Maelstrom Chapter 23
Proposal PART D
Author's note: This story is part of a LONG series called Maelstrom. It is strictly Gen. 1 - sorry, but that was all that was out when I started writing back in the late 1980's. It began as a fan-publication so the first chapters are in the form of a comic book! If you have not read the nine original Maelstrom Comics and the preceding text stories, I strongly suggest you do. This is a complex universe. They can be found at http// illmatar. deviantart. com (I have put double spaces between the URL here or FF . Net eats the link.) The comics and art which accompanies this series are there...and believe me I am a better artist than writer.
This scene contains strong language and Dubious Humor. IT CONTAINS SOME MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS BETWEEN CHARACTERS BUT IS GENERALLY A FLUFF SCENE.
Most chapters of this series contain strong language and violence. Rated M for adult themes! Really! Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Critiques adored!
Maelstrom Chapter 23 Author's note: This story is part of a LONG series called Maelstrom. It is strictly Gen. 1 - sorry, but that was all that was out when I started writing. If you have not read the nine original Maelstrom Comics and the preceding text stories, I strongly suggest you do. This scene contains strong language and Dubious Humor. IT CONTAINS SOME MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS BETWEEN CHARACTERS BUT IS GENERALLY A FLUFF SCENE. Proposal: PART D That resolved, they made quicker progress although Magnus stored every question he thought of with a miser's precision. He didn't want to lose track of a single offense to his sense of logic. As they went around the apartment though, Magnus found he actually began removing criticisms from his list, although he did it very reluctantly. Perhaps the handles on the sink didn't provide the optimal shape for gripping (a different lever altogether would have been more efficient in his opinion) but they felt good in his hand. Smooth contours were against the grain of his Autobot sense of good construction, but Magnus quickly realized (after bumping into a few things) that they were less likely to hurt him. He immediately therefore became a staunch supporter of all things curved. The flowers were obviously frivolous (anything that reminded him of Neon was definitely in trouble) but after losing himself in their scent for almost five minutes he became their advocate too....although he was not in the least bit grateful to Rodimus for trying (unsuccessfully, but trying) to suppress his snickers. Magnus didn't realize how long he investigated the flowers' scent and Rodimus was hard pressed not to laugh aloud at seven feet of irritable human inhaling the aroma, cocking his head, inhaling again, muttering to himself, and inhaling still more. Therefore the suppressed laughter was sent along to Lancer who had taken mercy on Marissa and was spending the day with her. She gave the worried EDC Captain a play by play of the events as they unfolded. They spent the day laughing and getting to know each other. They found they had a lot in common besides the foolishness to love an alien, although Marissa would have liked Lancer just out of gratitude for sharing Magnus' exploits alone. The EDC Captain was very anxious about Magnus' ability to adapt and knew she would feel unbearably guilty if something went wrong and he couldn't adjust. It had been her idea after all. On top of that there was the overriding knowledge that if he couldn't adapt she would never be able to be with him. She didn't think she could go on that way anymore. Certainly she couldn't see herself working with him ever again now that he KNEW how she felt and she knew he returned the feeling. Just knowing what was going on made Marissa feel MUCH calmer since her imagination no longer had the freedom to run wild with horrible ideas. Every time Magnus got himself into trouble Lancer was also able to help Marissa put it into perspective with tales of how Rodimus had adapted (usually far more poorly than Magnus.) Certainly it didn't hurt to have Lancer (with her undeniable insight into the Autobot mind) explain WHY Magnus did some of the things he did. They talked a lot about how huge robots viewed things human and Marissa was suddenly very glad Lancer was around. Magnus would be discovering things about being human a long time and Marissa was just realizing how much he didn't know and responsible she would have to be for him....almost like a parent. She would have to anticipate what would confuse, frighten, and injure him: Lancer was a huge help in making a list. Not to mention it was impossible to worry too much when the mutant was busy describing Magnus' every confused expression, every naive remark, and every