[Ah... Somehow he's both surprised and unsurprised that Penny doesn't get it. Her innocence's part of her nature isn't it- of course he'd need to be explicit with her... It gets him to smile just a little. But still, even if this presents an opportunity for him to back down and have their relationship remains the same, he soldiers on.]

It means I...

[He trails off, fingers tightening around his elbow. It's difficult to tell what expression he's currently wearing with the mask and bangs hiding most of his face. What's apparent is Soundwave shifting his weight from side to side.]

I... have no doubts that we love each other as friends, Penny. I still do... But I recognized another form of love I have for you-- a love on a different level than that of friendship. It's more... intimate. [His mind wanders back to a word Ciel said to him.]

What I'm trying to tell you is... I have... romantic feelings for you.