Part 2
Ironhide stared down at Chromia's lifeless shell, dumbfounded. She was gone…her life had been extinguished, right before his optics. She couldn't be dead, it was impossible. He loved her; he loved her and he hadn't told her yet. She couldn't be gone…but she was…gone. Ironhide let out a harsh breath that caught in his throat. He was only dimply aware of the sounds of weeping coming from Chromia's sisters, Arcee and Flareup. Some of the other Autobots were weeping as well, though not as loudly. Ironhide slowly tilted his head back, back, all the way up until he saw the blue sky above him, a few clouds rolling by as though the worst thing imaginable hadn't just taken place below them. The Autobot's mouth fell open, but at first no sound came out. No sound seemed suitable to describe what he felt. Then…starting slowly and quietly at first then picking up volume and power, Ironhide let out a horrible, metallic, primal howl that echoed out from the ruins across the desert. Anyone within one hundred miles heard it, though only those close by knew where it came from. The sound the Autobot made was absolutely heart wrenching to everyone around him, human and robot alike. Many looked away. Sam and Mikaela looked at each other, tears running down both their cheeks. Ironhide howled exactly like he had when he, Ratchet and Sideswipe had discovered Optimus's body, only this howl was longer and more filled with spark-break. Ironhide howled so long and hard his voice transmitter finally gave out. His howl ended in an abrupt clash of static, and he dissolved into coughs. Ironhide doubled over, coughing almost as hard as Bumblebee would if he strained his voice. He coughed so hard he didn't notice the energon tears falling freely down his metal face.
"Chromia…" he wheezed, his voice thick with static. He collapsed onto his hands and knees, shuddering under the weight of his sorrow. No one could look at him; it felt like they were intruding on his grief. Bumblebee laid his head against Arcee's, trying to shut out his friend's grief for his other friend's. Optimus, however, couldn't look away. His old friend's distress was enough to make his own spark break. He closed his optics, a single energon tear escaping from beneath their shutters. This wasn't right. None of this was right; the Decepticons had lost, but they had still caused pain. He couldn't let it happen; he couldn't let this tragedy win. A thought crossed his mind, one that slowly became an idea he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of sooner.
"No," he said, his voice stronger than he expected it to be. Everyone looked up at him, except for Ironhide. Optimus raised his head, and cast his gaze over to the pyramids, specifically to the damaged one that housed the destroyed star harvester. "This will not be." he said. At first, no one was sure what he was talking about. Perhaps he was in slight denial, since this was the first femmebot casualty he had witnessed since the war started. But then, Optimus did something that surprised all of them. The Autobot leader raised his arm and opened his palm in the direction of the damaged third pyramid, his optics and face set hard in concentration.
"What are you doing Optimus?" asked Sam. The Autobot leader did not look at him, but he did reply.
"I am a Prime," he said seriously. "It is my duty to protect my soldiers, and use whatever power I have to execute that duty." Almost as soon as he'd said this, a huge rumbling sounded from the direction of the pyramid, followed by a series of violent cracks that built from the bottom of the pyramid all the way up to the top. With a crack that could have been teeth breaking, something small and glowing shot out of the top of the damaged pyramid. The object flew in a high arc, and then came down like a missile to hand in Optimus's open palm. The gathered group started, and stared. The Matrix of Leadership floated inches above his palm.
"I thought that the Matrix was destroyed when you destroyed the harvester," said Jolt in astonishment. Optimus held the Matrix suspended between his hands, his face solemn, and approached Chromia's body. Ratchet moved aside to let his leader kneel down next to the dead femmebot. Ironhide heard the weight shift, and looked up, his face plates soaked with energon tears. His optics widened when he saw the Matrix
"What…?" He coughed when he tried to ask the question, and Optimus held up a hand for silence. Ironhide closed his mouth. Optimus slowly extended the hand the Matrix was suspended above over Chromia's chest, and turned it palm-down. The Matrix hovered between the Prime's hand and the femmebot's corpse.