ignorant blunder, with additional commentary added by Lancer's exasperated mate. Nevertheless, Marissa was glad the City Commander was blithely unaware he was supplying such grand entertainment. There were moments when Marissa had to wait impatiently for Lancer to be able to draw breath between laughing fits to explain what was going on. The art of getting dressed and undressed had them in tears. The use of the toilet was explained, but Magnus' ignorance of his body's signals led to an accident anyway. Marissa was a little sorry for him there but was even more sorry for poor Rodimus at that point. Magnus was unable to resist challenging the need to a bath tub AND a shower so Rodimus made the City Commander try both - starting with the shower. Magnus claimed it was rather like a car wash and pronounced it far more sensible than a bath (although Rodi found it necessary to intervene almost at once when Magnus seemed to gear up to scrub his own skin off. There was also a traumatic incident with the shampoo in Magnus' eye.) Rodi wisely didn't argue when Magnus proclaimed baths as an obvious waste of time and water. He just filled the large tub. (They had gone for a half-jacuzzi model fortunately. For most people it would count as a small pool. For Magnus it was just over adequate.) Rodimus had to order Magnus to sit in it and remind him of his promise to be less argumentative. Magnus grumbled for the first three minutes, fell silent, and then finally sagged back against the side of the tub. Rodimus sat on the toilet lid and smirked to himself as he watched Magnus' face get slack and drowsy looking. Sadist that he was, Rodimus couldn't resist interfering just to make his point. "Time to get out now Mags. We've got lots to do." "...Hmmmm? But I was just...getting used to it," Magnus protested sleepily. "I know, but I wouldn't want you to be inconvenienced any longer. I know you won't need much practice with this since its such a waste of time and you'll never want to do it again." ("He's evil," Marissa told Lancer at the other end of Central. "I know," Lancer said with a proud leer. They both snickered.) "I never SAID I'd never take one," Magnus protested. "Oh! My mistake!" Rodimus said innocently. "I just thought you never went for anything 'inefficient'." "This is different," Magnus defended himself. "It...it FEELS good." "Ahhhh....he can be taught! If you can keep that in mind Mags you'll understand humans a lot better. A great deal of what they do...like the flowers, baths, soft couches, comfortable clothes has to do with how such things make them feel. As robots we perceive the world through readings and numbers. Texture, temperature, and scent don't make much difference unless they injure us somehow. Humans perceive through senses which impact on their emotions. The degrees of sensation are very subtle and vary greatly between individuals. For example, Lancer's uniform is by far the most durable and protective article of clothing she has. It has synthetic fibers woven into it which make it strong enough to deflect shrapnel, and thin wires which keep it from being destroyed when she uses her powers. She doesn't wear it unless she has to you'll notice because in spite of all those positive qualities it is heavy, a little stiff, and too tight to be really comfortable. When she has a choice she prefers much looser, softer clothing which doesn't make her feel so constrained. The fact that something feels good is far more important to humans than arranging their lives with absolute efficiently. For them, that's not living." Magnus frowned and splashed at the water pensively for a few minutes. Then he nodded. "I guess that makes some sort of sense," he said. "Well I'm sure the whole human race is grateful for your approval Major General," Rodimus said. "Now get up! We still obviously have a long way to go!" He educated his City Commander on the use of a towel and tried to ignore his mate telling Marissa what a lucky girl she was, although Lancer refused to tell Marissa WHY she was lucky. Marissa was both amused and frustrated while Lancer shook her head and giggled helplessly. Rodimus insisted Magnus get dressed entirely on his own (it took a while) and then finished his tour of the apartment....even going so far as teaching Magnus how to make the bed. "OK. Hmmm...what else?" Rodimus mused aloud, looking around the place. You've put it off as long as possible already Love, Lancer sent - along with a mental snicker. You shut up! Rodimus returned, I was just being thorough! Uh-huh, Lancer sent back. Really now...if you can't convince yourself of that why would you even try it on me? Face it! YOU are embarrassed!" Untrue! I was just saving the best for last! Rodimus protested uselessly. Coward! I am Not! Heh....are too! I see all! The only reason you're even