Apocalypse Rising
Series: Children of Primus, part 3 of 3
by Phantom
Chapter Two
How many times will I think about the things
I'd like to do
Always denied the right to live my life the way I want
I want to share it with you
--Sweet Dreams – Air Supply
Andromeda stepped through the door of Optimus Prime's quarters, wondering why he had sounded so urgent when he had paged her. She had her own quarters but rarely used them these days. Optimus seemed bent on keeping up appearances, though surely most everyone in the base knew about their relationship by now. His time was monopolized now more than ever, but somehow he had found scant moments here and there to spend with her. Lately he had held her with a nearly frightening intensity, seemingly afraid that she would melt into thin air. He had wanted so desperately to tell her to go to Earth with the Paradronians, to stay safe and far away from the coming battle, but he could never do that. She was a proud Autobot just like the others, and he couldn't ask her to stay behind out of concern for her well-being. She would only worry about him, risking his own life in the thick of battle without her by his side. He knew that she could hold her own, and it wouldn't be fair to send her away or give her special treatment. If worst came to worst, at least they would die together.
I'm glad you could make it, Optimus murmured, coming over and enveloping her in a massive hug. I was worried that Kup would be drilling you until eternity. She was one of Kup's security officers, and the grizzled old warrior often spoke highly of her, as best as he could without appearing too softhearted.
Not this time, she replied, kissing his neck. He decided to let us have a few hours off. He didn't say it, but we all know that it's to have time to say goodbye. She wanted to tell Optimus how frightened she was, how she cringed inside every time he went off to battle, but she found she couldn't put that burden on him. It was his duty to risk his life for his people. Her worries were inconsequential compared to the fate of their entire species, and now that of the entire universe. He was the most noble and selfless being that she had ever known, despite whatever personal problems he might have. She could still scarcely believe that he had chosen her to be his mate.
Her words were cut off as he captured her lips with his own. We have such little time left! he said anxiously when they finally pulled apart. He had done his very best to keep up morale, but in private, she could tell how frightened he was. It was obvious that he did not rate their chances of survival very highly. It's not fair! he said angrily, knowing that he was being selfish and not caring in the least. We've only had seven years together! I've only just found you, and I don't want to lose you!
'Not the way you lost Alita,' Andromeda completed the phrase in her mind. No wonder he was so upset! Unicron had taken the life of his beloved mate, and now the very same enemy was threatening all of them once more. No matter what happens, we'll always be together, she reassured him as best she could. Her hands caressed his back, his neck, and his shoulders lovingly, soothing him.
I don't know what you see in me sometimes, he told her, pulling her down on the bed beside him, needing her by his side more than ever. I know I can be impossible at times. I'm grouchy and moody, and I spend far too many late nights at work. I can't even count how many times we've been interrupted by that blasted pager going off. I honestly don't know how you put up with it. He buried his head against her chest, feeling emotion threatening to overcome him. sometimes I get so afraid, thinking that you'll get sick of me and leave me. I couldn't bear that, Ani! I swear that sometimes you and Roddy are the only glue that holds me together. I'm nothing without you!
She held him as he trembled. You have nothing to worry about, because I'm not going anywhere, she said gently. She'd had no idea that he was holding all of that inside! I couldn't ask for a better mate, Optimus. I know we haven't been together very long, but these have been the best seven years of life. I knew what I was getting into when I took you as my mate, and I've never regretted it. Seven years could be considered a long time by certain species, but it was scarcely a drop in the bucket for a Cybertronian. Still, Andromeda had enjoyed every minute of it.
Optimus kissed her forehead, her nose, her chin, his hands cupping her face. He couldn't believe this would be the last time he would hold her in his arms. Tonight their love would be bittersweet, giving and taking from each other more intimately than ever before, but with the knowledge that this could be their last chance.
