A Bet's A Bet
Chapter 14
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.
Arcee listened while Springer and Hot Rod took turns correcting each other while telling a story.
"No, I saved your aft that time," Springer said.
"Whatever," Hot Rod said, shaking his head. "See what I have to put up with?"
Arcee smiled. "You're lucky to have each other," she said. "So few of us escaped Cybertron with any of our families intact. . ."
"I think we're lucky you made it," Springer said. "Even if Hatchet and Ironhide are your creators."
Hot Rod shot his brother a threatening look, which, of course, Springer ignored.
"I don't know if they've shared it with anyone yet besides me, but they're going to have another sparkling," Arcee said.
Hot Rod bit back a grin, watching Springer's jaw drop.
"Prime let them spawn?" he managed.
"Spring. . ." Hot Rod cautioned, noticing the look in the femme's optics. A look not unlike Ironhide before he unleashed his cannons on someone.
"Shut up, Rodi. I'm still processing the news," Springer said. "Wow. A sparkling. At least you get a sib out of it."
"I'm looking forward to it," Arcee said. "So, are you going to finish your story or not?"
Springer grinned. That was something easy.
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Elita-1, hands on hips, stared down at her former mate and possible future mate.
"Is there something going on I need to know about?" she asked. Putting together a sentence was almost more than her processor could manage, optics locked on the two mechs. She wondered for a second what it would be like to be sandwiched between them. . .and shot down the thought. No. She was not going there. Well, she was. . .only in her mind. Not in reality.
"What is going on?" she finally said.
Optimus let Magnus up, who muttered something unintelligible as he walked past, still partially covered in mud and smelling of something much worse.
"I can explain. . ." Optimus said.
"You better," the femme snapped. "Get cleaned up. I'll be waiting for you."
A little later, Optimus watched Elita poke around in his quarters as he moved data pads from his chair, making room for her to sit. She was familiar with his quarters, and the belongings. However, she found something that caught her attention.
"Pretty crystals," Elita said, picking up one, turning it over in her hands.
"Wait-these are ancient data crystals.
"They were a gift," Optimus said.
"Really?" Elita said, interested. "From who?"
"Someone," Optimus said.
"You received a gift from someone, and you're not going to tell me?" she said.
"It was a thank-you of sorts," Optimus said.
"A token of affection or appreciation?" Elita said. "Was this someone thanking you for a night of mind-blowing overloads?"
"NO."
"I can hope," Elita said. "I don't want you to be so alone. You deserve happiness."
"So do you," Optimus said.
"If that's the case, then why won't Magnus talk to me?"
He placed his hands on her shoulders. "He will," Optimus said. "Give him time."
"That's what he keeps telling me," Elita said, venting air in a sigh.
"It's late. You should get some recharge," Optimus said, placing a quick kiss on her helm.
"Don't patronize me, Optimus," she said.
"I'm not," he said.
"You're trying to distract me then," she said.
"If I were trying to distract you, I'd be doing a much better job," Optimus said. "Magnus is going to have to be mature and tell you himself why he refuses to spend time with you."
And Optimus refused to do Magnus' dirty work for him. The slagger got himself into the mess, and he could get himself out. However, he was going to see how far Magnus was willing to go to win a bet.
"You know, but you won't tell me," Elita said.
"I'm not protecting Magnus, if that's what you're asking," Optimus said.
Elita sighed. Mechs. They were so damn stubborn. If Optimus wasn't going to be honest, she could at least try and get back at him.
"You've been patrolling with one of the new bots-Hot Rod, right? How's that going?" she asked.
"Fine," Optimus said.
"Just 'fine?' You change the duty roster so Springer can patrol with Arcee, and you're patrolling with Hot Rod," Elita said. "I understand putting Springer and Arcee together. She talks about him, not non-stop, but he keeps coming up in conversation. I know she likes him, but I can't see you putting Ironhide and Ratchet's baby in harm's way for no good reason. So, what gives?"
"If Springer steps out of line with Arcee, it's not just Ironhide and Ratchet he has to worry about," Optimus said. "He's well aware of this."
"So why did you change the duty roster?"
"I'm Prime. I don't have to explain myself," Optimus said.
"My aft," Elita said. "Fine. Keep it to yourself. Good night."
She left, thinking. Two could play at Optimus' game.
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