"The Matrix of Leadership restored my spark," said Optimus, "and gave me new life. If it can restore life to an Autobot after being deceased for four days, it must restore life to an Autobot who has only just left us." His facial plates contorted in an angry snarl. "This is a price of victory I am not willing to pay." With that, the Autobot leader thrust the Matrix into Chromia's damaged chest.
The femmebot's back arched as magnificent energy coursed through her damaged body. Sparks of energy raced up and down her frame, injuries knitting and healing with each passing volt. Her lower half untwisted itself and her single wheel popped back into place. Metal undented, gears re-meshed, and wires reconnected wherever the divine energy of the Matrix touched them. A blinding light flashed in Chromia's chest, and the gaping wound above her spark chamber morphed and re-sealed like the tape of a broken bottle played in reverse. Her optics suddenly re-lit, and a gasp escaped from her mouth plates.
Chromia sat up, breathing heavily. The gathered crowd gasped in surprise, and then, slowly, cheers rang out at the sight of the newly revived femmebot. Flareup laughed in delight and limp-rolled over to her sister, crushing her in a one-armed hug. Arcee laughed hysterically, hugging Bumblebee since she couldn't move to her sister. Bumblebee's optics widened, and steam involuntarily escaped from his exhaust ports. The humans clapped, tears replaced with cheers of appreciation and laughs. Optimus stood up, placing the Matrix inside his spark chamber.
"Welcome back, Chromia," he said. Chromia looked up at her leader, still wrapped in Flareup's embrace. There were energon tears in her optics. She couldn't quite find words for what she was feeling, so she simply nodded, and put a fist to her chest. The Autobots gathered close together once more, careful not to press too close to the injured Arcee and Flareup. The humans, all smiling, stepped back to give their allies some room. At Jolt's urging, Ironhide stood up, his face blank, but his optics full of emotion. He never removed is optics from her face as the Autobots stood reveling in their closeness and togetherness.
Atlantic Ocean, 6:30 pm: Deck of USS John C. Thinness Aircraft Carrier
Ironhide leaned against the base of the command tower in the center of the aircraft carrier, watching the sun sink below the horizon. He glanced over towards the bow deck, where Sam Witwicky and Optimus Prime stood side by side, standing in identical positions, hands on their hips, looking off into the distance. He wondered what they were talking about; probably post-battle thanks and friendly exchanges. Ironhide chuckled to himself. Never in a millennium would he have guessed that the great Optimus Prime would have a soft spot for such an unlikely life form. But, then again, Optimus was that kind of Autobot. Ironhide was more surprised that he had such a soft spot for the young human, as well for other humans he now considered friends.
'Sam's not so bad, for a punk,' he thought to himself. He probably would never be able to admit how grateful he was to the young human for bringing his leader back to life, and for discovering the Matrix in the first place…Ironhide's optics roved over to the starboard deck, where the three Sisters stood watching the sea with Bumblebee and Sideswipe. Sideswipe had one arm around Flareup's shoulders, as he'd had since her repairs were finished. Bumblebee stood a little ways away from Arcee, but Ironhide could tell how much the young Autobot wanted to be closer to her. He chuckled; Bumblebee in love, now that was something even he never expected to see happen, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to accept it yet. It would only mean his and Optimus's young charge was growing up. True, Arcee was older than him by at least five cycles, but age never really was an issue when it came to Cybertronian love. Ironhide's optics fell on Chromia. He still couldn't believe that she was alive, fully healed and all. When her spark had extinguished, he'd felt as if his own had faded with it. Never had he felt such pain, such loss, over the death of a comrade. But then again, Chromia was no ordinary comrade. Ironhide guessed that he hadn't really fully understood the depth of his love for the blue femmebot until she was gone. Now that she was back, he knew he couldn't hold back the feelings any longer. The thought of her never knowing how much he loved her was too painful to bear again. He knew what he had to do…he just needed the courage to do it.