arguing with me is to put it off! You KNOW I know!" OK. Fine! I'm a coward! Just don't tell Marissa the details! She should have to figure this part out on her own. There was enough of a thread of devious mischief running through that particular idea for Lancer to agree to it...although she continued to tease Rodimus for his embarrassment all the way through the following conversation. "Well?" Magnus asked sharply. He was feeling tired (although he didn't know what that meant) and was beginning to get a bit crabby. "Sex education, Mags. You're ready for the graduate course now," Rodimus said with perfectly feigned cheerfulness. Nice work! Lancer sent. He might even buy it that you're not completely uncomfortable with this! I thought you said humans are stupid for having hang ups over sex! They are...and you've infected me with them! Rodimus accused. Well! If you'd rather I did it, I volunteer! Lancer sent. No way! Rodimus answered with fake jealousy. You might decide to demonstrate! Oooo! Possessive aren't we? Lancer simpered. Rodimus responded by "reminding" Lancer of how they had spent the previous night and then reminding her that he would be spending THIS night there with Magnus....maybe even several nights. Lancer abruptly quit teasing him. "Sex?" Magnus was asking. "Isn't that something I should...err...learn with Marissa?" "Yes you idiot! We aren't going to DO it! We are just going to talk about it so you don't do anything unforgivably stupid!" "Oh..." Magnus said, "Like what?" "Just sit down on the bed and listen!" Rodimus snapped. Magnus complied and waited. And waited. "Well?!" he asked again. Rodi coughed. "Well you see...Umm. No. OK! When you get together with Marissa you can expect.... Umm. No. I mean your body will.... Shit! Lancer quit laughing and let me think! No I don't want a manual! A video!? Heck no! Be quiet or I'm going to make you suffer for days! You can too help it! And ummmm...." Rodimus stopped short when he realized from Magnus' expression that that last mental exchange had been spoken aloud. "Are you going to teach me or argue with Lancer?" Magnus said. He didn't really catch the gist of what had been said but he didn't see what Lancer had to do with any of this. As an answer Rodimus scowled suddenly and stalked out of the room. "Stay there!" he snapped when Magnus moved to follow. He came back a few moments later with a banana which he put on the dresser. Then he went into the bathroom and came back with a box. "Are you really sure you still want to go through with this?" he demanded harshly. "What? Magnus asked. "Are you sure you can handle everything I showed you so far...including the pain? It can get a lot worse you know." Rodimus said. Magnus was not pleased with Rodi's abrasive tone. It was as though the young Prime was questioning his courage. "I am fully resolved to see this through. Why are you challenging me again?" "Because sex is like torture in a way. It's the opposite extreme but it IS extreme....and it can be as hard to handle in a way. You enjoyed the bath...you enjoyed the food...you got fully entranced by a vase of roses. Sex is to that what being tortured is to stubbing your toe. I've been to both extremes Magnus and I'm telling you sex is just as dangerous to your sanity as taking a needle up your spine. Once you've taken that step you will never be the same again. Life as an Autobot will never be the same." "I can handle it," Magnus vowed. "Really?!" Rodimus snarled. "How the hell do you know what you can handle? Are you listening to me? Are you thinking? Or are you just ignoring stupid little Hot Rod again? I just told you sex is as devastating as being tortured...AS A HUMAN! I mean what I'm saying! Do you think I mention what the Jabez did to me lightly? They tore me apart! You had a fit over this little cut when I got it," Rodimus accused, waving his bandaged fingertip. He got closer and closer as he yelled until Magnus was leaning away from him in shock. "They cut open my thigh to the bone to take samples of the bone marrow! They injected me with poison to see how long it took me to go critical before they gave me an antidote! I have nightmares and flashbacks and I don't feel pain anymore in robot form! You know that! Now ask yourself if I feel pleasure either! Ask yourself if I feel ANYTHING!" Magnus stared at Rodimus in horror. He didn't know why it always surprised him when Rodimus let this side of himself show, but it always did. A testimony to the boy's ability to hide it all. He tried to process what Rodimus had told him...tried to imagine what it must be like for both Rodi and for himself. In all honesty, he realized he probably couldn't really imagine feeling NOTHING as a robot in spite of the overwhelming amount of sensation he was getting just sitting on the bed. He couldn't