"Magnus doesn't like me." Optimus' eyes rose from the list of cargo to regard his partner, leaning in the doorway and looking despondent at the floor.

He straightened with a sigh, turning to Wheeljack. "What makes you say that?"

"He just doesn't. He hated me back on Cybertron, and he hates me now. You can see it in the way he looks at me, and the way he talks to me." The Prime attempted to suppress his smile, opening his arm welcomingly.

"And do you dislike him?"

He shook his head. "No, like I didn't dislike you when we met. I respect him and his opinions, the difference between you and him is that he won't accept any other method!," the Wrecker snapped, stamping his pede and clenching his fists. He then paused, finally looking up at the Prime. "... That was a little immature."

"More than usual." Optimus beckoned him with a crook of both hands, and this time Jackie complied, shuffling over and looping his arms around his waist. "But you are clearly very upset about this."

"I actually made an effort, you know..." Prime tilted his head curiously. "I tried to get along with your second in command. Tried making him happy, and when that didn't work I tried staying out of his way, because otherwise I'd end up wanting to leave or end up just being plain kicked out!"

The Wrecker grunted in surprise when a pair of strong arms swept him up, holding him under his thighs so he was more optic level than stomach height with his lover. Jackie took a moment to appreciate the affectionate gesture, though felt a little too vulnerable for comfort, being held up so high.

"I would never permit you to be 'kicked out'. Though if you chose to leave, I would have to respect your decision..." He glanced away, thinking for a moment. "Though I'd mostly likely beg you to stay."

"Yeah... I said I'd leave if the Jackhammer was still functional... not too keen to go along with it," he admitted. "But he'd want me to."

"Despite his faults, I've never known Ultra Magnus to reject someone that thoroughly."

"Has me. Think I can guess why, too."

"Military versus mercenary?"

"No... well, that might contribute." Wheeljack reached forward, framing Prime's face with his hands. "'S 'coz I got you."

Optimus' brow furrowed. "Excuse me?"

"C'mon, babes, you can't be that blind," he chided with a bitter smile. "It's just the same as everyone else here; love-struck stares and starry optics. He adores you, but can't have you. I'm in the way. He doesn't have the right or power to get rid of me, and aside from jealousy he might not have any other reason for wanting to, so he just settles for hating me until I leave." Optimus blinked, and in another time, Orion Pax probably would have laughed.

"Do you not think that is somewhat paranoid?"

"Not that far-fetched, though," Wheeljack muttered.

"Even if Ultra Magnus did desire me - which he does not - he would respect my choice of becoming yours, and you for being the holder of my spark."

The Wrecker squirmed uncomfortably. "Mushy..."

"Sorry. The point is, Magnus is a dear friend of mine, and would never attempt to interfere with my personal affairs. You have nothing to fear, Jack-Rabbit." The pet name still gave him shivers, looking every which-way in search of stability, eventually landing on Prime's optics.

"I still think he fancies you." Optimus finally allowed himself a chuckle, leaning Wheeljack forward to press their olfactory sensors together.

"I think Bulkhead still 'fancies' you. Ratchet seems to have taken an interest as well." The Wrecker hummed and tried to repress the blush rising in his cheeks as Optimus nuzzled their nasal ridges together.

"Can't help that. I'm just irresistible!," he snickered, pushing out a playful grin to make up for his pink facial plates. Optimus smiled with a purr, pulling Jackie flush against him, turning to a stack of crates and laying his partner down on top.

"Indeed you are."

"Where is Wheeljack?" Bulkhead and Arcee looked up at Magnus, surprised yet ready to obey. "I'd like to apologise to him."

"Apologise?," Arcee repeated incredulously. "For what, sir?"

Magnus sighed, trying his own patience. "I was out of line earlier, advertising a desire for him to leave when we so desperately need soldiers. I'd like to make amends before things turn rotten." The two Autobots glanced at each other, taken aback, then to Magnus again. "I also want to set the rule; no Cybertronian sports should be held where any humans may be... squished."

"Wise decision, sir," Bulkhead chuckled, then thought for a moment. "He usually goes to Optimus when he's torqued, or out for a drive if Prime's busy."

"Or torqued with Prime," Arcee added with a smile.

Magnus hummed in thought, then nodded. "Understood. I'll leave them to their business until Wheeljack has cooled down." He turned, taking a few steps before pausing. "And Optimus, of course," he added, making the two younger bots flinch.

Hail to the princess, baby!