Ironhide sighed, and uncrossed his arms, taking his weight off of the tower and back onto his feet. Well, he'd have to get it over with sometime; no time like the present. The entire Autobot team just happened to be on the deck at the same time, but hey, who cared? Letting out a snort, Ironhide stomped over to where his five comrades stood, steeling himself for the worst. When he reached them, he stopped a few feet behind Chromia. His spark started to pound, more so than it would even before a battle. He swallowed, almost tasting rust in his mouth.
"Chromia," he said quietly. The blue femmebot pivoted on her wheel and turned to face him. She grinned broadly when she saw who it was.
"Hey, Ace," she said, rolling forward a bit to stand close to him. She reached out and took his hand, sending tingling signals up his arm to his rapidly warming face. "I just want to say thanks for coming back for me," she said, smiling sweetly up at him. "You really came through for me, partner." Ironhide smiled slightly, his spark burning. She seemed to notice his muted demeanor, because she tilted her head in curiosity. "Something wrong?" she asked. Ironhide shook his head, then jerked if over towards the other side of the ship.
"Can we talk for a moment?" he asked, trying to keep his voice from trembling. Chromia nodded, and followed him across the wide deck to the port side, her engine revving slightly. Arcee and Bumblebee watched their progress, and glanced curiously at each other, shrugging.
Ironhide stopped when he and Chromia were beneath the shade of the command tower. He kept his back to her for a while, for some reason too anxious to face her. His spark pounded so hard it was painful, and he needed to shut his optics for a few seconds before he felt he was ready. However, when he opened them, he saw that she had moved around to stand in front of him, balancing expertly on her single wheel. He inhaled sharply. For some reason, he was even more nervous now that he was facing her. She noticed his distress and took his hand again, making his spark burn.
"What's wrong, 'Hide?" she asked, looking concernedly up at her friend. Ironhide met her gaze, and he felt his resolve solidify. It was time.
"Chromia," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "there's something…I have to tell you." She nodded, her concern becoming curiosity. He clasped her tiny hand in both of his large ones. "You and I…well, you've been my best friend for I don't even know how long, and I trust you with my life." She nodded, putting her other hand on top of his.
"Same with you," she said kindly. He nodded.
"But…you see, after we've been able to reconnect over these last two years, I've…been thinking…" Chromia made a concerned noise.
"You're nervous, I can tell," she said gently, stroking the back of his hand with her thumb. He met her optics. "You don' have to be nervous, Ironhide. You can tell me anything, right?" He nodded again, breathing in deeply through his nose.
"I know…and that's why I have to say this now." He gripped her hand firmly. "For a while, quite a while…I've seen you as more than just a friend or a partner." She tilted her head.
"How do you mean?" she asked. He sighed.
"I feel for you, more than I would a partner or a friend," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "I feel…more for you than I do for anyone." He moved closer to her. Chromia's optics never left his.
"What…What are you saying?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Ironhide inhaled deeply, and sighed.
"Chromia, when you died…I felt as though…I died, as well." He shook, as though caught in a cold breeze. "I've never felt such pain. I thought my spark had been extinguished, but my mind and body were still alive. I was dead, but I wasn't." Chromia inhaled sharply, and her optics suddenly began to shine.
"I'm….I…." she tried to reply, but she couldn't find words. Ironhide looked at her, for a long time. He couldn't find words either. He was trying to tell her his most important secret, but he just didn't know how. So, like many times before in combat, Ironhide decided action was a better answer to his problem. He extracted his left hand from under Chromia's, and placed it on her cheek plate. Chromia inhaled again, but said nothing. Ironhide leaned all the way down, and placed a gentle kiss on Chromia's delicate mouth. He held the kiss for as long as he could, then pulled away, but not before leaning his forehead against hers. He looked into her optics, and said, very quietly so only she could hear,
"I love you, Chromia; always have, always will." He stood back straight, squeezed her hand, and turned to leave. He didn't know why he had to leave, but for some reason he felt like he had overstepped a boundary, and if he didn't give her some space she would become angry. However, his retreat was quickly halted by the touch of a small hand on his wrist. He looked around over his shoulder. Chromia was staring up at him, her optics shining, energon tears silently sliding down her face. He furrowed his brow plates.
