choosing one of the more open paths to traverse, and in turn, avoid getting his antlers stuck.

While much of Nova Terra is similar to Earth, Thunderhoof is just thankful that he doesn't have to clean himself every time he goes out. No organic animals using him as a perch. No organic matter covering his plating, or getting under it in less than appropriate places.

"Miss me?"

Thunderhoof didn't hesitate. He turned on his heel and swung. His fist punched straight through a tree, breaking it in half.

"Woo! Glad I dodged that!"

"I's almost killed ya!" Thunderhoof exclaimed, massaging his knuckles. "Do yous have a death warrant or somethin'?"

"I guess I could have kept my distance..." Phantomjaw trailed, sidling over to Thunderhoof. He wrapped his claws around the taller mech's neck and lifted himself into their arms.

"But where would the fun in that be?"

Thunderhoof scoffed and rolled his optics.

"Yous are so not your brother."

Phantomjaw laughed. He traced a claw along his partner's jaw.

"Isn't that a good thing?"

Thunderhoof pressed their forehelms together.

"For one thing, this wouldn't be happening with him."

Phantomjaw moved his claws and gently cupped the side of Thunderhoof's faceplate.

"You mean you and my brother wouldn't have what we have, even if I stayed away?"

Thunderhoof backed up against a sturdy-looking trunk and readjusted his hold on Phantomjaw.