guess... but then he did know one thing. He loved Marissa...and he wanted to be with her. Sex, overwhelming or not was not really the issue. He loved Marissa and wanted to be with her. Simple as that. "Rodimus....I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through so much...! I know you're afraid for me! But I want this! I...Rodi how can I turn back? I've finally found someone who suits me! I have to make this work no matter how hard it is!" "What if she dies?" "WHAT?!" "I mean it! What if you make love with her and then the worst happens? Huh? What if all your worries about frail little humans come true? Do you think you can face a basically immortal lifetime feeling numb without her?" Rodimus demanded. Magnus stared at Rodimus a long long time. "I think I'll feel numb without her no matter what form I'm in Rodimus," he whispered finally. His heart was on fire just thinking about. Rodimus drew back and stared down at him. Then he sighed sadly and nodded. "OK. I'll show you. Just promise me to take it slowly OK? Let your body adjust...let your mind adjust. Wait until you are more used to just normal stimulation before you go that far! I had months to get used to my human form before Lancer and I had sex and it still blew my mind! Not to mention I'm sure Marissa has more experience than Lancer did. I was her first time too." "Does that matter?" Magnus asked, relieved Rodimus wasn't arguing anymore. The resistance dredged up fears that weren't easily silenced and forced Magnus to think too much about why those same fears were so powerful in his young friend. It wasn't right for someone so young to have suffered to the point that even love terrified him. "Lots of things get better with practice Magnus. We learned together but if Lancer had made love to me then like she does now, I'm sure I would have gone mad again. Sex is EXCRUCIATING pleasure Magnus. Be careful. Now. How much do you remember from your instruction on human biology?' "I remember sex is used for procreation, which is why I don't really understand why we even need to talk about this. I'm sure Marissa and I aren't going to have time for offspring and...why are you laughing at me?" "Catch!" Rodimus said, snickering away and tossing the box at Magnus. "What is this?" Magnus asked testily. "It's a box of condoms....they are used for when you want to have sex but NOT children. Open them." "Why would you want to have sex if you don't want offspring?" Magnus asked, setting Rodi's laughter off again. "You are hopeless Mags! I just TOLD you sex is pleasurable! You do it for the sensation. You do it to give your partner pleasure too!" "Your partner? You mean...I can make Marissa feel good this way?!" Magnus asked with obvious interest. Clearly Rodimus now had his undivided attention. "Yes! Geez Magnus! Even you can't have been so oblivious as to miss the fact humans are obsessed with sex!" "I thought it all had to do with continuing their species!" Magnus said defensively. "You are too practically minded Mags. They do it because it's FUN!" "What is this thing for?" Magnus asked, holding up a square foil package. "Open it carefully," Rodimus advised. "I thought I did open it," Magnus complained. "That was just the box. Open the package carefully. Condoms are fragile." "Well why don't they make them strong...." Magnus started. "Because if they were any thicker you wouldn't be able to FEEL as much! Open it!" Magnus complied and looked dubiously at the flimsy shred of material he found inside. "I have never seen such a useless looking object in all my life," he stated. "With the possible exception of Neon," he amended. "Trust me, you'll come to like it," Rodimus said. Shut up Lancer! That was NOT a pun! Marissa's going to call an ambulance if you don't stop it! He coughed again. "That useless object goes on your penis when you are ready to have sex. It keeps your sperm contained so that Marissa doesn't get pregnant" "Oh. Should I try it on?" Magnus asked. "NOT NOW!" Rodimus said. He coughed again and continued more calmly. "You can't put it on now anyway. You need to ...ummm...you need to have an erection before you can put it on." "Well...erm...when you are excited...that is...stimulated properly your penis gets an influx of blood which hardens it and umm...makes it stand up. That's when you put the condom on. It won't work otherwise." Magnus looked at Rodimus blankly for a minute. Then he brightened. "Oh! That's why your penis looked different when you and Lancer were having sex! You had an erection!" It was Rodimus' turn to stare blankly at Magnus. He had no idea when Magnus could have possibly seen anything to prompt such a statement but the silence from Lancer's mind was more than ominous. "Magnus...when...I mean...how..... Magnus...have you been spying on Lancer and me?" "No you