"What's wrong?" he asked. He turned the full way around and took her hand in his. "I'm sorry if I've hurt you," he said, and he truly meant it. "I had to tell you how I felt, and I meant every word. But I promise you; I don't want it ever to affect our friendship." Chromia nodded, and beckoned him to lean forward. He did so, not exactly sure what to expect. He was surprised to discover that Chromia's facial pates were not contracted in sorrow, but relaxed in what was clearly relief. She gazed at him, her optics combing every aspect of his face, then she placed a hand on his right cheek panel, just as he had done, and kissed him.
Ironhide's optics dilated to their widest possible level, and his spark erupted into what felt like erratic flames. Chromia was kissing him, on the mouth, on purpose. It wasn't just a peck either; it was a real kiss, her mouth parts rubbing gently against his. Ironhide didn't know what to do, so he just stood there, frozen by her kiss. When Chromia pulled away, her energon tears were still falling, but there was an adoring smile on her face.
"I've waited centuries for you to say those words," she said, her voice breaking. She caressed his cheek. "Ironhide, I love you so much it hurts; I always have, and I always will." He stared at her, his mouth open in shock.
"You….I…" For some reason he still couldn't find the words, nor could he seem to unbend himself. After a few seconds, though, he finally choked out, "What…did you say to me?" Chromia laughed and nuzzled his forehead with her own.
"I said I love you," she whispered. "I love you, Ironhide. I'll say it as many times as I have to to get it through your thick processor." He blinked, shook himself, and suddenly the realization of what she said hit him like a tone of boulders. Warm euphoria spread through him, starting at his spark and working its way to his fingertips and the edges of his feet. His shocked expression morphed into a grin, the widest grin to ever grace his face. Without warning her, Ironhide wrapped his arms around Chromia's waist columns and lifted her off the ground, making her gasp in surprise. He hefted her so that her chest rested on his and her face fell inches from his, slightly above it. Her surprise was mixed with glee.
"You wait all these cycles to tell me this," Ironhide growled happily, "and you make me say it first? You tricky fragging femme you." She raised a brow plating at him.
"Oh, don't act like you didn't want to say it first," she said teasingly. He smiled, and reached up to cup the back of her head in his wide palm. She gladly responded to his touch, leaning forward into the kiss and wrapping her arms around his head.
The other Autobots on the flight deck gradually noticed Ironhide and Chromia, locked together in a passionate, loving kiss. The Twins whistled and cat-called, Ratchet and Sideswipe laughed, Jolt and Flareup commented on how long it had taken the two of them to get their acts together and confess their feelings. Arcee smiled warmly and put her hand over her spark in affection for her sister and friend. Bumblebee watched her longingly, moving his optics between her to the sight of his mentor finally connecting with the one he loved. He wished he could be as brave as Ironhide and admit his feelings to Arcee, but he felt it was just too soon. So he watched Ironhide and Chromia, warmth spreading through his spark. At the bow, Sam and Optimus looked back at what all the noise was about, and caught sight of the two kissing Autobots. Sam let out a surprise laugh.
"Wow," he said, glancing back up at the Autobot leader. "Are they doing what I think they're doing?" Optimus smiled, and a deep, rumbling chuckle sounded from his chest.
"Yes," he said gladly, "and it's about time they did."
Ironhide reluctantly pulled out of the kiss, gazing contentedly at Chromia. She smiled and caressed his cheek panel.
"Bond with me?" he asked her quietly. Her smile widened and she laid her forehead against his, breathing in his scent.
"I thought you'd never ask," she sighed. He laughed and spun around in a circle, spurring a delighted giggle from her. The two of them gazed deeply into each other's optics, and dipped their faces in to kiss again, mouths parting slightly so their speech gears could brush each other sensually.