* * * * *
There's not much time to tell you half the things I should
Only that I'm so glad I fell in love with you
And I'd do it again if I could
--Sweet Dreams – Air Supply
Rodimus paced nervously, muttering to himself. No, that didn't sound right at all! That was just stupid! Gods, how would he ever have the courage to do this? He was already so nervous his fuel pump was ready to go critical! After so many years of playing the field, he had found the perfect femme. Of course, it had hardly started out as perfect. Initially she had been hell on wheels, making his life a misery. But somehow, fate had seen fit to bring them together. He had denied it at first. She was just another female, someone for him to spend time with. But Optimus had pointed out rather shrewdly that Roddy's serial dating had dropped off severely, then stopped altogether. And, most shockingly of all, he hadn't made a move on her, at least not until he had been positive that she was interested and ready. They'd been together scarcely two years. Two years! What was that to a Cybertronian, even ones as young as they?
Rodimus raged, punching his flat palm so that it stung. He'd only just found her! How could he possibly say goodbye? And yet, being half-Lithonian, she had contracted a lethal and incurable disease, so a part of him had known deep down that he would lose her someday. But not like this!
What's wrong? A hand touched his shoulder and he jumped. He hadn't even heard her come in!
He turned around, coming face-to-face with an absolute goddess. Nova was shorter than him, her head barely coming up to his lips. Her entire paint job was eggshell white, with bright orange splashes of color here and there. She was heart-stoppingly beautiful to him. On the outside, she was a marvel too look at, but he knew that the Corrodonucleosis was eating her from the inside out. Perhaps that it was better that she did not suffer more, but he still hated to say goodbye. He wished she had gone to the safety of Earth, but the moment he had suggested it she had chewed him out. He had to admit that he was glad to have her by his side. Dammit, he needed more time!
Hi there, beautiful, he said softly, planting a kiss on her forehead. She deserved so much better than this!
Hi there, yourself, she teased. What's up? You seem so nervous. Is it just the tension getting to you? Sit down and I'll give you a massage.
As appealing as that was, he knew it would only postpone the inevitable. 'Come on, you wimp!' he scolded. A shiver running through the link let him know that Optimus was saying goodbye to Andromeda in style. If he wanted to do the same, he'd better get this right! there's something I'd like to ask you.
she said, a touch of curiosity in her tone.
sit down. She did as she was told, perching on the edge of his sofa. He paced back and forth nervously. What on Cybertron was this all about?
Rodimus darted quick, nervous glances at her. He didn't think he could do this! Primus, he was so afraid he was ready to shake himself apart! 'Do it!' he snapped at himself irritably. 'It's now or never, and if you *don't* do it now, never is the only option!' Finally he forced himself to kneel before her, taking one of her hands in his own. he spoke in a quavering voice, I know we haven't been together very long, and I was a real arrogant jerk when we met. But since then I haven't been able to tear myself away from you. I love you so much, and I can't imagine life without you. I, um, was hoping, um was wondering if you would bond with me. He looked up at her imploringly, fear and nervousness written all over his handsome features.
Nova could only stare at him in shock. He was proposing! To her! Her spirits leapt. But at the same time, she knew it was wrong. Not just yet. She had lost Blazer just several short years ago. Her Lithonian mate had loved her very much and had given her a spark, but the dread disease had clamed both him and the unborn child, leaving Nova alone to mourn them, and later to begin her own slow death. She knew unquestionably that she would already be dead if she had not joined the Autobots. In time she had come to love again, but she knew that she was just not ready to take such a large step, even if Unicron was poised to eradicate them all. she said gently, squeezing his hand, you've been so good to me. I love you more than I can ever say, but it's just too soon for me. Don't worry – we'll always be together, even if we die and go to the Matrix. Even death can't keep us apart.
Rodimus stood and drew her into his arms, kissing her deeply. He knew that she was right; it was too soon for her to bond with him. But he was still glad that he had asked. He wanted her to be a part of his life, always. He smiled as he scooped her up in his arms and headed for his spacious recharge chamber. He wanted their last night together to be a memorable one.
end of Chapter Two
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