moron! I saw it in the tunnels remember? Vector Sigma showed Jazz and me how you two had intercourse one time. I thought you were trying to get her pregnant. I guess I assumed your penis was different from mine since mine wasn't standing up like that." "No...no... I was just aroused at that moment. I'd sort of forgotten you'd seen that. Hold on a second Magnus. I..ummm...I need to confer with my mate for a second." "OK," Magnus said, unconcerned....although he did get impatient when Rodimus took a LOT longer than a second to "confer" with Lancer mentally. "What was all that about?" he asked when Rodi "rejoined" him. "Let's just say I needed to remind my sweet Lady of all the reasons why we need Vector Sigma in one piece and leave it at that." Rodimus was not about to tell Magnus Lancer had also had a few ideas about erasing Magnus' memory....and Jazz's too. "Ahhh...tell her I sympathize. So...when my penis is hard like that, I just stick this little thing on the end?" Magnus asked. "Huh? NO! It's rolled up! Here, I'll show you...now where did I put that banana?" "It's on the dresser. Why do you want it? I thought you didn't like food." "I'm not going to eat it Magnus!" Rodi exclaimed. "Well I'M not hungry!" Magnus said. "Magnus I'm going to use it to demonstrate with! What happened to not being so argumentative?" "Hey! How would I know what you wanted it for?" Magnus growled. "You just love making my life difficult, don't you? Look, just try to use some imagination here and pretend this is an erect penis OK? You take the condom and roll it down all the way. See? Its not that difficult. You have to be careful because they are thin so you can feel through the latex. If it tears at all it's useless." "You didn't wear anything when you had sex with Lancer," Magnus observed. "We didn't have any! Besides...Lancer was told she could never have children because of her powers. Edana is something of a miracle Magnus." "Oh....so you did it just for the pleasure then?" "Yes." "And to make her feel pleasure too?" "Absolutely," Rodimus said, trying to keep Lancer calm at the same time. She was wavering between hysterical laughter and fury at Vector Sigma. Marissa was just peeved because Lancer wouldn't tell her what was going on. "How do I know when Marissa feels pleasure?" Magnus asked seriously. "Should I do the same things you did?" "NO! I mean...Look. Certain points on the female body tend to be sensitive to stimulation but every woman is a bit different. I'm...I'm sure Marissa will let you know what she likes. Just take it easy. Let her teach you, and for Cybertron's sake be gentle! If she's in any way reluctant don't even try it! You are big enough to really hurt her if you aren't careful. " "Hurt her? Doesn't it always feel good?" "No. Especially not for women. If they aren't in the mood for it, or if the male doesn't take his time or pay attention to their needs sometimes women don't feel pleasure. Some men even force them into sex. That's rape. Let Marissa call the shots in this regard Magnus...at least until you have lots of experience in knowing what she likes." "Why can't you just tell me?" Magnus asked. He was feeling a bit nervous. "Because I've never had sex with Marissa you dope!" Rodimus snapped. Then he sighed and relented a little since the worry was visible on Magnus' face. "Look, I'll see what I can come up with. I know there are plenty of books on the subject. OK Lancer. Go ahead and laugh. I'm looking for a manual after all!" He sounded so exasperated even Magnus laughed at him. Rodimus made him dinner which consisted of a warm, smooth substance called soup and more bread with a different kind of cheese melted in the center. The drink was something Rodimus first called "moo-juice" which Magnus eventually learned was really milk. He liked his second meal even better than his first, especially when Rodi let him have more applesauce. At some point during the meal Rodi got up and went to the door. He returned with several books on sex and an embarrassed expression. They went over some of the basic facts together. "This is complicated," Magnus said. "You're only just figuring this out?" Rodimus said tiredly. Not long after they put the books away, Magnus ready to argue again. He just wasn't sure he was up to the last task Rodimus had in store for him that day. "I'm not sure I understand what to do," he protested. "Just lie down and relax," Rodimus said. "Your body knows what to do. Just let it happen." "But..." "Magnus don't argue with me. I'm sick of hearing the word 'but'." "But..." "That's it. I'm going to hurt you! Lie down already!" "I'm not ready for this!" "Go to sleep Magnus," Rodimus ordered. "How?" Magnus asked. "I TOLD you..lie down and relax!" Rodimus sighed. "But that doesn't tell me how to sleep!" Rodimus glared at Magnus. "Get into that bed immediately," he said in a very flat voice. Magnus realized another sound would likely result in another of those humiliating maneuvers which always landed him flat on his back. He complied. "Close your eyes," Rodimus intoned. Magnus complied, all the while sure it was a waste of time since he had NO idea how to proceed from there. Rodimus stood over his City Commander and friend and sighed. It had been quite a day for both of them and he was tired. Still, he was somehow irked by how quickly Magnus' snores filled the room. "He does this just to drive me nuts," Rodimus concluded, and he went off to sleep on the couch. "Mags! Hey Mags! Wakey wakey big guy! It's time for school!" The lump on the bed consented to groan a little and twitch. "Magnus! It's time to get up! Mags! I have to report for duty in a few hours! Come on! Get up!" Magnus cracked open his eyes ever so slightly and caught a flash of red. He closed them again. "Ultra Magnus! Get your brain front and center! Heck! I'll just settle for your butt off this bed! Move it! That's an order!" "Rodimus......" Magnus identified. The name for his tormentor had taken a while to surface. "Oooo! It's alive! Alive!" Rodi crowed, cackling like a maniac. "Wha...What's the matter with me? My motor responses are sluggish." "Your motor responses are the least of it Frankenstein. Get up! I've got to get you set for the day so I can get to my shift on time." "Your shift?" Magnus asked. "Yeah. My shift. You know - pushing my little Autobots around, teasing Op, lying to foreign diplomats, hunting slavers, saving the universe...You know...my shift! It starts soon and I want to catch up from babysitting your big carcass yesterday." "Yesterday...? What happened to today? My chronometer is off-line...! What day is it? What time is it?!" Magnus' voice went from a drowsy drawl to drowsy panic. "Magnus it's morning! Wake up sleeping beauty!" "Something's wrong with me! I can't move properly! I can't THINK properly!" "You're still half-asleep, don't panic! It's normal!" Rodimus assured him, although Magnus could tell he was snickering again. "My limbs feel heavy, and I can't focus! What happened? If it's morning why don't I remember last night?" "Because you fell asleep silly! It's not like recharging and you don't have a chronometer anymore! It's normal!" "My brain feels like I've got a whole section of bad circuits! That's NOT normal!" "You don't HAVE circuits. You have an electro-chemical organic CPU now and it's under the influence of the chemicals which induce the NORMAL unconscious state known as SLEEP. You will feel better when those chemicals have cleared out more." "But what happened last night?" "You slept!" "Why don't I remember falling asleep? How did I do it?" Magnus cried. He still wanted a step-by-step procedure to cling to. "You closed your eyes, relaxed, and proceeded snoring loud enough to wake the dead...or at least just me! Quit complaining!" Rodimus growled. He had spent quite a while listening to Magnus snore and wishing he were at home. It didn't help to have Magnus complain when Rodimus knew for a fact the City Commander had an uninterrupted night of rest. "You mean to tell me humans just completely black out when they sleep? There's no internal record of the time they spent?" "None.....unless they remember their dreams. I for example had lots of dreams last night involving loud, obnoxious snoring." "What are you talking about?" Magnus queried testily. He hated it when Rodimus made oblique remarks he sensed were somehow insults. "Oh never mind!" Rodimus said. "Come get breakfast. I already made it so you could sleep longer." "Oh...is the length of time important?" Magnus wanted to know...once again curious about his new form. "Yes and no. The specific amount of sleep you need varies. You have to get enough or your body will get run down...like extreme energy depletion. Like I said, human bodies run a lot on chemicals. Chemicals for motion, chemicals for E-motion. Chemicals for thought and energy. During the day certain chemicals build up as you move around that can become toxic in great amounts. Sleep restores the balance. I figured you might need to sleep a little longer since yesterday was so hard on you. Get up. Do you remember how to get dressed? Lancer dropped off a few more things for you to wear today." "More...what were they called.... sweat pants?" "Yes more sweat pants! You can pick out whatever you want if I ever let you out of here to terrify the populace. Put them on," Rodimus said. Magnus looked doubtfully down at the black suit with the red piping and sighed to himself. He wondered if Lancer realized her color preferences were so transparent. He didn't forget his manners though. "Tell her thank you," he said. "OK. She says you're welcome as long as you swear never ever to mention what you saw in the tunnels ever again for as long as you live," Rodimus said with a faint smirk. Magnus looked thoughtfully at his commander, "OK, if that's what she wants but why? Were you doing it wrong or something? Is she ashamed of her performance?" Whatever Lancer's response to THAT remark was had Rodimus laughing uncontrollably for quite some time. When he finally calmed down he assured Magnus that her desire to keep him quiet was merely do to human customs regarding privacy...which launched Rodimus into a serious lecture on Magnus extending the same courtesy over anything of that nature between him and Marissa. Magnus argued such vows of silence seemed unnecessary for behavior all humans were expected to engage in. Rodimus responded that he agreed but that was the way it was and if he wanted to fit into human society he'd better respect this rule. Magnus only really agreed though when Rodimus pointed out he would be making trouble for Marissa if he went around discussing their sex-lives with anyone. Breakfast was a sweet astringent liquid called orange juice, heated bread, and a difficult substance called "Cheerios" in milk. Magnus rapidly got frustrated with the little round things falling off his spoon.....but only because he liked them and was craving more. He depleted his first bowl eventually and noted Rodimus was watching him hunt down each and every ring with determination. The young Prime got up without a word and refilled the bowl, leaving the milk and the box on the table. Magnus emptied the bowl and then with great concentration (and his tongue sticking out slightly) he refilled it himself a third time. He ate the toast Rodimus made for him too. "Magnus...were you still hungry after dinner last night?" Rodimus asked when Magnus finally seemed to slow down a little. "Umm...I don't know. How do you know when you're hungry?" "Did you feel satisfied? Were you full?" Rodimus asked. "Ummm.... I'm not sure," came the hesitant reply. "OK. Let's try this. Are you feeling full now? More than yesterday? Do you still want more to eat?" Rodimus prompted. Magnus thought for a second. "I like the bread when its warm." "It's called toast when its like that. Would you like more? Never mind...I can see you do." After two more slices and another bowl of cereal, Magnus claimed he was feeling a bit "full". "Good," Rodimus said. "Do you remember where it all goes? Do you remember where to put dishes when they are dirty?" "Yes," Magnus said. "OK. Do it yourself," Rodimus said, although he stayed by to supervise until Magnus was done. "Now what should you do?" "Umm..." Magnus said, trying to remember. "Brush your teeth. Every meal has its clean-up and that's part of it Mags," Rodimus said. They went over that and the use of the bathroom again. Magnus felt he could sense when his body needed to use the toilet but he promised Rodimus to err on the side of caution and use it whenever he was in doubt. "OK. Look, I've got to go but you know where to reach me if you really have to. I've got a lot to do but I'd rather you'd call me than hurt yourself or break something. If worst comes to worst I can send Lancer over to help you. Are you sure you are comfortable with that? I can wait another day or two if you need me too." That was a lie and Magnus knew it. Rodimus didn't have a day to spare. The City Commander knew full well what a crushing schedule Rodimus kept and knew just as well that Rodimus didn't think it was enough. As long as Sponsor Conversion factories remained open anywhere Rodimus would never think it was enough no matter how much he did. Any time spent away from his duties wore at Rodimus painfully. Magnus was perhaps one of the few that understood that. "I'll be fine," he assured Rodimus who looked at him worriedly - obviously torn. "Get going! I promise to go running for help at the first sign of trouble." "You're sure?" Rodi asked. "LEAVE! I'm tired of your insults and your endless complaining!" Magnus said. "Oh fine! THERE'S gratitude for you," Rodimus said, stepping out the front door. Magnus coughed. "Actually...it is. Look...I know how hard it was for you to let me go through with this and ...um...I want you to know how much I appreciate it. You...you are by far the bravest person I know. I know I don't know all you went through but what I DO know staggers my mind. I can't tell you how much I respect you for overcoming it all and coming home to help us....and now you're taking the time just to help me personally. You're a good leader Rodimus...and you're a good friend. Thank you." He shut the door on Rodimus' stunned face before the young Prime could think of a response. As far as Magnus was concerned that was enough embarrassment for one day.
Proposal PART D
"An erection? What's that exactly?" Magnus wanted to know.